Choosing material for cantilevered sunshades is an important decision that affects everything from structural performance to cost. The material you choose will influence how well the sunshade performs in your specific environment. 

Steel and aluminum are the two most common materials used for cantilevered sunshades today. Each brings its own strengths, limitations, and ideal applications. This guide will go over the essential differences so you can confidently select the best material for your needs.

The Purpose of Cantilevered Sunshades

Cantilevered sunshades provide shade and protection without the need for front-facing columns, creating an open, unobstructed area beneath the structure. They’re ideal for building entrances, walkways, outdoor seating areas, parking spaces, and recreational sites. 

By extending outward from a wall or upright supports, these sunshades deliver both function and aesthetics. Both steel and aluminum can deliver strong performance in cantilevered sunshades, but their differences become significant depending on the environment, load requirements, budget, and desired longevity.

Steel Cantilevered Sunshades: Strength and Structural Reliability

Steel has long been a go-to material for heavy-duty construction. Its superior strength makes it ideal for projects requiring maximum load-bearing capability and long spans.

Benefits of Steel Sunshades

• Exceptional Strength and Rigidity
  Steel is considerably stronger than aluminum. This allows for longer cantilever spans, thinner profiles, and greater structural stability. For large commercial buildings or areas exposed to high wind or snow loads, steel is often the preferred choice.
  
  
• Long Lifespan
  With proper coating and maintenance, steel structures can last decades. Powder coating or galvanizing protects against rust and contributes to a longer service life.
  
  
• Fire Resistance
  Steel is naturally fire-resistant, making it suitable for strict commercial, industrial, or municipal building requirements.
  
  
• Architectural Flexibility
  Steel can be fabricated into dramatic forms such as sweeping curves or sharp angles while still maintaining strength.

Considerations and Limitations of Steel

• Heavier Weight
  Steel’s weight increases transportation and installation costs. It often requires heavier equipment, additional labor, and reinforced anchor points.
  
  
• Corrosion Protection Required
  Without proper finishing, steel is vulnerable to rust. Coastal areas or high-humidity environments require high-quality coatings.
  
  
• Higher Maintenance Over Time
  Even with protective coatings, steel needs periodic inspection and refinishing to ensure corrosion doesn’t develop.

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Aluminum Cantilevered Sunshades: Lightweight, Modern, and Corrosion-Resistant

Aluminum has become increasingly popular in architectural designs, here’s why:

• Exceptional Corrosion Resistance
  Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer, making it highly resistant to rust—even in coastal or high-humidity environments. This gives aluminum cantilevered sunshades a major advantage in marine or tropical climates.
  
  
• Lightweight and Easy to Install
  Aluminum weighs significantly less than steel, which reduces installation time, structural load requirements, and equipment needs. For retrofits or projects with minimal support capacity, aluminum is highly beneficial.
  
  
• Low Maintenance
  Unlike steel, aluminum doesn't require frequent repainting or recoating. Powder coating is still used for aesthetics but isn’t necessary for corrosion protection.
  
  
• Modern Aesthetic
  Aluminum has a clean, sleek appearance that blends well with modern architecture. It’s often chosen for contemporary commercial and residential designs.

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Despite all of its benefits, aluminum does have its limits and is not always the go-to material for cantilevered sunshades:

• Lower Strength than Steel
  Aluminum is not as stiff or strong as steel. This usually means shorter spans or thicker profiles are required to achieve the same load performance.
  
  
• More Expensive Material
  While installation costs may be lower, the raw material cost per pound is typically higher than steel.
  
  
• Thermal Expansion
  Aluminum expands and contracts more with temperature changes. Proper engineering is essential to ensure connections and joints accommodate movement.

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Cost Comparison: Steel vs. Aluminum

Cost depends on size, finish, fabrication complexity, and project location. In general:

• Steel typically costs less in raw materials but more for installation and long-term maintenance.
  
  
• Aluminum costs more upfront in materials but may cost less for installation and long-term upkeep.
  
  

For projects where maintenance budgets are limited, aluminum often provides a better total cost of ownership.

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Choosing the Right Material for Your Cantilevered Sunshades

When deciding between steel and aluminum cantilevered sunshades, consider these factors:

Choose Steel If:

• You need long spans or heavy load-bearing capacity.
  
  
• The project is in an area with high wind or snow loads.
  
  
• Strength and rigidity are top priorities.
  
  
• You prefer strong, bold architectural elements.
  
  

Choose Aluminum If:

• The project is coastal or exposed to high humidity.
  
  
• Weight reduction and easy installation are important.
  
  
• You want a modern, sleek visual profile.
  
  
• Low maintenance is your priority.
  
  

Both materials can perform exceptionally well with the right engineering and environment-specific considerations. If you’re looking for high-quality, custom cantilevered sunshades, request your quote with Skyscape Canopies today!

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FAQ

1. What is a cantilevered sunshade?
A cantilevered sunshade is supported from one side, without front columns, creating an open, unobstructed area beneath it.

2. What are the main differences between steel and aluminum sunshades?
Steel is stronger and ideal for long spans, while aluminum is lighter and naturally corrosion-resistant. 

3. Which material is stronger—steel or aluminum?
Steel is significantly stronger and more rigid than aluminum, making it suitable for larger structures and heavy-load applications.

4. Which is more resistant to corrosion?
Aluminum offers superior natural corrosion resistance, especially in coastal or humid environments, while steel requires protective coatings.

5. How do the two materials compare in weight?
Aluminum is much lighter than steel, allowing for easier installation and reduced structural demands, while steel’s heavier weight provides added stability but increases installation requirements.

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