Fiberglass vs Plastic Pergolas
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.
Fiberglass
* 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
Vinyl
* 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
Azek
* 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
Comparison Chart
| 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. |
Azek Pergola Fail
Mildew
This Azek pergola was poorly constructed. It experienced yellowing, excessive rot and sagging as a result of the manufacturer cutting corners.
Beams
This what the main structural support beam looked like when the Azek fell off and the remainder was removed.
Baldwin to the rescue!
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.
Testimonials
Joe and Terry MitlyngWe have had many positive comments on the pergola. It is a beautiful addition to the house. I am glad that we and you took the time to get the shades right. The decisions to mount the shade tracks to the inside of the beams, and to use the plexiglass section next to the house for year around cover when we are not using the shades, were just right. Feeling of pride each time I look at the finished product.
Terry CleavelandYou had asked me to send you some photos and I'm just getting around to it. Installation was smooth and we weren't missing any pieces. Good instructions. We love it. I installed rope lighting and it really pops at night.
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.
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!
Dori PaulYou are wonderful. We sat in under the pergola each meal on Rosh Hashana and our guests said that they felt they were away at a beautiful restaurant or hotel!!
Tom PetrelliIt is awesome.
Tim, Cathy, and Elizabeth.The Pergola looks wonderful! The arches came out great. This is exactly what we were looking for. We spent most of the day yesterday putting it together and finished late afternoon. It went together smoothly and everyone helped. We had fun setting it up. Thanks for spending the day with us and working with us through all of this. We love it!
Elba & Edward BorgesThank you so so much for all of the perfect work that you put into our Pergola. Eddy and I love it, it is simply !BEAUTIFUL!, and looks wonderful on our patio. A great reason for wishing for Spring to arrive.
Tom PetitMatt, I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with the new pergola. As a woodworker I appreciate the precision and thoroughness of the kit. I installed the cement pads the previous weekend and did the entire remaining installation in about 6 hours the following weekend with one helper. Very nice looking and I know I am going to enjoy the long term benefits of using a fiberglass products. I will send you a photo as soon as I finish the 10' dining table and benches that I am building to complete the pergola/dining area.
Robert Macri, Malvern, PAI thought you would appreciate seeing our Adirondack Chairs next to our new Rockers. The Adirondack Chairs have been poolside for 12+ years through rain, snow and all elements. I'm happy to report that they are as comfortable and sturdy today as they were when we first purchased them. The rockers are a great addition and I'm sure will standup just as well as the years pass. Thanks for making a solid and well constructed product. Regards
"First, man defines his architecture. Forever after, his architecture defines him."
It's been a tremendous honor to design and build these fantastic structures for our customers. We look forward to upcoming challenges and the beauty they bless us with.
© 2026 Baldwin Pergolas, Baldwin Lawn Furniture.