Make Your Own Pergola Kit

Make Your Own Pergola Kit - The term used to refer to an outdoor roof is now called a pergola. It protects your home from sun as well as wind, rain and sun while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural element, pergolas consist of beams, rafters and posts. They are able to be connected or removed from a home. Though opinions differ about what differentiates it from an gazebo, typically a gazebo is freestanding and is built with a pitched roof the roof of a pergola is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are often used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of a structure used to support vines or direct foot traffic within a garden. If you've got an outdoor patio or deck, a rooflike structure will increase the time you are spending outdoors having fun with guests or simply relaxing. With the rising popularization of living areas outdoors, this is a great way to boost the value of a house. Before you start the construction of a pergola project, consider the following: The orientation is north, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: This could include hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials as well as glass, fabric and. Budget: The two largest costs will be for labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) here's the point where resourcefulness, clever planning, DIY skills, and imagination come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who is planning to build the project? Is it a DIY project or will you hire an architect? A prefab pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who will create it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of a building inspector or planning commissioner. The local government office will provide guidelines for setbacks and height restrictions. The zoning law: Will you require approval from the city, county, or regional zoning laws and permits? Depending on where you live the process could be lengthy, so be aware of it if you want the project done within the next few months or even the entire year. The committees may meet occasionally and applicants can slip between the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that reflect different styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets sure to impress you! Many homeowners who enjoy entertaining and relaxing in their backyards have begun to look into the next improvement they can make. Garden enthusiasts love to see their backyards improve. Each improvement creates beauty and visual appeal that can be enjoyed by all. Landscape enhancements can help you create a feeling or personality in your home, and increase your family's warmth. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. Here's how: 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. 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 increases your outdoor living space and allows you to spend more 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. Some shade covers can protect you from light rain, making them ideal for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas offer a variety of design options When you decide to add a pergola to your landscape the first thing you'll need to decide is, "custom or kit?" A local landscape professional can help you design a pergola from scratch and can custom build it right in your backyard or you can purchase a kit from one of the many well-known manufacturers in the U.S. You won't have the same design flexibility--you're typically limited to rectangles and fixed dimensions--but all the parts will be delivered to your home for your landscape professional to assemble and install. Your next decision will be materials. There are many choices available, and all have their advantages and disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood Pergolas are often the least expensive. Although they will last a long time, pressure-treated lumber may crack, warp, or become damaged over time. This type of pergola looks best when stained or painted. 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. To make it soft and silvery gray, you can leave it as is or seal it with stain. Cedar pergolas can be more expensive than pressure-treated ones, but they will typically last for a much longer time. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas require very little 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 in any color you like, with a better durability 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.