Mediterranean Garden Pergola

Mediterranean Garden Pergola - What used to be called a patio roof is now referred to as a pergola--it offers shelter from sun as well as wind, rain and sun while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural element pergolas are made up of beams, rafters, and posts. They are able to be connected or removed from a home. Although opinions differ on the distinction between a pergola and a gazebo, usually it is freestanding and is built with a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, however an arbor is an structure that is used for supporting vines or to direct foot traffic within a garden. If you own an outdoor deck or patio with a roof, a roof-like structure can extend the amount of time you can spend outside hosting guests or just relaxing. With the increasing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it can increase a home's value. Before jumping into the construction of a pergola project, think about the following: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from wood to plywood metals, prefabricated materials, metals fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budgeting: Two of the most significant expenses are labor and materials. If you're on a tight budget (and it is for the majority of us), this is the point where resourcefulness, clever planning, DIY skills, and imagination come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Is it a DIY project or do you want to hire an architect? A prefab pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who is the person who will design it? Most outdoor structures need the approval of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. The local government office will have guidelines on setback and height limitations. Zone laws: Are you need to obtain city, county, or regional zoning laws and approvals? Depending on where you live this process can take a lot of time and you must be on top of it if your goal is to have the project done within the next couple of months or even year. The committees may meet occasionally and applicants can slip between the cracks. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that reflect different sizes, styles, materials, and budgets guaranteed to inspire 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. Garden enthusiasts love to see their backyards improve. Each improvement creates beauty and visual appeal that can be enjoyed by all. Landscape enhancements add personality to your home and enhance your family's hospitality and warmth. Consider adding a pergola to your landscape. Here are the reasons: Pergolas, (further), Expand Your Living Space . You likely have a deck or patio already. This is because you want to expand the living space you have beyond your home's walls. 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 extends your living space and increases the amount of time you can spend outside. A pergola that is correctly positioned on your property can provide enough shade for a pleasant afternoon. However, if you still require protection, you have the option to install a retractable shade shade cover. Shade covers are great for protecting you from light rain. Pergolas Offer a Wide Range of Design Options First, you will need to decide if you want a pergola in your garden. Materials will be your next major decision. There are a variety of materials to consider and all come with advantages and disadvantages: Pressure-treated wood: A pressure-treated wood pergola is often your least expensive option. Although they will last a long time, pressure-treated lumber may crack, warp, or become damaged over time. This type pergola looks best when painted or stained. Cedar wood is popular for pergolas. It is naturally resistant to insects and looks amazing straight from the sawmill. It can be left in its natural state to turn a soft, silvery gray or sealed with stain to retain its color. Although cedar pergolas are more expensive than pressure-treated pergolas, they have a longer lifespan. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas are very easy to maintain. Vinyl pergolas cannot be painted easily so your options for color 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 easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint than wood. Fiberglass pergolas can be used to add beauty and style to a patio or deck. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.