Alumawood, wood, and aluminum pricing compared, plus electrical add-ons and desert-specific factors
Get a Free Pergola EstimateAverage Installed Cost
$27 per sq ft
For an Alumawood solid patio cover (Newport profile). Lattice also $27/sqft. Insulated panels from $35/sqft.
Material choice is the single biggest cost driver. Alumawood dominates the High Desert market because it handles 110°F+ heat, 100 mph wind gusts, and UV exposure without any maintenance. Here’s how every option prices out for a standard 12×16 ft (192 sqft) installation.
| Type | Cost/Sq Ft | 12’x16′ (192 sqft) | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alumawood Lattice (Laguna) | $27 | $5,184 | 25+ years |
| Alumawood Solid (Newport) | $27 | $5,184 | 25+ years |
| Alumawood Insulated (Maxx Panel) | $35 | $6,720 | 25+ years |
| Western Red Cedar | $30-$60 | $5,760-$11,520 | 15-25 years |
| Redwood | $40-$70 | $7,680-$13,440 | 20-30 years |
| Powder-Coated Aluminum (Modern) | $50-$100 | $9,600-$19,200 | 30+ years |
| Motorized Louvered (StruXure, Equinox) | $80-$150 | $15,360-$28,800 | 30+ years |
Prices include footings, structure, and basic installation. Electrical, permits, and add-ons are separate. Call (760) 792-7627 for an exact quote.
A $10,000 Alumawood patio cover = ~$150/mo with approved financing through Lyon Financial. Up to $200K, terms to 20 years, no equity required.
Alumawood is extruded aluminum with a wood-grain powder-coat finish. It won’t rot, warp, crack, or attract termites. Available in 7 standard frame colors to match any home exterior. Three profiles cover every shade need in the desert.
Open lattice design that filters 50-70% of sunlight. Air flows freely through the gaps, which keeps things cooler than you’d expect. No rain protection. Best for: homeowners who want filtered light for plants, a vine-covered look, or partial shade over a garden seating area. The most affordable Alumawood option.
Tongue-and-groove solid panels that block 100% of sun and rain. This is the most popular profile in the High Desert, full shade, full weather protection, and it supports ceiling fans, recessed lights, and electrical runs. If you’re building an outdoor living space, this is the go-to.
High-density polystyrene foam core sandwiched between aluminum skins. Blocks heat transfer, not just sunlight. On a 110°F day, pavement under a solid panel still reaches 120-130°F from radiant heat. Insulated panels cut that by 10-20 degrees. If you plan to spend extended time outdoors in July and August, this is the upgrade that makes the difference. Add a ceiling fan and you’ve got a usable outdoor room even in peak summer.
The base price gets you a structure. Electrical turns it into an outdoor room you’ll actually use after dark and through the summer. Budget these separately.
| Add-On | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Outdoor ceiling fan + wiring | $300-$800/fan |
| Recessed LED lights + wiring | $150-$400/light |
| LED strip lighting | $200-$600/run |
| Electrical sub-panel | $500-$1,500 |
| Electrical permit | $100-$300 |
A typical electrical package (1 fan + 4 recessed LEDs + 1 outlet) runs $1,000-$2,500 total. Worth it if you’ll use the space evenings and summer. Planning landscape lighting beyond the pergola? Budget those fixtures separately, path lights and uplighting around the patio complement your covered space.
Two pergolas the same size can price out very differently. Here’s why.
Each Alumawood profile delivers a different level of shade and comfort. Here’s how they stack up for High Desert conditions.
| Feature | Lattice | Solid | Insulated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shade | 50-70% | 100% | 100% |
| Air Circulation | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate |
| Rain Protection | No | Yes | Yes |
| Heat Blocking | Low | Medium | Best |
| Best For | Filtered light, plants | Full coverage | Max comfort in 110°F+ |
In the High Desert, most homeowners choose solid or insulated. Lattice works for garden areas where you want some sun filtering through, but it won’t keep you cool in July.
Not every backyard needs a patio cover. But in the High Desert, most do. Here’s when it’s worth the investment.
These are High Desert ranges. Size, material, and footing work change the final number. Get an exact, no-pressure quote from a local crew that has built here since 2009.
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$27 per square foot for Alumawood solid covers, which are the most popular option in the High Desert. A typical 12×16 ft cover runs about $5,184 installed. Lattice is also $27/sqft for a lighter shade option. Motorized louvered systems (StruXure, Equinox) run $80-$150/sqft for the premium experience. Call (760) 792-7627 for an exact quote based on your yard.
Alumawood is extruded aluminum made to look like real wood. It won’t rot, warp, crack, or attract termites. Comes in 7 standard colors to match any home. Virtually maintenance-free, no painting, sealing, or staining. Just hose it off once a year. It’s our primary patio cover product because it handles desert heat and wind better than any other material at its price point.
Yes for most homeowners. Alumawood has no maintenance cost, lasts 25+ years, and handles 110°F+ heat without warping. Wood pergolas (cedar, redwood) are beautiful but need UV-inhibiting sealant every 2-3 years at $200-$500 per treatment, or they crack and gray. Wood does last longer than expected in the desert thanks to low humidity, but the maintenance commitment is real. Over 10 years, Alumawood costs less when you factor in resealing and repairs.
Yes in most High Desert cities. Attached structures require a building permit ($200-$500). The permit ensures proper engineering for wind loads (40-80 mph desert gusts), setback compliance, and safe attachment to your home’s structure. We handle the entire permit process, engineering, submission, and inspections.
Alumawood Maxx Panel (insulated) at $35/sqft. The high-density polystyrene foam core blocks heat transfer, keeping the space under the cover noticeably cooler than solid or lattice options. On a 110°F day, solid panels still conduct radiant heat through the aluminum. Insulated panels cut that by 10-20 degrees. Worth the upgrade if you’re spending extended time outdoors in summer.
25+ years with zero maintenance. The powder-coat finish resists UV fading (10-year warranty typical). The aluminum structure won’t rust, rot, or warp. Compare that to wood, which needs resealing every 2-3 years and may crack in 15-20 years of desert sun. Alumawood is also non-combustible, important in fire-prone areas like Phelan and Oak Hills.
Size, material, electrical, and design all affect your price. Get a free on-site estimate with a custom design and exact pricing.
Financing available through Lyon Financial, patio cover projects from $150/mo
Or call now: (760) 792-7627
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