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
Pat D'AuriaWe have gotten lots of compliments for our pergola and we love it.
Dan HarmonMax - i'm forwarding you some pics of the assembled pergola for (address). I am very pleased with how it came out, and all of the friends and neighbors who have seen it have given it rave reviews.
Pete and Susan LangSorry it has taken so long to get these pictures to you (a few years to be truthful). We love our pergola and also the furniture. It really does make the space like a room outside. Your product is fabulous. It was easy to assemble and it makes a profound difference in the space. it was a joy working with you and Cheri. We both hope you continued success in your endeavors.
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.
Lynne HanrahanThe construction went flawlessly. Everything fit together perfectly, we didn't have to "tap" one purlin or rafter into place, they just seemed to fit. Thank you for all the help and instruction. We absolutely love, love, love it. It seems to fit perfectly on our patio and I know that we will enjoy it for many years to come. We would do this again in a heartbeat! I'm sending you pictures of the process and the finished product.
Collette PalmerWe actually put most of it up last weekend. The pergola made such a dramatic difference in the backyard. I'm very happy with the investment.
John MitchellMax, it does look spectacular in the evenings. One of these days, I'll try for a night photo that shows it off.
Tony NakelskiWell it's up, took about 7 hours with my wife helping, it probably would have been faster without her. What can I say? Know I'm only kidding she was a big help. She really loves it. It is much nicer then we imagined. It was a very simple project everything went together perfectly. Thanks again.
Dan HarmonI was very impressed with how easily the assembly went - the process was intuitive, every part just dropped into place.
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.