10x16 Pergola Plans

10x16 Pergola Plans - The term used to refer to an outdoor roof is now commonly called a pergola. It provides shelter from the sun, rain, and wind and also extends your living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas comprise beams, rafters and posts. They can be attached or removed to a house. Although opinions differ on what makes it different from an gazebo, typically the gazebo is freestanding, and has a pitched roof, unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. Arbor and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, however an arbor is structure designed to support vines or to guide foot traffic in the garden. If you've got an outdoor patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can extend the amount of time you spend outdoors having fun with guests or simply enjoying a relaxing. With the increasing popularization of living areas outdoors, this can boost the value of a house. Before jumping into a pergola project, consider these factors: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: These can include hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated material fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budgeting: Two of the biggest costs will be for labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and it is for the majority of us) here's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly, DIY skills, and imagination come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or do you want to hire an expert? A prefabricated pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: And who is the person who will create it? The majority of outdoor structures require the permission of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. Your local government office should have setback guidelines and height limitations. Zone laws: Are you require city, county, or regional Zoning laws and approvals? It depends on where you live this process can be lengthy and you must be on top of it if you wish to get the project done within the next couple of months or even year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications can fall into the wrong hands. We've found 9 different pergolas that represent different styles, sizes, materials, and budgets guaranteed to impress you! Homeowners who have discovered the merits of relaxing and entertaining in their backyards are often considering the next enhancement they can add to their outdoor space. 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. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. 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 can increase your outdoor living area and extend your time outside. A pergola that is correctly positioned on your property can provide enough shade for a pleasant afternoon. However, if you still require protection, you have the option to install a retractable shade shade cover. Shade covers can even be used to protect against light rain. This is great for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas offer a variety of design options The first thing to consider when adding a pergola to your landscaping is "custom or kits?". A local landscape professional will help you design and build a pergola, but you won't have the same flexibility as a professional landscaper. However, all parts will be delivered to you for you to assemble and place. The next step will be to make a decision about materials. There are many materials that you can choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Wood pergolas made of pressure-treated timber: This is the most affordable option. They'll have a reasonable lifespan but pressure-treated lumber can warp, crack, and check over time. This type of pergola generally looks best if 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. To make it soft and silvery gray, you can leave it as is or seal it with stain. A cedar pergola is more expensive than a pressure-treated pergola, but you'll typically get a longer serviceable lifespan from cedar. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas require very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas can't be painted so the color options are limited. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas are generally the most expensive way to go, but they come with significant benefits. Fiberglass is strong and can be spanned for longer distances (in some cases up to 20 feet), giving you a cleaner look. Fiberglass is more durable than wood and can be painted any color. Additionally, fiberglass pergolas work well for adding value to existing patios or decks. Fiberglass pergolas are lighter than other materials and don't need as many feet.