Grange Pod Pergola

Grange Pod Pergola - What was once known as the patio roof is now referred to as a pergola--it offers shelter from sun as well as wind, rain and sun while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural element pergolas comprise beams, rafters, and posts, and can be attached or detached to a house. Although opinions differ on the distinction between a pergola and the gazebo, generally a gazebo is freestanding and is built with a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, but an arbor is a structure used to support vines or to direct foot traffic within a garden. If you've got an outdoor patio or deck, a rooflike structure will extend the amount of time you are spending outdoors having fun with guests or simply relaxing. With the growing demand for outdoor spaces, they can increase a home's value. Before you start a pergola project, think about the following: The orientation is north east, south, or west-facing. Materials: These can include plywood to hardwood, metals, prefabricated materials as well as glass, fabric and. Budget: The two biggest expenses will be materials and labor. If your budget is limited (and it is for the majority of us) that's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly the ability to DIY, as well as the ability to think on your feet come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Do you want to do it yourself project or do you want to hire an architect? A prefabricated pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: And, who is going to design it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of a building inspector or planning commissioner. The local government office will have guidelines on setback and height restrictions. Zone laws: Are require approval from the city or county Zoning laws and permits? It depends on where you live, this process can take a long time, so stay on top of it if your goal is to have the project done within the next few months, or even a year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications can fall between the cracks. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that reflect various styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets sure to inspire you! Many homeowners who enjoy entertaining and relaxing in their backyards have begun to look into the next improvement they can make. Every improvement brings beauty, visual appeal, and enjoyment to backyards. Landscape enhancements help create a mood or personality for your home and they extend your family's warmth and hospitality. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. Here's why: Pergolas (further). Extend Your Living Space . You may have an existing deck or patio and added it to expand 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. A pergola, when placed correctly on your lot will provide enough shade to make any afternoon pleasant. If you need more protection, you can also install a retractable shade covering. Some shade covers will even protect you from a light rain, perfect for those 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. The next step will be to make a decision about materials. There are many materials available to choose from and each has its pros and cons. Pressure-treated wood: A pressure-treated wood pergola is often your least expensive option. Although they will last a long time, pressure-treated lumber may crack, warp, or become damaged over time. This type of pergola generally looks best if painted or stained. Cedar wood is popular for pergolas. It is naturally resistant to insects and looks amazing straight from the sawmill. It can be left in its natural state to turn a soft, silvery gray or sealed with stain to retain its color. Cedar pergolas will last longer than those that have been pressure treated, even though they are more costly. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas are very easy to maintain. 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 is stronger than wood and allows you to span greater distances with no posts. Fiberglass can be painted in any color you like, with a better durability than 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.