Pergola Lantern Lighting

Pergola Lantern Lighting - What was once known as an outdoor roof is now commonly known as a pergola. It offers shelter from sun and rain as well as extending the living space. A major architectural structure pergolas are made up of rafters, beams, and posts. They are able to be connected or removed from a home. While opinions vary on the distinction between a pergola and an gazebo, typically a gazebo is freestanding and is built with a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are often used interchangeably, but an arbor is a structure used for supporting vines or to facilitate foot traffic in the garden. If you own an outdoor patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can increase the time you are spending outdoors entertaining guests or relaxing. With the rising popularization of living areas outdoors, this is a great way to boost the value of a house. Before jumping into an pergola project, take note of the following: The orientation is north, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: This could include wood to plywood metals, prefabricated material, fabric, and glass. Budget: Your two largest expenses are materials and labor. If you have a limited budget (and it is for the majority of us) that's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly, DIY skills, and creativity come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Do you want to do it yourself project or do you want to hire a contractor? A prefabricated pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who will design it? Most outdoor structures require 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 approval from the 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 wish to get the project done in the next few months or even year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applications can fall through the cracks. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that represent different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets sure to be awe-inspiring! 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 help create a mood or personality for your home and they extend your family's warmth and hospitality. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. Here are some reasons. 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 might be the right choice for you if your outdoor space is not as useful in summer heat or you want to protect it from inclimate weather. A pergola can increase your outdoor living area and extend your time outside. When placed properly on your lot, a pergola will cast enough shade to make even a hot afternoon more enjoyable. You can also add a retractable shade cover to provide additional shade. Some shade covers will even protect you from a light rain, perfect for those unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas are 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: A pergola made from pressure-treated wood is usually the cheapest option. They'll have a reasonable lifespan but pressure-treated lumber can warp, crack, and check 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. It can be left as-is to turn a soft grayish silver, or you can stain it and seal it to preserve its color. Cedar pergolas can be more expensive than pressure-treated ones, but they will typically last for a much longer time. Vinyl: If you're looking for a pergola that requires very little maintenance, vinyl is certainly worth consideration. Vinyl pergolas can't be painted so the color options are limited. Fiberglass Pergolas: While they are the most expensive, fiberglass pergolas offer significant benefits. Fiberglass is strong and can be spanned for longer distances (in some cases up to 20 feet), giving you a cleaner look. Fiberglass can be painted in any color you like, with a better durability 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.