Bamboo Pergola Plans

Bamboo Pergola Plans - What was once known as an outdoor roof is now commonly known as a pergola. It offers shelter from sun and rain and also extends your living space. A significant architectural element, pergolas consist of beams, rafters and posts. They can be attached or detached from a home. While opinions vary on what makes it different from an gazebo, typically it is freestanding and has a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, but an arbor is structure designed to support vines or to facilitate 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 hosting guests or just relaxing. With the increasing demand for outdoor spaces, they could boost the value of a house. Before jumping into a pergola project, take note of the following: Orientation: North east, south, or west-facing. Materials: These can include hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated materials, metals fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: Your two biggest expenses will be labor and materials. If you're on a tight budget (and that's most of us), this is where resourcefulness, smart planning, DIY skills, and creativity come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Is it a DIY project or do you want to hire an expert? A prefab pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who will create it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of an inspector of buildings or a planning commissioner. Your local government office should have guidelines on setback and height restrictions. The zoning law: Will need to obtain city, county, or regional zoning laws and permits? Depending on where you live this process can be lengthy, so stay on top of it if you want the project done within the next couple of months or even the entire year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications may slip through the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that showcase different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets guaranteed to be awe-inspiring! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. As each improvement adds beauty, visual appeal and enjoyment, backyard enthusiasts are eager to make more. 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 are some reasons. Pergolas, (further), Expand 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 extends your living space and increases the amount of time you can spend outside. A pergola, when placed correctly on your lot will provide enough shade to make any afternoon pleasant. If you need more protection, you can also install a retractable shade covering. Some shade covers can protect you from light rain, making them ideal for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas Offer a Wide Range of Design Options When adding a pergola into your landscape, the first thing that you should decide on is "custom" or "kit". A local landscape pro can help you design the pergola from scratch. Materials will be your next decision. There are many materials that you can choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Wood pergolas made of pressure-treated timber: This is the most affordable option. They'll have a reasonable lifespan but pressure-treated lumber can warp, crack, and check over time. This type of pergola generally looks best if painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar) is a popular choice for pergolas. It is naturally resistant to insects and looks amazing straight from the sawmill. You can leave it untreated to turn a soft silver gray, or stain and seal it to hold its color. Although cedar pergolas are more expensive than pressure-treated pergolas, they have a longer lifespan. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas are very easy to maintain. Vinyl pergolas cannot be painted easily so your options for color are limited. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas can be expensive but offer many benefits. Fiberglass is strong and can be spanned for longer distances (in some cases up to 20 feet), giving you a cleaner look. Fiberglass can also be painted in any color that you choose. The paint will last longer than wood. Finally, fiberglass pergolas are perfect for adding to either a deck or existing patio. Fiberglass pergolas are lighter than other materials and don't need as many feet.