Exterior Pergolas.

Product Suggested: PSB® Supreme

Why PSB® Supreme

  • Superior Moisture Resistance Performance: PSB® Supreme exhibits excellent moisture resistance, with a maximum thickness swelling of 15%. PSB® Supreme, when coated properly, results in a thickness swelling of less than 5%.
  • High Modulus of Elasticity and Rupture Strength: PSB® Supreme demonstrates high performance in terms of modulus of elasticity, measuring 3,500 Newtons per square millimeter (N/mm²), and modulus of rupture, ranging from 16 to 22 Newtons per square millimeter (N/mm²).
  • Enhanced Screw Withdrawal Strength and Reusability: PSB® Supreme provides exceptional screw hold capacity compared to other solutions, with edge hold at 1,350 Newtons (N) and face hold at 1,650 Newtons (N). PSB® Supreme’s mechanical properties allow for repeated use of the same hole without any loss in performance.

Specifications

Modulus of rupture 16 – 22 N/mm2
Modulus of elasticity 3,500 N/mm2
Internal Bonding 0.29 – 0.34 N/mm2
Thickness Swelling 5% - 15%
Width 1,200 – 1,250 mm
Length 1,830 – 3,048 mm
Thickness 9 – 44 mm

Customizable Finishes.

Raw Board

A wide range of uncoated boards, used as a core material, offering flexibility for customization and finishing.

Sanded Board

A Smooth, sanded surface board, ideal for interior fit-outs and paneling, ensuring enhanced finish quality and easy customization.

Premium Surface (Putty) Finishing

A flawless, smooth-surfaced board achieved with putty, ideal for high-quality paint applications and achieving a polished, refined look.

Premium Plus Surface (Coated) Finishing

A flawless, smooth-surfaced board achieved with putty, ideal for high-quality paint applications and achieving a polished, refined look.

Veneer Finishing

A decorative-finished board using thin layers of real material, offering a natural look, durability, and customization options.

Best Practices.

To ensure optimal performance in humid conditions, it is recommended to apply a coating to the boards. This will enhance their durability and resilience against moisture, thereby maintaining their reliability in load-bearing applications.

When resizing the boards (cutting to different or smaller dimensions), it is essential to coat the newly exposed edges.

For components being fastened, such as beams, rafters, joists, and trusses, pre-drilling is essential. The diameter of the pre-drilled hole should be smaller than the screw diameter to ensure effective engagement of the screw threads.

During transportation and storage, it is important to protect the PSB® boards from direct exposure to water droplets and precipitation on their edges and surfaces. Ensure that adequate protective covers are provided to maintain their integrity.

For fastening, it is recommended to use screws, nails, or staples with a length at least 2.5 times the thickness of the board, but not less than 50-75 mm. Fastening should be carried out at intervals of 150-300 mm on intermediate supports (depending on roof pitch), 150 mm along board joints, and 100 mm along roof edges.

It is advised not to install decorative tiles or wallpaper directly on PSB® Supreme, nor should plaster work be applied to its surface.

FAQs.

An exterior pergola is a freestanding or attached structure that provides shade, defines outdoor spaces, and enhances aesthetics. Pergolas are often used in gardens, patios, or hospitality areas to create functional and inviting spaces. While traditional wooden pergolas are vulnerable to termites and weather damage. DesertBoard’s Palm Strand Board (PSB®) offers a sustainable alternative, engineered for durability and design flexibility. With termite resistance and carbon-negative credentials, DesertBoard PSB® pergolas deliver both versatility and sustainability in outdoor spaces.

Traditional wooden pergolas are prone to termite damage, cracking, and warping when exposed to heat, humidity, or coastal environments. This leads to high maintenance costs and shorter lifespans. DesertBoard PSB® solves these challenges by providing higher stability, termite resistance, and compatibility with protective coatings for UV and moisture resilience. Unlike traditional wood, DesertBoard PSB® is carbon-negative and zero-formaldehyde, making it ideal for GCC climates where both durability and sustainability are required for long-lasting outdoor structures.

Yes. Pergolas provide shade and ventilation, reducing direct solar exposure and making outdoor areas more livable. This is especially important in hot GCC climates where comfort is a priority. DesertBoard PSB® enables the construction of durable, eco-friendly pergolas that withstand regional weather conditions. With termite resistance and engineered durability, DesertBoard PSB® ensures pergolas remain functional and attractive for years, offering both environmental responsibility and improved lifestyle experiences for homeowners and hospitality projects.

Yes. Pergolas can be tailored to modern, traditional, or decorative designs depending on materials used. DesertBoard PSB® is highly versatile, supporting intricate cuts, patterns, and finishes such as laminates, paints, or PU coatings. This allows architects and designers to deliver bespoke pergola designs without sacrificing sustainability. By offering creative flexibility alongside eco-credentials, DesertBoard PSB® empowers projects to achieve both visual appeal and environmental responsibility in outdoor spaces.

No. While pergolas are common in residential gardens and patios, they are also widely used in hospitality, retail, and commercial spaces to create inviting outdoor environments. Restaurants, hotels, and public spaces often use pergolas to provide shade and improve guest experience. DesertBoard PSB® is versatile enough for both private and commercial projects, delivering durability, sustainability, and design flexibility that enhance outdoor spaces across multiple sectors.

