Pergola 2.5 X 2.5

Pergola 2.5 X 2.5 - What was once known as an outdoor roof is now commonly called a pergola. It offers shelter from sun, rain, and wind and also extends your living space. A significant architectural element, pergolas consist of beams, rafters, and posts, and are able to be connected or removed to a house. Though opinions differ about what differentiates it from an gazebo, typically it is freestanding and is built with a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are often utilized interchangeably, but an arbor is more of an structure that is used to support vines or to guide foot traffic in the garden. If you have a patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can prolong the time you can spend outside entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing. With the rising popularity of outdoor living spaces, it could increase a home's value. Before jumping into the construction of a pergola project, consider the following: The orientation is north, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: These can include hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials, fabric, and glass. Budgeting: Two of the largest expenses are the cost of labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and that's most of us) that's where resourcefulness, smart planning, DIY skills, and the ability to think on your feet come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Is it a DIY project or will you engage a contractor? A prefabricated pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: And, who is going to develop it? Most outdoor structures require the permission of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. The local government office will have setback guidelines and height limitations. The zoning law: Will you need to obtain city, county, or regional zoning laws and approvals? Based on the location you reside in the process could be lengthy and you must be on top of it if you want the project done within the next couple of months or even the entire year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications can fall through the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that represent different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets guaranteed to impress you! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. Every improvement brings beauty, visual appeal, and enjoyment to backyards. Landscape enhancements add personality to your home and enhance your family's hospitality and warmth. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. Here's how: 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 expands your living space, and can be used to extend the time you spend outdoors. Designed and oriented correctly on your lot, a pergola can cast enough light shade to make even a warm afternoon enjoyable or if you still need additional protection, you can install a retractable shade cover for more shade. Shade covers are great for protecting you from light rain. Pergolas are a wide range of design options The first thing to consider when adding a pergola to your landscaping is "custom or kits?". A local landscape professional will help you design and build a pergola, but you won't have the same flexibility as a professional landscaper. However, all parts will be delivered to you for you to assemble and place. Materials will be your next major decision. There are many materials that you can choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood: A pressure-treated wood pergola is often your least expensive option. They will have a decent lifespan, but pressure-treated lumber has the potential to warp, crack and look shabby over time. This pergola is best if stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar), is a popular choice to make pergolas. It's naturally insect resistant and looks beautiful right 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 is an excellent choice if you want a pergola that needs very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas cannot be painted easily so your options for color 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 can also be painted in any color that you choose. The paint will last longer than wood. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.