How To Paint A Wood Pergola.
How To Paint A Wood Pergola - The term used to refer to a patio roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola--it offers shelter from sun, rain, and wind as well as extending the living space. A significant architectural feature, pergolas consist of beams, rafters, and posts, and are able to be connected or removed to a house. While opinions vary on what makes it different from the gazebo, generally a gazebo is freestanding and has a pitched roof, the roof of a pergola is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of an structure that is used to support vines or to facilitate foot traffic in a garden. If you've got an outdoor patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can prolong the time you are spending outdoors hosting guests or just enjoying a relaxing. With the growing popularization of living areas outdoors, this is a great way to enhance the value of your home. Before jumping into a pergola project, think about the following: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated materials, metals, fabric, and glass. Budget: The two largest expenses will be the cost of labor and materials. If you're on a tight budget (and that's most of us) that's where resourcefulness, smart planning, DIY skills, and the ability to think on your feet come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Is it a DIY project or do you want to hire an architect? A prefab pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: Also who is the person who will design it? Most outdoor structures require the permission of the building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office must have setback guidelines and height limitations. Zone laws: Are require approval from the city or county zoning regulations and permits? It depends on where you live the process could take a lot of time and you must be on top of it if you wish to get to complete the project within the next couple of months, or even a year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications may slip through the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that reflect different styles, sizes materials, budgets, and styles 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. Because each addition adds beauty and visual appeal to the backyard, it is a place where people can enjoy their garden. 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 some reasons why: Pergolas are a great way to extend your living space . You may have an existing deck or patio and added it to expand your living space. If you have found that you love your outdoor living area but that it's not quite so useful on a summer afternoon when the sun is beating down or if you wish you had protection from inclimate weather, a pergola may be for you. A pergola increases your outdoor living space and allows you to spend more time outside. Designed and oriented correctly on your lot, a pergola can cast enough light shade to make even a warm afternoon enjoyable or if you still need additional protection, you can install a retractable shade cover for more shade. You can also get shade from light rain with some shade covers, which is ideal for summer storms. Design Options Abound with Pergolas 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. Your next decision will be materials. There are many choices available, and all have their advantages and disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood Pergolas are often the least expensive. Although they'll last for a while, pressure-treated lumber can crack, warp and become unusable 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 is naturally insect-resistant and can be seen right out of the sawmill. It can be left untreated to make it a soft silver grey, or stained and sealed to keep its color. Cedar pergolas can be more expensive than pressure-treated ones, but they will typically last for a much longer time. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas require very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas cannot be painted easily so your options for color are limited. Fiberglass Pergolas are typically the most expensive option, but they offer significant benefits. Fiberglass is strong and can be spanned for longer distances (in some cases up to 20 feet), giving you a cleaner look. Fiberglass is more durable than wood and can be painted any color. Additionally, fiberglass pergolas work well for adding value to existing patios or decks. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.