Alumawood patio cover over an Arizona backyard
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Outdoor Shade 4 Part Guide

Patio Covers in Arizona: Alumawood and Solara Explained

Alumawood gives you the look of wood without the maintenance, and Solara adds adjustable louvers. A plain-language guide to choosing between them.

By the A to Z Shades and Shutters Install Team

Wood patio covers look great for about two summers in Arizona before the sun starts winning. That is why engineered aluminum systems dominate here, led by Alumawood and Solara.

01

Why Aluminum Beats Wood in the Desert

Aluminum will not crack, warp, attract termites or need repainting. Alumawood systems are embossed and finished to look remarkably like real wood beams, so you keep the aesthetic while skipping the maintenance cycle entirely. For most Arizona homeowners that combination ends the wood-versus-aluminum debate on its own.

Shade and shutter project in an Arizona home
02

Alumawood: Lattice, Solid or a Combination

Lattice covers filter sunlight and keep air moving, which is perfect for shading a patio without making it feel dark. Solid insulated panels create a true roof that handles rain and drops the temperature underneath noticeably. Many backyards use both: solid over a dining or seating area, lattice over the garden or grill. You can see the full range on our patio covers page.

03

Solara: Shade You Can Adjust

Solara adjustable louvered roofs take the idea one step further. Motorized louvers rotate from fully open to fully closed, so you control sun, shade and airflow throughout the day, and closed panels shed rain. Integrated lighting and ceiling fans turn the structure into a genuine outdoor room. We are a Solara patio cover dealer and can show you working systems nearby.

Shade and shutter project in an Arizona home
04

Matching the Cover to Your Yard

The right answer depends on how you use the space, what your HOA allows and which direction the patio faces. Pergolas, freestanding structures and carports round out the options we install. A design consultation is the fastest way to compare structures side by side against your actual space, with samples and a written estimate.

Ready to Talk Through Your Project?

Our licensed crew (AZ ROC# 342935) measures on site across Mesa and the Phoenix area and walks you through every option in person.