Alumawood vs Wood Patio Covers: Which Is Better in San Diego?

Updated November 1, 2026

Wood patio covers look great when they are new. Alumawood is aluminum made to look like wood, and in San Diego that difference shows up over time: sun, salt air and termites are hard on lumber. Here is how the two compare on cost, maintenance and the local conditions that matter most.

Side-by-side comparison

Cost: what you pay up front

San Diego contractors publish solid aluminum cover pricing of about $45 to $60 per square foot installed, so a typical 12 by 20 foot cover (240 square feet) runs roughly $10,000 to $15,000. National guides list solid wood covers at about $60 to $120 per square foot, and San Diego labor usually lands at the higher end. Lattice versions of either material cost less, and Alumawood's insulated roof costs more. See our 2026 Alumawood cost guide for size examples.

Cost: what you pay over time

This is where the gap widens. A wood cover needs sanding and resealing or repainting every few years to keep moisture and UV out, and boards that crack or rot need replacing. Alumawood has a baked-on finish that holds its color without sanding or staining, so the ongoing cost is mostly an occasional rinse. Over 15 to 20 years, the lower upkeep often outweighs any difference in the original price.

San Diego conditions that tip the scale

Termites

Termites are a fact of life in Southern California. Aluminum gives them nothing to eat, so there are no inspections or treatments to plan around for the cover itself.

Coastal air

From Oceanside to Chula Vista, marine air carries moisture and salt that wear down wood finishes and rust steel hardware. Aluminum does not rust, which is why it is the most common patio cover material near the coast.

Wildfire zones

Inland neighborhoods near open space may sit in a fire hazard severity zone. Escondido, for example, requires fire-retardant treated wood framing for patio covers in those zones. An aluminum frame avoids that requirement and is noncombustible.

Inland heat

In El Cajon, Santee, Escondido and Poway, summer sun is the main reason people add a cover. Alumawood's insulated roof uses foam-core panels that block much more heat than a single layer of wood or metal, and it can support ceiling fans and recessed lights.

When wood still makes sense

Wood is the right call if you want a fully custom design, such as heavy timber beams, a specific stain to match existing woodwork, or an architectural style that aluminum profiles cannot match. Just budget for regular maintenance and ask your contractor about the right lumber and finish for your location.

The bottom line

For most San Diego homes, Alumawood gives you the look of wood with far less upkeep and none of the termite or rot risk. If you want a truly custom wood structure and do not mind maintaining it, wood is still a great choice. A licensed installer can show you samples of both at a free estimate.

Common Questions

Does Alumawood look like real wood?

Alumawood is aluminum with an embossed wood-grain finish in wood-tone and neutral colors. From a few feet away it reads as wood, though up close it is clearly a manufactured finish.

Is Alumawood cheaper than wood?

Usually, yes, both up front and over time. San Diego solid aluminum covers run about $45 to $60 per square foot installed, while national guides list solid wood covers at about $60 to $120 per square foot, and wood needs regular refinishing.

What warranty comes with Alumawood?

Alumawood is sold with a limited lifetime manufacturer warranty for the original owner that covers manufacturing defects, with limited transfer to a new owner. Ask your installer for the warranty document.

Sources

Soltech Patio Covers: Solid Patio Cover Cost in San Diego · HomeGuide: Covered Patio Cost · City of Escondido: Solid Roof Patio Cover Guideline. Rules and prices change, so confirm details with your city and contractor.