2.4 Pergola

2.4 Pergola - The term used to refer to the patio roof is now called a pergola. It provides shelter from the sun, rain, and wind and also extends your living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas are made up of rafters, beams, and posts, and can be attached or removed from a home. Though opinions differ about what makes it different from the gazebo, generally a gazebo is freestanding and is built with a pitched roof the roof of a pergola is flat. Arbor and pergola are often utilized interchangeably, but an arbor is more of structure designed to support vines or to guide foot traffic in a garden. If you own an outdoor patio or deck, a rooflike structure will extend the amount of time you can spend outside entertaining guests or taking a break. With the increasing popularization of living areas outdoors, this is a great way to boost the value of a house. Before you begin a pergola project, consider the followingfactors: The orientation is north east, south, or west-facing. Materials: These can include wood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials, fabric, and glass. Budget: The two most significant costs will be for the cost of labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and it is for the majority of us) here's where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and imagination come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who is planning to build the project? Do you want to do it yourself project or will you engage an expert? A prefabricated pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who is the person who will create it? The majority of outdoor structures require the approval of a building inspector or the planning commissioner. The local government office will have setback guidelines and height limits. Zoning laws: Do you need to obtain city or county Zoning laws and approvals? Based on the location you reside in this process can take a lot of time and you must be on top of it if your goal is to have to complete the project within the next few months or even year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications may slip through the cracks. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that showcase different styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets certain to be awe-inspiring! Many homeowners who enjoy entertaining and relaxing in their backyards have begun to look into the next improvement they can make. Backyard enthusiasts crave continued improvements, as each adds beauty, visual appeal, and an opportunity for enjoyment. Landscape enhancements can help you create a feeling or personality in your home, and increase your family's warmth. A pergola is a great addition to your landscape. 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 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. You can also get shade from light rain with some shade covers, which is ideal for summer storms. Pergolas offer a variety 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 the next thing you need to consider. There are many options available and each one has its advantages and drawbacks. 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 pergola is best if stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar), is a popular choice to make pergolas. It's naturally insect resistant and looks beautiful right from the sawmill. It can be left untreated to make it a soft silver grey, or stained and sealed to keep its color. Although cedar pergolas are more expensive than pressure-treated pergolas, they have a longer lifespan. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas require very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas can't be painted so the color options are limited. Fiberglass Pergolas are typically the most expensive option, but they offer significant 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 be painted any color you want, and the paint will hold up better than on wood. Fiberglass pergolas can be used to add beauty and style to a patio or deck. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.