Free 14x16 Pergola Plan

Free 14x16 Pergola Plan - What was once known as an outdoor roof is now commonly called a pergola. It offers shelter from sun as well as wind, rain and sun and also extends your living space. A major architectural structure pergolas are made up of rafters, beams, and posts, and can be attached or removed to a house. Although opinions differ on what differentiates it from the gazebo, generally a gazebo is freestanding and has 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 more of a structure used for supporting vines or to facilitate foot traffic in the garden. If you have an outdoor deck or patio with a roof, a roof-like structure can prolong the time you can spend outside hosting guests or just enjoying a relaxing. With the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it is a great way to enhance the value of your home. Before you start an pergola project, consider the following: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from wood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials as well as glass, fabric and. Budgeting: Two of the biggest costs will be for the cost of labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and it is for the majority 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. Construction vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Is it a DIY project or will you engage a contractor? A prefab pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: And who will develop it? The majority of outdoor structures need the approval of a building inspector or planning commissioner. Your local government office must have setback guidelines and height limitations. Zone laws: Are you need to obtain city or county zoning regulations and approvals? It depends on where you live the process could take a lot of time, so be aware of it if you want to complete the project within the next couple of months or even year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications may slip into the wrong hands. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that showcase different styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets certain to inspire you! Homeowners who find the benefits of entertaining and relaxing in their own backyards are always looking for the next improvement. Because each addition adds beauty and visual appeal to the backyard, it is a place where people can enjoy their garden. Landscape enhancements add personality to your home and enhance your family's hospitality and warmth. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. Here are the reasons: Pergolas, (further), Expand Your Living Space . If you already have a patio or deck, it is likely that you added it to increase your living space. A pergola could be the perfect solution if you've found you enjoy your outdoor living space but it is less useful during hot summer days or when you are unable to get shelter from the elements. A pergola increases your outdoor living space and allows you to spend more 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 offer a variety of design options The first thing to consider when adding a pergola to your landscaping is "custom or kits?". A local landscape professional will help you design and build a pergola, but you won't have the same flexibility as a professional landscaper. However, all parts will be delivered to you for you to assemble and place. The next step will be to make a decision about materials. There are many materials that you can choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood: The most cost-effective option is often a pergola made from pressure treated wood. They'll have a reasonable lifespan but pressure-treated lumber can warp, crack, and check 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. To make it soft and silvery gray, you can leave it as is or seal it with stain. Cedar pergolas will last longer than those that have been pressure treated, even though they are more costly. 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: Although they are more expensive than other options, fiberglass pergolas have significant advantages. Fiberglass is strong and can be spanned for longer distances (in some cases up to 20 feet), giving you a cleaner look. Fiberglass can be painted any color you want, and the paint will hold up better than on wood. Additionally, fiberglass pergolas work well for adding value to existing patios or decks. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.