Outdoor Patio Pergola

Outdoor Patio Pergola - The term used to refer to the patio roof is now commonly known as a pergola. It offers shelter from sun as well as wind, rain and sun and also extends your living space. A significant architectural element pergolas are made up of beams, rafters and posts, and can be attached or detached to a house. Although opinions differ on what differentiates it from an gazebo, typically a gazebo is freestanding and has a pitched roof, unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of a structure used to support vines or to direct foot traffic within a garden. If you've got a patio or deck, a rooflike structure will extend the amount of time you are spending outdoors entertaining guests or relaxing. With the rising popularity of outdoor living spaces, it can increase a home's value. Before you begin an pergola project, consider the following: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: These can include plywood to hardwood, metals, prefabricated materials as well as glass, fabric and. Budget: The two largest costs will be for labor and materials. If you're on a tight budget (and this is the case for most of us) here's where resourcefulness, smart planning the ability to DIY, as well as creativity come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who is planning to build the project? Is it a DIY project or will you hire a contractor? A prefabricated pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who will develop it? The majority of outdoor structures need the approval of an inspector of buildings or a planning commissioner. Your local government office should have guidelines on setback and height restrictions. Zoning laws: Do need to obtain city or county zoning laws and permits? Based on the location you reside in this process can take a lot of time and you must be on top of it if you want to complete the project within the next couple of months, or even a year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applications may slip between the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that showcase various styles, sizes materials, budgets, and styles certain to inspire you! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. Because each addition adds beauty and visual appeal to the backyard, it is a place where people can enjoy their garden. Landscape improvements can create a unique atmosphere in your home. They also increase the warmth and hospitality of your family. Consider adding a pergola to your landscape. Here are the reasons: Pergolas (further) Extend Your Living Space . If you've already built a patio or deck, you probably added it as an extension of your living space. A pergola might be the right choice for you if your outdoor space is not as useful in summer heat or you want to protect it from inclimate weather. 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. You can also get shade from light rain with some shade covers, which is ideal for 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. Materials will be the next thing you need to consider. There are many materials that you can choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood Pergolas are often the least expensive. They'll have a reasonable lifespan but pressure-treated lumber can warp, crack, and check over time. This type of pergola looks best when stained or painted. 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. Cedar pergolas can be more expensive than pressure-treated ones, but they will typically last for a much longer time. Vinyl: If you're looking for a pergola that requires very little maintenance, vinyl is certainly worth consideration. Vinyl pergolas can't be painted so the color options are limited. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas are generally the most expensive way to go, but they come with significant benefits. Fiberglass is strong and can be spanned for longer distances (in some cases up to 20 feet), giving 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. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.