Why Custom Alumawood Patio Covers Are Worth Every Penny
Custom Alumawood patio covers give you the warm, natural look of wood — without the rot, termites, or repainting that comes with it.
If you’re exploring your options, here’s what you need to know upfront:
- What it is: Alumawood is aluminum embossed with a cedar woodgrain texture, built to look like real wood
- Main styles: Lattice (40–60% sun reduction), Solid Non-Insulated (watertight, spans up to 20 ft), and Insulated Panel (up to 15°F cooler underneath)
- Customization: 7 colors, 4 edge styles, decorative columns, plus add-ons like ceiling fans, lighting, and heaters
- Durability: Typically lasts 20–30 years with a Lifetime Limited Warranty
- DIY or pro install: Both are viable options depending on your skill level and local building codes
Whether you want a shaded spot for summer barbecues or a fully weatherproofed outdoor room that handles Utah snow and wind, Alumawood delivers both style and substance.
At Awnings Unlimited, we’ve been installing custom Alumawood patio covers across Northern Utah since 1976, using premium materials from Alumawood by Amerimax to create outdoor spaces built to last through every season. As Utah’s trusted patio cover specialists, we’re here to help you design the perfect structure for your home — read on to see exactly how.
What is Alumawood and Why It Beats Real Wood
When you first see an Alumawood structure, you might have to touch it to believe it isn’t real cedar or redwood. It features a high-quality aluminum core that is embossed with a deep cedar woodgrain texture. This gives you the aesthetic charm of a traditional wooden pergola but with the structural integrity of aerospace-grade metal.
The secret to its longevity is the Aluma-Shield paint system. This isn’t just a coat of paint; it’s a high-performance finish infused with Teflon surface protector. This technology repels dust, dirt, oil, and stains. In the dusty environments of the Wasatch Front or the high-altitude sun of Park City, this means your cover stays looking new without the constant scrubbing.
For homeowners in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas, the choice often comes down to maintenance. Real wood is beautiful, but it is also “high maintenance.” It requires sanding, staining, and sealing every few years to prevent rot and sun damage. Alumawood, on the other hand, is a “set it and forget it” solution.
| Feature | Alumawood Patio Covers | Traditional Wood Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | None (Occasional rinse) | High (Painting/Staining) |
| Durability | 20–30+ Years | 10–15 Years (if maintained) |
| Insects | Termite & Carpenter Bee Proof | Susceptible to infestation |
| Weathering | Won’t crack, peel, or warp | Warps and cracks over time |
| Fire Safety | Non-combustible | Highly Flammable |
Choosing an Alumawood Patio Cover means investing in your home’s value without adding to your weekend “to-do” list. When you go In with Alumawood, Out with Maintenance Costs for Good, you save thousands of dollars over the lifespan of the structure.
Choosing Your Style: Types of custom Alumawood patio covers
Every backyard is different, which is why we offer several distinct styles of custom Alumawood patio covers. Whether you want a Mediterranean-style retreat or a fully shielded outdoor dining room, there is a configuration that fits.
Lattice Systems (Pergolas)
The lattice style is the classic “pergola” look. It uses spaced beams to provide filtered shade. These systems typically reduce sunlight exposure by 40–60%, which is the “sweet spot” for many Utah homeowners. You get enough shade to keep the patio comfortable, but you still enjoy a cooling breeze and a view of the sky. It’s the perfect balance of sophistication and airflow.
Solid Non-Insulated Covers
If you want 100% protection from the rain and snow, a solid roof is the way to go. Our solid non-insulated systems are completely watertight and can support spans up to 20 feet. This makes them ideal for covering large outdoor kitchens or seating areas. They are incredibly durable and provide a clean, finished look to your home’s exterior.
Insulated Panel Roof System
For the ultimate in comfort, we recommend the Insulated Panel Roof System. These panels feature a high-density foam core sandwiched between two layers of embossed aluminum. This design acts as a thermal barrier, reducing heat by up to 15 degrees. In the middle of a scorching July afternoon in St. George or Salt Lake, that 15-degree difference is what makes your patio usable versus unbearable. These panels also dampen the sound of rain, creating a quiet, peaceful environment.
You can Create the Perfect Outdoor Space with a Custom Patio Cover by even mixing these styles—using a solid roof over your dining area and a lattice section over your garden or fire pit.
Designing custom Alumawood patio covers for Every Climate
Living in Utah and Wyoming means preparing for extreme weather. From the heavy snow loads in Heber City and Park City to the high winds along the Wasatch Front, your patio cover needs to be more than just pretty—it needs to be engineered.
- Snow Loads: Our custom designs are engineered to handle the specific snow load requirements of your local municipality. Unlike generic kits, we ensure the beams and posts are sized correctly for your specific zip code.
- Wind Resistance: Aluminum is lightweight but incredibly strong. When properly anchored into concrete footings or attached to the home’s fascia, these covers can withstand significant wind gusts without rattling or lifting.
- Heat Dissipation: Aluminum is an excellent thermal conductor, meaning it sheds heat quickly once the sun goes down, unlike wood or stone which can radiate heat long into the night.
