Hot-dip galvanized steel or aluminum – when it comes to pavilions, this is not a question of quality, but of character. Steel brings mass, wrought-iron tradition, and classic decorative details; aluminum is rust-proof, precise in profile, and is used for Unosider's retractable cabriolet roofs. Both materials are powder-coated and built for long-lasting outdoor use – this guide shows how they really differ.
Hot-dip galvanized steel: mass, craftsmanship, tradition
Unosider's steel collections – Novecento, Malatesta, and Ottoemezzo – are rooted in the tradition of Italian wrought-iron craftsmanship, translated into a clear, contemporary form. The Novecento Pavilion is the brand's classic: slender 60 × 60 mm posts support a shallow-pitched roof, whose perimeter beam is available in three decorative versions – from understated and linear to finely ornamented. Preparation for a central chandelier is standard; in the evening, the pavilion thus becomes the illuminated centerpiece of the garden.
The Malatesta collection features bolder proportions – 80 × 80 mm posts, a 260 × 40 mm front beam – and combines classic wrought-iron craftsmanship with carefully designed drainage. Ottoemezzo interprets the same construction with understated, refined elegance; the large-format Ottoemezzo XL achieves spans of up to 600 × 600 cm with 80 × 80 mm posts and 115 × 75 mm beams.
The character of steel lies in its presence: the structures look built, not inserted. Decorative beams, valances, and the visible clips of the tightly tensioned PVC roofs are part of the artisanal signature – a steel pavilion blends into historic gardens, country houses, and classic urban neighborhoods without compromising.
The roof is also part of the material aesthetic: the Novecento features a tightly tensioned, waterproof PVC membrane fabric in white or champagne, finished with a perimeter valance; those who prefer a textile look can choose the Flexlight Lodge fabric in taupe or anthracite. The pavilion is available in six standard sizes from 300 × 300 to 500 × 500 cm, custom-made sizes are possible up to 500 × 500 cm – and several modules of the same height can be combined to cover axes and courtyards in the garden.
Aluminum: rust-proof, precise, mobile
The aluminum models – the Mood collection with Mood, Ype, and Balance, as well as the large-format Lodge – follow a different concept: minimalist, architectural profiles and roofs that move. The Ype Pavilion demonstrates the principle: posts and beams made from uniform, hot-rolled profiles measuring 120 × 120 mm support a waterproof PVC roof, which, following the cabriolet principle, is operated by hand using a stainless steel maneuvering rod – open, a clear sky; closed, a covered space. The protective roof made of fire-resistant polycarbonate for the retracted roof package is included in the price.
Two properties make aluminum particularly easy to use in everyday life: it does not rust, and because the structures are made without welds, the posts of Mood and Ype can be shortened on site if necessary – for example, if a change in ground level or a low eaves line does not allow for the standard size. The sculptural Balance complements the collection with a special form featuring only two double columns and corner connectors made of highly polished stainless steel; the Lodge, with 155 × 155 mm supports, can be fitted with either a PVC membrane or an insulated roof made of 40 mm sandwich panels for year-round outdoor use.
The formats also speak to the unique logic of the aluminum world: the Ype is available in 16 standard sizes from 300 × 300 to 500 × 550 cm, with nine colors of roof fabric to choose from – including white, taupe, and anthracite, all at the same price. The Balance comes in Side and Center versions with only two ground anchoring points and achieves formats up to 520 × 500 cm; the Lodge grows in the shop up to 500 × 1000 cm, and on request up to 500 × 1200 cm – with six supports for depths from 700 cm. This creates a continuous system from a compact seating area to a covered hotel terrace.
Powder coating: the common denominator
No matter how different the materials are – their surface follows the same logic. The steel frames are hot-dip galvanized and then powder-coated: the zinc layer protects against corrosion, the UV-resistant powder coating forms the second layer of protection and determines the color – anthracite, taupe, black, or white. The aluminum profiles receive their UV-resistant powder coating directly, available in curated anthracite, satin white, taupe, or black; additional manufacturer colors are available on request.
For maintenance, this means little effort for both materials: the coated surfaces only require occasional wiping; aggressive or abrasive cleaners should never be used on powder coating. Our Material Guide provides a detailed overview of materials for outdoor use.
