Our Fiberglass Pergolas has become, hands down, our most popular item.
Main benefits of the Baldwin Fiberglass Pergolas:
* Constructed with fiberglass, stainless steel, copper flashing and aluminum plate
* Will last for decades with or without bi-annual cleaning
* Fully customizable to any size rectangle or square
* Designed for assembly with minimal tools and experience
* Intersections notched for strength, old world craftsmanship and ease of assembly
* No exposed fasteners - Very clean fit and finish
* Hollow members can conceal wires for lights and speakers, even water lines
* Currently, we don't charge extra for a custom color - Any color you choose
Expert designer George Stumpf led the design process by meeting with us on site. We considered an attached pergola but ended up with a tall freestanding pergola.
The design is the fun part. Balancing all the potential pros and cons of each concept takes time, but the results are always worth the effort.
Anytime a pergola is taller than eight feet, we pretty much insist that you go with the 12" diameter or larger columns. Things need to be kept if proportion for appearance as well as for structural reasons. See our Spans section below.
We drew the location of each column on the stamped concrete patio. We set up our laser level and took elevations. We documented the overhangs and gutters then drew up a master site plan, on paper.
The challenge was designing the shade system to meet the clients criteria: All the patio must be shaded. We solved this problem with the triangular section of fabric. Our fabric shop did an amazing job.
Because of the height of the pergola and the scale of the job, we suggested using the massive 4" x 12" fiberglass beams. The cut is called Windsor. These are Tuscan style capitals.
Installation lasted two or three days. In the end, what matters most, is that the criteria was met and the clients were pleased.
We were provided with an architects conceptual drawing showing a "soon to be built" student center. The layout was circular and was radiating from the buildings lobby. Max Baldwin scaled the drawing and create a working CAD model. Each rafter would radiate at the appropriate angle.
Our rafters notch down over the tops of the beams. In this case, the beams were positioned at angles, so we notched each rafter at a unique angle, as required to create the semi-circle. This photo shows one of the pergolas laid out on the floor while the other pergola is upside down on the work bench.
There you see one of the pergolas framing an outdoor fireplace. I wonder if the architect noticed that we create a Hexastyle structure. Hexastyle: Having six frontal columns in the pergola, as in some Greek temples. [Greek hexastūlos, having six columns in front.
This is the Commencement Pergola where graduation ceremonies take place. It's 20' deep and 60' wide and needs to repel water. Our first design incorporated a pitched roof with fabric, but was beyond the budget restrictions.
We hired an awning shop to create a massive cover with grommets every four feet. We then fastened special twisting grommet fittings to the top of the pergola. The real challenge was designing the beams to withstand the anticipated weight of the fabric, wind and water.
Within the 2x8 beams are arched steel support assemblies designed like large leaf springs which supply constant upward support to the long spans. These sort of challenges drive us crazy and drive us forward simultaneously. Beaubian construction did the installation and reported back a full success.
The homeowners relayed measurements to us via email and we used that information to create the working plans. The second rafter is centered over the column which is not typical.
In order to conserve deck space, footings were poured outside of the railing, in the mulch bed. Again, measurements were relayed to Baldwins design office to make sure the ten foot columns would be tall enough. They were, but just barely.
Fiberglass pergolas get their strength or rigidity from it's connection to the footing or slab. We can mount fiberglass pergolas to wooden decks, but the sponginess of the decking transfers into column and the rigidity is reduced. This is less troubling on an attached pergola because the house provides strength in that direction.
The white pergola works well with the existing railings and outdoor decor. We use a semi-gloss paint which repels dirt... and soot.
The fasteners which hold the pergola to the house are concealed behind the rafters. Don't forget that the rafters are hollow. It's a tricky little system we employ and it works well.
We shake a little baby powder onto the parts before shipping so that the recently painted boards don't stick together. It can be washed off with a garden hose. This pergola, although it's simple, will do all the important things a pergola needs to do, like provide shade and cast beautiful geometric shadows in the sun as well as the moon light.
Square columns have become very popular recently. In 2014 many of our customers requested square columns with recessed panels. It's a bit more formal and detailed. I think we all want to differnciate our style from anothers style. At Baldwin's we encourage that sort of thing.
I really like the beefiness of the 10x10 columns as they stand upon the stone wall. A pergolas job it to create a sense of security. The columns appear to be doing their jobs well.
Our client sent careful measurements to our designer and we were happy to customize the pergola top to accomodate the fireplace. Baldwin Pergolas are geometric. They only go together one way. The design stage is important.
