Pergola Carport Ideas

Pergola Carport Ideas - What used to be called a patio roof is now known as a pergola. It offers shelter from sun and rain as well as extending the living space. A major architectural structure pergolas comprise rafters, beams, and posts, and can be attached or detached from a home. While opinions vary on what makes it different from the gazebo, generally the gazebo is freestanding, and has a pitched roof, while a pergola's roof is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, but an arbor is a structure used to support vines or guide foot traffic in the garden. If you own an outdoor deck or patio, a rooflike structure will prolong the time you can spend outside having fun with guests or simply relaxing. With the growing popularization of living areas outdoors, this is a great way to boost the value of a house. Before you start the construction of a pergola project, think about these factors: Orientation: North or south, east or west-facing. Materials: They can range from plywood to hardwood, metals, prefabricated materials fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: The two biggest costs will be for labor and materials. If you're on a tight budget (and it is for the majority of us) that's the point where resourcefulness, clever planning as well as DIY skills and imagination come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who is planning to build the project? Is it a DIY project or will you hire an architect? A prefabricated pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who is the person who will design it? Most outdoor structures need the approval of a building inspector or planning commissioner. The local government office will have setback guidelines and height limits. Zoning laws: Do you require city or county zoning regulations and permits? Based on the location you reside in, this process can be lengthy 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 the entire year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications may slip through the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that showcase different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets certain to impress you! Many homeowners who enjoy entertaining and relaxing in their backyards have begun to look into the next improvement they can make. As each improvement adds beauty, visual appeal and enjoyment, backyard enthusiasts are eager to make more. 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 already have a patio or deck, it is likely that you added it to increase your living space. 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 can increase your outdoor living area and extend your time outside. A pergola that is correctly positioned on your property can provide enough shade for a pleasant afternoon. However, if you still require protection, you have the option to install a retractable shade shade cover. You can also get shade from light rain with some shade covers, which is ideal for summer storms. Pergolas Offer a Wide Range 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 a variety of materials to consider and all come with advantages and disadvantages: Pressure-treated wood Pergolas are often the least expensive. They will have a decent lifespan, but pressure-treated lumber has the potential to warp, crack and look shabby over time. This type of pergola looks best when stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar) is a popular choice for pergolas. It's naturally insect resistant and looks beautiful right from the sawmill. It can be left as-is to turn a soft grayish silver, or you can stain it and seal it to preserve its color. A cedar pergola is more expensive than a pressure-treated pergola, but you'll typically get a longer serviceable lifespan from cedar. 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: Fiberglass pergolas can be expensive but offer many benefits. Fiberglass is stronger than wood and allows you to span greater distances with no posts. Fiberglass is more durable than wood and can be painted any color. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Fiberglass pergolas are lighter than other materials and don't need as many feet.