When someone asks us for a porch, one of the first questions is: timber or steel? At RUST & CO we work with both materials, so we can be honest about the pros and cons of each.
Timber structure
The classic choice for fincas and country houses. Timber brings warmth and sits beautifully alongside stone, clay tiles and greenery.
- Appearance: natural and warm, quintessentially Mallorcan.
- Material: outdoors we use treated timber; posts in contact with the ground must be use class 4 (pressure-treated).
- Maintenance: needs periodic protection (wood stain or oil) to withstand sun and damp. We explain how in how to look after outdoor timber.
Steel structure
Allows slimmer sections and longer spans with fewer posts. Suits modern houses as well as carports and work areas.
- Appearance: clean lines and a lighter-looking structure.
- Strength: supports heavy roofs and long spans.
- Maintenance: must be well protected against rust, especially near the sea (suitable primer and paint, or galvanising).
The hybrid option
Often the best solution is a combination: a steel frame with a timber roof, or timber posts with steel reinforcing pieces. That way you get the strength of metal with the warmth of wood.
How to decide
- What roof will it have? A tiled roof is far heavier than reed screening.
- What style is the house?
- How much maintenance are you prepared to do?
- Are you close to the sea?
There's no single answer. Once we've seen the site, we'll recommend the option we think is best and give you a fully itemised written quote.
Have a project in mind?
Send us a WhatsApp with a few photos and your idea. We reply quickly and, if it suits you, we come to see it and send you a detailed written quote in English.
