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.
Christine Bullard DBA Complete Building ServicesMax wrote: I thank you for all the hard work coordinating this complex project. The devil is in the details and together we worked it all out!
Christine Wrote: I feel the same way. The owners are very pleased & it went together like butter. I will get a you a good set of pictures. It was great working with you!
Jon & BethanyUploaded the final pictures. Came out great! My neighbor is now pricing out a patio so he can have a Baldwin Pergola on his property. Thanks again guys - very impressed with the quality and service of your company. The fit and finish is impeccable and we couldn't be happier. I'll be sure to recommend Baldwin in the future!
Dan HarmonBefore I made my purchase decision, I did get a quote from a local, highly-regarded pergola constructor. Baldwin's price was lower, and from what I've seen, I think the quality is higher. In summary, I'm pleased with how the pergola came out, and satisfied that I choose Baldwin as my supplier.
Lynn & JimThe pergola is the focus of our garden and patio area. It succeeded in bringing it all together as we had hoped! The shade is more than ample. I do not believe that I would change any of the specs or proportions if I had a chance to alter the order. It worked out marvelously and have received tons of compliments! Your attention to detail and quality construction is to be commended. Thank you for a job well done.
Mitch DavisDear Mr. Baldwin, The Pergola is everything I had hoped for and exactly what I ordered. You did an AWESOME Job and the masons are almost finished with the stone work. I will send pictures when the setting is complete. You may post them on your website. My hearty thanks. it was right on time and my project is continuing as scheduled.
Becky HansenThanks Max. I'm glad you like the photos. We enjoyed working with you and your company even though it was long distance! We absolutely love our new outside room and so do neighbors walking by. In fact, I think I'm heading back outside now to enjoy the stars under our pergola. Take care and thanks for an outstanding product.
John EndicottMax and Chris, Just wanted you to know how pleased I am with the pent roof you designed and fabricated. The fit came out perfectly, installation was easy, it\'s performing as designed (including headroom for my daughter\'s 6\'7\" fiance), and looks great, of course. Many thanks! Best,
Carol GarintherDear Max, The pergolas look great! The addition of rope lights was the key to the whole look. Thanks again.
Jeff LauferMax, I will send you some photos as soon as we install the paddle fan. Running wire was fine. It looks great!
Steve and RheaMax and crew, Rhea and I both want to thank you for a great job and lots of hard work. We are extremely pleased with the pergola, the quality of work and your own personal effort. Architecturally it brings a new dimension to the scale of the existing farmhouse by balancing the composition. Functionally it will bring years and years of enjoyment.
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.
