10x10 Pergola Cover

10x10 Pergola Cover - What used to be called an outdoor roof is now known as a pergola. It protects your home from sun and rain and also extends your living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas comprise beams, rafters, and posts, and are able to be connected or removed to a house. Though opinions differ about what makes it different from an gazebo, typically it is freestanding and is built with a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. Both 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 guide foot traffic in a garden. If you own an outdoor deck or patio or roof, a rooflike structure can extend the amount of time you are spending outdoors entertaining guests or taking a break. With the increasing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it can enhance the value of your home. Before jumping into the construction of a pergola project, think about these factors: Orientation: North or south, east or west-facing. Materials: This could include wood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: The two most significant costs will be for materials and labor. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) here's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly, DIY skills, and the ability to think on your feet come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Do you want to do it yourself project or do you want to hire a contractor? A prefabricated pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: Also who is the person who will develop it? The majority of outdoor structures require the approval of an inspector of buildings or a planning commissioner. Your local government office must have guidelines on setback and height limitations. Zoning laws: Do need to obtain city, county, or regional zoning laws and permits? Depending on where you live, this process can take a lot of time, so be aware of it if your goal is to have the project done within the next few months or even year. The committees may meet occasionally and applications may slip between the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that showcase different styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets certain to inspire you! Many homeowners who enjoy entertaining and relaxing in their backyards have begun to look into the next improvement they can make. Garden enthusiasts love to see their backyards improve. Each improvement creates beauty and visual appeal that can be enjoyed by all. Landscape improvements can create a unique atmosphere in your home. They also increase the warmth and hospitality of your family. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. 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 could be the perfect solution if you've found you enjoy your outdoor living space but it is less useful during hot summer days or when you are unable to get shelter from the elements. 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. Design Options Abound with Pergolas 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. The next step will be to make a decision about materials. There are many options available and each one has its advantages and drawbacks. Pressure-treated wood Pergolas are often the least expensive. Although they will last a long time, pressure-treated lumber may crack, warp, or become damaged over time. This pergola looks great when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar) is a popular choice for pergolas. It is naturally insect-resistant and can be seen right out of the sawmill. It can be left in its natural state to turn a soft, silvery gray or sealed with stain to retain its color. Cedar pergolas can be more expensive than pressure-treated ones, but they will typically last for a much longer time. Vinyl: Vinyl is an excellent choice if you want a pergola that needs very little maintenance. You cannot easily paint a vinyl pergola, however, so your color choices are limited. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas can be expensive but offer many benefits. Fiberglass is stronger than wood and allows you to span greater distances with no posts. 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. Fiberglass pergolas are lighter than other materials and don't need as many feet.