Garden Tunnel Pergola

Garden Tunnel Pergola - The term used to refer to an outdoor roof is now known as a pergola. It offers shelter from sun as well as wind, rain and sun as well as extending the living space. A significant architectural element pergolas are made up of beams, rafters and posts, and are able to be connected or removed to a house. While opinions vary on the distinction between a pergola and a gazebo, usually the gazebo is freestanding, and is built with a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. Arbor and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of an structure that is used to support vines or to direct foot traffic within the garden. If you own an outdoor patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can prolong the time you spend outdoors entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing. With the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it can boost the value of a house. Before you begin a pergola project, take note of the following: Orientation: North east, south, or west-facing. Materials: These can include plywood to hardwood, metals, prefabricated materials as well as glass, fabric and. Budgeting: Two of the most significant expenses are the cost of labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) here's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly as well as DIY skills and the ability to think on your feet come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or will you engage an expert? A prefab pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: Also who will create it? The majority of outdoor structures require the permission of the building inspector or planning commissioner. Your local government office should have guidelines on setback and height limits. Zone laws: Are need to obtain city or county zoning laws and permits? Depending on where you live, this process can take a lot of time, so be aware of it if you wish to get your project completed within the next couple of months, or even a year. The committees may meet occasionally and applicants can slip between the cracks. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that represent different styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets sure to impress you! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. 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 are the reasons: Pergolas, (further), Expand Your Living Space . You likely have a deck or patio already. This is because you want to expand the living space you have beyond your home's walls. 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 expands your living space, and can be used to extend the time you spend outdoors. 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 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. Materials will be your next major decision. There are many options available and each one has its advantages and drawbacks. Pressure-treated wood: A pergola made from pressure-treated wood is usually the cheapest option. Although they'll last for a while, pressure-treated lumber can crack, warp and become unusable over time. This pergola is best if stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar), is a popular choice to make pergolas. It is naturally resistant to insects and looks amazing straight from the sawmill. You can leave it untreated to turn a soft silver gray, or stain and seal it to hold its color. 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: Although they are more expensive than other options, fiberglass pergolas have significant advantages. Fiberglass can span longer distances than steel posts (in some cases as far as 20 feet). This gives you a cleaner look. Fiberglass can also be painted in any color that you choose. The paint will last longer than wood. Additionally, fiberglass pergolas work well for adding value to existing patios or decks. Fiberglass pergolas require less footing than other materials due to their light weight.