10x10 Metal Pergola

10x10 Metal Pergola - What used to be called the patio roof is now referred to as a pergola--it protects your home from sun and rain while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural element pergolas are made up of beams, rafters and posts, and can be attached or detached from a home. Although opinions differ on what makes it different from the gazebo, generally it is freestanding and has a pitched roof, while a pergola's roof is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of an structure that is used to support vines or to facilitate foot traffic in a garden. If you've got a patio or deck, a rooflike structure will extend the amount of time you can spend outside hosting guests or just taking a break. With the rising demand for outdoor spaces, they could increase a home's value. Before you begin the construction of a pergola project, take note of the following: The orientation is north east, south, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from wood to plywood metals, prefabricated material fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: Your two most significant costs will be for labor and materials. If you're on a tight budget (and this is the case for most of us), this is the point where resourcefulness, clever planning as well as DIY skills and imagination come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Is it a DIY project or will you hire an expert? A prefab pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: Also, who is going to create it? Most outdoor structures need the approval of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. Your local government office must provide guidelines for setbacks and height limitations. Zone laws: Are you require city or county zoning laws and approvals? It depends on where you live the process could take a long time and you must be on top of it if you wish to get your project completed within the next couple of months or even year. The committees may meet occasionally and applicants can slip into the wrong hands. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that reflect different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets certain to inspire you! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. As each improvement adds beauty, visual appeal and enjoyment, backyard enthusiasts are eager to make more. Landscape enhancements help create a mood or personality for your home and they extend your family's warmth and hospitality. Consider adding a pergola to your landscape. Here's why: Pergolas, (further), Expand Your Living Space . If you have already installed a deck or patio, you likely added it to extend your living space beyond the walls of your home. A pergola may be right for you if you have discovered that you love your outdoor living spaces but don't find it useful in hot weather or if there are other reasons. A pergola increases your outdoor living space and allows you to spend more time outside. When placed properly on your lot, a pergola will cast enough shade to make even a hot afternoon more enjoyable. You can also add a retractable shade cover to provide additional shade. Some shade covers can protect you from light rain, making them ideal for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas offer a variety of design options When you decide to add a pergola to your landscape the first thing you'll need to decide is, "custom or kit?" A local landscape professional can help you design a pergola from scratch and can custom build it right in your backyard or you can purchase a kit from one of the many well-known manufacturers in the U.S. You won't have the same design flexibility--you're typically limited to rectangles and fixed dimensions--but all the parts will be delivered to your home for your landscape professional to assemble and install. Your next decision will be materials. There are a variety of materials to consider and all come with advantages and disadvantages: Pressure-treated wood: A pressure-treated wood pergola is often your least expensive 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 is naturally resistant to insects and looks amazing straight from the sawmill. It can be left untreated to make it a soft silver grey, or stained and sealed to keep its color. Cedar pergolas are typically more expensive that pressure-treated pergolas but will have a longer useful life span. Vinyl: Vinyl is a great option if you are looking for a pergola with minimal maintenance. Vinyl pergolas cannot be painted easily so your options for color are limited. Fiberglass Pergolas are typically the most expensive option, but they offer significant benefits. Because fiberglass is so strong, you can span much longer distances without posts, (in some cases, about 20 feet) giving you a cleaner look). Fiberglass is more durable than wood and can be painted any color. 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.