La Pergola Paddington.
La Pergola Paddington - What used to be called a patio roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola--it offers shelter from sun and rain as well as extending the living space. A significant architectural element pergolas are made up of beams, rafters and posts, and are able to be connected or removed to a house. Though opinions differ about what differentiates it from the gazebo, generally a gazebo is freestanding and is built with a pitched roof the roof of a pergola is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are often utilized interchangeably, but an arbor is a structure used to support vines or direct foot traffic within a garden. If you have a patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can increase the time you spend outdoors hosting guests or just relaxing. With the increasing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it can increase a home's value. Before jumping into an pergola project, consider these factors: The orientation is north east, south, or west-facing. Materials: This could include wood to plywood metals, prefabricated materials, metals, fabric, and glass. Budget: The two largest expenses will be labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and that's most of us) that's where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and imagination come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? 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: And who is the person who will develop it? Most outdoor structures require the permission of a building inspector or planning commissioner. The local government office will provide guidelines for setbacks and height restrictions. Zone laws: Are need to obtain city or county Zoning laws and approvals? Depending on where you live the process could be lengthy, so stay on top of it if your goal is to have the project done in the next few months, or even a year. The committees may meet occasionally and applicants can slip between the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that represent different styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets certain 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. Every improvement brings beauty, visual appeal, and enjoyment to backyards. Landscape enhancements can help you create a feeling or personality in your home, and increase your family's warmth. A pergola is a great addition to your landscape. Here are some reasons. Pergolas (further). Expand Your Living Space . If you've already built a patio or deck, you probably added it as an extension of your living space. A pergola is a great option if you find that your outdoor living space isn't as practical in the summer sun or that you need protection from inclimate conditions. A pergola expands your living space, and can be used to extend the time you spend outdoors. 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. Design Options Abound with Pergolas First, you will need to decide if you want a pergola in your garden. Materials will be your next decision. There are many options available and each one has its advantages and drawbacks. Pressure-treated wood Pergolas are often the least expensive. They will have a decent lifespan, but pressure-treated lumber has the potential to warp, crack and look shabby 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's insect-resistant and looks great right out of the mill. It can be left as-is to turn a soft grayish silver, or you can stain it and seal it to preserve its color. Cedar pergolas can be more expensive than pressure-treated ones, but they will typically last for a much longer time. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas are very easy to maintain. 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 strong and can be spanned for longer distances (in some cases up to 20 feet), giving you a cleaner look. Fiberglass is more durable than wood and can be painted any color. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.