Low Voltage Pergola Lighting.
Low Voltage Pergola Lighting - What used to be called an outdoor roof is now referred to as a pergola--it protects your home from sun as well as wind, rain and sun as well as extending the living space. A significant architectural element, pergolas consist of beams, rafters and posts. They can be attached or detached to a house. While opinions vary on the distinction between a pergola and an gazebo, typically it is freestanding and has a pitched roof the roof of a pergola is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, however an arbor is a structure used for supporting vines or to guide foot traffic in a garden. If you've got an outdoor patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can extend the amount of time you can spend outside having fun with guests or simply taking a break. With the rising popularization of living areas outdoors, this could enhance the value of your home. Before you begin an pergola project, think about the followingfactors: The orientation is north, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated materials, metals as well as glass, fabric and. Budget: Your two biggest expenses are materials and labor. If you have a limited budget (and that's most of us), this is 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 planning to build the project? Do you want to do it yourself project or will you hire an expert? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: Also who will create it? The majority of outdoor structures need the approval of the building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office must have guidelines on setback and height limitations. Zone laws: Are you require approval from the city, county, or regional zoning laws and permits? Based on the location you reside in this process can take a lot of time, so be aware of it if you want the project done in the next few months or even the entire year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications may slip between the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that showcase different styles, sizes materials, budgets, and styles guaranteed to be awe-inspiring! Homeowners who are enjoying relaxing and entertaining in their gardens have a tendency to be open-minded about what they can do next. As each improvement adds beauty, visual appeal and enjoyment, backyard enthusiasts are eager to make more. Landscape enhancements help create a mood or personality for your home and they extend your family's warmth and hospitality. A pergola is a great addition to your landscape. Here's 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. If you have found that you love your outdoor living area but that it's not quite so useful on a summer afternoon when the sun is beating down or if you wish you had protection from inclimate weather, a pergola may be for you. A pergola will increase the size of your living space and allow you to spend more time 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. Shade covers can even be used to protect against light rain. This is great for 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. Your next decision will be materials. 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. They will have a decent lifespan, but pressure-treated lumber has the potential to warp, crack and look shabby over time. This type pergola looks best when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar) is a popular choice for pergolas. It is naturally resistant to insects and looks amazing straight from the sawmill. It can be left untreated to make it a soft silver grey, or stained and sealed to keep its color. 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 can't be painted so the color options are limited. Fiberglass Pergolas: While they are the most expensive, fiberglass pergolas offer significant 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. Fiberglass pergolas can be used to add beauty and style to a patio or deck. Fiberglass pergolas require less footing than other materials due to their light weight.