I hear Alumawood is the best product/brand. But, does it really look like wood, and what are the advantages over wood and other brands?

I have an Alumawood patio cover and I would not have anything else. No maintenance and it is absolutely beautiful!! It is the best

Yes it is. Amerimax Alumawood is the original inventor of aluminum wood-look product. they do not cut corners on manufacturing and have a specific engineered 6" panel, much stronger than other wider panels sold on the market. The advantages from wood, is you won't have to paint it every few years, it won't rot, crack, peel. It is termite proof, non-flammable and eco-friendly. And in many cases it is cheaper than wood. YES, it looks like wood! It's beautiful and amazing.