Cheap Pergola Plans

Cheap Pergola Plans - What used to be called an outdoor roof is now referred to as a pergola--it provides shelter from the sun, rain, and wind as well as extending the living space. A major architectural structure, pergolas consist of rafters, beams, and posts, and are able to be connected or removed to a house. Although opinions differ on what makes it different from a gazebo, usually a gazebo is freestanding and has a pitched roof, the roof of a pergola is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, but an arbor is an structure that is used to support vines or facilitate foot traffic in the garden. If you have an outdoor 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 growing popularization of living areas outdoors, this could enhance the value of your home. Before you start the construction of a pergola project, consider the following: The orientation is north east, south, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials, fabric, and glass. Budget: The two biggest expenses will be materials and labor. If your budget is limited (and it is for the majority of us) here's where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and imagination come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or will you hire a contractor? A prefabricated pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: Also who is the person who will design it? The majority of outdoor structures require the approval of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. The local government office will have guidelines on setback and height limitations. Zoning laws: Do need to obtain city or county zoning laws and approvals? Depending on where you live the process could take a lot of time, so stay on top of it if you wish to get the project done within the next couple of months, or even a year. The committees may meet occasionally and applications may slip through the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that represent different sizes, styles, materials, and budgets sure to inspire you! Many homeowners who enjoy entertaining and relaxing in their backyards have begun to look into the next improvement they can make. 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 . 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 will increase the size of your living space and allow you to spend more time outdoors. 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 will even protect you from a light rain, perfect for those unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas can be designed in many ways 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. Materials will be the next thing you need to consider. There are many materials available to choose from and each has its pros and cons. Wood pergolas made of pressure-treated timber: This is the most affordable option. While they have a good life expectancy, pressure-treated lumber is susceptible to cracking, warping, and checking 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 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. A cedar pergola is more expensive than a pressure-treated pergola, but you'll typically get a longer serviceable lifespan from cedar. 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 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 easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint than wood. Finally, fiberglass pergolas are perfect for adding to either a deck or existing patio. Fiberglass pergolas require less footing than other materials due to their light weight.