Deciding what type of canopy to install in your school or business is a tough choice! Spending any money in the current economy has extra pressure attached as for many, every penny counts. You want to hit the right balance between high quality, low maintenance and value for money. If this is you, we can help.
If you are wondering whether aluminium or timber is the better option, keep reading to learn all about the differences between aluminium and timber canopies, and decide which is best for you.
What Are the Differences Between Aluminium and Timber Canopies?
To help you figure out which option is better, we have looked at lifespan, environmental footprint, appearance and the installation process.
Longevity
First, we have the lifespan you can expect to receive from both types of canopies.
Aluminium canopies are powder coated and are not affected by corrosion, meaning that even without maintenance, they will still be as strong as when first installed even in years to come. If you do not want to spend a lot of time or money on maintenance, aluminium would be more suitable for you.
Spaceshade® aluminium canopies are designed to be low-maintenance, with easy to clean surfaces. With concealed gutters and downpipes and a certified non-fragile roof, you can expect your Spaceshade canopy to have a life expectancy of around 25 years.
Timber canopies (including glulam timber) are more susceptible to weather conditions, so will require regular cleaning and maintenance, including repainting with a protective stain every couple of years. If the canopy is properly cared for it should have a life expectancy of at least 15 years.
Sustainability
In addition, the potential environmental impact of the new canopy will likely be an important factor when investing in new building structures.
To ensure the timber used is truly sustainable, it is also important to ensure that it has been sustainably sourced. At Kensington, we only use timber from FSC or PEFC-certified suppliers to ensure it comes from well-managed forests.
While aluminium is not renewable, it is abundantly available and is known as the most recyclable industrial material, leading to its nickname ‘The Green Metal’. Aluminium is so easy to reuse that it is estimated that 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in circulation today.
Regardless of whether you choose timber or aluminium for your canopy, both materials have impressive sustainability credentials compared to other materials like steel.
Appearance
Next up, we have the look and finish of a canopy. There is no ‘better’ option when it comes to appearance, as it is subjective to the purchaser and the environment that it is being used within.
For a more modern and contemporary finish, aluminium is best. The smooth lines and streamlined feel of a Spaceshade canopy make it the perfect addition for new buildings or to add a modern structure to an older property. The powder-coated finish is available is available in a wide range of colours, allowing the design to be seamlessly integrated into any space.
Timber canopies generally have a more rustic, traditional look and feel. Treating it with different varnishes and sealants can change the look to suit its environment or be left in its traditional state, depending on your preferences. Timber is ideal for older spaces or ones with a clear link to the outdoors.
Bear in mind that left untreated, most timber will naturally weather to a silvery grey. If you want it to retain its original colour then you'll need to either choose pre-treated timber, or ensure it's treated regularly with a colour-preserving stain.
Installation
Again, this point does not allow a clear comparison as factors such as the associated groundwork and size of the structure do impact it. However, aluminium can sometimes be quicker to install, as unlike timber it doesn’t generally require any onsite carpentry.
Cost
Lastly but importantly, how do aluminium and timber canopies compare on cost?
It depends on the size of the canopy. For a small canopy, timber will likely be more cost-effective. However, as the canopy becomes larger, aluminium offers significantly more value for money. Aluminium profiles are stronger than timber, so a canopy can have wider spans between posts. This means less posts and less foundations are required, reducing the overall cost.
On average, you are likely to find that timber canopies will cost less, although not significantly less, than aluminium. When making a decision however, you should take into account the lifetime and maintenance cost of a timber canopy; it has a shorter lifespan – and unlike aluminium, it requires regular maintenance and upkeep to keep it looking good.
The exception is glulam timber canopies. These are made from planks of timber (often softwoods like spruce or larch) laminated together with special adhesive. This produces an immensely strong timber which is ideal for large span canopies - however, it's significantly more expensive than standard timbers.
What Canopies Can Kensington Systems Offer?
On balance, an aluminium shelter is likely to be a better choice if you are looking for a long-lasting, low maintenance shelter that also looks great. However, a timber shelter is great for traditional or rustic settings, and with regular maintenance will last well.
If you have decided that an aluminium structure is the best option, our Spaceshade canopies would be ideal. With their sleek aluminium structure and concealed fixings, they make the perfect modern addition to any educational or commercial environment.
We also have school canopies and playground shelters available in purely timber structures or our timber range.
Finance Options for School Canopies
Kensington Systems have teamed up with Tower Leasing, a well-known finance provider approved by the Department for Education, to provide operating lease options for schools and multi-academy trusts looking to install a new canopy or playground shelter.
Available alongside standard purchase options, a lease option allows schools and trusts to acquire a new canopy or shelter simply and affordably, and then repay the lease on a monthly or quarterly basis while enjoying the benefits of using the canopy. Find out more about leasing for schools here or get in touch to find out if it could work for you.
