Diy Patio Pergola

Diy Patio Pergola - The term used to refer to an outdoor roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola--it provides shelter from the sun, rain, and wind as well as extending the living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas are made up of rafters, beams, and posts. They can be attached or removed from a home. Although opinions differ on 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 used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of a structure used to support vines or direct foot traffic within a 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 relaxing. With the increasing demand for outdoor spaces, they can boost the value of a house. Before you start the construction of a pergola project, take note of these factors: Orientation: North east, south, or west-facing. Materials: These can include hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated material fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: Your two most significant expenses will be the cost of labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and that's most of us) that's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly, DIY skills, and the ability to think on your feet come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who is planning to build the project? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or will you hire an expert? A prefab pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: And, who is going to develop it? The majority of outdoor structures require the approval of the building inspector or planning commissioner. The local government office will have guidelines on setback and height limits. The zoning law: Will you require approval from the city, county, or regional Zoning laws and permits? It depends on where you live, this process can take a long time, so stay on top of it if you wish to get to complete the project within the next few months or even the entire year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications can fall through the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that showcase different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets guaranteed to inspire you! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. Garden enthusiasts love to see their backyards improve. Each improvement creates beauty and visual appeal that can be enjoyed by all. 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's why: Pergolas (further) Extend Your Living Space . You may have an existing deck or patio and added it to expand your living space. 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 can increase your outdoor living area and extend your time outside. 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. Design Options Abound with Pergolas First, you will need to decide if you want a pergola in your garden. Materials will be your next decision. There are many options available and each one has its advantages and drawbacks. Pressure-treated wood Pergolas are often the least expensive. While they have a good life expectancy, pressure-treated lumber is susceptible to cracking, warping, and checking over time. This type of pergola generally looks best if painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar), is a popular choice to make pergolas. It is insect resistant and looks stunning right out of a sawmill. It can be left as-is to turn a soft grayish silver, or you can stain it and seal it to preserve its color. Cedar pergolas are typically more expensive that pressure-treated pergolas but will have a longer useful life span. Vinyl: Vinyl is an excellent choice if you want a pergola that needs very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas are not easy to paint so you have limited color options. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas can be expensive but offer many benefits. Fiberglass is strong and can be spanned for longer distances (in some cases up to 20 feet), giving you a cleaner look. Fiberglass can easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint 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.