Corner Garden Pergola Ideas

Corner Garden Pergola Ideas - What was once known as the patio roof is now referred to as a pergola--it protects your home from sun and rain as well as extending the living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas are made up of beams, rafters, and posts, and are able to be connected or removed from a home. Although opinions differ on what differentiates it from a gazebo, usually the gazebo is freestanding, and has a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. Arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of a structure used for supporting vines or to guide foot traffic in a garden. If you own an outdoor deck or patio, a rooflike structure will increase the time you can spend outside hosting guests or just enjoying a relaxing. With the growing demand for outdoor spaces, they can enhance the value of your home. Before jumping into a pergola project, think about the following: The orientation is north or south, east or west-facing. Materials: These can include plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated materials, metals, fabric, and glass. Budget: The two most significant expenses are materials and labor. If you have a limited budget (and that's most of us) here's the point where resourcefulness, clever planning the ability to DIY, as well as imagination come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Is it a DIY project or will you engage a contractor? A prefab pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: Also, who is going to develop it? Most outdoor structures need the approval of the building inspector or planning commissioner. Your local government office must have guidelines on setback and height limits. Zoning laws: Do require approval from the city or county Zoning laws and permits? Based on the location you reside in, this process can take a lot of time and you must be on top of it if your goal is to have your project completed within the next few months, or even a year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applicants can slip into the wrong hands. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that showcase different styles, sizes materials, budgets, and styles 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 add personality to your home and enhance your family's hospitality and warmth. Consider adding a pergola to your landscape. Here are some reasons why: Pergolas, (further), Expand Your Living Space . If you have already installed a deck or patio, you likely added it to extend your living space beyond the walls of your home. 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 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 can even be used to protect against light rain. This is great for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas Offer a Wide Range of Design Options 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 the next thing you need to consider. There are a variety of materials to consider and all come with advantages and disadvantages: Pressure-treated wood Pergolas are often the least expensive. 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 to make pergolas. It is naturally insect-resistant and can be seen right out of the sawmill. It can be left untreated to make it a soft silver grey, or stained and sealed to keep its color. Cedar pergolas are typically more expensive that pressure-treated pergolas but will have a longer useful life span. Vinyl: Vinyl is a great option if you are looking for a pergola with minimal maintenance. You cannot easily paint a vinyl pergola, however, so your color choices are limited. Fiberglass Pergolas are typically the most expensive option, but they offer 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 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 light in weight and therefore don't require deep footers like other materials.