Traditional wooden pergolas might be sourced from deforestated engineered wooden boards, and generate waste when they deteriorate quickly in harsh climates. DesertBoard PSB® offers a better path forward. Sourced from upcycled palm fronds, PSB® eliminates potential deforestation while creating durable, reusable pergola structures. By choosing DesertBoard PSB®, developers significantly reduce environmental impact without compromising aesthetics or performance.

Yes. DesertBoard PSB®s are manufactured locally in Kezad, Abu Dhabi, ensuring availability and reliable supply across the GCC. Unlike imported traditional wooden boards, DesertBoard PSB® reduces transport emissions and supports regional circular economies. With its carbon-negative profile, termite resistance, and adaptability to design needs, DesertBoard PSB® provides a sustainable alternative for pergolas in residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. For eco-conscious developers and homeowners, PSB® combines performance with environmental responsibility.

DesertBoard’s Palm Strand Board (PSB®) is made from upcycled date palm fronds, offering a carbon-negative alternative to traditional wood or composite pergola materials. DesertBoard PSB® is engineered for strength and durability, with termite resistance and high screw withdrawal capability. For pergolas in the GCC, DesertBoard PSB® provides sustainability without compromising aesthetics or performance, making it an ideal material for eco-conscious outdoor structures.

Traditional wooden board pergolas are prone to termite damage, warping, and rot, especially in humid or coastal environments. Traditional wooden boards are unsuitable for outdoor structures due to poor weather resistance. DesertBoard PSB® overcomes these challenges with high moisture resistance, superior durability, termite resistance, and compatibility with protective coatings that enhance UV resistance.

Yes. DesertBoard PSB® is designed to perform under extreme GCC conditions, including coastal humidity, desert heat, and termite-prone areas. When coated with appropriate protective finishes, it resists warping, swelling, and degradation from UV exposure. Its high density ensures structural strength for pergola frameworks. Compared to traditional wood, which often deteriorates quickly, DesertBoard PSB® offers a more durable and sustainable choice for outdoor use in harsh environments.

Yes. DesertBoard PSB® is highly machinable and can be cut, shaped, or engraved to meet architectural specifications. PSB® supports a variety of finishes including laminates, paints, and PU coatings, making it suitable for both modern and traditional pergola designs. PSB®’s versatility allows architects and contractors to design bespoke outdoor structures without compromising sustainability. This design flexibility, combined with eco-credentials, makes DesertBoard PSB® pergolas a smart choice for projects that require both creativity and responsibility.

DesertBoard PSB® is certified by the UAE Al Sa’afat (Dubai Municipality) Formaldehyde Content Certificate (E0) for zero formaldehyde emissions, ensuring healthier indoor air quality. In addition, Wimpey Laboratories testing confirms its exceptional structural properties: Density: Average of 835 kg/m³, Bending Strength: Average of 19.8 N/mm², Modulus of Elasticity: Average of 3626 N/mm², Internal Bond Strength: Average of 0.95 N/mm², Moisture Content: Average of 5.42%, Screw Withdrawal (Face): Average of 1295 N, Screw Withdrawal (Edge): Average of 941 N. These certifications and test results give architects and contractors confidence that DesertBoard PSB® meets international standards for safety, durability, and sustainability, while delivering high performance pergola applications.

Although DesertBoard PSB® may cost slightly more upfront than timber, it is more durable and resistant to termites and weather-related damage. This reduces repair and replacement costs over the lifespan of a pergola. Local manufacturing in Abu Dhabi lowers shipping expenses and avoids delays, ensuring supply chain reliability. Additionally, PSB® 's sustainability credentials contribute to project certifications such as LEED and Estidama. These combined benefits make DesertBoard PSB® a cost-effective choice for pergola construction in the long term.

DesertBoard PSB® can be installed using conventional joinery tools and adhesives, making it easy for contractors to adopt. The installation process is straightforward and does not require specialized training, making the transition to sustainable pergola materials seamless for builders.

Yes. DesertBoard PSB® contributes to LEED, WELL, and Estidama credits through its carbon-negative production, low carbon footprint, zero-formaldehyde emissions, and sustainable sourcing. By choosing DesertBoard PSB® for pergolas, developers strengthen their ESG credentials and improve certification outcomes. Even though pergolas are outdoor structures, their environmental footprint still matters, especially in green developments where every material choice contributes to the overall rating. DesertBoard PSB® pergolas help projects achieve higher sustainability standards.

DesertBoard PSB® maintains a regional stock of boards and can supply standard sizes (1.22m X 2.44m) quickly across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and wider GCC. Custom board specifications are produced locally, allowing fast turnaround compared to imported traditional wooden boards. This regional supply chain advantage ensures reliable availability and minimizes project delays.

DesertBoard PSB® pergolas support ESG goals by reducing embodied carbon, avoiding potential deforestation in the source country, and eliminating formaldehyde emissions. Each cubic meter of DesertBoard PSB® sequesters 401 kg of CO2e, actively reducing environmental impact. Its reusability and durability further minimize waste. For developers and contractors, using DesertBoard PSB® pergolas is a tangible way to demonstrate environmental responsibility to stakeholders, investors, and communities. This positions DesertBoard PSB® as a forward-looking material for projects seeking ESG compliance and green branding.