- Corrosion Resistance: Alumawood is naturally rust-proof, making it ideal for the varied climates of Alumawood Salt Lake City and Alumawood SLC.
Personalizing Your Space with Custom Design Options
A patio cover shouldn’t look like an afterthought; it should look like a natural extension of your home. That’s where customization comes in.
Color Palette
We offer a curated selection of seven designer colors designed to complement most home exteriors. Popular choices like Desert Sand and Mojave Tan are excellent at masking the light dust common in our region. If you want a more modern, bold look, Spanish Brown or Graphite provide a stunning contrast against lighter siding. These colors are applied using the Aluma-Shield system, ensuring they won’t fade or chalk under the intense high-altitude UV rays.
Explore more Custom Patio Covers Designs to Suit Your Style and Needs to find the shade that matches your home’s trim.
Aesthetic Details for custom Alumawood patio covers
The “details” are what truly make your neighbors jealous. You can customize the very ends of the beams to match your home’s architectural style:
- Scalloped Edges: Traditional and soft, perfect for classic home designs.
- Corbel Tails: A more architectural, “heavy timber” look.
- Mitered Cuts: Clean and modern for contemporary homes.
- Beveled Ends: A simple, angled finish that works with almost any style.
Beyond the edges, you can opt for double beams to add a sense of weight and luxury, or upgrade to decorative columns and wrapped posts to replace the standard square look with something more substantial and tailored. These small touches are covered in detail in The Ultimate Guide to Custom Patio Covers.
Integrated Accessories and Electrical Add-ons
One of the biggest advantages of custom Alumawood patio covers is the “hollow-core” design of the beams and rafters. This allows us to run electrical wiring inside the structure where it is completely hidden from view.
- Ceiling Fans: We can install fan-beam supports that allow you to hang outdoor-rated ceiling fans, keeping the air moving on still summer days.
- Recessed LED Lighting: Integrated 2” or recessed lights can be built directly into the header beams or insulated panels for a clean, professional look.
- Outdoor Heaters: For those chilly autumn nights in Northern Utah, we can mount infrared heaters to extend your patio season by several months.
- Speakers and Cameras: The internal cable routing makes it easy to add security cameras or outdoor speakers without having wires stapled to the outside of your beautiful new cover.
By planning these additions during the design phase, you can Maximize Your Outdoor Living with a Custom Patio Cover that functions like a true outdoor room.
Installation and Long-Term Value
While DIY kits are available, many homeowners in areas like Draper, Sandy, and Bountiful prefer professional installation for several reasons.
First, building codes in Utah can be strict regarding wind and snow loads. A professional team like ours handles the engineering and permitting process from start to finish. We ensure that the footings are dug to the correct depth and the attachment to your home’s fascia or roof is watertight and structurally sound.
Second, if you live in a managed community, HOA approval is often required. We provide the professional drawings and material samples you need to get your project approved quickly.
Finally, there is the matter of the warranty. Alumawood is backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty, but that warranty often depends on the product being installed according to manufacturer specifications. When we handle the install, you get the peace of mind that your investment is fully protected. You can learn more about the variables involved in Alumawood Pergola Cost and why professional labor often pays for itself in long-term durability.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alumawood
How long do Alumawood covers last?
Alumawood is designed to be a lifetime product. Most covers last 20–30 years or more. Because it is made of high-grade aluminum, it is naturally resistant to corrosion and rust. It is also 100% insect-proof—termites and carpenter bees will have to find somewhere else to live. Unlike wood, it will never warp, crack, or rot, even with Utah’s heavy snow and rapid temperature swings.
Does Alumawood get loud in the rain?
This is a common concern with metal roofs, but Alumawood is different. The insulated panels feature a foam core that acts as a natural sound dampener, making the pitter-patter of rain much quieter than a standard tin or thin aluminum roof. Furthermore, aluminum is an excellent thermal conductor; it cools off rapidly once the rain starts or the sun goes down, preventing the “oven effect” associated with some other materials.
Can I add a ceiling fan later?
While it is much easier to add fans and lights during the initial installation, Alumawood’s design does allow for future-proofing. If you think you might want a fan later, we can install “fan beams” during the build. This ensures the structure is reinforced to handle the weight and vibration of a fan, and we can even pre-run the wiring so that adding the actual fan later is a simple “plug and play” process.
Conclusion
A custom patio cover is more than just a home improvement project; it’s an investment in your lifestyle. It’s the difference between a patio that sits empty all summer and an outdoor oasis where your family gathers for dinners, birthdays, and relaxing afternoons.
At Awnings Unlimited, we take pride in being a family-owned business that has served the Wasatch Front since 1976. Whether you are in Salt Lake City, Ogden, or out in the beautiful mountain valleys of Park City, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality custom Alumawood patio covers in the industry.
Ready to transform your backyard? Elevate Your Outdoor Space with a Custom Patio Cover or Start your project today with a Lattice Patio Cover or Pergola by contacting our team for a free estimate. Let us help you build something that will truly make your neighbors jealous.