2.5 Pergola

2.5 Pergola - The term used to refer to the patio roof is now known as a pergola. It protects your home from sun as well as wind, rain and sun while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas are made up of rafters, beams, and posts. They can be attached or detached from a home. While opinions vary on the distinction between a pergola and an gazebo, typically it is freestanding and is built with a pitched roof the roof of a pergola is flat. Arbor and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, but an arbor is structure designed to support vines or to guide foot traffic in the garden. If you have an outdoor patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can extend the amount of time you are spending outdoors entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing. With the rising popularization of living areas outdoors, this is a great way to boost the value of a house. Before you begin the construction of a pergola project, think about the following: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: This could include hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: The two largest expenses will be the cost of labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and that's most of us) that's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly, DIY skills, and the ability to think on your feet come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Is it a DIY project or will you hire an architect? A prefabricated pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: And who will create it? Most outdoor structures require the permission of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. The local government office will have guidelines on setback and height restrictions. Zoning laws: Do you require approval from the city or county zoning laws and approvals? Depending on where you live 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 couple of months or even year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applications may slip between the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that showcase different styles, sizes, materials, and budgets certain to impress you! Homeowners who find the benefits of entertaining and relaxing in their own backyards are always looking for the next improvement. Backyard enthusiasts crave continued improvements, as each adds beauty, visual appeal, and an opportunity for enjoyment. Landscape enhancements help create a mood or personality for your home and they extend your family's warmth and hospitality. If you are considering the next addition to your landscape, consider installing a pergola. Here's how: Pergolas (further) Extend Your Living Space . If you've already built a patio or deck, you probably added it as an extension of your living space. A pergola could be the perfect solution if you've found you enjoy your outdoor living space but it is less useful during hot summer days or when you are unable to get shelter from the elements. A pergola increases your outdoor living space and allows you to spend more 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 are great for protecting you from light rain. Pergolas are a wide range of design options First, you will need to decide if you want a pergola in your garden. Your next decision will be materials. There are many choices available, and all have their 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 looks best when stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar, also known as Western Red Cedar, is a popular option for 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. Cedar pergolas can be more expensive than pressure-treated ones, but they will typically last for a much longer time. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas require very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas can not be painted, so there are only a few color options. Fiberglass Pergolas: While they are the most expensive, fiberglass pergolas offer 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 can be painted any color you want, and the paint will hold up better than on wood. A fiberglass pergola is a great addition to any deck or patio. Fiberglass pergolas are lighter than other materials and don't need as many feet.