Wood is the standard material for building outdoor structures, such as pergolas, gazebos, and pavilions, but there are other options as well. A common, long-lasting material for outdoor pavilions is vinyl. But is it right for your requirements? Read this guide before ordering a kit or consulting a pavilion builder.

What Are Vinyl Pavilions?

Vinyl pavilions have vinyl-encased wood for posts and other exterior parts for protection against pests, rot, moisture, and also for a modern appeal. The roof is still made of the same materials that are used for any other pavilion type. You can use asphalt, slate, and other options.

So, a vinyl pavilion is a wood pavilion that’s wrapped in a durable and UV-resistant plastic – vinyl. This makes it low-maintenance and longer-lasting. But the structure can be costlier than most traditional wood pavilions.

Pros Of Vinyl Pavilions

Low Maintenance

Even though wood is popular for its timeless and natural aesthetic, it’s not something you can set and forget. You need to keep the wood sealed, stained, and polished. This demands time and labor.

On the other hand, you have a vinyl pavilion, or precisely a vinyl-wrapped wood pavilion, that keeps the solid wood protected from all the outdoor elements that can lead to rot, decay, pests, and more. And you don’t have to perform any of the maintenance tasks you have to with a wood pergola.

As there is a thick PVC layer on top of almost everything, you just have to wash it as required and that’s about it.

There are also metal (aluminum) pavilions that also require no maintenance, but they are commonly the costliest of the three types (vinyl, wood, and metal).

Protection Against Weather And Pests

This ties in with the above point. Vinyl is there on top of solid wood to protect it from moisture, rain, snow, wind, UV rays, pests, and many other problems. A wood pavilion can get damaged even when you’re taking care of it if the wood type is not durable enough or if you ignore any of the mentioned factors.

In case of vinyl pavilions, the vinyl sleeves take care of the wood inside it. However, you have to make sure you use high-quality, commercial-grade vinyl and avoid cheaper options.

Longer Lifespan

Though metal pavilions last the longest, vinyl pavilions sit in the middle of the lifespan chart of various pavilion materials. Vinyl outdoor pavilions can last for 25-30+ years, depending on the installation and quality of vinyl, whereas a regular pressure-treated wood pavilion has a lifespan of 15-20 years. However, if you choose premium wood, such as redwood or cedar wood, it can last for 20-25 years.

Now, redwood costs more than vinyl, and cedar costs less than vinyl. But the advantage of vinyl is that it lasts for about 3 decades without requiring rigorous care, while redwood or cedar pavilions still are high maintenance options.

A Blend Of Modern And Traditional Aesthetics

Vinyl pergolas can look modern or can be a blend or modern and traditional styles as you like. You can choose vinyl interior for a modern appearance or a wood roof decking for a traditional appearance. Moreover, you can choose any roof type, size, and column posts layout, and other stuff to have the vinyl pavilion customized to your home’s architectural style.

The Vinyl Shell Can Hide Utility Wiring

Pavilions are full-blown outdoor living areas where you can install lighting, fans, TV, appliances, and other items. You can use the vinyl shell to run all the electrical wiring needed for the items you want to install. This makes the installation look seamless and there is no visible wiring to look ugly. Have the pavilion assembled and installed by a pergola contractor Port Jefferson for proper and seamless installation.

Cons Of Vinyl Pavilions

Costlier Than Many Wood Pavilions

Many wood pavilions are made of pressure-treated wood, which is cheaper than vinyl pavilions that can cost 20% more upfront.

But it makes sense why vinyl pavilions are costlier. You’re installing not hollow or all-vinyl posts or columns. You’re installing a full wood structure with a traditional roof that is vinyl-wrapped. So, you’re paying for the regular wood structure and also for the high-quality vinyl sleeves. This drives the costs up.

Limited Color Variety

If you’re someone who likes a lot of choices, then this can be bad news because vinyl pavilions have limited color options. The main vinyl frame and posts usually come in three main colors: white, clay, and almond.

You have more roof color options because you can choose any material, just as with wood pavilions. Roof shingle or metal panel colors can be black, charcoal, bronze, slate gray, forest green, and many other red and blue tones.

When it comes to roof rafters, you can upgrade from the standard white and get shades like mahogany, golden oak, cinder, brown, gray, etc.

However, a good thing about vinyl is that the color doesn’t fade as quickly as wood. So, the color will stay like that for about 20 years before showing any signs of fading.

Very Limited On-Site Customizations

Vinyl pavilions are ordered to the size and design requirements and shipped to the homeowners. You can then assemble and install it yourself or hire a contractor for installation. Now, you can have decent customizations when ordering your vinyl pavilion because they are built according to your order and are pre-cut and pre-drilled.

But once ordered and shipped, there is no or limited space for customization. Mostly, when you receive the kit, you can only assemble and install it as it is. This is a contrast to wood and metal pavilions that are highly customizable on site.

UV Damage

Commercial-grade vinyl that is mostly used in vinyl pavilions can withstand outdoor elements very well. However, the only element that it’s slightly weak against is UV rays. After getting direct sunlight for 20-25 years, vinyl could get brittle, where it could break or crack if something strikes it or if it’s hit by something.

The Smooth Vinyl Appearance Is Not For Everyone

The smooth and slick vinyl appearance looks excellent to people who want a modern and minimal pavilion design. However, if you’re someone who wants something textured and rustic, vinyl may not be it. Even metal pavilions won’t look great with that in mind. Consider a wood pavilion for traditional and rustic aesthetics.

Conclusion

A vinyl pavilion is low maintenance and more durable than its wood counterpart. However, it can be costlier and there are limited colors and customizations. Get help from a custom pavilion builder Long Island for building or installing any type of outdoor structure.