Since Covid-19 forced us into our homes, people are more interested than ever in improving their outdoor spaces.
This has meant huge interest in people’s investing in suitable spaces for their decks, patios, and outdoor living areas, which increase shade and define space such as pergolas.
There has been good growth in people adding pergolas to their spaces, and now more varieties and styles than ever. One question homeowners often ask about which material is right for their structure.
Of course, specifically they want to know the comparison between vinyl and wood pergolas.
Historically, pergolas have been made out of wood, but these days there are many other pergola materials available – including vinyl.
Compared to wood, vinyl has been considered a material of much less maintenance and it has gained popularity in the past few years as a material, particularly in a garden structure.
In this article – We are going to examine the vinyl – wood pergola debate for new buyers, in addition to considering what material you have in mind when looking for shelter – so you can determine the best material option for your next garden structure.
Wood pergolas – the advantages and disadvantages
Wood not only looks great but is functional as well.
It’s also readily available, which is part of the reason wood has been a material used for constructions for hundreds of years.
Typically, since pergolas have been around, they have been made from wood.
But it is not simply out of tradition and comfort that wood is used for pergolas.
Carpenters and craftspeople regularly work with this useful material and are capable of building with it into almost any shape and size.
It’s also often easy to find a woodworker to make a custom wood pergola from you for your specific garden space and preferences.
Lastly – wood is also relatively affordable among other materials (including when building a design from scratch with standard lumber).
Beauty Vs Maintenance
Wood is a beautiful material for your backyard.
After all, you can’t get anything more natural than this natural material, but with that beauty comes a price over time with maintenance.
All wood products are susceptible to:
- UV light
- insect activity
- and moisture
In order to shield it from these problems, wooden garden structures are usually treated or painted to increase their life expectancy.
UV rays can also cause the sun to denature it.
This can then cause the paint to flake off. This then requires it to be retreated again, thus preventing moisture coming through to the wood structure and subsequently rotting.
Of course, all repairs / maintenance costs money and takes time.
And naturally you cannot just dismiss them because if you do the structure will eventually rot, will not be structurally sound and will also have lost its charm.
In some destinations though, the amount of upkeep of wood may be minimal, especially where it does not rain a lot for example.
Of course no rain means more exposure to the UV, so the wood would still need to be painted to maintain its color.
Maintenance is one issue that makes owning a wood pergola in your back garden irritating.
While it is an attractive and versatile material, wood requires maintenance to keep its strength and good looks over time. So all this considered it is a good idea to think carefully about the decision to use wood vs vinyl.
Vinyl pergolas – the advantages and disadvantages
Since the early to mid-20th century, vinyl has been a popular building material for outbuildings and homes.
It was designed to be an alternative to wood, allowing homeowners to enjoy attractive structures while eliminating costly and arduous maintenance chores.
One of the reasons vinyl requires so little maintenance relates to the fact that the color is not solely on the surface.
That means it won’t peel, chip or fade; and it does not require maintenance or touch-ups, like wood.
Good News – One of the greatest features of a vinyl pergola is that, unlike other materials, vinyl requires no special maintenance or upkeep. The only maintenance you’ll need to perform is a pressure wash, once in a while, to keep it clean.
An all-weather material
A vinyl pergola is sure to stand up to whatever the weather throws at it.
They are just as resistant to rain and high winds as they are to high UV levels and extreme cold – especially if they have a reinforced aluminum core.
This means that a vinyl pergola is suitable for any circumstance and will last longer than anyone will use it.
One common concern with a vinyl pergola is it is not as customizable as wood. That being said, vinyl does have a number of options available.
You can pick from various shapes or widths of columns, attached or freestanding pergolas, and even find a style that matches your property.
DIY Vinyl Pergolas
If you want to get your hands dirty – or to save a few bucks – you can purchase some vinyl pergola kits.
These kits are relatively easy to put together and you won’t need to pay for installation.
Although you may worry that a vinyl pergola kit is more expensive than a wood pergola – you’ll honestly save tons on the installation.
Are there downsides to a pergola? Sure! Depending on the individual, you are limited on colors; your options are either white or tan.
You can paint wood, so there is room for more color. But, when thinking of a quick job, vinyl will do just fine.
Vinyl Vs Wood Pergola Comparison
If you’re still undecided, take a look at our side-by-side comparison table to help you.
| Vinyl Pergola | Wood Pergola | |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | 30% more expensive than wood (but no maintenance costs) | 30% cheaper than vinyl (but maintenance costs further down the line) |
| DIY installation | Easy | More difficult |
| Best suited to | Anywhere | Drier climates (to be longer lasting) |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance (an occasional wash) | High maintenance (repainting) |
| Potential problems | Insects, rotting, warping | |
| Advantages | Can withstand extreme weather, no maintenance, strong | Natural material, traditional look, can be painted any color, less expensive, naturally beautiful |
| Lifespan | Lifetime | 10 to 15 years with good maintenance |
Final thoughts on Vinyl Vs Wood Pergola
A pergola is an addition that will enhance the decorative appeal of your backyard.
Not only that, but it can help define your space and provide shade on hot days.
If you are thinking about a new pergola, you need to consider vinyl Vs wood pergolas to determine which is best for you.
If you want something that is durable and will require minimal maintenance, a vinyl pergola might be a solid option.
On the other hand, if you’d like an organic, traditional pergola and you don’t mind the maintenance, a wood pergola might be the most ideal purchase.