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!
Mara CruzWe love it! Your assistance and patience during our installation was greatly appreciated.
Douglas RoseThe Pergola really is stellar, and your design features really lend themselves to our theme of an American \'Japanese Tea House\' with the layered and staggered entablature, rafter, and purlins. We have shown the Pergola to several neighbors and friends and now they are bringing their spouses and relatives to come look at it and its view overlooking the terraced garden.
Lyra V.We couldn't be happier. My wisteria is going up the columns, and its just stunning. We removed the trees and its just stunning. Thank you so much for all your time and hard work. Sincerely,
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.
Jonathan SweetThanks Max! I'll send you a picture today once we finish the install. It is truly AMAZING how well everything went together, especially considering the custom nature of the job and the need to build it against an existing structure.
Dan HarmonI was very impressed with how easily the assembly went - the process was intuitive, every part just dropped into place.
Eric BarberioOur pergola looks remarkably good, the site, the positioning, the strength, the aesthetics, the measurements are all essentially perfect. My wife doesn't just like the pergola, she loves it! Thank you again.
Mr. EvansMy wife loves the fine details and I love the natural beauty of the cedar. Nice job. My neighbors are envious. Thanks for everything from the Evans in sunny Colorado!
Ted YipThe pergola looks amazing and you and your team went above and beyond the call of duty. I'd also like to thank you for helping to get our kitchen cabinets off the delivery truck and into our driveway. You and your team have been true professionals and I would be glad (and proud) to be a referral in the future. I'll be sure to send pics once the outdoor kitchen is completely installed. Thanks again.
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.