Baldwin Pergolas started as an outdoor furniture company in 1986. We've sold about a thousand market umbrellas and of those about 950 were Hunter Green - like this shade system. The shades are available in almost a millions colors, so you get exactly what you setting calls for.
You design it. We built it. 30 days is all it takes.*
This is a different pergola, but was added here because of its similarities. In this case the rafter was severed and fit into the stonework to create the illusion that the rafter passes through the fireplace. Also notice that the top layer, the purlins, are cedar with a semi transparent white wash. These were also customized for the fireplace.
These homeowners embody the American dream coming true. The gentleman is a retired banker who now builds homes for needy folks by way of the Habitat For Humanity organization. He created this patio then Called Baldwins for the pergola which we installed.
A year later we went back and added an Easy Shade Overhead Canopy. The shade system is supported by a central aluminum rail with roller bearings inside. Because there is only one support, the shade cannot bind as it extends and retracts. The motion is fluid. We like that it can be locked at any point along the way by tightening the pull handle clockwise.
There's a good feeling associated with selling high quality products. The customers are happy and the feeling spreads. We are blessed with rewarding, productive occupations here. We're happy to be a part of our customers successes. We didn't make this shade system, but we were careful to select the highest quality shade system to supply to our customers.
The square columns with recessed panels are distinctive. The ones in the photo are 8" x 8". There is a boarder all around the recess which must always be considered and never overlooked. If this pergola were to be built on an uneven surface, then these columns would have to be special ordered and cut to exact lengths at the factory in Chicago. These cuts allow the perimeter around the recesses to be consist ant among the columns.
Without the pergola, the patio would not appear nearly as inviting. Pergolas were all the rage during the victorian era of the late nineteenth century. Around the 1920's the "Naturalist" movement gained popularity among garden designers and most garden structures were removed. With all we've learned about the damaging rays of the sun, I don't think we'll be repeating that bit of history.
Thank you in advance for allowing us to work with you and create beautiful backyard structures. It honors us to be a part of your project. Thank you, Max Baldwin and company.
Max Baldwin and Matt Crescimano have worked for decades manufacturing and installing pergolas. These are NOT your typical salespeople. All of our "hands-on" experience plays to your advantage as we can foresee potential issues!
You will not find any hollow plastic capitals and bases here. Everything we do is with the highest quality materials which are intended to last generations and longer. Our resin cast parts are thick, heavy and dense: Like stone. There is no reason to play around with cheap materials.
All fiberglass pergola manufacturers that we know of add a block of foam to the ends of a square fiberglass board. We put the foam on the inside then cut the profile with a diamond coated router bit. This technique is far superior because our rafter tails are orders of magnitude stronger and don't get damaged in shipping or installation.
All fiberglass pergola manufacturers that we know of add a block of foam to the ends of a square fiberglass board. We put the foam on the inside then cut the profile with a diamond coated router bit. This technique is far superior because our rafter tails are orders of magnitude stronger and don't get damaged in shipping or installation.
Notice where the foam stops and the fiberglass tube starts? This is a very weak way to build. Not good.
Max Baldwin and company pioneered the industry accepted column mounting system which uses threaded rods to connect columns to slabs or concrete footings. We use 5/8" inch diameter threaded rods to basically bolt the column to the concrete. In this case, the bolt is over eight feet long!
We use only stainless steel hardware in our pergolas. It costs more, but we don't make second rate pergolas. If it's not perfect, it's not a Baldwin.
We carefully design and notch our pergolas to make the structure more beautiful, stronger and easier to assemble. You just match the notches up and it slides together. No measuring is required.
We space our fiberglass rafters and purlins 20" inches on center. Online only pergolas are typically 24" on center. Our rafters are a true 2x8 which means that they are actually 2" inches by 8" inches on the tape measure.
All of our components at hollow which means running wires within the parts is not hard to do. Doing this after the pergola is complete is almost impossible, so be sure to plan ahead and coordinate your lighting plans with our design team.
We use Sherwin Williams industrial grade exterior paints and there are no restrictions to your color selection. In each case, we purchase screw caps to match your preferred color of paint. Our pergolas are built with a designers eye for quality. You will see nothing that is not eye pleasing.
Our typical attached pergola consists of a set of main beams running parallel to the house as well as a ledger that connects to the side of your the house. They require less columns, less footings and ultimately a lower price tag. Freestanding pergolas are more popular.
