Discover what makes a quality shade structure stand out. Learn what to look for in every detail and what to expect from exceptional craftsmanship. You’ll be surprised by what sets us apart…
Product Identification Is Essential
Identifying product quality is crucial, yet many producers fail to differentiate between their three tiers of quality—Good, Better, and Best—making it nearly impossible to distinguish between them. Rest assured, all Alumawood™ products are ink-stamped inside each beam for easy identification.
When evaluating a shade structure, here’s what to look for:
• Embossed Wood Grain: Is the texture vague or finely detailed?
• End Caps: Can you see the end caps on the beams from a distance?
• Beam Durability: Do the beams bow or collapse in the middle?
• Ease of Cleaning: Does the structure get dirty and resist coming clean?
• Rain Noise: How noisy is the structure when it rains?
• Post Side Plates: Press your thumb against the side plates. Do they easily bend or collapse?
Brackets Matter
The quality of brackets is essential. Compare rolled-formed brackets to extruded brackets for better strength and durability.
Superior Coating
All Alumawood™ patio structures feature SkyRise Paint, a siliconized polyester paint with Teflon™ surface protection. This ensures you’ll never need to repaint your shade structure. Maintenance is simple—an annual rinse with a hose keeps your structure looking fresh.