8x10 Pergola Plans

8x10 Pergola Plans - The term used to refer to a patio roof is now commonly called a pergola. It offers shelter from sun and rain while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural element pergolas are made up of beams, rafters and posts, and can be attached or removed from a home. Though opinions differ about what makes it different from a gazebo, usually a gazebo is freestanding and has a pitched roof, the roof of a pergola is flat. Arbor and pergola are commonly utilized interchangeably, but an arbor is structure designed to support vines or guide foot traffic in the garden. If you have an outdoor patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can increase the time you can spend outside entertaining guests or relaxing. With the increasing demand for outdoor spaces, they is a great way to increase a home's value. Before you start the construction of a pergola project, think about these factors: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: This could include hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials as well as glass, fabric and. Budget: The two most significant expenses are labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) that's the point where resourcefulness, clever planning the ability to DIY, as well as the ability to think on your feet come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Is it a DIY project or will you hire an expert? A prefabricated pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: And who is the person who will create it? The majority of outdoor structures require the permission of the building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office must have guidelines on setback and height limits. Zoning laws: Do need to obtain city or county zoning laws and approvals? It depends on where you live this process can take a lot of time and you must be on top of it if you want your project completed in the next few months or even year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applications can fall through the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that represent various styles, sizes materials, budgets, and styles certain to inspire you! 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. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. Here's why: Pergolas (further) Extend Your Living Space . You may have an existing deck or patio and added it to expand 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 will increase the size of your living space and allow you to spend more time outdoors. When placed properly on your lot, a pergola will cast enough shade to make even a hot afternoon more enjoyable. You can also add a retractable shade cover to provide additional shade. Some shade covers can protect you from light rain, making them ideal for unpredictable summer storms. Design Options Abound with Pergolas 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 materials that you can choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood: A pressure-treated wood pergola is often your least expensive option. They'll have a reasonable lifespan but pressure-treated lumber can warp, crack, and check over time. This pergola looks great when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar) is a popular choice 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 are typically more expensive that pressure-treated pergolas but will have a longer useful life span. Vinyl: Vinyl is a great option if you are looking for a pergola with minimal maintenance. Vinyl pergolas cannot be painted easily so your options for color are limited. 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 be painted in any color you like, with a better durability than wood. Finally, fiberglass pergolas are perfect for adding to either a deck or existing patio. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.