Our pergolas are available in standard sizes for ease of pricing, but we can custom tailor the size of your pergola down to the exact inch you require. Our order form makes this simple, but you'll need to tell us exactly where you want the centers of your columns. The best way to do this is to place pots or plates where the columns will be. Measure. Custom drawings will be created for your review and approval. 10" inch round and square columns have 13" inch base trim. 12" inch diameter columns have 15 1/2" base trim.
We encourage our customers to design short pergolas because they provide more shade. A perfect height is seven and a half to eight feet. Many projects require taller columns for a variety of reasons. The taller the pergola, the more stress on the columns and footings, so we require any pergola over eight feet tall be built with 12" diameter columns and larger footings.
The pergola in this picture needed to be very tall to preserve the views from the house and the scale of the house was large, so this pergola was a perfect fit!
Your columns can be round or square. Typically, if your house already has columns, the pergola is designed to share that architectural detail. In recent years, square columns have been gaining in popularity. Recessed panels are an option if you choose square columns. Flutes are an option if you choose round columns. If a pergola is larger then 180 square feet, large columns are recommended.
Almost all of our customers choose the Tuscan style capital and base as their preferred order of architecture because it has a clean, simple, somewhat modern look. On occasion someone might desire a more formal or distinctive architecture. Most popular among the many choices are the Ionic, the Corinthian and the Composite. The Composite combines the architecture of the Ionic and the Corinthian.
The cut on the rafter tail determines the architectural style of the pergola. Years ago everyone chose the Baldwin style. Last year everyone chose the Windsor style. Maybe 2015 will be the year of the Kensington rafter tail? If you would like a custom rafter tail, we can do that, just send a drawing or a photo. We'll design an proof and once you approve it, it's yours. We use diamond coated router bits and a computer controlled router to make the cuts, so they all come out exactly the same.
White is the default color for pergolas. White is the classic color. Look at the ancient temples of Rome and Greece: White. Banks, universities, courts, municipalities, churches: White, most especially white when examining the columns, capitals and bases. Above that you have beams, rafters and purlins which might be a color to match your home or trim colors. It's your canvas so you get to decide how you want your pergola. All fiberglass pergolas get painted at the factory. White is the default color and the cost of the paint job is included in the price. A custom color adds 5% to the project.
Its the finer details that distinguish a fine home. Baldwin Pergolas allows one to make that distinction with subtle copper flashing. Historically the columns were made of wood and their tops required protection from rain and sun. A sheet of copper would be custom bent to protect the capital. Only a quart inch of flashing can be seen from ground level, but for people that care about architecture and appreciate craftsmanship, this flashing seals the deal.
Our pergolas were specifically designed to make installation easy. If a task can be done at the factory, it gets done at the factory. After completing thousands of installations, we can confidently say that no job is every easy. Unexpected site conditions are the primary reason. We bring every tool known to man and use most of them during the installation. You will see installation service on the order form, but it is only available if you live within 100 miles of our factory located in 06457, excepting special conditions.
Overhead fabric sun-shades have become more and more popular in recent years. Our preferred shade consists of one large sheet of fabric which extends and retracts. More information is available in our Shade Systems section of the web site.
Footing: A concrete anchor which holds the pergola to the earth. They need to be deeper than the frost line, but also large enough and deep enough to hold the pergola to the Earth during a strong wind. Footing size should never be less the 42" deep and 12" diameter.
Pier: This in a stone wall on which a pergola can be mounted. The pier is always supported by a footing or a concrete slab.
Column: Our columns are hollow, cast fiberglass, vertical supports which anr load bearing. They stand atop the footing or pier and support the pergola. At the top of the column is the capital. At the bottom is the base.
Main Beams: The beam which sits atop the columns and supports the rafters. The main beams consist of a set of two parallel 2x8's which are spaced 5" apart. The beams are hollow and may contain wires for lights or speakers. Some beams are built to conceal water lines as well.
Rafters: These are the primary shade creating members that make up the pergola. They are 2" thick by 8" tall. They notch down over the main beams and support the purlins
Purlins: These make up the top layer of the pergola. Each purlin measures 2" thick by 3" tall. They notch down over the rafters and keep the rafters in a perfect grid.
Overhang: This is the distance from the center of a column to the tip of the rafter or purlin.
We specially manufacture our fiberglass members to include a subtle upward curve, otherwise known as a crown. This allows us to span greater distances without any sagging of parts. Extreme spans require engineering and custom solutions such as internal aluminum reinforcement or other advanced techniques.
