Wood vs Aluminum Patio Covers (2026)

We install aluminum patio covers across the Okanagan, so we’re obviously biased. But we’ve also torn down enough rotting wood structures to give you an honest comparison. Here’s what we tell homeowners who ask us which material is actually worth the money.

The Quick Answer

Wood costs less upfront. Aluminum costs less over 10 years. That’s the short version.

Wood patio covers look great on day one. By year three in the Okanagan, you’re staining, sealing, and checking for carpenter ants. By year seven, you’re replacing boards. By year twelve, you’re calling us to tear the whole thing down and put up aluminum.

We see this cycle constantly. It’s not that wood is a bad material — it’s that the Okanagan is rough on it. Hot dry summers crack it. Wet fall rains swell it. Freeze-thaw cycles in winter split it. And the carpenter ants? They love it.

10-Year Cost Breakdown (12×16 ft Cover)

The math is pretty clear. Aluminum costs maybe $500-$1,000 more on day one, but saves you $2,000-$5,000 over a decade. Our cost comparison page has the full pricing breakdown. And that doesn’t account for the weekends you’ll spend sanding, staining, and crawling around on a ladder.

Maintenance Reality Check

Wood: What You’re Signing Up For

• Power wash and clean every spring (2-3 hours)
• Sand rough spots, check for rot
• Stain or seal every 2-3 years ($200-$400 in materials alone)
• Inspect for carpenter ants, termites, and wood-boring beetles
• Replace warped, cracked, or rotted boards as they fail

Aluminum: What You’re Signing Up For

• Hose it down once or twice a year (30 minutes)
• Wipe with mild soap if something’s stuck on there
• Check fasteners once a year
• That’s it

We’re not exaggerating. We have customers who’ve had their lifespan go well past 20 years and the only thing they’ve ever done is rinse them off. Our maintenance guide covers the full cleaning routine. Try skipping that with wood in the Okanagan and you’ll have a pile of mulch.

How the Okanagan Beats Up Wood

The Okanagan isn’t gentle on building materials. Here’s what each material is actually dealing with:

Summer Heat & UV

Our summers hit 35°C+ regularly. That intense UV dries wood out, cracks it, and fades any stain you put on it — fast. Aluminum holds its colour and shape. The powder-coated finish we use is rated for decades of direct sun.

Snow & Moisture

Wood absorbs moisture during fall rains and winter snow. It swells, contracts, and over time that cycle weakens the structure. Aluminum doesn’t absorb a drop. No warping, no rot, no mould.

Carpenter Ants

Huge problem in the Okanagan. Carpenter ants love aging wood structures, and once they’re in, the damage spreads fast. Aluminum? They can’t eat it, nest in it, or damage it in any way.

Wildfire Risk

With wildfire seasons getting longer, aluminum gives you peace of mind. It won’t ignite from flying embers. Wood will.

What Buyers Actually Think

Both materials add value to your home. But there’s a catch with wood.

A well-maintained wood cover adds $5,000-$10,000 in perceived value. But buyers factor in upcoming maintenance costs when they make their offer. If your wood cover is showing its age, it can actually hurt your listing.

Aluminum covers are increasingly valued by practical buyers. They see “low maintenance” and “30-year warranty” and it’s a box checked. Modern aluminum with wood-grain finishes gives you the warm look without the maintenance baggage.

Real estate agents in Kelowna tell us the same thing: covered outdoor spaces sell homes faster, regardless of material. But the cover has to look good — and that’s easier to guarantee with aluminum.

When Wood Actually Makes Sense

We’ll be straight with you. There are situations where wood is the right call:

• Heritage homes where the design needs to match existing woodwork
• Short-term plans — if you’re selling in 2-3 years and want the lowest upfront cost
• You genuinely enjoy the maintenance — some people like the weekend project of staining and caring for wood

For everyone else in the Okanagan, aluminum covers are the better long-term play. They last 25-40 years, look sharp the entire time, and the only tool you need is a garden hose. Check the permit requirements before you start planning.