Al Fresco Vita Pergola

Al Fresco Vita Pergola - What used to be called a patio roof is now commonly called 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 comprise beams, rafters and posts, and can be attached or removed from a home. While opinions vary on what makes it different from an gazebo, typically a gazebo is freestanding and has a pitched roof, while a pergola's roof is flat. Arbor and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of structure designed to support vines or to direct foot traffic within the garden. If you have a patio or deck, a rooflike structure will prolong the time you spend outdoors hosting guests or just taking a break. With the increasing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it is a great way to enhance the value of your home. Before you start 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 materials, metals, fabric, and glass. Budget: Your two largest costs will be for the cost of labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and this is the case for most of us) here'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? Do you want to do it yourself project or do you want to hire an architect? A prefab pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who is the person who will develop it? The majority of outdoor structures require the approval of the building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office must provide guidelines for setbacks and height restrictions. The zoning law: Will you require approval from the city or county zoning laws and approvals? It depends on where you live this process can take a long time and you must be on top of it if you wish to get your project completed in the next few months, or even a year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applicants can slip between the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that reflect different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets guaranteed 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. 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. 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. If you have found that you love your outdoor living area but that it's not quite so useful on a summer afternoon when the sun is beating down or if you wish you had protection from inclimate weather, a pergola may be for you. A pergola extends your living space and increases the amount of time you can spend outside. 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. Shade covers can even be used to protect against light rain. This is great for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas offer a variety of design options 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. The next step will be to make a decision about materials. There are many options available and each one has its advantages and drawbacks. Pressure-treated wood: A pergola made from pressure-treated wood is usually the cheapest option. They will have a decent lifespan, but pressure-treated lumber has the potential to warp, crack and look shabby over time. This type of pergola looks best when stained or painted. Cedar wood is popular for pergolas. It's insect-resistant and looks great right out of the mill. 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: If you're looking for a pergola that requires very little maintenance, vinyl is certainly worth consideration. Vinyl pergolas are not easy to paint so you have limited color options. Fiberglass Pergolas: While they are the most expensive, fiberglass pergolas 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. Finally, fiberglass pergolas are perfect for adding to either a deck or existing patio. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.