Origin Of Pergola

Origin Of Pergola - What was once known as the patio roof is now referred to as a pergola--it protects your home from sun, rain, and wind and also extends your living space. A significant architectural feature, pergolas consist of beams, rafters and posts, and are able to be connected or removed to a house. Though opinions differ about the distinction between a pergola and an gazebo, typically the gazebo is freestanding, and is built with a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of structure designed for supporting vines or to direct foot traffic within the garden. If you have an outdoor deck or patio, a rooflike structure will increase the time you are spending outdoors having fun with guests or simply relaxing. With the growing demand for outdoor spaces, they can boost the value of a house. Before you begin a pergola project, think about the following: Orientation: North or south, east or west-facing. Materials: They can range from plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated materials, metals as well as glass, fabric and. Budget: The two largest costs will be for labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and it is for the majority of us) that's where resourcefulness, smart planning, DIY skills, and the ability to think on your feet come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or will you engage a contractor? A prefabricated pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: And who will develop it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of a building inspector or the planning commissioner. The local government office will have setback guidelines and height limitations. The zoning law: Will you require approval from the city, county, or regional zoning laws and permits? Depending on where you live this process can take a long time 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 a year. The committees may meet occasionally and applicants can slip through the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that showcase different sizes, styles materials, budgets, and styles certain to inspire you! Homeowners who find the benefits of entertaining and relaxing in their own backyards are always looking for the next improvement. Every improvement brings beauty, visual appeal, and enjoyment to backyards. Landscape enhancements help create a mood or personality for your home and they extend your family's warmth and hospitality. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. Here's why: Pergolas are a great way to extend your living space . You may have an existing deck or patio and added it to expand your living space. A pergola may be right for you if you have discovered that you love your outdoor living spaces but don't find it useful in hot weather or if there are other reasons. A pergola will increase the size of your living space and allow you to spend more time outdoors. When placed properly on your lot, a pergola will cast enough shade to make even a hot afternoon more enjoyable. You can also add a retractable shade cover to provide additional shade. Shade covers can even be used to protect against light rain. This is great for unpredictable summer storms. Design Options Abound with Pergolas If you are considering adding a pergola or pergola to your landscape, the first thing you need to decide on is whether you want it custom or a kit. A local landscape designer can help you design a pergola and then build it in your yard. Materials will be the next thing you need to consider. There are many options available and each one has its advantages and drawbacks. Pressure-treated wood: A pergola made from pressure-treated wood is usually the cheapest option. Although they'll last for a while, pressure-treated lumber can crack, warp and become unusable over time. This pergola is best if stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar) is a popular choice for pergolas. It is naturally insect-resistant and can be seen right out of the sawmill. You can leave it untreated to turn a soft silver gray, or stain and seal it to hold 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. You cannot easily paint a vinyl pergola, however, so your color choices are limited. Fiberglass: Although they are more expensive than other options, fiberglass pergolas have significant advantages. Fiberglass can span longer distances than steel posts (in some cases as far as 20 feet). This gives you a cleaner look. Fiberglass is more durable than wood and can be painted any color. A fiberglass pergola is a great addition to any deck or patio. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.