Fairy Lights For Pergola

Fairy Lights For Pergola - The term used to refer to the patio roof is now known as a pergola. It protects your home from sun and rain as well as extending the living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas are made up of beams, rafters, and posts, and are able to be connected or removed to a house. While opinions vary on what differentiates it from the gazebo, generally the gazebo is freestanding, and is built with a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, but an arbor is a structure used to support vines or guide foot traffic in a garden. If you own an outdoor deck or patio or roof, a rooflike structure can increase the time you are spending outdoors entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing. With the growing popularization of living areas outdoors, this is a great way to increase a home's value. Before you start the construction of a pergola project, take note of the followingfactors: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from plywood to hardwood, metals, prefabricated materials, fabric, and glass. Budget: Your two most significant expenses are labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and it is for the majority of us), this is where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and creativity come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Is it a DIY project or will you engage an architect? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: And who will create it? The majority of outdoor structures require the permission of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. Your local government office should provide guidelines for setbacks and height restrictions. The zoning law: Will you need to obtain city or county zoning regulations and approvals? It depends on where you live, this process can take a long time and you must be on top of it if you wish to get the project done in the next few months, or even a year. The committees may meet occasionally and applications may slip between the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that represent different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets sure to inspire you! Many homeowners who enjoy entertaining and relaxing in their backyards have begun to look into the next improvement they can make. Every improvement brings beauty, visual appeal, and enjoyment to backyards. Landscape enhancements create a sense of personality and warmth for your home. If you are considering the next addition to your landscape, consider installing a pergola. Here's why: Pergolas, (further), Expand 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. If you have found that you love your outdoor living area but that it's not quite so useful on a summer afternoon when the sun is beating down or if you wish you had protection from inclimate weather, a pergola may be for you. A pergola extends your living space and increases the amount of time you can spend outside. Designed and oriented correctly on your lot, a pergola can cast enough light shade to make even a warm afternoon enjoyable or if you still need additional protection, you can install a retractable shade cover for more shade. Shade covers can even be used to protect against light rain. This is great for unpredictable 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 the next thing you need to consider. There are a variety of materials to consider and all come with 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 pergola is best if stained or painted. Cedar wood is popular for 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. 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 not be painted, so there are only a few color options. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas can be expensive but offer many benefits. Fiberglass is extremely strong so you can span more distances without the need for posts. In some cases, it can even reach 20 feet. This will give you a cleaner look. Fiberglass can also be painted in any color that you choose. The paint will last longer than wood. Fiberglass pergolas can be used to add beauty and style to a patio or deck. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.