Gazebo Vs Pergola Vs Cabana

Gazebo Vs Pergola Vs Cabana - What was once known as a patio roof is now commonly called a pergola. It provides shelter from the sun and rain while extending your home's living space. A major architectural structure pergolas are made up of beams, rafters, and posts, and can be attached or detached from a home. Although opinions differ on what differentiates it from the gazebo, generally it is freestanding and has a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of structure designed to support vines or to facilitate foot traffic in the garden. If you have a patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can extend the amount of time you are spending outdoors entertaining guests or taking a break. With the growing demand for outdoor spaces, they could boost the value of a house. Before you begin the construction of a pergola project, take note of these factors: The orientation is north east, south, or west-facing. Materials: These can include wood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials as well as glass, fabric and. Budgeting: Two of the largest expenses are materials and labor. If you have a limited budget (and it is for the majority of us) that's where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and creativity come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Do you want to do it yourself project or do you want to hire a contractor? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: Also who will develop it? The majority of outdoor structures need the approval of a building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office must have setback guidelines and height limits. The zoning law: Will need to obtain city or county zoning laws and approvals? Depending on where you live this process can take a lot of time, so stay on top of it if you wish to get to complete the project within the next couple of months, or even a year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applications can fall into the wrong hands. We've found 9 different pergolas that reflect various styles, sizes, materials, and budgets sure to impress 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's how: Pergolas (further). Expand 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 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 can increase your outdoor living area and extend your time outside. When placed properly on your lot, a pergola will cast enough shade to make even a hot afternoon more enjoyable. You can also add a retractable shade cover to provide additional shade. Some shade covers can protect you from light rain, making them ideal for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas can be designed in many ways 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 choices available, and all have their 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 type pergola looks best when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar, also known as Western Red Cedar, is a popular option for pergolas. It's naturally insect resistant and looks beautiful right from the sawmill. You can leave it untreated to turn a soft silver gray, or stain and seal it to hold its color. Although cedar pergolas are more expensive than pressure-treated pergolas, they have a longer lifespan. Vinyl: Vinyl is an excellent choice if you want a pergola that needs very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas are not easy to paint so you have limited color options. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas can be expensive but offer many 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 can easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint than wood. Fiberglass pergolas can be used to add beauty and style to a patio or deck. Fiberglass pergolas are light in weight and therefore don't require deep footers like other materials.