differences between wood, metal, and vinyl pergolas

What are the main differences between wood, metal, and vinyl pergolas in terms of durability, maintenance, and aesthetics?

When I was choosing a pergola, I spent weeks comparing wood, metal, and vinyl. Wood has a beautiful natural look and feels timeless, but it needs regular staining or sealing to keep weather damage away. Metal, especially aluminum, is sturdy and lasts long with less upkeep, though it can get hot under the sun. Vinyl is low-maintenance and resists moisture well, but some styles can look a bit too artificial for my taste. Then I came across polycarbonate options, which I hadn’t considered before. I found this catalog helpful: https://closethedeal.co.uk/catalogs/polycarbonate-pergola. It combines durability and UV protection while still looking modern and clean. The idea of skipping middlemen and getting factory-direct prices made the choice easier. It’s about balancing long-term maintenance, style, and how much weather your space deals with year-round.