Pergola Direction Of Slats

Pergola Direction Of Slats - What used to be called the patio roof is now called a pergola. It offers shelter from sun as well as wind, rain and sun as well as extending the living space. A significant architectural feature, pergolas consist of beams, rafters, and posts. They can be attached or detached from a home. Though opinions differ about what differentiates it from an gazebo, typically 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, but an arbor is more of an structure that is used for supporting vines or to guide foot traffic in a garden. If you've got an outdoor patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can extend the amount of time you spend outdoors entertaining guests or relaxing. With the growing popularization of living areas outdoors, this is a great way to boost the value of a house. Before jumping into a pergola project, consider these factors: The orientation is north, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: These can include hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated materials, metals as well as glass, fabric and. Budget: Your two largest expenses will be materials and labor. If you have a limited budget (and that's most of us) here's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly, DIY skills, and creativity come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Is it a DIY project or will you engage an expert? A prefabricated pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: Also, who is going to develop it? Most outdoor structures need the approval of an inspector of buildings or a planning commissioner. Your local government office should have setback guidelines and height limits. The zoning law: Will require approval from the city, county, or regional zoning regulations and permits? Depending on where you live this process can take a long time, so stay on top of it if your goal is to have the project done within the next few months or even year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applicants can slip into the wrong hands. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that reflect various styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets guaranteed to impress 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 improvements can create a unique atmosphere in your home. They also increase the warmth and hospitality of your family. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. Here's how: 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. 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. 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 can protect you from light rain, making them ideal for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas can be designed in many ways 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 many materials available to choose from and each has its pros and cons. Wood pergolas made of pressure-treated timber: This is the most affordable option. 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 is naturally insect-resistant and can be seen right out of 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 a great option if you are looking for a pergola with minimal maintenance. You cannot easily paint a vinyl pergola, however, so your color choices are limited. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas are generally the most expensive way to go, but they come with significant benefits. Fiberglass is stronger than wood and allows you to span greater distances with no posts. Fiberglass can be painted in any color you like, with a better durability than wood. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.