Forest Pergola 2.7

Forest Pergola 2.7 - What used to be called the patio roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola--it offers shelter from sun as well as wind, rain and sun while extending your home's living space. A major architectural structure pergolas comprise beams, rafters, and posts, and can be attached or detached to a house. Although opinions differ on what differentiates it from the gazebo, generally a gazebo is freestanding and has a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of structure designed to support vines or to guide foot traffic in a garden. If you own an outdoor patio or deck, a rooflike structure will prolong the time you can spend outside hosting guests or just enjoying a relaxing. With the rising popularization of living areas outdoors, this is a great way to enhance the value of your home. Before you begin an pergola project, take note of the followingfactors: Orientation: North east, south, or west-facing. Materials: These can include hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated material fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: Your two biggest costs will be for labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and it is for the majority of us) that's the point where resourcefulness, clever planning the ability to DIY, as well as imagination come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or do you want to hire an expert? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: And who is the person who will design it? Most outdoor structures need the approval of a building inspector or the planning commissioner. The local government office will have setback guidelines and height limits. Zone laws: Are require approval from the city or county zoning laws and permits? It depends on where you live, this process can take a lot of time, so be aware of it if you want your project completed within the next few months, or even a year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applicants can slip between the cracks. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that represent various styles, sizes, materials, and budgets sure to impress you! 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. As each improvement adds beauty, visual appeal and enjoyment, backyard enthusiasts are eager to make more. Landscape enhancements help create a mood or personality for your home and they extend your family's warmth and hospitality. A pergola is a great addition to your landscape. Here's how: Pergolas, (further), Expand 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 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 can protect you from light rain, making them ideal for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas offer a variety 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. Your next decision will be materials. There are many materials available to choose from and each has its pros and cons. Pressure-treated wood Pergolas are often the least expensive. Although they will last a long time, pressure-treated lumber may crack, warp, or become damaged over time. This type pergola looks best when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar) is a popular choice for pergolas. It's naturally insect resistant and looks beautiful right from the 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: If you're looking for a pergola that requires very little maintenance, vinyl is certainly worth consideration. Vinyl pergolas are not easy to paint so you have limited color options. Fiberglass Pergolas are typically the most expensive option, but they offer significant benefits. 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. Finally, fiberglass pergolas are perfect for adding to either a deck or existing patio. Fiberglass pergolas are lighter than other materials and don't need as many feet.