How To Decorate A Pergola.
How To Decorate A Pergola - What used to be called a patio roof is now commonly known as a pergola. It offers shelter from sun as well as wind, rain and sun and also extends your living space. A significant architectural element, pergolas consist of beams, rafters, and posts, and can be attached or detached from a home. Although opinions differ on what makes it different from an gazebo, typically a gazebo is freestanding and has a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, but an arbor is a structure used for supporting vines or to guide foot traffic in a garden. If you have an outdoor deck or patio or roof, a rooflike structure can extend the amount of time you can spend outside entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing. With the rising popularity of outdoor living spaces, it could boost the value of a house. Before jumping into an pergola project, consider these factors: Orientation: North or south, east or west-facing. Materials: This could include hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated materials, metals fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: Your two most significant expenses are materials and labor. If you're on a tight budget (and that's most of us) here's where resourcefulness, smart 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 engage an architect? A prefabricated pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: And who will develop it? The majority of outdoor structures need the approval of a building inspector or planning commissioner. Your local government office must have setback guidelines and height limitations. Zoning laws: Do require city, county, or regional 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 your project completed within the next couple of months, or even a year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applicants can slip into the wrong hands. We've found 9 different pergolas that reflect different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets certain to be awe-inspiring! 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). 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 will increase the size of your living space and allow you to spend more time 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. Some shade covers can protect you from light rain, making them ideal for unpredictable summer storms. Design Options Abound with Pergolas First, you will need to decide if you want a pergola in your garden. The next step will be to make a decision about materials. There are many materials that you can choose from, each with its own 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 looks great when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar) is a popular choice for pergolas. It is naturally resistant to insects and looks amazing straight from the sawmill. It can be left as-is to turn a soft grayish silver, or you can stain it and seal it to preserve 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 are not easy to paint so you have limited color options. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas can be expensive but offer many benefits. Fiberglass is stronger than wood and allows you to span greater distances with no posts. Fiberglass can also be painted in any color that you choose. The paint will last longer than wood. Fiberglass pergolas can be used to add beauty and style to a patio or deck. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.