Why Timber Pergolas Are Better Than Aluminium Pergolas (Especially in Canterbury)

Why Timber Pergolas Are Better Than Aluminium Pergolas (Especially in Canterbury)

Thinking about a pergola for your Christchurch or Christchurch property? Here’s why homeowners are choosing timber over aluminium ... and why we recommend it too.

When it comes to building a pergola, most homeowners narrow their options down to timber or aluminium. Both have their place, but if you want something warmer, stronger, more customisable, and built to last in Canterbury’s harsh nor’westers and cold winters, a timber pergola takes the win every time.

At Southern Buildworks, we build both — but nine times out of ten, timber pergolas outperform aluminium in real-world use. Here’s why.

1. Timber Pergolas Look Better. Natural, Warm & Timeless
Aluminium pergolas tend to look… well… like aluminium. Clean, modern lines but often cold and a bit “factory-produced.”

Timber, on the other hand, gives you:

A warm, natural finish
A structure that blends beautifully with landscaping
The ability to stain, oil, or paint in colours that suit your home
A more premium, architectural look

Homeowners across Christchurch, Rolleston, Lincoln and West Melton consistently tell us the same thing “it just feels more inviting.”

2. Timber Handles Canterbury’s Wind & Weather Better
Canterbury is famous for two things:

Strong nor’west winds
Frosty winter mornings

A solid treated timber pergola has natural flex, strength and weight, which helps it perform better in strong winds. Aluminium frames can flex too much, vibrate, or feel hollow.

With timber you get:

Better load capacity
Better ability to handle wind uplift
Sturdier posts and beams
Less rattling or movement

A timber pergola is built strong to suit the local environment, not just clipped together.

3. Total Customisation... Size, Style, Shape, Options
Aluminium pergolas are usually prefabricated kits with limited design options. Want a different span? Extra posts? A wider bay? A specific profile?

Timber pergolas let you customise everything:

Height
Span
Beam sizes
Post layout
Roofing choices
Spa-area integrations
Seating, screening, privacy panels and plant supports

If you want a pergola that actually fits your space, not the other way around, timber wins by a mile.

4. Timber Pergolas Are Stronger (Perfect for Spas & Outdoor Living Areas)

If your pergola is going over a spa or you want to grow grapes, jasmine, wisteria or climbing roses, timber gives far more structural strength.

We regularly build pergolas designed for:

Spas
Outdoor heaters
Privacy screens
Heavy climbing plants

Timber beams support significantly more weight than an aluminium tube frame.

5. Easier & Cheaper to Repair or Modify

Need to add to it later? Want to enclose one side? Add a louvre system? Extend it?

With timber, adjustments are simple:

Add extra posts
Extend the structure
Add rafters
Modify roof framing
Fix accidental damage easily

Timber gives you future proofing and the ability to evolve the space over time.

6. Timber Is More Affordable. Better Value for Money

High-quality aluminium pergolas often cost significantly more than a custom timber pergola, especially when you add installation and optional extras.

Timber is:

More cost-effective to build
Cheaper per metre for posts and beams
Easier to source locally
Faster to modify or extend

For Canterbury homeowners wanting maximum impact without blowing the budget, timber is the smart choice.

Built On-Site By Professionals . Not a Flat-Pack Kit

Most aluminium pergolas arrive in a box and are assembled the same way, regardless of terrain, wind zones or site challenges.

Timber pergolas from Southern Buildworks are:

Custom designed
Built on-site
Fixed to suit your specific ground conditions
Finished to a higher standard
Built by LBP Builder

You’re getting craftsmanship, not a kitset.

Why Canterbury Homeowners Choose Timber Pergolas

From Cashmere to Kaiapoi and Rolleston to Darfield, timber pergolas are the go-to for:

Creating sheltered outdoor areas
Adding value to your property
Spa platforms and outdoor relaxation spaces
Natural garden aesthetics
Growing vines, plants or screening
Long-lasting structures that stand up to the weather

A well-built timber pergola isn’t just functional, it becomes part of the home.

Ready to Build a Timber Pergola? We Can Help.

Southern Buildworks specialises in custom timber pergolas across Christchurch and Canterbury, designed and built to NZ standards with premium workmanship.

Whether you want: