2 Legged Pergola

2 Legged Pergola - What used to be called a patio roof is now commonly known as a pergola. It provides shelter from the sun, rain, and wind while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas are made up of rafters, beams, and posts, and can be attached or detached to a house. Although opinions differ on the distinction between a pergola and a gazebo, usually it is freestanding and has a pitched roof, the roof of a pergola is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, but an arbor is structure designed for supporting vines or to guide foot traffic in a garden. If you've got a patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can prolong the time you are spending outdoors entertaining guests or taking a break. With the rising popularization of living areas outdoors, this could enhance the value of your home. Before you start the construction of a pergola project, think about the followingfactors: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: These can include plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated material fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: The two biggest expenses will be 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, DIY skills, and the ability to think on your feet come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Do you want to do it yourself project or do you want to hire an expert? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: And, who is going to create it? Most outdoor structures need the approval of an inspector of buildings or a planning commissioner. Your local government office must have guidelines on setback and height limits. The zoning law: Will require city, county, or regional zoning regulations and approvals? It depends on where you live, this process can be lengthy, so stay on top of it if you want to complete the project in the next few months, or even a year. The committees may meet occasionally and applications may slip into the wrong hands. We've found 9 different pergolas that showcase different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets certain to be awe-inspiring! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. Backyard enthusiasts crave continued improvements, as each adds beauty, visual appeal, and an opportunity for enjoyment. Landscape enhancements add personality to your home and enhance your family's hospitality and warmth. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. Here are some reasons why: Pergolas are a great way to extend 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 increases your outdoor living space and allows you to spend more time outside. A pergola, when placed correctly on your lot will provide enough shade to make any afternoon pleasant. If you need more protection, you can also install a retractable shade covering. 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 When adding a pergola into your landscape, the first thing that you should decide on is "custom" or "kit". A local landscape pro can help you design the pergola from scratch. The next step will be to make a decision about materials. There are a variety of materials to consider and all come with advantages and disadvantages: Pressure-treated wood Pergolas are often the least expensive. Although they'll last for a while, pressure-treated lumber can crack, warp and become unusable over time. This type of pergola generally looks best if painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar) is a popular choice for pergolas. It's insect-resistant and looks great right out of the mill. You can leave it untreated to turn a soft silver gray, or stain and seal it to hold its color. Cedar pergolas are typically more expensive that pressure-treated pergolas but will have a longer useful life span. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas are very easy to maintain. Vinyl pergolas are not easy to paint so you have limited color options. Fiberglass Pergolas: While they are the most expensive, fiberglass pergolas offer 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 also be painted in any color that you choose. The paint will last longer than wood. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Fiberglass pergolas require less footing than other materials due to their light weight.