11x11 Pergola Canopy

11x11 Pergola Canopy - What used to be called the patio roof is now commonly called a pergola. It protects your home from sun and rain as well as extending the living space. A significant architectural element, pergolas consist of beams, rafters, and posts. They are able to be connected or removed from a home. While opinions vary on what makes it different from an gazebo, typically the gazebo is freestanding, and is built with a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, however an arbor is structure designed for supporting vines or to direct foot traffic within a garden. If you've got an outdoor patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can extend the amount of time you can spend outside hosting guests or just relaxing. With the growing demand for outdoor spaces, they could enhance the value of your home. Before you start an pergola project, take note of these factors: Orientation: North or south, east or west-facing. Materials: This could include plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated material as well as glass, fabric and. Budgeting: Two of the most significant expenses will be labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and it is for the majority of us) here's where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and the ability to think on your feet come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Is it a DIY project or will you hire a contractor? A prefab pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: And who will design it? The majority of outdoor structures require the approval of a building inspector or planning commissioner. Your local government office should have setback guidelines and height limitations. Zoning laws: Do require approval from the city or county Zoning laws and approvals? Based on the location you reside in, this process can be lengthy and you must be on top of it if your goal is to have the project done within the next couple of months or even year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applicants can slip into the wrong hands. We've found 9 different pergolas that showcase different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets certain to inspire you! Homeowners who are enjoying relaxing and entertaining in their gardens have a tendency to be open-minded about what they can do next. 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. If you are considering the next addition to your landscape, consider installing a pergola. Here are some reasons why: Pergolas, (further), Expand Your Living Space . If you've already built a patio or deck, you probably added it as an extension of your living space. 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 expands your living space, and can be used to extend the time you spend outdoors. 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. Shade covers can even be used to protect against light rain. This is great for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas are a wide range 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. Materials will be your next decision. There are many options available and each one has its advantages and drawbacks. Pressure-treated wood: A pergola made from pressure-treated wood is usually the cheapest option. Although they will last a long time, pressure-treated lumber may crack, warp, or become damaged over time. This pergola is best if stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar is the most popular material for pergolas. It is insect resistant and looks stunning right out of a sawmill. To make it soft and silvery gray, you can leave it as is or seal it with stain. Cedar pergolas are typically more expensive that pressure-treated pergolas but will have a longer useful life span. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas require very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas cannot be painted easily so your options for color are limited. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas are generally the most expensive way to go, but they come with 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. Fiberglass pergolas can be used to add beauty and style to a patio or deck. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.