Pergola Builders San Antonio

Pergola Builders San Antonio - What was once known as the patio roof is now known as a pergola. It offers shelter from sun and rain and also extends your living space. A major architectural structure pergolas are made up of beams, rafters, and posts. They can be attached or removed from a home. Though opinions differ about what makes it different from an gazebo, typically a gazebo is freestanding and has a pitched roof, the roof of a pergola is flat. Arbor and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of a structure used to support vines or guide foot traffic in the garden. If you own an outdoor patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can prolong the time you spend outdoors hosting guests or just relaxing. With the growing demand for outdoor spaces, they can enhance the value of your home. Before you begin a pergola project, consider the following: The orientation is north, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from wood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials as well as glass, fabric and. Budgeting: Two of the most significant expenses are labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) here's where resourcefulness, smart planning, DIY skills, and creativity come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or will you engage an expert? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: And, who is going to create it? Most outdoor structures need the approval of the building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office should have setback guidelines and height restrictions. The zoning law: Will you require city or county zoning regulations and permits? Based on the location you reside in, this process can be lengthy, so stay on top of it if you want the project done within the next few months, or even a year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applications may slip through the cracks. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that showcase different styles, sizes materials, budgets, and styles sure 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. If you are considering the next addition to your landscape, consider installing a pergola. Here's how: Pergolas, (further), Expand Your Living Space . If you have already installed a deck or patio, you likely added it to extend your living space beyond the walls of your home. A pergola could be the perfect solution if you've found you enjoy your outdoor living space but it is less useful during hot summer days or when you are unable to get shelter from the elements. A pergola increases your outdoor living space and allows you to spend more time outside. 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. Some shade covers will even protect you from a light rain, perfect for those unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas can be designed in many ways 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 your next major decision. There are a variety of materials to consider and all come with advantages and disadvantages: Pressure-treated wood: The most cost-effective option is often a pergola made from pressure treated wood. They will have a decent lifespan, but pressure-treated lumber has the potential to warp, crack and look shabby over time. This pergola looks great when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar), is a popular choice to make pergolas. It's insect-resistant and looks great right out of the mill. 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: If you're looking for a pergola that requires very little maintenance, vinyl is certainly worth consideration. Vinyl pergolas are not easy to paint so you have limited color options. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas are generally the most expensive way to go, but they come with significant 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. Additionally, fiberglass pergolas work well for adding value to existing patios or decks. Fiberglass pergolas require less footing than other materials due to their light weight.