Ideas For Hanging Lights On Pergola

Ideas For Hanging Lights On Pergola - What was once known as a patio roof is now commonly 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 are made up of rafters, beams, and posts. They can be attached or detached to a house. Though opinions differ about what makes it different from the gazebo, generally it is freestanding and has a pitched roof, unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. Arbor and pergola are often utilized interchangeably, but an arbor is structure designed for supporting vines or to guide foot traffic in a garden. If you have an outdoor patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can extend the amount of time you can spend outside entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing. With the increasing demand for outdoor spaces, they could enhance the value of your home. Before you begin the construction of a pergola project, take note of these factors: The orientation is north east, south, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated materials, metals, fabric, and glass. Budgeting: Two of the biggest expenses are materials and labor. If you're on a tight budget (and that's most of us) that's the point where resourcefulness, clever planning the ability to DIY, as well as the ability to think on your feet come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or do you want to hire an architect? A prefab pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who will design it? Most outdoor structures require the permission of an inspector of buildings or a planning commissioner. Your local government office must provide guidelines for setbacks and height restrictions. Zone laws: Are you require approval from the city or county Zoning laws and permits? Depending on where you live the process could take a long time and you must be on top of it if your goal is to have 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 uncovered 9 pergolas that represent various styles, sizes, materials, and budgets guaranteed to impress you! Homeowners who have discovered the merits of relaxing and entertaining in their backyards are often considering the next enhancement they can add to their outdoor space. Backyard enthusiasts crave continued improvements, as each adds beauty, visual appeal, and an opportunity for enjoyment. Landscape improvements can create a unique atmosphere in your home. They also increase the warmth and hospitality of your family. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. Here are some reasons. Pergolas (further). Extend Your Living Space . If you have already installed a deck or patio, you likely added it to extend your living space beyond the walls of your home. 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 can increase your outdoor living area and extend your 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 will even protect you from a light rain, perfect for those unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas offer a variety of design options 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 the next thing you need to consider. 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. 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: Cedar, also known as Western Red Cedar, is a popular option for pergolas. It's insect-resistant and looks great right out of the mill. To make it soft and silvery gray, you can leave it as is or seal it with stain. Cedar pergolas are typically more expensive that pressure-treated pergolas but will have a longer useful life span. Vinyl: Vinyl is a great option if you are looking for a pergola with minimal maintenance. Vinyl pergolas can not be painted, so there are only a few color options. Fiberglass Pergolas: While they are the most expensive, fiberglass pergolas offer significant benefits. Fiberglass is extremely strong so you can span more distances without the need for posts. In some cases, it can even reach 20 feet. This will give you a cleaner look. Fiberglass can also be painted in any color that you choose. The paint will last longer than wood. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Fiberglass pergolas are light in weight and therefore don't require deep footers like other materials.