Buy Pergola Plans

Buy Pergola Plans - What used to be called the patio roof is now called a pergola. It offers shelter from sun, rain, and wind and also extends your living space. A significant architectural element pergolas are made up of beams, rafters, and posts, and can be attached or removed from a home. Though opinions differ about the distinction between a pergola and an gazebo, typically a gazebo is freestanding and is built with a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of a structure used to support vines or to direct foot traffic within a garden. If you own an outdoor deck or patio, 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 you begin an pergola project, consider the following: The orientation is north or south, east or west-facing. Materials: This could include wood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials as well as glass, fabric and. Budget: Your two largest costs will be for the cost of labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) that's where resourcefulness, smart planning, DIY skills, and imagination come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who is planning to build the project? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or will you hire a contractor? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: And who will create it? The majority of outdoor structures require the approval of an inspector of buildings or a planning commissioner. The local government office will have setback guidelines and height limitations. The zoning law: Will you require city or county zoning regulations and approvals? It depends on where you live, this process can take a long time, so stay on top of it if you wish to get your project completed within the next couple of months or even the entire year. The committees may meet occasionally and applicants can slip through the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that showcase different styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets guaranteed to be awe-inspiring! 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. 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's why: Pergolas (further) Extend Your Living Space . You likely have a deck or patio already. This is because you want to expand the living space you have beyond your home's walls. 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 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. Shade covers are great for protecting you from light rain. Design Options Abound with Pergolas 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 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. While they have a good life expectancy, pressure-treated lumber is susceptible to cracking, warping, and checking over time. This pergola looks great when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar), is a popular choice to make 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 is a great option if you are looking for a pergola with minimal maintenance. Vinyl pergolas can't be painted so the color options are limited. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas are generally the most expensive way to go, but they come with significant benefits. Fiberglass can span longer distances than steel posts (in some cases as far as 20 feet). This gives you a cleaner look. Fiberglass can easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint than wood. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.