Thinking about adding a pergola to your backyard, but not sure which material to choose? You’re not alone. Whether you’re after rustic charm, modern clean lines, or something in between, the right pergola material can make or break your outdoor space — and your budget.
Pergolas have been turning heads for over 3,000 years (yes, really — ancient Egyptians were rocking pergolas before it was cool). These days, homeowners typically choose between three main materials: vinyl, fiberglass, or wood.
Each comes with its own pros and cons. Picking the best one for your yard depends on your style, climate, and how much upkeep you’re up for.
In this guide, we’ll break it all down — costs, durability, design potential, and maintenance — so you can choose the best fit for your home, your lifestyle, and Idaho’s ever-changing weather.
Vinyl Pergolas: Low-Maintenance and Budget-Friendly
Want a clean, crisp pergola that pairs well with a cottage garden or traditional landscape? Vinyl might be just what you’re looking for.
Typically available in white or beige, vinyl pergolas give off a formal, column-like appearance. They’re a great fit if you want structure without a lot of upkeep — no staining, no sealing, and barely any cleaning. Most only need a quick power wash once a year to stay looking fresh. Unless you’ve got muddy splash zones or berry-dropping trees overhead, they stay remarkably tidy.
But keep in mind: vinyl is the least strong of the three pergola materials. It can soften and sag under heavy snow loads or extreme temperature swings, so it’s not the best choice for mountain areas or climates with wild seasonal shifts.
Vinyl pergolas usually come in pre-measured, pre-cut kits, which speeds up installation and can cut down on labor costs. The tradeoff? Less room for customization.
Typical cost range: $4,500–$9,500, depending on size and scope.
Pros of Vinyl Pergolas:
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Least expensive pergola material
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Shorter installation time
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Clean, formal colors
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Little to no maintenance
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Lightweight—can span wider areas without extra posts
Cons of Vinyl Pergolas:
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Least durable option—can soften or sag in snow-heavy or high-temp areas
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Less fitting for rustic or natural design styles
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Pre-cut kits limit customization
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Cannot be attached to a home
Not sure if vinyl will hold up in your backyard? Let our team evaluate your site and recommend the best fit for your design and local conditions.
Fiberglass Pergolas: Sleek and Strong for All Seasons
If vinyl feels a bit too flimsy, fiberglass might be your Goldilocks option. It shares vinyl’s clean look and low maintenance but brings a serious strength upgrade.
Available in light tones like white or beige, fiberglass pergolas are corrosion-resistant, non-porous, and won’t rust, pit, or absorb moisture — no matter the weather. That makes them ideal for Idaho’s unpredictable climate.
Like vinyl, maintenance is a breeze. A quick annual power wash usually does the trick. However, extreme wind or freeze-thaw cycles can eventually cause cracking, so it’s strong — but not indestructible.
Thanks to its strength, fiberglass can span wider spaces without extra support, making it a smart choice for larger patios or open designs. It’s still kit-based, so you’ll benefit from fast installation and controlled costs — but again, customization is limited.
Typical cost range: $3,500–$8,000, depending on size and layout.
Pros of Fiberglass Pergolas:
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Mid-range in cost
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Fast and easy installation
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Clean, formal aesthetic
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Minimal maintenance
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Stronger than vinyl — great for snow and wind
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Can span wide areas with fewer posts
Cons of Fiberglass Pergolas:
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More formal appearance—not ideal for rustic styles
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Kit-based—custom options are limited
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Cannot be attached to a home
Wood Pergolas: Customizable and Built to Last
If you’re dreaming of a show-stopping pergola with serious presence, wood is the material for you. It’s the most customizable, most durable option — and the most timeless.
With wood, you can stain it, paint it, or let it weather naturally into a silvery patina. This adaptability makes it a perfect match for the rustic landscape style that’s so popular in Idaho Falls — though it can also be modernized with the right finish.
Want something bold and oversized? Wood is the go-to for big, custom pergolas that make a statement and blend beautifully with the surrounding architecture. It's also the only material strong enough to safely attach to your home, which opens up even more design options.
Of course, all that strength and flexibility comes with tradeoffs. Wood pergolas take longer to install, require ongoing maintenance, and tend to be more expensive — especially when you're going custom. But for many homeowners, the payoff is worth every penny.
Typical cost range: $7,500–$18,000, depending on materials, size, and level of customization.
Pros of Wood Pergolas:
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Works beautifully with rustic and natural design styles
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Fully customizable—paint, stain, size, and design
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Can be attached to your home
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Extremely durable and long-lasting
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Ideal for large or statement-making pergolas
Cons of Wood Pergolas
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Most expensive pergola material
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Longer installation timeline
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Requires regular maintenance (staining or sealing)
Pergola Material Comparison Table
Feature Vinyl Pergola Fiberglass Pergola Wood Pergola Cost Range $4,500–$9,500 $3,500–$8,000 $7,500–$18,000 Maintenance Very low – annual rinse Very low – rinse only Medium – stain or seal regularly Durability Least strong – may sag or soften Strong – resists wind & snow Most durable – built for long-term use Style Fit Formal, clean, classic Modern, sleek, minimalist Rustic, natural, or fully customizable Customization Limited – kit sizes only Limited – kit-based Fully customizable – size, color, shape Can Attach to Home? ❌ ❌ ✔ Ideal For Budget-friendly, low-maintenance yards Moderate climates & modern designs Rustic styles, large spaces, full custom Local Fit (Idaho Falls) Not ideal for snow-heavy areas Good for Idaho’s climate Very popular for Idaho’s rustic homes
How to Choose the Right Pergola Material for Your Landscape
Pergolas are more popular than ever — and for good reason. Whether framing a garden path, adding shade to your patio, or supporting a canopy of flowering vines, they bring structure, beauty, and purpose to your outdoor space.
If you’re looking for low-maintenance and affordability, vinyl might be the way to go. Want a bit more strength without sacrificing clean design? Fiberglass hits the sweet spot.
But if you’re after something bold, durable, and uniquely “you”? Wood is the clear winner, especially for homeowners in Idaho Falls who want their pergola to blend seamlessly into a rustic landscape or attach directly to their home.
Whatever your vision, the right pergola material makes all the difference. We’ll help you choose the best fit for your space, style, and lifestyle.
Let’s Build the Pergola That Fits Your Space — and Your Life
Ready to turn your backyard into a showpiece?
Let’s talk pergolas. Whether you have a vision or just know you want something, Outback Landscape can help you choose the right material, layout, and design to fit your home — and Idaho’s unpredictable climate.
Call us at 208-607-3776 or fill out our contact form to schedule a no-pressure consultation.
