How To Plant A Pergola.
How To Plant A Pergola - What was once known as an outdoor roof is now referred to as a pergola--it provides shelter from the sun, rain, and wind and also extends your living space. A major architectural structure, pergolas consist of beams, rafters, and posts. They are able to be connected or removed from a home. Though opinions differ about what makes it different from the gazebo, generally the gazebo is freestanding, and has a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of structure designed for supporting vines or to direct foot traffic within the garden. If you have a patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can increase the time you spend outdoors having fun with guests or simply taking a break. With the increasing demand for outdoor spaces, they can enhance the value of your home. Before you begin a pergola project, take note of the following: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated material as well as glass, fabric and. Budgeting: Two of the most significant costs will be for the cost of labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) here's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly as well as DIY skills and the ability to think on your feet come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Is it a DIY project or will you hire a contractor? A prefabricated pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: Also who will create it? The majority of outdoor structures require the permission of the building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office should have setback guidelines and height restrictions. Zoning laws: Do require approval from the city, county, or regional Zoning laws and approvals? Depending on where you live this process can be lengthy and you must be on top of it if your goal is to have the project done within the next couple of months, or even a year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications may slip through the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that showcase different styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets sure to be awe-inspiring! Homeowners who find the benefits of entertaining and relaxing in their own backyards are always looking for the next improvement. As each improvement adds beauty, visual appeal and enjoyment, backyard enthusiasts are eager to make more. Landscape enhancements can help you create a feeling or personality in your home, and increase your family's warmth. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. Here's why: Pergolas are a great way to extend 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 may be right for you if you have discovered that you love your outdoor living spaces but don't find it useful in hot weather or if there are other reasons. A pergola increases your outdoor living space and allows you to spend more time outside. 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. Pergolas Offer a Wide Range of Design Options 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 major decision. There are many materials available to choose from and each has its pros and cons. 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 type of pergola looks best when stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar), is a popular choice to make pergolas. It's naturally insect resistant and looks beautiful right 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 is a great option if you are looking for a pergola with minimal maintenance. Vinyl pergolas cannot be painted easily so your options for color are limited. Fiberglass Pergolas: While they are the most expensive, fiberglass pergolas offer 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 any color you want, and the paint will hold up better than on wood. Fiberglass pergolas can be used to add beauty and style to a patio or deck. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.