8x8 Pergola With Shade

8x8 Pergola With Shade - The term used to refer to an outdoor roof is now commonly known as a pergola. It protects your home from sun and rain and also extends your living space. A major architectural structure pergolas are made up of beams, rafters, and posts, and can be attached or detached to a house. While opinions vary on what differentiates it from the gazebo, generally the gazebo is freestanding, and has a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. Arbor and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of structure designed to support vines or direct foot traffic within a garden. If you own an outdoor patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can extend the amount of time you can spend outside entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing. With the increasing demand for outdoor spaces, they can increase a home's value. Before you start the construction of a pergola project, take note of the followingfactors: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated material fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: The two largest expenses are materials and labor. If you're on a tight budget (and that's most of us) that's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly the ability to DIY, as well as creativity come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Is it a DIY project or do you want to hire a contractor? A prefabricated pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: Also who will develop 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 limitations. Zone laws: Are you require city, county, or regional zoning laws and permits? Depending on where you live the process could take a long time and you must be on top of it if your goal is to have your project completed within the next few months or even the entire year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applications may slip into the wrong hands. We've found 9 different pergolas that showcase different sizes, styles materials, budgets, and styles sure to inspire you! Homeowners who have discovered the merits of relaxing and entertaining in their backyards are often considering the next enhancement they can add to their outdoor space. Every improvement brings beauty, visual appeal, and enjoyment to backyards. 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's how: Pergolas (further). Extend Your Living Space . You may have an existing deck or patio and added it to expand your living space. A pergola might be the right choice for you if your outdoor space is not as useful in summer heat or you want to protect it from inclimate weather. A pergola increases your outdoor living space and allows you to spend more time outside. Properly positioned on your lot, the pergola will offer enough shade to keep even hot summer afternoons enjoyable. Retractable shade covers can be added for additional protection. Shade covers are great for protecting you from light rain. Design Options Abound with Pergolas The first thing to consider when adding a pergola to your landscaping is "custom or kits?". A local landscape professional will help you design and build a pergola, but you won't have the same flexibility as a professional landscaper. However, all parts will be delivered to you for you to assemble and place. Materials will be the next thing you need to consider. There are many choices available, and all have their advantages and disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood Pergolas are often the least expensive. While they have a good life expectancy, pressure-treated lumber is susceptible to cracking, warping, and checking 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 naturally insect-resistant and can be seen right out of the sawmill. It can be left in its natural state to turn a soft, silvery gray or sealed with stain to retain its color. Cedar pergolas will last longer than those that have been pressure treated, even though they are more costly. Vinyl: If you're looking for a pergola that requires very little maintenance, vinyl is certainly worth consideration. Vinyl pergolas cannot be painted easily so your options for color are limited. Fiberglass: Although they are more expensive than other options, fiberglass pergolas have significant advantages. 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 any color you want, and the paint will hold up better than on wood. Additionally, fiberglass pergolas work well for adding value to existing patios or decks. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.