Spans are measured from center of footing to center of footing. Often the design calls for large open spans so a beautiful view can be unobstructed. This causes two design concerns: The beam must be built in such a way that it can support the weight of the rafters and purlins without sagging. The larger concern is this: The wind loading of the entire pergola must be divided by the number of columns. Fewer columns means more stress on each column. We solve this wide span problem by placing two columns close together on either end of the span.
Especially large spans and commercial projects call for our massive 4" x 12" fiberglass beams. We use them in sets of two, so the resulting beam is tremendous. These are also crowned and a single beam can receive over 1000 pounds of load and still have a gentle upward crown! We often use them on projects just for the visual effect, so please be sure to ask us about our large beams. They are not an option on the web site pricing tool yet.
Height is also a structural concern because each column has mechanical advantage like a lever. When you apply ten pounds of force to the side of the top, you exert eight times that amount of force to the bottom, assuming that the column is eight feet tall. If the column is ten feet tall, then the stress at the bottom is ten times greater then the initial ten pounds. Our typical offerings are designed to endure high winds, but large residential pergolas and commercial jobs may require engineering. These are things which get discussed.
Our easy shade system work very well with our fiberglass pergolas. We have a entire page of information about the Easy Shade system which you can link to here. The information on this page is specific to combining an Easy Shade system with a Baldwin Fiberglass Pergola.
The Easy Shade has a main, central beam which wants to be centered and run perpendicular to the rafters. When you order a pergola with a shade system, we create three of your rafters with lumber inside which allows one to attach the mono beam securely.
The fabric is hung from cross-bars which roll back and forth within the centered mono beam. We restrict each end of the cross bar from being blown upward with shade rails. These shade rails attach to the inner face of the main beams. If your pergola is attached to your house, then the inner shade rail is attached to the bottoms of the rafters. By lowering the outermost shade rail, we can get rainwater to flow away from the house.
Determine where you want the center of your columns. Measure distance in width and depth. Determine how much overhang you would like on each side. Overhang is measured from the center of the post to the tip of the rafter or purlin. Our standard overhand is 24” inches. Rafter length is your depth from center of column to center of column plus your front and rear overhangs. Purlin length is your width from center of column to center of column plus your left and right overhangs. Consider height and sight lines. Remember, short pergolas give more shade under the pergola. Consider the time of day you will use your pergola and the angle of the sun at that time. We'll be better able to assist you if you take a few photos and send them to us.
We have an online pergola pricing tool you can use to configure your pergola. When you are using the pricing tool, you will need to select your options such as: The cut on the ends of the beams and rafters, column size and type, color, fabric color.
The pergola pricing tool will give you a price for the pergola, your electrical options, drapery and even a trucking quote. It’s easy to modify your pergola until it is exactly what you desire. You can feel comfortable using this no dicker, always accurate pricing tool. We do reserve the right to adjust prices due to lumber costs without notice.
If the pergola you desire cannot be built using our system, please enter the pergola as closely as possible then describe what you would like done differently in the notes section. You can also call our sales team during business hours at 800 344-5103x1 and they will do all of this for you.
When you are pleased with your pergola and are ready to talk to one of our designers, click the “Submit information” button. Your data gets sent to us.
We review your pergola choices and call you to answer any questions you might have. We suggest making changes that would either make your pergola more useful or more beautiful, but we also look for ways to reduce the lead time and your cost.
Along the way you can request an elevation drawing of the front, back, or either side so you can see what pergola will look like. Based on this visual, you may request changes. We adjust your file and explain the change in price. We also create another visual for your approval. We do require a 50% deposit before working plans are created. When you get your plans, you confirm every detail and we begin production.
During production you may get a call or email from the production team asking about your ceiling fan height or what color light switches you want. When the pergola kit is complete, we require final payment before shipping. If you are within 300 miles, we offer you our in-house, white glove delivery service.
If you are more than 300 miles from our factory, we use Yellow Freight as our over the road trucking company. In case of a freight company delivery, you will be responsible for physically removing the pergola or pavilion from the truck. Unless you have a forklift, this requires entering the truck, unpacking the structure and physically unloading it from the truck, member by member. You are also required to remove all the pallets and packaging from the truck. A freight forwarding service could be hired to preform this service for you, but that expense is typically $700 or more.
Baldwin Pergolas are designed to be very easy to put together, but there are still difficult aspects such as using a level to determine the lengths of the posts, cutting the posts to length, drilling the concrete and anchoring the mounting brackets. If this sounds like more then you want to do, we may be able to suggest experienced pergola installers in your area.
