Pergola London Christmas

Pergola London Christmas - What used to be called an outdoor roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola--it offers shelter from sun and rain and also extends your living space. A significant architectural element, pergolas consist of rafters, beams, and posts, and are able to be connected or removed from a home. Although opinions differ on the distinction between a pergola and the gazebo, generally it is freestanding and has a pitched roof, while a pergola's roof is flat. Arbor and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, however an arbor is a structure used to support vines or to facilitate foot traffic in the garden. If you've got an outdoor patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can prolong the time you spend outdoors having fun with guests or simply taking a break. With the increasing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it can boost the value of a house. Before you begin the construction of a pergola project, take note of the following: Orientation: North east, south, or west-facing. Materials: This could include hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials, fabric, and glass. Budget: Your two most significant expenses are materials and labor. If you have a limited budget (and this is the case for most of us), this is the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly, DIY skills, and imagination come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Is it a DIY project or will you hire a contractor? A prefabricated pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who is the person who will create it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. Your local government office should have setback guidelines and height limits. Zoning laws: Do you require approval from the city or county zoning regulations and approvals? It depends on where you live this process can take a lot of time, so stay on top of it if you wish to get the project done in the next few months or even the entire year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications can fall between the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that represent different styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets guaranteed to inspire you! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. 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. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. Here's how: 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 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 expands your living space, and can be used to extend the time you spend outdoors. Properly positioned on your lot, the pergola will offer enough shade to keep even hot summer afternoons enjoyable. Retractable shade covers can be added for additional protection. Shade covers can even be used to protect against light rain. This is great for unpredictable 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 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. Although they'll last for a while, pressure-treated lumber can crack, warp and become unusable over time. This type pergola looks best when painted or stained. 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 will last longer than those that have been pressure treated, even though they are more costly. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas are very easy to maintain. You cannot easily paint a vinyl pergola, however, so your color choices are limited. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas can be expensive but offer many benefits. Because fiberglass is so strong, you can span much longer distances without posts, (in some cases, about 20 feet) giving you a cleaner look). Fiberglass can also be painted in any color that you choose. The paint will last longer than wood. A fiberglass pergola is a great addition to any deck or patio. Fiberglass pergolas are light in weight and therefore don't require deep footers like other materials.