Pergolas are a hot and in-demand outdoor accessory. They’re gorgeous and enhance how you use your overall space. However, pergolas are much more than a trending outdoor feature. They are a real investment in your home. That is why many homeowners want to know, “exactly how long does a pergola last?” The answer depends on many different factors: including the type of pergola you buy. The three most popular materials for a pergola are metal, wood, and vinyl. At Eastern Shore Porch and Patio, we build high-quality vinyl pergolas and install them right onto your property. We’re committed to helping homeowners complete their outdoor décor with a pergola that fits and can last a lifetime. Here is a breakdown of each pergola material and how it continues in the long run.

Pergolas Lifespan: Wood vs. Metal vs. Vinyl

As a piece of outdoor décor, pergolas spend all of their time outside, exposed to the harsh seasonal elements. The pergola lifespan you enjoy is all based on the material. Also, the quality of construction that goes into the pergola is a real factor in how long it lasts, and it will add value to your home in the long run.

Metal Pergola

Metal pergolas will only last you five years or less. You’ll usually find metal pergolas for sale in hardware stores and the outdoor sections of home improvement big box stores. While they will have the cheapest price tag, you cannot expect to get too much out of them either. Metal pergolas tend not to last very long for two reasons. First, they aren’t well built and can fall apart from structural issues. Second, they’re very susceptible to rusting, which can destroy them too.

Wood Pergola

Wood pergolas, on the other hand, have a lifespan of around five to twelve years. There is no question that wooden pergolas have a beautiful, rustic charm, but there are some real issues with its lifespan and maintenance that keep it from being the ideal buy. Since they’re made of wood, which is very vulnerable to both mold and rot, you’ll have to restain any wood pergola every year to keep it at bay. How much maintenance you do on it determines how long it will last. If you stain it every year, expect ten to twelve years of performance. If you choose not to stain it, then expect it to last around five years.

Vinyl Pergola

The best choice of them all, the vinyl pergola will last you a lifetime! For both style, practicality, and pergola lifespan, vinyl is the best option on the market. While metal can rust and wood can rot away, vinyl is impervious to the elements. Also, your vinyl pergola will not require any yearly maintenance to protect its lifespan. Just hose it off sometimes to keep it clean. Vinyl pergolas are the best option for your home.

Trust Eastern Shore Porch and Patio

When you embark on your next project for your property, trust Eastern Shore Porch and Patio to help. We service Bethany Beach, Ocean City, Lewes, Salisbury, and the Delmarva area. You can request a quote today! If you have questions or concerns, call us at 302-436-9520 or send us an email at info@esvinylproducts.com. For updates and ideas, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Youtube.