Both fiberglass and plastic pergolas offer the benefit of a low maintenance outdoor structure. There are two types of plastic pergolas currently available, the first and most common is constucted from vinyl(also known as PVC). The second type of plastic pergola is constructed from a material similar to composite decking(Azek or Palite). These are low maintenance materials, however they differ significantly in terms of quality, lifetime and finish. Below is a detailed comparision of these materials.
* Maintenance free
* Available in any color
* Structural material with free-spans of up to 20'
* Will not mildew, mold or yellow
* One piece CNC rafter tails
* Low maintenance but will mildew and yellow over time
* Non-structural vinyl tubes
* Pressure treated lumber is inserted into the vinyl and can sag, twist and rot
* Available in a limited number of colors
* Snap-on rafter tails
* Requires bi-annual painting
* Yellows and mildews over time
* Sheets of Azek are glued to either aluminum or lumber for structural support
* Azek will delaminate and fall of over time
* High cost of ownership
| Fiberglass | PVC(Vinyl fencing) | C-PVC(Azek) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance: | Maintenance free. | Maintenance free. Will yellow & mildew. | Requires bi-annual painting. Will yellow & mildew. |
| Finish: | Available in any color | Limited color options | Limited color options |
| Durability: | Hard industrial coatings. Durable cast fiberglass column bases. | Scratches easily. Plastic post bases break easily | Azek delaminates and fall off over time |
| Lifespan: | Designed to last a minimum of 15 years | Minimum of 5 years | Minimum of 5 years |
| Structural Properties: | Structural fiberglass pultrusions will not sag or warp. | Structural pressure treated core. Prone to sagging and warping. | Structural pressure treated core. Prone to sagging and warping. |
This Azek pergola was poorly constructed. It experienced yellowing, excessive rot and sagging as a result of the manufacturer cutting corners.
This what the main structural support beam looked like when the Azek fell off and the remainder was removed.
The client's contractor reached out to us and we replaced the existing structure with a fiberglass pergola that will last for years to come.
Rachel KiskerThe Baldwin Pergola looked great at the Boston Flower Show- I overheard many wonderful compliments from people in the crowd. I just know that you'll get many orders for it- in red! Thanks for designing such a lovely structure for us.
Michael DivittoNothing but rave reviews on the pergola. You really out did yourself.
Joe and Terry MitlyngI have been meaning to send you these pictures of our pergola, showing the Shade Tree awnings, for over a year now. The pictures were taken in September this year, about a year after the pergola was first assembled. My brother and I had just finished washing the pergola with Murphy Oil Soap, and it had that wonderful, like new, honey glow.
Anthony MassaI want to thank you folks, again, for doing such a nice job on the pergola. It really adds to the deck, and I'm sure that we'll really enjoy it in the spring and summer. I'll probably be in touch, some time in the future, regarding retractable canopy shades.
Pat D'AuriaHi Chris, We love the pergola and all our neighbors think it is great. The Baims next door are seriously considering doing one next year. Thanks so much for all your help. Pat
Tom PetrelliIt is awesome.
Sonja Hansen and Dennis Szabaday in Nashua, NHGreetings! Attached are photos of our Baldwin Pergola which we love. We are very happy. Here are photos showing what it looks like when we hang the colored sheets up for added shade - very festive and inexpensive. Thank you again!
Alan LuuI completed the project and like to share some of the pictures with you. Everything was putted together nicely with all your works already in place. Thanks for a job well done.
John EndicottOne of these days, I may be back in touch about a second pergola for the patio in front of my house. I am quite happy with the one you built here, which we use a lot in the summer.
Jeff VeasmanThank you my friend, we just got done with the big pergola, it took longer to run the wires than it did to put the pergola together. It is freakin sweet Max, oh and by the way Deana Martin, Dean's daughter lives next door we did a three story add on for them but she said it looks spectacular. Thanks again Max, I'll be sending some pics.
We realize that we cannot build every pergola in the world, so we've decided that we'll be the company that builds all the really nice pergolas in the world.
