Deck Pergola Ideas

Deck Pergola Ideas - What used to be called the patio roof is now called a pergola. It provides shelter from the sun as well as wind, rain and sun and also extends your living space. A significant architectural feature, pergolas consist 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, the roof of a pergola is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are commonly utilized interchangeably, but an arbor is more of structure designed to support vines or to direct foot traffic within a garden. If you have an outdoor patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can extend the amount of time you spend outdoors hosting guests or just taking a break. With the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it can increase a home's value. Before you begin a pergola project, consider the following: The orientation is north or south, east or west-facing. Materials: These can include hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials as well as glass, fabric and. Budgeting: Two of the most significant expenses will be the cost of labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and this is the case for most of us), this is where resourcefulness, smart planning, DIY skills, and creativity come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or will you hire an expert? A prefabricated pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who is the person who will create it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of the building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office should have setback guidelines and height limitations. Zoning laws: Do need to obtain city or county zoning regulations and approvals? It depends on where you live the process could take a lot of time and you must be on top of it if you wish to get to complete the project within the next couple of months or even the entire year. The committees may meet occasionally and applications can fall through the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that represent different sizes, styles materials, budgets, and styles guaranteed to be awe-inspiring! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. Every improvement brings beauty, visual appeal, and enjoyment to backyards. Landscape enhancements help create a mood or personality for your home and they extend your family's warmth and hospitality. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. 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 is a great option if you find that your outdoor living space isn't as practical in the summer sun or that you need protection from inclimate conditions. 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. You can also get shade from light rain with some shade covers, which is ideal for 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 your next major decision. 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 type of pergola looks best when stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar is the most popular material 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: Vinyl pergolas are very easy to maintain. Vinyl pergolas are not easy to paint so you have limited color options. Fiberglass: Although they are more expensive than other options, fiberglass pergolas have significant advantages. Because fiberglass is so strong, you can span much longer distances without posts, (in some cases, about 20 feet) giving you a cleaner look). Fiberglass is more durable than wood and can be painted any color. 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.