3 Post Pergola Designs

3 Post Pergola Designs - What was once known as a patio roof is now called a pergola. It provides shelter from the sun as well as wind, rain and sun as well as extending the living space. A significant architectural element pergolas comprise rafters, beams, and posts. They are able to be connected or removed to a house. Though opinions differ about what differentiates it from the gazebo, generally the gazebo is freestanding, and has a pitched roof, the roof of a pergola is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are commonly utilized interchangeably, but an arbor is more of structure designed to support vines or guide foot traffic in a garden. If you've got a patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can increase the time you can spend outside entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing. With the rising demand for outdoor spaces, they could increase a home's value. Before you begin a pergola project, think about the followingfactors: The orientation is north, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from wood to plywood metals, prefabricated material fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: Your two biggest costs will be for labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and it is for the majority of us), this is where resourcefulness, smart planning, DIY skills, and creativity come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Is it a DIY project or do you want to hire a contractor? A prefab pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: And, who is going to create it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of the building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office should have guidelines on setback and height limitations. Zone laws: Are you require city, county, or regional zoning laws and approvals? Depending on where you live the process could be lengthy, so stay on top of it if you wish to get the project done in the next few months or even year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applications may slip through the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that represent different sizes, styles, materials, and budgets 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. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. Here are some reasons. 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. 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 will increase the size of your living space and allow you to spend more time outdoors. 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 are great for protecting you from light rain. 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 a variety of materials to consider and all come with advantages and disadvantages: Pressure-treated wood: A pergola made from pressure-treated wood is usually the cheapest option. 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, also known as Western Red Cedar, is a popular option for pergolas. It is insect resistant and looks stunning right out of a sawmill. You can leave it untreated to turn a soft silver gray, or stain and seal it to hold 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 are not easy to paint so you have limited color options. Fiberglass Pergolas are typically the most expensive option, but they 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 be painted in any color you like, with a better durability than wood. A fiberglass pergola is a great addition to any deck or patio. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.