Pergola Patio Covers

Pergola Patio Covers - What used to be called a patio roof is now called a pergola. It provides shelter from the sun as well as wind, rain and sun while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural feature, pergolas consist of beams, rafters and posts. They are able to be connected or removed from a home. Though opinions differ about what makes it different from an gazebo, typically the 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 frequently used interchangeably, but an arbor is an structure that is used for supporting vines or to direct foot traffic within a garden. If you own an outdoor patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can extend the amount of time you are spending outdoors hosting guests or just taking a break. With the rising demand for outdoor spaces, they can increase a home's value. Before you start the construction of a pergola project, think about these factors: Orientation: North east, south, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from wood to plywood metals, prefabricated material fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: The two largest costs will be for labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) here's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly, DIY skills, and imagination come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who is planning to build the project? Is it a DIY project or will you hire a contractor? A prefab pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who is the person who will develop it? Most outdoor structures require the permission of the building inspector or the planning commissioner. The local government office will have guidelines on setback and height limits. Zoning laws: Do require city, county, or regional zoning laws and approvals? Based on the location you reside in this process can take a long time, so stay on top of it if your goal is to have your project completed within the next few months, or even a year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applicants can slip between the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that represent various styles, sizes, 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. Backyard enthusiasts crave continued improvements, as each adds beauty, visual appeal, and an opportunity for enjoyment. Landscape enhancements add personality to your home and enhance your family's hospitality and warmth. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. Here's how: Pergolas (further). Extend 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 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 extends your living space and increases the amount of time you can spend 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. Shade covers are great for protecting you from light rain. 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. Materials will be your next decision. There are many options available and each one has its advantages and drawbacks. Pressure-treated wood Pergolas are often the least expensive. They'll have a reasonable lifespan but pressure-treated lumber can warp, crack, and check over time. This pergola looks great when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar is the most popular material for pergolas. It is naturally insect-resistant and can be seen right out of the sawmill. It can be left in its natural state to turn a soft, silvery gray or sealed with stain to retain its color. Cedar pergolas will last longer than those that have been pressure treated, even though they are more costly. Vinyl: If you're looking for a pergola that requires very little maintenance, vinyl is certainly worth consideration. Vinyl pergolas cannot be painted easily so your options for color are limited. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas are generally the most expensive way to go, but they come with significant 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 be painted in any color you like, with a better durability than wood. Fiberglass pergolas can be used to add beauty and style to a patio or deck. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.