Rainwater: gutters you cannot see
A quality feature that is easily overlooked in the brochure, but determines everyday life on the terrace: drainage. Unosider solves it elegantly across all materials. In the Malatesta and Ottoemezzo steel collections, as well as the Novecento Prestige, rainwater collects in the integrated gutter of the beam and drains discreetly through the posts – no visible gutters, no downpipes, just the clean line of the structure. On the aluminum side, the Lodge directs the water through the integrated drainage system of the beams and through internal channels in the posts; the Ype Rain complements the cabriolet roof with perimeter gutters on all four sides.
Snow load: the honest answer
Unosider frames are not designed for snow loads – this applies to both steel and aluminum. In practice, this means: clear snow promptly or remove the roof fabric over the winter; retractable roofs are retracted during snowfall so that snow does not accumulate on the membrane. For the Lodge with a PVC roof, a snow kit for securing the structure is available as an accessory; for the sandwich panel roof version, we provide project-specific advice. Those who plan for this routine will enjoy both materials for years – those looking for a winter-ready full roof need a different type of structure.
Steel or aluminum – a direct comparison
| Feature | Hot-dip galvanized steel | Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Collections | Novecento, Malatesta, Ottoemezzo | Mood, Ype, Balance, Lodge |
| Corrosion protection | Hot-dip galvanizing + powder coating | Rust-proof, powder-coated |
| Design language | Classic, decorative variants, wrought-iron tradition | Modern, minimalist profiles |
| Roof concepts | Tightly tensioned PVC roofs, partially motorized (Elettra) | Cabriolet roofs, PVC membrane, sandwich panel (Lodge) |
| On-site adjustment | Custom-made from the factory | Posts for Mood and Ype can be shortened on site |
| Snow load | Not designed for snow loads – clear snow or remove fabric | Not designed for snow loads – clear snow, retract roof |
Which material for which location?
The decision is rarely about the technology – it is about the location. The steel pavilion with its decorative variants and solid presence suits a historic estate, a Mediterranean garden, and a classic city villa. The aluminum profile with its movable roof suits modern architecture, a pool house, and a minimalist terrace. In the hospitality industry, both are often important: the presence of steel in the streetscape and the flexibility of the cabriolet roof during operation.
An overview of all collections, production in Italy, and the brand's color palette is available on the Unosider brand page. And how a covered seating area becomes the centerpiece of the terrace design is shown in our guide Designing a Modern Terrace.
Galvanized iron pavilions by Unopiù
Among the galvanized metal structures are the pavilions from Unopiù: the Tibisco Pavilion with a 404 × 404 cm footprint and the Solaire Pavilion in round or octagonal versions, both made of galvanized, powder-coated iron. For terraces attached to houses, the same models are available as attached pergolas – our Tibisco vs. Solaire comparison explains the difference.
Frequently asked questions about steel and aluminum pavilions
Does a pavilion made of hot-dip galvanized steel rust?
The frames are hot-dip galvanized and then powder-coated. The zinc layer protects against corrosion, the UV-resistant powder coating forms the second layer of protection, and gives the frame its color.
What are the advantages of an aluminum pavilion?
Aluminum does not rust and requires no welds – this means the posts of Mood and Ype can be shortened on site if necessary. In addition, it features the cabriolet principle: a waterproof PVC roof that can be operated by hand.
Are the pavilions designed for snow loads?
No. Snow should be cleared promptly or the roof fabric removed over the winter; retractable roofs should be retracted during snowfall. For the Lodge with a PVC roof, a snow kit is available as an accessory.
How is rainwater drainage handled in steel pavilions?
In Malatesta, Ottoemezzo, and Novecento Prestige, rainwater collects in the integrated gutter of the beam and drains discreetly through the posts – with no visible gutters or downpipes.
Who is responsible for installation?
The manufacturer requires installation by professional installers. We provide advice on foundations, anchoring, and on-site installation.
Discover now
You can find all pavilions and pergolas made of hot-dip galvanized steel and aluminum in the Unosider collection – made in Italy and powder-coated in curated colors.
