Aluminum Pergola Ideas

Aluminum Pergola Ideas - The term used to refer to a patio roof is now commonly called a pergola. It provides shelter from the sun, rain, and wind and also extends your living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas comprise beams, rafters and posts, and are able to be connected or removed from a home. 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. Arbor and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, but an arbor is a structure used to support vines or to facilitate foot traffic in the garden. If you have a patio or deck, a rooflike structure will prolong the time you can spend outside having fun with guests or simply enjoying a relaxing. With the increasing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it is a great way to increase a home's value. Before jumping into an pergola project, take note of the followingfactors: The orientation is north or south, east or west-facing. Materials: These can include hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials as well as glass, fabric and. Budget: Your two most significant costs will be for labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and that's most of us) that's where resourcefulness, smart planning, DIY skills, and creativity come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Do you want to do it yourself project or will you engage an architect? A prefab pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: And, who is going to create it? Most outdoor structures need the approval of a building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office must have setback guidelines and height limitations. Zone laws: Are require city, county, or regional zoning regulations and permits? It depends on where you live the process could take a long time, so stay on top of it if you want your project completed within the next few months, or even a year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications can fall between the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that reflect different styles, sizes as well as 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. Because each addition adds beauty and visual appeal to the backyard, it is a place where people can enjoy their garden. Landscape enhancements help create a mood or personality for your home and they extend your family's warmth and hospitality. Consider adding a pergola to your landscape. Here are some reasons why: Pergolas (further) Extend 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 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 will increase the size of your living space and allow you to spend more time outdoors. 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. Some shade covers will even protect you from a light rain, perfect for those unpredictable summer storms. Design Options Abound with Pergolas If you are considering adding a pergola or pergola to your landscape, the first thing you need to decide on is whether you want it custom or a kit. A local landscape designer can help you design a pergola and then build it in your yard. The next step will be to make a decision about materials. There are many materials that you can choose from, each with its own 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 pergola looks best when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar), is a popular choice to make 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 pergolas require very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas can't be painted so the color options are limited. Fiberglass: Although they are more expensive than other options, fiberglass pergolas have significant advantages. Fiberglass is stronger than wood and allows you to span greater distances with no posts. Fiberglass can be painted any color you want, and the paint will hold up better than on wood. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Fiberglass pergolas are light in weight and therefore don't require deep footers like other materials.