2 Car Garage Pergola

2 Car Garage Pergola - What used to be called an outdoor roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola--it provides shelter from the sun and rain as well as extending the living space. A major architectural structure pergolas comprise rafters, beams, and posts, and are able to be connected or removed to a house. Though opinions differ about the distinction between a pergola and a gazebo, usually the gazebo is freestanding, and has a pitched roof, while a pergola's roof is flat. Arbor and pergola are commonly utilized interchangeably, but an arbor is an structure that is used to support vines or to direct foot traffic within a garden. If you've got an outdoor patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can increase the time you are spending outdoors hosting guests or just taking a break. With the growing popularization of living areas outdoors, this can enhance the value of your home. Before you begin the construction of a pergola project, think about the following: The orientation is north or south, east or west-facing. Materials: These can include plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated materials, metals fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: Your two largest expenses are labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) here's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly the ability to DIY, as well as the ability to think on your feet come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? 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 is the person who will develop it? The majority of outdoor structures require the permission of a building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office must have guidelines on setback and height limitations. Zone laws: Are you require city or county zoning laws and permits? It depends on where you live this process can take a long time and you must be on top of it if you want the project done within the next couple of months, or even a year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applications may slip into the wrong hands. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that represent different styles, sizes materials, budgets, and styles certain to be awe-inspiring! Homeowners who find the benefits of entertaining and relaxing in their own backyards are always looking for the next improvement. Because each addition adds beauty and visual appeal to the backyard, it is a place where people can enjoy their garden. Landscape enhancements can help you create a feeling or personality in your home, and increase your family's warmth. If you are considering the next addition to your landscape, consider installing a pergola. Here's why: Pergolas (further). Expand Your Living Space . If you already have a patio or deck, it is likely that you added it to increase 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 extends your living space and increases the amount of time you can spend outside. Designed and oriented correctly on your lot, a pergola can cast enough light shade to make even a warm afternoon enjoyable or if you still need additional protection, you can install a retractable shade cover for more shade. You can also get shade from light rain with some shade covers, which is ideal for summer storms. Design Options Abound with Pergolas First, you will need to decide if you want a pergola in your garden. 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 Pergolas are often the least expensive. They will have a decent lifespan, but pressure-treated lumber has the potential to warp, crack and look shabby over time. This type pergola looks best when painted or stained. 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. Although cedar pergolas are more expensive than pressure-treated pergolas, they have a longer lifespan. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas are very easy to maintain. Vinyl pergolas can't be painted so the color options are limited. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas can be expensive but offer many 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 can easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint than wood. A fiberglass pergola is a great addition to any deck or patio. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.