Make Your Own Pergola

Make Your Own Pergola - The term used to refer to an outdoor roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola--it offers shelter from sun as well as wind, rain and sun and also extends your living space. A major architectural structure pergolas are made up of rafters, beams, and posts, and are able to be connected or removed to a house. Though opinions differ about the distinction between a pergola and the gazebo, generally it is freestanding and is built with a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, but an arbor is an structure that is used for supporting vines or to guide foot traffic in the garden. If you've got a patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can prolong the time you can spend outside having fun with guests or simply taking a break. With the rising demand for outdoor spaces, they is a great way to increase a home's value. Before you start the construction of a pergola project, take note of the followingfactors: The orientation is north, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: This could include plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated material as well as glass, fabric and. Budget: The two most significant costs will be for labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) here's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly the ability to DIY, as well as imagination come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who is planning to build the project? Do you want to do it yourself project or will you hire a contractor? A prefab pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who is the person who will create it? Most outdoor structures need the approval of an inspector of buildings or a planning commissioner. The local government office will have guidelines on setback and height restrictions. Zoning laws: Do require city or county zoning regulations and approvals? It depends on where you live this process can be lengthy and you must be on top of it if your goal is to have to complete the project in the next few months or even the entire year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applications can fall between the cracks. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that showcase different styles, sizes, materials, and budgets sure to inspire you! Homeowners who find the benefits of entertaining and relaxing in their own backyards are always looking for the next improvement. Backyard enthusiasts crave continued improvements, as each adds beauty, visual appeal, and an opportunity for enjoyment. Landscape enhancements add personality to your home and enhance your family's hospitality and warmth. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. Here are the reasons: Pergolas are a great way to 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 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 can increase your outdoor living area and extend your time outside. A pergola, when placed correctly on your lot will provide enough shade to make any afternoon pleasant. If you need more protection, you can also install a retractable shade covering. Shade covers are great for protecting you from light rain. 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 choices available, and all have their advantages and disadvantages. Wood pergolas made of pressure-treated timber: This is the most affordable 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 naturally insect-resistant and can be seen right out of the sawmill. It can be left untreated to make it a soft silver grey, or stained and sealed to keep 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. You cannot easily paint a vinyl pergola, however, so your color choices are limited. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas can be expensive but offer many benefits. Fiberglass can span longer distances than steel posts (in some cases as far as 20 feet). This gives you a cleaner look. Fiberglass can be painted in any color you like, with a better durability than wood. Additionally, fiberglass pergolas work well for adding value to existing patios or decks. Fiberglass pergolas are light in weight and therefore don't require deep footers like other materials.