An aluminum pergola (also spelled aluminium) is a powder-coated metal frame with an open or louvered roof. It will not rot, warp or need repainting, which is why it is replacing wood for most homeowners who want shade with little upkeep. The Westview Pergola Targa line is built from heavy-duty aluminum with a louvered roof, and it comes in sizes from a 10×13 that covers a hot tub to a 10×20 you can close in as an outdoor room.
This guide explains how aluminum compares with wood and vinyl, when a louvered roof beats a fixed one, how to choose a size, and what to think about for wind, snow, permits and maintenance. It is anchored on the Pergola Targa because that is the pergola Westview manufactures and ships factory-direct across the U.S. and Canada.
Aluminum vs wood vs vinyl pergolas
All three materials make a good-looking pergola. They differ mainly in how much work they need over the years and how well they handle weather.
| Material | Upkeep | Weather behavior | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Wash with soap and water; occasional lubrication of moving louvers | Does not rot, rust or attract insects; powder-coated finish resists fading | Light but strong; slim profiles; supports louvered roofs and screens well |
| Wood | Stain or seal on a regular schedule | Can warp, crack, rot or get insect damage over time | Classic look; easy to customize on site, but the most maintenance |
| Vinyl | Occasional washing | Does not rot; can yellow or become brittle in harsh sun or cold | Usually needs reinforcement for large spans; fewer louvered options |
If you want a wood look without the upkeep, a powder-coated aluminum frame is the usual compromise. One Westview customer noted on the product page that they looked at wood pergolas for a while and chose aluminum to minimize maintenance. For a deeper comparison across all of Westview’s building materials, see our guide to wood, composite and metal structures.
Louvered vs fixed roof: which should you choose?
A fixed-slat or solid roof gives constant shade or cover and has no moving parts. A louvered pergola has roof blades that rotate, so you can open them for sun and airflow, tilt them to follow the sun, or close them to shed rain.
On the Pergola Targa, the roof louvers are adjustable and the roof includes a gutter system that channels rainwater to your drainage area. The 10×13 Medium has a hand crank on one post: a few turns fully open or close the louvers, and you can stop partway to block early-morning or late-evening sun. The larger models have motorized louvers operated by a remote, so you can close them from inside the house if a shower starts.
Choose a louvered roof if you want shade only some of the day, if the pergola sits over a hot tub or dining area where you also want rain cover, or if you like being able to adjust. A fixed roof makes more sense for a simple, low-cost shade structure that you do not need to adjust.
Pergola Targa sizes and models
The current Pergola Targa line has three models, listed below with the details shown on each product page. Check the product page for current pricing, since it changes.
| Model | Size | Louvers | Walls and screens | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pergola Targa (Medium) | 10×13 ft; 120″ x 156″ exterior | Hand crank | Optional manual drop-down screens in 10 ft and 13 ft widths | A full-size hot tub plus seating |
| Pergola Mezza (Extra Large) | 10×20 ft; roughly 9’2″ x 19′ inside | Motorized, remote | Accordion doors, sliding doors, extension walls and motorized screen walls, added as you choose | A swim spa, hot tub with lounge, or a dining area |
| Pergola Suprema (Extra Large WSD) | 10×20 ft; 120″ x 238″ exterior | Motorized, remote | Includes two privacy walls, a 13 ft motorized screen, an accordion door set and a sliding door set | A fully enclosable outdoor room |
“WSD” stands for windows, screens and doors. The Suprema comes with all of those bundled, while the Mezza lets you add wall options one at a time. All three are on the pergolas category page, and you can see the full line on the Pergola Targa page.
When picking a size, start with the footprint of what you are covering. A 10×13 covers a standard hot tub with room for a couple of chairs. A 10×20 covers a swim spa, a full dining set, or a hot tub with a lounge area. If you need a very large pergola for entertaining, the 10×20 models are the largest aluminum structures Westview makes. For sizing a tub and enclosure together, see our sizing guide.
Wind and snow: what to check
For the 10×13 Targa, Westview states the pergola is designed to withstand snow loads of 40 pounds per square foot and wind speeds up to and over 100 mph when it is anchored. The Mezza and Suprema pages also state a 100 mph wind rating when anchored. Notice the condition: these ratings assume the pergola is secured to a suitable base such as a concrete pad or a properly built deck, as the installation instructions describe.
A few practical points for cold or windy areas:
- Anchor properly. A pergola that is not fixed to a solid base can move in strong wind, whatever its material.
- Close the louvers in storms. Closed louvers shed rain and snow to the gutter and make the roof act as a solid cover.
- Clear heavy snow. Even with a snow-load rating, brushing off heavy accumulation is sensible, and ask us about your local conditions.
- Treat screens as fair-weather items. for the Suprema, Westview says the louvered doors, wall panels and motorized screens give protection in moderate winds, so retract the screens when strong wind is forecast.
Using a pergola over a hot tub
A louvered pergola is a popular hot tub cover because you can open it for stargazing in good weather and close it when it rains. It gives shade and some wind reduction, and with side screens you also get privacy. It is not the same as a fully enclosed building. A pergola keeps rain and snow off the tub when the louvers are shut, but the sides are open or screened, so it will not hold heat the way a sealed hot tub gazebo does. If winter use is the priority, compare it with an enclosure in our post on hot tub enclosures vs pergolas.
Plan the tub’s electrical supply with a licensed electrician before the pergola goes up. Wood or synthetic decks can host the Pergola Targa, according to Westview’s product Q&A, but check that the deck structure can carry both the tub and the pergola.
Do you need a permit for a pergola?
It depends on where you live. Many areas treat a pergola as an accessory structure, and rules often depend on its size, height, distance from property lines and whether it has a solid roof or is attached to the house. A louvered roof, side walls and screens can change how a building department classifies it. Check with your local office before you order. Our post on whether you need a permit explains what to ask, and the engineering stamp page covers documentation for structures that need it.
Maintenance: what an aluminum pergola actually needs
Low maintenance is not the same as no maintenance, but it is close. Westview’s guidance for the Pergola Targa is short:
- Clean the frame with regular soap and water. Do not use abrasive cleaners or brushes on the finish.
- Check the gutter system periodically and clear leaves or debris so water can flow through the downspout.
- Lubricate the louver swivels so they do not stick or bind. For the hand-crank model, Westview suggests silicone spray or white lithium grease; for the motorized models, a yearly lubrication.
There is no painting, staining or rust treatment. The Pergola Targa also assembles quickly: Westview says professional installers finish the 10×13 in about half a day, and the larger models are a two-person job that most customers complete in under a day.
Buying from an aluminum pergola manufacturer
Westview manufactures the Pergola Targa and sells it direct, so you deal with the maker on pricing, shipping and support. Pergolas ship via freight to a terminal, with curbside delivery in many areas for an extra fee. Pricing for the Pergola Targa line starts from $5,999 as shown on the product page today. Current promotions appear on the deals page. Questions about your site, wall options or delivery? Call 1-800-895-1972 or send a note through the contact form.
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