Why Pergola Posts Feel Scalding

Aluminum has an exceptionally high thermal conductivity (around 200 W/m·K) — about 4 times faster than steel and over 1,000 times faster than wood.

When you touch an aluminum post at 70°C, the metal transfers its stored heat into your skin nearly instantly, giving an immediate burning sensation. A wooden post at the same surface temperature would feel significantly less harsh because it transfers heat to your skin much slower.

While the roof blocks visible light (creating visual shade), the heated metal panels re-radiate infrared thermal energy downward into the space beneath. This creates a thermal trap: you get relief from direct light, but you are trapped inside a radiant oven.

Euro Pergola Studio understand these principles and will recommend the best and optimum solution to meet your real world expectations.