Difference Between Pergola And Gazebo

Difference Between Pergola And Gazebo - What was once known as an outdoor roof is now referred to as a pergola--it provides shelter from the sun and rain as well as extending the living space. A significant architectural feature, pergolas consist of beams, rafters and posts, and can be attached or removed from a home. Though opinions differ about what makes it different from the gazebo, generally it is freestanding and has a pitched roof, the roof of a pergola is flat. Arbor and pergola are frequently utilized interchangeably, but an arbor is structure designed for supporting vines or to facilitate foot traffic in the garden. If you have a patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can prolong the time you are spending outdoors hosting guests or just enjoying a relaxing. With the increasing popularization of living areas outdoors, this can enhance the value of your home. Before you begin the construction of a pergola project, take note of these factors: Orientation: North or south, east or west-facing. Materials: This could include plywood to hardwood, metals, prefabricated materials fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: The two biggest costs will be for the cost of labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us), this is the point where resourcefulness, clever planning, DIY skills, and the ability to think on your feet come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Is it a DIY project or do you want to hire a contractor? A prefabricated pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: And, who is going to design it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. The local government office will have setback guidelines and height restrictions. Zoning laws: Do require approval from the city, county, or regional Zoning laws and permits? It depends on where you live, this process can be lengthy, so be aware of it if you wish to get your project completed within the next few months or even year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications can fall through the cracks. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that represent different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets guaranteed to be awe-inspiring! Homeowners who have discovered the merits of relaxing and entertaining in their backyards are often considering the next enhancement they can add to their outdoor space. Because each addition adds beauty and visual appeal to the backyard, it is a place where people can enjoy their garden. Landscape enhancements create a sense of personality and warmth for your home. A pergola is a great addition to your landscape. Here are some 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. 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 can increase your outdoor living area and extend your time outside. 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 will even protect you from a light rain, perfect for those unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas are 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 choices available, and all have their advantages and disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood: A pergola made from pressure-treated wood is usually the cheapest option. They will have a decent lifespan, but pressure-treated lumber has the potential to warp, crack and look shabby over time. This type of pergola generally looks best if painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar) is a popular choice for pergolas. It's insect-resistant and looks great right out of the mill. To make it soft and silvery gray, you can leave it as is or seal it with stain. A cedar pergola is more expensive than a pressure-treated pergola, but you'll typically get a longer serviceable lifespan from cedar. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas are very easy to maintain. Vinyl pergolas cannot be painted easily so your options for color 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 easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint than wood. A fiberglass pergola is a great addition to any deck or patio. Fiberglass pergolas are lighter than other materials and don't need as many feet.