House Pergola Design

House Pergola Design - The term used to refer to a patio roof is now commonly called a pergola. It provides shelter from the sun, rain, and wind and also extends your living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas are made up of beams, rafters and posts. They are able to be connected or removed from a home. Though opinions differ about what differentiates it from an gazebo, typically it is freestanding and has a pitched roof, while a pergola's roof is flat. Arbor and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of an structure that is used to support vines or direct foot traffic within the garden. If you have an outdoor deck or patio with a roof, a roof-like structure can extend the amount of time you can spend outside entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing. With the rising popularization of living areas outdoors, this is a great way to increase a home's value. Before you begin an pergola project, think about the followingfactors: The orientation is north, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated materials, metals as well as glass, fabric and. Budget: Your two biggest costs will be for labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and this is the case for most of us) that's where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and imagination 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 an architect? A prefabricated pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: And who will create 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 limits. Zoning laws: Do require city or county zoning laws and permits? Depending on where you live the process could be lengthy, so be aware of it if your goal is to have the project done in the next few months, or even a year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applicants can slip into the wrong hands. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that showcase different styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets certain to impress you! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. As each improvement adds beauty, visual appeal and enjoyment, backyard enthusiasts are eager to make more. Landscape improvements can create a unique atmosphere in your home. They also increase the warmth and hospitality of your family. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. 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. 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. Shade covers can even be used to protect against light rain. This is great for unpredictable summer storms. Design Options Abound with Pergolas 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. Materials will be your next decision. There are many options available and each one has its advantages and drawbacks. Wood pergolas made of pressure-treated timber: This is the most affordable option. They'll have a reasonable lifespan but pressure-treated lumber can warp, crack, and check over time. This type of pergola looks best when 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. It can be left in its natural state to turn a soft, silvery gray or sealed with stain to retain its color. Although cedar pergolas are more expensive than pressure-treated pergolas, they have a longer lifespan. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas are very easy to maintain. Vinyl pergolas are not easy to paint so you have limited color options. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas are generally the most expensive way to go, but they come with significant 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 be painted in any color you like, with a better durability than wood. Additionally, fiberglass pergolas work well for adding value to existing patios or decks. Fiberglass pergolas are light in weight and therefore don't require deep footers like other materials.