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.
Wendy NeeseI had been working with Diane on having some custom draperies made for our tropical patio covers which are called Palapas. She made one set last summer, and we liked them so much we had another set made this summer. They turned out quite nice and I thought you might want to see some of the pictures I took. I was so glad to have found your website on the internet. We can now actually use our outside table to eat dinner. Prior to having our draperies we had the setting sun right in our eyes. Thank you for the awesome product! Diane does really great work!
Jane Hastay and Peter WeissDear Baldwins, WE LOVE OUR NEW FURNITURE! It is so beautiful, comfortable and functional and it smells good too! We feel like we have a whole new outdoor room on our deck. Thank you for giving us a break on the delivery charges - the fellow who brought the furniture was a very nice young man. We're very happy with our choice. Sincerely,
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.
Mara CruzWe love it! Your assistance and patience during our installation was greatly appreciated.
Michael DivittoNothing but rave reviews on the pergola. You really out did yourself.
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.
Susan HallHey Max, I thought you would enjoy these. Feel free to use them. Anytime you have someone in the area that would like to see a pergola. I am happy to show them ours. Thanks so much it is absolutely beautiful!!! I just added it to HGTV. I am sending you a link so you can see. Enjoy!
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.
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,
Fran RosatoHi Guys! The pergola went up yesterday – I’m speechless!!! It’s so beautiful. I want to thank you for the time and effort you put into the design and execution of the project. I will send photos. The company was pleasure to work with from beginning to end. You have it right – don’t change a thing!
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.
