How To Turn A Pergola Into A Covered Porch

How To Turn A Pergola Into A Covered Porch - What used to be called an outdoor roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola--it offers shelter from sun as well as wind, rain and sun while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural element, pergolas consist of rafters, beams, and posts, and can be attached or removed to a house. Although opinions differ on what differentiates it from a gazebo, usually a gazebo is freestanding and is built with a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. Arbor and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of structure designed to support vines or guide foot traffic in the garden. If you have a patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can increase the time you spend outdoors entertaining guests or relaxing. With the increasing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it can enhance the value of your home. Before you start a pergola project, think about the followingfactors: The orientation is north, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated materials, metals, fabric, and glass. Budget: Your two biggest costs will be for materials and labor. If you're on a tight budget (and it is for the majority of us) here's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly, DIY skills, and the ability to think on your feet come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Do you want to do it yourself project or will you hire a contractor? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: And, who is going to design it? The majority of outdoor structures need the approval of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. The local government office will provide guidelines for setbacks and height limits. Zoning laws: Do require approval from the city, county, or regional Zoning laws and permits? It depends on where you live this process can take a lot of time, so be aware of it if you wish to get the project done in the next few months, or even a year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications can fall into the wrong hands. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that represent various styles, sizes, materials, and budgets sure to be awe-inspiring! Many homeowners who enjoy entertaining and relaxing in their backyards have begun to look into the next improvement they can make. Garden enthusiasts love to see their backyards improve. Each improvement creates beauty and visual appeal that can be enjoyed by all. Landscape enhancements add personality to your home and enhance your family's hospitality and warmth. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. Here are some reasons why: Pergolas, (further), Expand Your Living Space . If you already have a patio or deck, it is likely that you added it to increase 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 will increase the size of your living space and allow you to spend more time outdoors. A pergola that is correctly positioned on your property can provide enough shade for a pleasant afternoon. However, if you still require protection, you have the option to install a retractable shade shade cover. Some shade covers will even protect you from a light rain, perfect for those unpredictable summer storms. Design Options Abound with Pergolas When adding a pergola into your landscape, the first thing that you should decide on is "custom" or "kit". A local landscape pro can help you design the pergola from scratch. Materials will be your next decision. There are many options available and each one has its advantages and drawbacks. Pressure-treated wood: A pergola made from pressure-treated wood is usually the cheapest option. 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 is popular for pergolas. It is insect resistant and looks stunning right out of a sawmill. To make it soft and silvery gray, you can leave it as is or seal it with stain. Cedar pergolas will last longer than those that have been pressure treated, even though they are more costly. Vinyl: Vinyl is a great option if you are looking for a pergola with minimal maintenance. Vinyl pergolas are not easy to paint so you have limited color options. Fiberglass Pergolas: While they are the most expensive, fiberglass pergolas 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 can easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint than wood. Fiberglass pergolas can be used to add beauty and style to a patio or deck. Fiberglass pergolas are light in weight and therefore don't require deep footers like other materials.