Decked Out Pergola

Decked Out Pergola - What used to be called the patio roof is now commonly known as a pergola. It protects your home from sun, rain, and wind as well as extending the living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas are made up of beams, rafters, and posts. They are able to be connected or removed from a home. While opinions vary on what makes it different from an gazebo, typically it is freestanding and has a pitched roof, the roof of a pergola is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of structure designed for supporting vines or to facilitate foot traffic in a garden. If you've got an outdoor deck or patio with a roof, a roof-like structure can increase the time you are spending outdoors having fun with guests or simply enjoying a relaxing. With the rising popularity of outdoor living spaces, it can increase a home's value. Before you start an pergola project, take note of the following: Orientation: North or south, east or west-facing. Materials: They can range from plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated materials, metals fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: Your two biggest expenses will be the cost of labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) here's the point where resourcefulness, clever planning as well as DIY skills and the ability to think on your feet come into play. The contractor 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 is an alternative. Building codes: And, who is going to develop it? The majority of outdoor structures require the permission of an inspector of buildings or a planning commissioner. Your local government office must provide guidelines for setbacks and height limits. The zoning law: Will require approval from the city or county zoning regulations and approvals? Based on the location you reside in this process can take a lot of time, so stay on top of it if your goal is to have to complete the project within the next couple of months or even year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications may slip through the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that showcase different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets sure to impress you! Homeowners who are enjoying relaxing and entertaining in their gardens have a tendency to be open-minded about what they can do next. Every improvement brings beauty, visual appeal, and enjoyment to backyards. Landscape improvements can create a unique atmosphere in your home. They also increase the warmth and hospitality of your family. A pergola is a great addition to your landscape. Here are some reasons. Pergolas (further). Expand Your Living Space . You likely have a deck or patio already. This is because you want to expand the living space you have beyond your home's walls. 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. A pergola, when placed correctly on your lot will provide enough shade to make any afternoon pleasant. If you need more protection, you can also install a retractable shade covering. Some shade covers will even protect you from a light rain, perfect for those unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas offer a variety of design options First, you will need to decide if you want a pergola in your garden. Materials will be the next thing you need to consider. There are many materials available to choose from and each has its pros and cons. Pressure-treated wood: A pressure-treated wood pergola is often your least expensive option. Although they will last a long time, pressure-treated lumber may crack, warp, or become damaged over time. This type of pergola looks best when stained or painted. Cedar wood is popular for pergolas. It's insect-resistant and looks great right out of the mill. It can be left in its natural state to turn a soft, silvery gray or sealed with stain to retain its color. Although cedar pergolas are more expensive than pressure-treated pergolas, they have a longer lifespan. Vinyl: Vinyl is a great option if you are looking for a pergola with minimal maintenance. Vinyl pergolas can't be painted so the color options are limited. Fiberglass Pergolas: While they are the most expensive, fiberglass pergolas 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 is more durable than wood and can be painted any color. A fiberglass pergola is a great addition to any deck or patio. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.