Steel vs aluminum canopy frames: which should you buy?
The frame decides how long a canopy lasts and how easy it is to carry. The two common materials behave very differently.
Aluminum
Aluminum frames are light, do not rust and are easy to lift in and out of a vehicle. They suit vendors who set up and take down every weekend, and they stand up well to rain and humidity. Heavier-profile aluminum (a thicker, larger tube) is stiffer and holds its shape better in wind.
Steel
Steel frames are heavier and usually cost less. They are strong, but they can rust if the coating is scratched and the extra weight makes them harder to carry. They can be a good fit for a tent that stays in one place for the season.
How to decide
If you move the tent often, choose aluminum. If it mostly stays put and budget matters most, steel is a reasonable choice. In both cases, look at the leg tube thickness and the quality of the joints, and add weights to every leg regardless of frame material.
Frame material is separate from the print: the same custom canopy top, valance and walls can go on either frame style.
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