Low maintenance replacement for timber pergola beams?

Question

Hi everyone, hoping for some advice.

The overhead timber beams on my small pergola are starting to rot. I sand and repaint them about every two years, but I’m honestly over the constant maintenance.

Is there something I could replace the timber beams with that looks similar but wont rot and doesn't need regular repainting? Maybe composite/fake timber, aluminium, or another product?

I’d love something that can handle the Perth weather and basically be installed and forgotten about.

I’ve attached a few photos so you can see what I’m working with. Any product suggestions would be really appreciated. Thanks

EricL · Answer

Hello @Carobee

It's great that you have received excellent advice from @R4addZ. I agree with his recommendation about using aluminium, it is the long-term solution, and it will not deteriorate like timber. The store does carry composite decking panels, but it is limited to decking panel sizes and is not made to the size of pergola beams. The only other option that comes to mind is to install

https://www.bunnings.com.au/suntuf-1-8m-clear-corrugated-polycarbonate-roofing_p1015672

to prevent the timber from getting wet and rotting.

Eric

R4addZ · Answer

Hi @Carobee

You could always go to aluminium but the cost jumps. I would also suggest you should go all aluminium rather than mix it with the timber. However if you decide to DIY then make sure you only use stainless steel screws and or aluminium pop rivets or you could have a corrosion issue as dissimilar metals cause an electrolytic reaction. Example beam here note the price jumps for white!