Use the following chart as a guideline to learn what a Baldwin fiberglass pergola might cost. More precise pricing can be found by designing your pergola using our custom pergola pricing tool. See Pricing link below.
| Overall size | Column centers | Base price | Shade system | Site plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 x 12' | 8 x 8' | $5378* | $1340 | |
| 12 x 14' | 8 x 10' | $5806* | $1470 | |
| 12 x 16' | 8 x 12' | $6234* | $1560 | |
| 12 x 18' | 8 x 14' | $7123 | $1720 | |
| 12 x 20' | 8 x 16' | $7550 | $1890 | |
| 14 x 14' | 10 x 10' | $6300* | $1730 | |
| 14 x 16' | 10 x 12' | $7244 | $1870 | |
| 14 x 18' | 10 x 14' | $7725 | $2080 | |
| 14 x 20' | 10 x 16' | $8207 | $2310 | |
| 14 x 24' | 10 x 20' | $11139 | $2730 | |
| 16 x 16' | 12 x 12' | $7791 | $1880 | |
| 16 x 18' | 12 x 14' | $8325 | $2120 | |
| 16 x 20' | 12 x 16' | $8865 | $2360 | |
| 16 x 24' | 12 x 20' | $11903 | $2940 | |
| 16 x 28' | 12 x 24' | $13080 | $3400 | |
| 18 x 18' | 14 x 14' | $8931 | $2450 | |
| 18 x 20' | 14 x 16' | $9522 | $2720 | |
| 18 x 24' | 14 x 20' | $12669 | $3350 | |
| 18 x 28' | 14 x 24' | $13954 | $3970 | |
| 18 x 32' | 14 x 28' | $15237 | $4900* | |
| 20 x 20' | 16 x 16' | $10178 | $3010 | |
| 20 x 24' | 16 x 20' | $13434 | $3530 | |
| 20 x 28' | 16 x 24' | $14827 | $4050 | |
| 20 x 32' | 16 x 28' | $16220 | $5440* | |
| 20 x 36' | 16 x 32' | $17612 | $6020* |
* Note: These pergolas include 10" inch diameter round columns. All other columns are 12" round.
SteveThanks so much, Matt. The craftsmanship of your Pergola is outstanding. My wife and I love it. Thanks again!
Michael & Maria D'AmbroseThe pergola has truly transformed our backyard into an outdoor paradise! We enjoy the hot tub every night. The privacy wall and beautiful drapery makes our pergola a wonderful enclosed outdoor room.
Jared AsweganDear Max, It's funny what can happen when the three stooges set out to erect a pergola. While we were ultimately successful, the process was a bit dodgy. Of course, had we curtailed our enthusiasm and actually READ the instructions first, it would have gone a lot easier. What ever damage was done was easily mended thanks to wood glue, a couple of hidden screws and some touch up paint. I couldn't be happier with your fantastic work. From the beginning to the end of the process it was so easy, and I have admit, the pool area is so much improved with this addition. Absolutely PERFECT. I'll send photos next time the sun is out. Oh yeah, we built it in the rain and it only took about four and a half hours. Many MANY Thanks!
JonathanChris, Max Here is a picture (it looks pretty much just like the rendering you sent me) - obviously without the railings. I'll send you a better picture when it is all done in the end. Thanks again for everything. Customer and his wife are VERY happy with the pergola. Customer is one of my most repetitive clients, and I have never seen him soo happy about a project.
Patrick DMy friend Max you amaze me a busy business owner reaching out to one customer and providing service that is not common any longer in this country. This is why US production facilities are far and few between and most going over seas, because someone forgot to pay attention to details. Your attention to detail is unwavering. You are a fine American and the team that works at Baldwin I believe can not be matched. A business is only as strong and passionate at its leader. Hats off once again to you and your wonderful conscientious team. First off please let me know my balance for this amazing piece of art that sits behind my home called pergola. Also would like to investigate the sunshade system for big pergola. Thank you again and again. Happy wife happy life! Peace Pat D
Tim, Cathy, and Elizabeth.It was such a beautiful day on Sunday I had my coffee under the pergola and Sunday night we ate dinner under it. We never spent any time out on the patio in the past.
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.
Pat D'AuriaWe have gotten lots of compliments for our pergola and we love it.
Edwin HydeMax, I like those screws you use, haven't seen them in Home Depot. I will upload a picture of the pergola with me resting underneath. It went together really well and things just dropped in - I kept expecting something to go wrong, but it fit together well from start to finish. Thanks for a quality product!
David PetersonI am very happy with your product and now know where to go when I need a pergola. It was a pleasure speaking with you and I wish you much success with your growing business.
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.
