Outdoor Pergola Decor

Outdoor Pergola Decor - What used to be called a 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 comprise beams, rafters and posts. They can be attached or detached from a home. While opinions vary on the distinction between a pergola and a gazebo, usually a gazebo is freestanding and is built with a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. Arbor and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of an structure that is used to support vines or to guide foot traffic in a garden. If you own an outdoor deck or patio, a rooflike structure will extend the amount of time you are spending outdoors hosting guests or just enjoying a relaxing. With the increasing demand for outdoor spaces, they can increase a home's value. Before jumping into a pergola project, take note of the followingfactors: The orientation is north, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated material, fabric, and glass. Budget: Your two largest costs will be for materials and labor. If you're on a tight budget (and this is the case for most of us) here's where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and imagination come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Is it a DIY project or do you want to hire an expert? A prefabricated pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: And who will design it? Most outdoor structures need the approval of the building inspector or planning commissioner. The local government office will provide guidelines for setbacks and height restrictions. The zoning law: Will you need to obtain city, county, or regional zoning regulations and permits? Depending on where you live this process can take a lot of time, so stay on top of it if you want to complete the project in the next few months or even year. The committees may meet occasionally and applications can fall between the cracks. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that reflect different sizes, styles, 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. Every improvement brings beauty, visual appeal, and enjoyment to backyards. 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 are some reasons why: Pergolas (further) Extend 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. A pergola is a great option if you find that your outdoor living space isn't as practical in the summer sun or that you need protection from inclimate conditions. A pergola expands your living space, and can be used to extend the time you spend outdoors. 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. 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 a variety of materials to consider and all come with advantages and disadvantages: Pressure-treated wood Pergolas are often the least expensive. 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 insect resistant and looks stunning right out of a sawmill. You can leave it untreated to turn a soft silver gray, or stain and seal it to hold its color. Cedar pergolas will last longer than those that have been pressure treated, even though they are more costly. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas require very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas can not be painted, so there are only a few color options. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas can be expensive but offer many benefits. Fiberglass is extremely strong so you can span more distances without the need for posts. In some cases, it can even reach 20 feet. This will give you a cleaner look. Fiberglass can easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint 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.