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.
LisaHi Matt I just wanted to tell you how happy we are with the pavilion. The installers you sent today were wonderful. They did a fantastic job. It truly looks amazing! It's exactly what we wanted and we are so impressed with the quality of the structure. Thank you for the attention you gave to our project. It was a pleasure doing business with you. Thank you.
Jim JohnsonMax, What's the status on the wood that I ordered for the stairs? By the way, the pergola went up without a hitch. Very nice. Looks great and was a joy to assemble.
Joe and SteveMax, We are so taken with our pergola. It is the perfect transition from the screened porch to the deck. We are so pleased with the entire transaction. If only we'd had the time spent with the deck people that we spent with you. The results are breathtaking. Take that from someone who works in millimeters.
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.
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!
John MitchellThe finished pergola is stunning. We've already received many complements.
John MitchellI was worried that the joints would swell and be difficult to assemble in the rain. I had very little difficulty. They went together very well. The workmanship on the parts was excellent.
Jamie DunstI just want to tell you working with you and putting up the pergola was a pleasure. It went together like a dream and you have obviously put a lot of thought into the design and the way everything fits so well. I must admit, before my neighbor approached me about this project I didn't know what a pergola was, at least not by name. Now I know and it has been great to be part of this project. Thanks for answering all my questions along the way.
Troy GordonThe guys just left and the pergola looks great! Thanks so much! ... The guys were great and everything looks super!
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.
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.
