How To Square Posts For A Pergola.
How To Square Posts For A Pergola - What used to be called the patio roof is now referred to as a pergola--it protects your home from sun as well as wind, rain and sun while extending your home's living space. A major architectural structure pergolas are made up of rafters, beams, and posts. They are able to be connected or removed to a house. Though opinions differ about what differentiates it from the gazebo, generally the gazebo is freestanding, and has a pitched roof the roof of a pergola is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, but an arbor is an structure that is used to support vines or to facilitate foot traffic in a garden. If you have a patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can increase the time you are spending outdoors entertaining guests or relaxing. With the growing demand for outdoor spaces, they can enhance the value of your home. Before jumping into the construction of a pergola project, consider the followingfactors: Orientation: North east, south, or west-facing. Materials: These can include hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated materials, metals, fabric, and glass. Budget: The two largest expenses are labor and materials. If you're on a tight budget (and that's most of us) here's where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and the ability to think on your feet 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 an expert? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: And, who is going to design it? The majority of outdoor structures require the approval of an inspector of buildings or a planning commissioner. Your local government office must have setback guidelines and height limits. The zoning law: Will require approval from the city, county, or regional zoning laws and approvals? It depends on where you live the process could take a long time, so be aware of it if you want your project completed within the next few months, or even a year. The committees may meet occasionally and applications can fall between the cracks. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that reflect different styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets guaranteed to impress you! 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 create a sense of personality and warmth for your home. Consider adding a pergola to your landscape. Here are the reasons: Pergolas, (further), Expand Your Living Space . You may have an existing deck or patio and added it to expand your living space. A pergola might be the right choice for you if your outdoor space is not as useful in summer heat or you want to protect it from inclimate weather. 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 are 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 options available and each one has its advantages and drawbacks. Pressure-treated wood: The most cost-effective option is often a pergola made from pressure treated wood. While they have a good life expectancy, pressure-treated lumber is susceptible to cracking, warping, and checking over time. This type of pergola looks best when stained or painted. Cedar wood is popular for 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. Cedar pergolas can be more expensive than pressure-treated ones, but they will typically last for a much longer time. Vinyl: Vinyl is a great option if you are looking for a pergola with minimal maintenance. You cannot easily paint a vinyl pergola, however, so your color choices are limited. 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. Additionally, fiberglass pergolas work well for adding value to existing patios or decks. Fiberglass pergolas require less footing than other materials due to their light weight.