Garden Roofed Pergola

Garden Roofed Pergola - The term used to refer to an outdoor roof is now referred to as a pergola--it offers shelter from sun and rain and also extends your living space. A significant architectural element pergolas are made up of beams, rafters and posts, and can be attached or removed to a house. Though opinions differ about what makes it different from a gazebo, usually a gazebo is freestanding and has a pitched roof, while a pergola's roof is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are often used interchangeably, but an arbor is a structure used to support vines or to direct foot traffic within a garden. If you own an outdoor deck or patio or roof, a rooflike structure can prolong the time you can spend outside entertaining guests or relaxing. With the increasing demand for outdoor spaces, they can increase a home's value. Before you start the construction of a pergola project, take note of the following: The orientation is north or south, east or west-facing. Materials: These can include hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated materials, metals fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: The two most significant expenses will be the cost of labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and it is for the majority of us) here's the point where resourcefulness, clever planning, DIY skills, and creativity come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Is it a DIY project or will you hire a contractor? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: And, who is going to design it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of a building inspector or the planning commissioner. The local government office will provide guidelines for setbacks and height limitations. The zoning law: Will you need to obtain city or county zoning laws and permits? It depends on where you live the process could take a long time, so stay on top of it if your goal is to have your project completed within the next couple of months, or even a year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications can fall into the wrong hands. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that represent different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets sure to inspire you! Homeowners who find the benefits of entertaining and relaxing in their own backyards are always looking for the next improvement. Garden enthusiasts love to see their backyards improve. Each improvement creates beauty and visual appeal that can be enjoyed by all. Landscape enhancements can help you create a feeling or personality in your home, and increase your family's warmth. Consider adding a pergola to your landscape. Here are the reasons: 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. 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 extends your living space and increases the amount of time you can spend 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. Shade covers can even be used to protect against light rain. This is great for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas can be designed in many ways 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. Materials will be your next major decision. 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. They will have a decent lifespan, but pressure-treated lumber has the potential to warp, crack and look shabby over time. This pergola is best if stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar, also known as Western Red Cedar, is a popular option for pergolas. It is naturally insect-resistant and can be seen right out of the sawmill. To make it soft and silvery gray, you can leave it as is or seal it with stain. Cedar pergolas can be more expensive than pressure-treated ones, but they will typically last for a much longer time. Vinyl: Vinyl is an excellent choice if you want a pergola that needs very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas cannot be painted easily so your options for color are limited. 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 be painted in any color you like, with a better durability than wood. A fiberglass pergola is a great addition to any deck or patio. Fiberglass pergolas are lighter than other materials and don't need as many feet.