Covered Pergola Plans

Covered Pergola Plans - The term used to refer to an outdoor roof is now known 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 consist of rafters, beams, and posts, and are able to be connected or removed from a home. Although opinions differ on the distinction between a pergola and a gazebo, usually it is freestanding and is built with a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. Arbor and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, but an arbor is an structure that is used for supporting vines or to facilitate foot traffic in the garden. If you've got a patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can increase the time you spend outdoors hosting guests or just enjoying a relaxing. With the rising popularity of outdoor living spaces, it could enhance the value of your home. Before jumping into the construction of a pergola project, take note of the followingfactors: The orientation is north east, south, or west-facing. Materials: This could include hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials as well as glass, fabric and. Budget: The two largest expenses will be the cost of labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) that's where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and the ability to think on your feet come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who is planning to build the project? Do you want to do it yourself project or will you engage an expert? A prefab pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also, who is going to design it? Most outdoor structures need the approval of a building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office must provide guidelines for setbacks and height limitations. Zoning laws: Do require approval from the city, county, or regional zoning laws and approvals? Depending on where you live the process could be lengthy, so be aware of it if your goal is to have to complete the project within the next couple of months, or even a year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applicants can slip through the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that showcase different styles, sizes, materials, and budgets guaranteed to inspire you! 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 enhancements add personality to your home and enhance your family's hospitality and warmth. Consider adding a pergola to your landscape. Here are the reasons: Pergolas are a great way to extend 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 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. 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. Some shade covers can protect you from light rain, making them ideal for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas Offer a Wide Range of Design Options 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. Materials will be your next major decision. There are many materials that you can choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood: A pressure-treated wood pergola is often your least expensive option. They will have a decent lifespan, but pressure-treated lumber has the potential to warp, crack and look shabby over time. This pergola looks great when 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 untreated to make it a soft silver grey, or stained and sealed to keep its color. Although cedar pergolas are more expensive than pressure-treated pergolas, they have a longer lifespan. Vinyl: If you're looking for a pergola that requires very little maintenance, vinyl is certainly worth consideration. Vinyl pergolas cannot be painted easily so your options for color are limited. 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 in any color you like, with a better durability than 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.