La Pergola Harlton Cambridge

La Pergola Harlton Cambridge - The term used to refer to an outdoor roof is now referred to as a pergola--it provides shelter from the sun, rain, and wind while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural element pergolas comprise beams, rafters and posts, and 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 is built with a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of a structure used for supporting vines or to direct foot traffic within a garden. If you've got an outdoor deck or patio, a rooflike structure will prolong the time you are spending outdoors entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing. With the increasing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it can boost the value of a house. Before jumping into an pergola project, take note of the followingfactors: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: These can include hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials as well as glass, fabric and. Budgeting: Two of the biggest expenses are 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 as well as DIY skills and imagination come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who is planning to build the project? Do you want to do it yourself project or will you engage an architect? A prefab pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also, who is going to design it? The majority of outdoor structures need the approval of the building inspector or planning commissioner. Your local government office must have setback guidelines and height limits. Zoning laws: Do need to obtain city or county zoning regulations and permits? It depends on where you live the process could be lengthy, so stay on top of it if you wish to get your project completed within the next few months or even the entire year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applications may slip into the wrong hands. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that reflect various styles, sizes, materials, and budgets sure 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. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. Here are some reasons. Pergolas (further). Extend 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 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 expands your living space, and can be used to extend the time you spend outdoors. Designed and oriented correctly on your lot, a pergola can cast enough light shade to make even a warm afternoon enjoyable or if you still need additional protection, you can install a retractable shade cover for more shade. 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 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. The next step will be to make a decision about materials. 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. They will have a decent lifespan, but pressure-treated lumber has the potential to warp, crack and look shabby over time. This pergola looks great when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar) is a popular choice for pergolas. It is insect resistant and looks stunning right out of a sawmill. It can be left untreated to make it a soft silver grey, or stained and sealed to keep its color. A cedar pergola is more expensive than a pressure-treated pergola, but you'll typically get a longer serviceable lifespan from cedar. Vinyl: Vinyl is a great option if you are looking for a pergola with minimal maintenance. Vinyl pergolas can't be painted so the color options are limited. Fiberglass Pergolas are typically the most expensive option, but they offer significant benefits. Fiberglass is stronger than wood and allows you to span greater distances with no posts. Fiberglass can be painted any color you want, and the paint will hold up better than on wood. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Fiberglass pergolas are lighter than other materials and don't need as many feet.