Garden Hill And Pergola

Garden Hill And Pergola - What used to be called an outdoor roof is now known as a pergola. It provides shelter from the sun and rain while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural feature, pergolas consist of beams, rafters and posts, and can be attached or detached from a home. Though opinions differ about what makes it different from an gazebo, typically a gazebo is freestanding and has a pitched roof, the roof of a pergola is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are often utilized interchangeably, but an arbor is more of a structure used to support vines or direct foot traffic within the garden. If you've got a patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can increase the time you spend outdoors hosting guests or just relaxing. With the rising popularity of outdoor living spaces, it can boost the value of a house. Before you start an pergola project, think about the following: The orientation is north or south, east or west-facing. Materials: This could include hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated material, fabric, and glass. Budget: Your two largest costs will be for the cost of labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and that's most of us) that's where resourcefulness, smart planning, DIY skills, and imagination come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who is planning to build the project? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or will you hire an architect? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: Also, who is going to develop it? Most outdoor structures need the approval of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. Your local government office must have guidelines on setback and height limitations. The zoning law: Will need to obtain city, county, or regional zoning regulations and permits? Based on the location you reside in this process can be lengthy, so be aware of it if your goal is to have to complete the project within the next couple of months or even year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applicants can slip through the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that represent different styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets certain to inspire 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. Garden enthusiasts love to see their backyards improve. Each improvement creates beauty and visual appeal that can be enjoyed by all. 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 are a great way to 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 may be right for you if you have discovered that you love your outdoor living spaces but don't find it useful in hot weather or if there are other reasons. 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 can protect you from light rain, making them ideal for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas are a wide range of design options First, you will need to decide if you want a pergola in your garden. Materials will be your next major decision. There are many choices available, and all have their 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 looks great 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. 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: If you're looking for a pergola that requires very little maintenance, vinyl is certainly worth consideration. 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. 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 can be painted any color you want, and the paint will hold up better than on wood. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.