Arched Steel Pergola

Arched Steel Pergola - What was once known as a patio roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola--it offers shelter from sun as well as wind, rain and sun while extending your home's living space. A major architectural structure pergolas comprise beams, rafters, and posts, and are able to be connected or removed to a house. 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 often utilized interchangeably, but an arbor is a structure used to support vines or to direct foot traffic within the garden. If you own an outdoor deck or patio, a rooflike structure will extend the amount of time you are spending outdoors hosting guests or just relaxing. With the rising popularization of living areas outdoors, this is a great way to enhance the value of your home. Before you start an pergola project, consider the following: The orientation is north east, south, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from wood to plywood metals, prefabricated materials, metals as well as glass, fabric and. Budgeting: Two of the biggest expenses are labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and it is for the majority of us) that's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly the ability to DIY, as well as creativity come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Is it a DIY project or will you hire an expert? A prefab pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: Also who is the person who will develop 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 limits. The zoning law: Will you require city or county Zoning laws and approvals? Depending on where you live, this process can take a long time, so stay on top of it if your goal is to have the project done within the next couple of 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 are enjoying relaxing and entertaining in their gardens have a tendency to be open-minded about what they can do next. Garden enthusiasts love to see their backyards improve. Each improvement creates beauty and visual appeal that can be enjoyed by all. Landscape enhancements create a sense of personality and warmth for your home. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. 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 is a great option if you find that your outdoor living space isn't as practical in the summer sun or that you need protection from inclimate conditions. A pergola increases your outdoor living space and allows you to spend more time 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 are great for protecting you from light rain. Pergolas Offer 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 major decision. There are many materials that you can choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood: The most cost-effective option is often a pergola made from pressure treated wood. Although they'll last for a while, pressure-treated lumber can crack, warp and become unusable over time. This type of pergola looks best when stained or painted. 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: 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 are typically the most expensive option, but they offer significant benefits. 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. Additionally, fiberglass pergolas work well for adding value to existing patios or decks. Fiberglass pergolas are lighter than other materials and don't need as many feet.