Choosing the Best Ramada and Pergola Materials for Arizona

Ramada and Pergola in Metropolitan Phoenix Area

Building and installing a pergola or a ramada will enhance the beauty, comfort, and value of your outdoor living space. A pergola or ramada creates the perfect environment for friends and family to relax, enjoy conversation and a meal, and unwind after a long day. At Outside Living Concepts, our team has decades of experience designing and installing pergolas and ramadas that complement the existing architecture and design of your home and outdoor living space. We will work closely with you to create a pergola or ramada design that adds value to your home and makes your outdoor living space more enjoyable year-round. We only use the highest-quality, best-performing, and most durable ramada and pergola materials in the Metropolitan Phoenix Area.

Best Pergola Materials in the Metropolitan Phoenix Area

When choosing the best materials for a pergola or ramada in Arizona, we consider our local climate and the durability of the materials. We want to choose materials that can withstand extreme heat and sun exposure without experiencing wear and tear, cracking or warping, fading, peeling, or flaking. Our goal is to create a shade structure that will complement your outdoor living space and offer beauty and comfort year-round for years to come. Working with our professionals will offer you expert advice and recommendations for the right material for a pergola cover or ramada cover so that it offers shade, protection from the elements, and a comfortable place to entertain guests and relax.

Understanding the Essential Parts of a Shade Structure

Before we begin designing your pergola or ramada, we will help you understand the essential parts of a shade structure. This will help you work with our team on designing a shade structure that works with your home’s architecture, your existing backyard design, and your lifestyle while staying within your budget and aesthetic goals. The primary elements of your pergola or ramada are:

Flooring – The flooring is the walkable surface of the pergola or ramada, including stairs and steps. The flooring should withstand heavy foot traffic, support the weight of furniture and other elements, and be even, durable, slip-proof, and resistant to heat and the elements.
Structural Support Beams or Columns – Structural support beams or columns hold the roof of the pergola or ramada or support the shade structure.
Side Support Beams or Columns – Side support beams and columns are fences, walls, or panels that add additional support and serve an aesthetic purpose.
Roofing – This is the overhead covering or shade structure of your pergola or ramada. It offers protection from the elements, animals, and insects and can support lighting, sound systems, and more.
Stairs and Railings – If your ramada or pergola is installed on a foundation, you will need steps or stairs to access it. Those steps or stairs will need a railing to enhance safety and prevent trips and falls.
Accessories – Your pergola or ramada can include accessories or additional elements that enhance its comfort and allow you to use it year-round for different activities and events. These accessories include lighting, seating, fans or outdoor heaters, smart features, sound system, television, outdoor kitchen or barbecue grill, fire and water features, and more.

Using a Combination of Different Materials

We will use a combination of different materials to build your outdoor pergola or ramada. We cannot use the same materials to construct your floor as we would to construct the roof or shade structure. We will review all your options for materials to construct the flooring, support beams and columns, roofing and shade structure, stairs or steps, and railings. Our goal is to create a structure that is beautiful, comfortable, and usable year-round. The most commonly used materials for pergolas and ramadas are:

Natural wood
Vinyl
Composite or MDF
Aluminum
Steel

The most commonly used materials for pergola and ramada flooring are:

Brick
Patio pavers
Natural wood
Vinyl
Composite or MDF
Natural stone
Cobblestone
Cement or concrete

Best Material for Pergola Shade & Ramada Shade Structures

We will consider several factors when choosing the best material for your pergola shade or ramada shade structure. Due to the intense heat and exposure to UV rays, we want to use a material that can withstand the elements and resist fading, peeling, cracking, or warping. The material also needs to handle our monsoon rains and high winds. The shade structure should be able to reduce the heat inside the pergola or ramada, block harmful UV rays, and offer protection from the elements. The most effective and popular materials for pergola shade structures in Arizona are:

Vinyl
Aluminum or steel
Canvas or duck cloth
Tiles
Concrete or cement
Natural stone
Wood
Plastic
Composite or MDF
Bamboo

Primary Factors to Consider When Choosing Materials for a Pergola

As we guide you through the process of choosing the best materials for your pergola or ramada, we will ask you to consider specific factors. Our goal is to bring your vision to life and exceed your expectations while ensuring the final result can withstand the weather and heat in Arizona and last for decades. The main factors we ask you to consider are:

The primary function of the structure; for instance, is it an outdoor kitchen, pool or spa area, outdoor dining area, or entertainment space?
How durable is the material, and can it withstand the Arizona climate?
The overall form and design of the pergola or ramada and how it enhances your existing architecture and landscape design.
Your personal aesthetics and preferences.
What are your plans for your home? Will you sell in the next five or 10 years?
Local construction regulations and building codes.
The cost and availability of materials and how that fits into your overall budget and timeline for the project.

Contact Outside Living Concepts for Pergola Installation

If you’re ready to start planning and designing your outdoor pergola or ramada, call us today at Outside Living Concepts. Our team of highly skilled and trained experts will help you determine the best materials for a pergola in the Metropolitan Phoenix Area, and we will work closely with you to bring your vision of your dream pergola or ramada to life. Contact us to schedule a free consultation for a pergola or ramada installation.