10 X 16 Pergola

10 X 16 Pergola - The term used to refer to a patio roof is now called a pergola. It provides shelter from the sun, rain, and wind while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas comprise beams, rafters and posts. They can be attached or removed from a home. While opinions vary on what makes it different from an gazebo, typically the gazebo is freestanding, and has a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. Arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of structure designed to support vines or to guide foot traffic in the garden. If you've got an outdoor patio or deck, a rooflike structure will prolong the time you can spend outside entertaining guests or taking a break. With the increasing demand for outdoor spaces, they could enhance the value of your home. Before jumping into a pergola project, consider the followingfactors: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated material fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: Your two largest costs will be for materials and labor. If you have a limited budget (and it is for the majority of us), this is the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly, DIY skills, and creativity come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or will you hire a contractor? A prefab pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who will create it? The majority of outdoor structures require the permission of an inspector of buildings or a planning commissioner. Your local government office must have setback guidelines and height limits. The zoning law: Will require approval from the city, county, or regional Zoning laws and permits? Depending on where you live, this process can be lengthy and you must be on top of it if you want the project done in the next few months or even the entire year. The committees may meet occasionally and applications can fall into the wrong hands. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that represent various styles, sizes materials, budgets, and styles sure to inspire you! Many homeowners who enjoy entertaining and relaxing in their backyards have begun to look into the next improvement they can make. Every improvement brings beauty, visual appeal, and enjoyment to backyards. Landscape improvements can create a unique atmosphere in your home. They also increase the warmth and hospitality of your family. If you are considering the next addition to your landscape, consider installing a pergola. Here are some reasons. Pergolas (further) Extend Your Living Space . You likely have a deck or patio already. This is because you want to expand the living space you have beyond your home's walls. If you have found that you love your outdoor living area but that it's not quite so useful on a summer afternoon when the sun is beating down or if you wish you had protection from inclimate weather, a pergola may be for you. A pergola increases your outdoor living space and allows you to spend more time outside. Properly positioned on your lot, the pergola will offer enough shade to keep even hot summer afternoons enjoyable. Retractable shade covers can be added for additional protection. Shade covers can even be used to protect against light rain. This is great for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas can be designed in many ways If you are considering adding a pergola or pergola to your landscape, the first thing you need to decide on is whether you want it custom or a kit. A local landscape designer can help you design a pergola and then build it in your yard. Materials will be the next thing you need to consider. There are many materials available to choose from and each has its pros and cons. Pressure-treated wood: A pergola made from pressure-treated wood is usually the cheapest option. Although they'll last for a while, pressure-treated lumber can crack, warp and become unusable over time. This type pergola looks best when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar), is a popular choice to make pergolas. It's insect-resistant and looks great right out of the mill. It can be left untreated to make it a soft silver grey, or stained and sealed to keep its color. Although cedar pergolas are more expensive than pressure-treated pergolas, they have a longer lifespan. Vinyl: Vinyl is an excellent choice if you want a pergola that needs very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas can not be painted, so there are only a few color options. Fiberglass Pergolas: While they are the most expensive, fiberglass pergolas offer significant benefits. Fiberglass can span longer distances than steel posts (in some cases as far as 20 feet). This gives you a cleaner look. Fiberglass can easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint than wood. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.