Aluminium slat pergola: timber looks, filtered shade and 2026 prices
BeforeFixed Aluminium Slat PergolaAn aluminium slat pergola is an open frame topped with fixed aluminium battens, set at a spacing that gives filtered shade. With a timber look powder coat, it looks like a timber pergola but will not rot, split or attract termites. It gives shade and privacy, not rain cover.
BeforeFixed Aluminium Slat PergolaWhat is an aluminium slat pergola made of?
The frame is aluminium or steel posts and beams. The roof is a row of aluminium battens (slats) fixed across the beams at a set gap.
Battens come in a range of sizes. One Australian aluminium supplier offers click-together battens in 50, 100, 150 and 200 mm widths, made for facade, fencing and pergola use.
Unlike an opening louvre roof, the slats do not move. Some systems set them flat. Others angle each blade so it blocks more of the midday sun while still letting air through.
The slats are spaced, so rain falls through. One fixed blade system adds a small gutter to each blade for light rain, but no slat roof is waterproof.
Timber look powder coat
Most slat pergolas are finished in powder coat. You can choose a plain colour, or a woodgrain finish that copies timber.
Woodgrain finishes are made by applying a woodgrain film over a textured powder coat base. Dulux describes its base range as a warranty grade, super durable powder suited to exterior homes.
The result looks like timber from a normal viewing distance, with none of the oiling. Some systems also offer timber look wraps for posts, so the whole frame matches.
Pros and cons of a fixed aluminium slat pergola
Pros:
- Timber look with almost no maintenance.
- Will not rot, warp, split or attract termites.
- Filtered shade and good airflow on hot days.
- Same battens can form matching privacy screens.
- Clean, modern lines that suit new homes.
Cons:
- No rain cover, since water falls through the gaps.
- Costs more than a timber pergola or a basic patio.
- Shade is fixed: you cannot open it for winter sun.
- Leaves can collect on top of tight slat spacing.
Who is an aluminium slat pergola best for?
A slat pergola suits owners who want the look of timber without the upkeep. It works best where you need shade and privacy more than rain cover.
Good fits include:
- Modern and Hamptons style homes.
- Pool surrounds that need shade but not a full roof.
- Courtyards overlooked by neighbours.
- Termite-prone areas where timber is a worry.
Partial shade and privacy screens
The shade you get depends on slat width, gap and angle. Wide slats close together give deep shade. Narrow slats with bigger gaps let dappled light through.
The same battens make privacy screens. A screen on one or two sides blocks a neighbour's view and cuts wind, while still letting air pass.
Ask your installer for a sample section, and look at it in the sun before you choose a spacing.
How much does an aluminium slat pergola cost?
These are our indicative installed prices for a Fixed Aluminium Slat Pergola, by size and state, including GST.
| Size | WA | SA | VIC | QLD | NSW | ACT | TAS | NT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 × 3 m | $10,000 to $12,000 | $10,000 to $12,000 | $10,500 to $12,500 | $11,000 to $13,000 | $11,500 to $13,500 | $11,500 to $13,500 | $11,500 to $13,500 | $12,000 to $14,500 |
| 5 × 4 m | $10,000 to $12,000 | $10,000 to $12,000 | $10,500 to $12,500 | $11,000 to $13,000 | $11,500 to $13,500 | $11,500 to $13,500 | $11,500 to $13,500 | $12,000 to $14,500 |
| 6 × 4.5 m | $13,000 to $15,500 | $13,000 to $15,500 | $14,000 to $16,000 | $14,000 to $16,500 | $15,000 to $18,000 | $15,000 to $18,000 | $14,500 to $17,500 | $16,000 to $18,500 |
Fixed Aluminium Slat Pergola, indicative installed prices including GST, attached, rounded. Updated 28 October 2026.
Slat size and spacing, woodgrain finishes, screens, height, footings and council fees move the price. These ranges are indicative only, and a site measure and written quote from an installer sets the real price. Our pergola cost guide covers more.
Colours and options
Slats come in plain powder coat colours or woodgrain finishes. Many owners pick a dark frame with timber look slats, or match the frame to their window frames.
Popular options:
- Woodgrain slats in light or dark timber tones.
- Privacy screens on one or two sides.
- LED strip lighting along the beams.
- Climbing plants on wires between posts.
- A clear roof sheet over part of it for a dry corner.
Do you need council approval for a slat pergola?
It depends. An open pergola is often treated more lightly than a roofed patio, and some small, low pergolas are exempt in some states.
Height, size, setbacks, bushfire rating and attaching to the house all matter. Tall privacy screens near a boundary can also need approval. Read our council approval guide for patios and pergolas first.
Aluminium slat pergola vs similar styles
Slat pergola vs louvre roof pergola
A louvre roof pergola has blades that open and close, so it can keep rain out. It costs roughly twice as much.
Slat pergola vs timber pergola
An open timber pergola costs less and has the real thing's warmth. It needs regular oiling or painting and termite care.
Our timber vs aluminium pergola guide compares them in detail. For more layouts, browse our pergola ideas. You can also see a slat pergola on your own house in about 30 seconds with our free tool.
Common questions
Does an aluminium slat pergola keep the rain out?
No. Rain falls through the gaps between the slats, so it gives shade, not rain cover. Some fixed blade systems angle the blades and add a small gutter for light rain, but if you need a dry area, choose a louvre roof or a solid patio roof.
How much shade does a slat pergola give?
It depends on the slat width, the gap and the angle. Wide slats close together give deep shade, while narrow slats with bigger gaps give lighter, dappled shade. Ask to see a sample section in the sun before you decide.
Does timber look aluminium really look like wood?
From a normal viewing distance, good woodgrain finishes look convincing. They are made by applying a woodgrain film over a textured powder coat base. Ask to see a sample in daylight before you choose.
How much does an aluminium slat pergola cost?
Our indicative installed price for a 6 m × 4.5 m fixed aluminium slat pergola is $13,000 to $15,500 in WA and $14,000 to $16,000 in Victoria, including GST. Slat size, spacing, woodgrain finishes and screens move the final quote.
Keep reading
Sources
- Solaire™ Batten Range brochure (Alspec)
- Dulux® Sublicoat® powder coat range, Australia | EPD Australasia
- Outback Pergola | STRATCO
Prices on this page come from Backyard Mate's pricing for each state and are indicative only. Rules and products change: check with your council and installer before you build.