Corner Patio Pergola

Corner Patio Pergola - What was once known as a patio roof is now referred to as a pergola--it offers shelter from sun as well as wind, rain and sun while extending your home's living space. A major architectural structure pergolas are made up of beams, rafters, and posts. They are able to be connected or removed from a home. Although opinions differ on the distinction between a pergola and the gazebo, generally the gazebo is freestanding, and is built with a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of a structure used for supporting vines or to guide foot traffic in the garden. If you have an outdoor patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can prolong the time you can spend outside hosting guests or just relaxing. With the growing demand for outdoor spaces, they is a great way to boost the value of a house. Before you begin the construction of a pergola project, take note of the followingfactors: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: This could include wood to plywood metals, prefabricated materials, metals, fabric, and glass. Budget: Your two most significant costs will be for labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) that's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly, DIY skills, and imagination come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Do you want to do it yourself project or will you engage an expert? A prefab pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: Also, who is going to develop it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of a building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office should have guidelines on setback and height limitations. The zoning law: Will require city, county, or regional zoning laws and approvals? It depends on where you live the process could be lengthy, so stay on top of it if your goal is to have your project completed within the next few months or even the entire year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications can fall through the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that showcase different styles, sizes, materials, and budgets certain to be awe-inspiring! Many homeowners who enjoy entertaining and relaxing in their backyards have begun to look into the next improvement they can make. Because each addition adds beauty and visual appeal to the backyard, it is a place where people can enjoy their garden. Landscape improvements can create a unique atmosphere in your home. They also increase the warmth and hospitality of your family. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. Here are the reasons: 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. 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. Shade covers are great for protecting you from light rain. Design Options Abound with Pergolas If you are considering adding a pergola or pergola to your landscape, the first thing you need to decide on is whether you want it custom or a kit. A local landscape designer can help you design a pergola and then build it in your yard. Your next decision will be materials. There are many materials that you can choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. 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 pergola is best if stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar is the most popular material for pergolas. It is insect resistant and looks stunning right out of a sawmill. You can leave it untreated to turn a soft silver gray, or stain and seal it to hold its color. Cedar pergolas are typically more expensive that pressure-treated pergolas but will have a longer useful life span. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas are very easy to maintain. Vinyl pergolas can not be painted, so there are only a few color options. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas can be expensive but offer many 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. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.