Cool Pergola Ideas.
Cool Pergola Ideas - What used to be called a patio roof is now commonly known as a pergola. It protects your home from sun and rain and also extends your living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas comprise rafters, beams, and posts, and can be attached or detached to a house. Though opinions differ about what makes it different from a gazebo, usually it is freestanding and is built with a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. Arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, however an arbor is structure designed to support vines or direct foot traffic within the garden. If you have an outdoor patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can prolong the time you can spend outside hosting guests or just relaxing. With the growing popularization of living areas outdoors, this is a great way to boost the value of a house. Before you begin an pergola project, take note of the following: Orientation: North east, south, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from wood to plywood metals, prefabricated material fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: The two largest expenses will be the cost of labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and it is for the majority of us), this is where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and the ability to think on your feet come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Do you want to do it yourself project or will you engage a contractor? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: And who is the person who will design it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of the building inspector or planning commissioner. Your local government office must have setback guidelines and height restrictions. The zoning law: Will require approval from the city, county, or regional zoning regulations and approvals? Based on the location you reside in, this process can take a lot of time, so be aware of it if your goal is to have your project completed in the next few months, or even a year. The committees may meet occasionally and applications may slip between the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that reflect various styles, sizes materials, budgets, and styles sure to impress 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 add personality to your home and enhance your family's hospitality and warmth. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. Here's why: Pergolas are a great way to extend 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 could be the perfect solution if you've found you enjoy your outdoor living space but it is less useful during hot summer days or when you are unable to get shelter from the elements. A pergola will increase the size of your living space and allow you to spend more time outdoors. Properly positioned on your lot, the pergola will offer enough shade to keep even hot summer afternoons enjoyable. Retractable shade covers can be added for additional protection. Shade covers are great for protecting you from light rain. 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 your next major decision. 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. They will have a decent lifespan, but pressure-treated lumber has the potential to warp, crack and look shabby over time. This pergola is best if stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar) is a popular choice for pergolas. It is insect resistant and looks stunning right out of a sawmill. It can be left untreated to make it a soft silver grey, or stained and sealed to keep its color. Cedar pergolas will last longer than those that have been pressure treated, even though they are more costly. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas are very easy to maintain. 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. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.