How To Put A Slope On A Flat Pergola

How To Put A Slope On A Flat Pergola - What used to be called an outdoor roof is now called a pergola. It provides shelter from the sun, rain, and wind as well as extending the living space. A major architectural structure pergolas comprise rafters, beams, and posts. They can be attached or detached to a house. While opinions vary on what makes it different from an gazebo, typically a gazebo is freestanding and has a pitched roof, while a pergola's roof is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are often used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of structure designed to support vines or guide foot traffic in the garden. If you own an outdoor patio or deck, a rooflike structure will prolong the time you can spend outside entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing. With the growing popularization of living areas outdoors, this can boost the value of a house. Before jumping into a pergola project, consider the following: Orientation: North or south, east or west-facing. Materials: They can range from hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials, fabric, and glass. Budgeting: Two of the largest costs will be for materials and labor. If your budget is limited (and that's most of us) here's where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and creativity come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or will you hire a contractor? A prefabricated pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: Also, who is going to create it? The majority of outdoor structures need the approval of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. The local government office will have setback guidelines and height limitations. Zoning laws: Do require city, county, or regional Zoning laws and permits? It depends on where you live, this process can take a long time, so be aware of it if you want your project completed in the next few months or even year. The committees may meet occasionally and applications can fall into the wrong hands. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that showcase different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets sure to inspire you! Homeowners who are enjoying relaxing and entertaining in their gardens have a tendency to be open-minded about what they can do next. Backyard enthusiasts crave continued improvements, as each adds beauty, visual appeal, and an opportunity for enjoyment. 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 how: Pergolas (further). Expand 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. When placed properly on your lot, a pergola will cast enough shade to make even a hot afternoon more enjoyable. You can also add a retractable shade cover to provide additional shade. You can also get shade from light rain with some shade covers, which is ideal for summer storms. Pergolas offer a variety 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 decision. There are a variety of materials to consider and all come with advantages and disadvantages: Pressure-treated wood: The most cost-effective option is often a pergola made from pressure treated wood. 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: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar) is a popular choice 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 will last longer than those that have been pressure treated, even though they are more costly. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas require very little maintenance. 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 any color you want, and the paint will hold up better than on wood. A fiberglass pergola is a great addition to any deck or patio. Fiberglass pergolas require less footing than other materials due to their light weight.