Contemporary Timber Pergola

Contemporary Timber Pergola - What was once known as an outdoor roof is now known as a pergola. It offers shelter from sun, rain, and wind as well as extending the living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas are made up of beams, rafters, and posts. They can be attached or detached from a home. While opinions vary on what differentiates it from the gazebo, generally it is freestanding and has a pitched roof, the roof of a pergola is flat. Arbor and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of a structure used for supporting vines or to guide foot traffic in a garden. If you've got an outdoor deck or patio with a roof, a roof-like structure can increase the time you spend outdoors having fun with guests or simply taking a break. With the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it could enhance the value of your home. Before jumping into an pergola project, think about the followingfactors: The orientation is north, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: These can include wood to plywood metals, prefabricated material fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: Your two largest expenses will be labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and that's most of us) here's where resourcefulness, smart planning the ability to DIY, as well as imagination come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who is planning to build the project? Is it a DIY project or will you engage an architect? A prefab pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: Also who is the person who will create it? The majority of outdoor structures need the approval of an inspector of buildings or a planning commissioner. Your local government office must have setback guidelines and height restrictions. Zoning laws: Do require city, county, or regional zoning regulations and approvals? Depending on where you live the process could be lengthy, so stay on top of it if your goal is to have to complete the project in the next few months or even year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications can fall between the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that showcase various styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets sure to impress you! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. 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. If you are considering the next addition to your landscape, consider installing a pergola. Here are some reasons why: Pergolas (further). Expand Your Living Space . If you've already built a patio or deck, you probably added it as an extension of your living space. A pergola may be right for you if you have discovered that you love your outdoor living spaces but don't find it useful in hot weather or if there are other reasons. A pergola expands your living space, and can be used to extend the time you spend outdoors. 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. Some shade covers will even protect you from a light rain, perfect for those unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas offer a variety 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 the next thing you need to consider. There are many materials available to choose from and each has its pros and cons. Pressure-treated wood: The most cost-effective option is often a pergola made from pressure treated wood. Although they will last a long time, pressure-treated lumber may crack, warp, or become damaged over time. This type of pergola generally looks best if painted or stained. Cedar wood is popular for pergolas. It's insect-resistant and looks great right out of the mill. It can be left as-is to turn a soft grayish silver, or you can stain it and seal it to preserve its color. Cedar pergolas can be more expensive than pressure-treated ones, but they will typically last for a much longer time. Vinyl: Vinyl is an excellent choice if you want a pergola that needs very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas cannot be painted easily so your options for color are limited. Fiberglass: Although they are more expensive than other options, fiberglass pergolas have significant advantages. Fiberglass is strong and can be spanned for longer distances (in some cases up to 20 feet), giving you a cleaner look. 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.