Steel Vs. Aluminum Canopy Frame

Function

• Steel is stronger than aluminum; an aluminum canopy may bend and need to have replacement parts more often.

Considerations

• Aluminum is lighter in weight than steel. People who set up the canopy alone or who do not wish to strain under the additional weight of steel may prefer an aluminum frame.

Corrosion

• Both steel and aluminum corrode. Steel also rusts. Steel canopy poles can be protected with sealers or even paints formulated for metal.
  Aluminum corrosion usually causes little to no damage to the frame.

Expert Insight

• All canopies need to be weighted down in the wind.

EZ Up

• Many canopies have snap-together parts, but EZ Ups are set up like pop-up displays. They do not have removable parts, so they are usually constructed from aluminum.