Pergola Post Covers

Pergola Post Covers - What was once known as the patio roof is now commonly known as 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, and are able to be connected or removed to a house. While opinions vary on what differentiates it from an gazebo, typically a gazebo is freestanding and has a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of an structure that is used to support vines or to direct foot traffic within a garden. If you've got a patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can extend the amount of time you are spending outdoors hosting guests or just enjoying a relaxing. With the increasing popularization of living areas outdoors, this can increase a home's value. Before you begin an pergola project, think about the following: Orientation: North or south, east or west-facing. Materials: They can range from plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated material fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: Your two most significant expenses are labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and that's most of us), this is the point where resourcefulness, clever planning the ability to DIY, as well as the ability to think on your feet come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Is it a DIY project or do you want to hire an architect? A prefabricated pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: And who will develop it? The majority of outdoor structures require the approval of the building inspector or planning commissioner. The local government office will have guidelines on setback and height limitations. Zone laws: Are you require approval from the city or county Zoning laws and approvals? Based on the location you reside in this process can be lengthy, so be aware of it if you want your project completed within the next few months or even year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications can fall between the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that showcase various styles, sizes materials, budgets, and styles guaranteed to inspire you! Homeowners who have discovered the merits of relaxing and entertaining in their backyards are often considering the next enhancement they can add to their outdoor space. Because each addition adds beauty and visual appeal to the backyard, it is a place where people can enjoy their garden. Landscape enhancements create a sense of personality and warmth for your home. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. Here are some reasons why: Pergolas are a great way to extend your living space . If you already have a patio or deck, it is likely that you added it to increase your living space. 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 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. You can also get shade from light rain with some shade covers, which is ideal for summer storms. Design Options Abound with Pergolas 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. The next step will be to make a decision about materials. There are many choices available, and all have their 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 pergola is best if stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar is the most popular material for pergolas. It is naturally resistant to insects and looks amazing straight from the sawmill. It can be left untreated to make it a soft silver grey, or stained and sealed to keep its color. Cedar pergolas will last longer than those that have been pressure treated, even though they are more costly. Vinyl: Vinyl is a great option if you are looking for a pergola with minimal maintenance. Vinyl pergolas can not be painted, so there are only a few color options. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas are generally the most expensive way to go, but they come with significant benefits. Fiberglass is extremely strong so you can span more distances without the need for posts. In some cases, it can even reach 20 feet. This will give you a cleaner look. 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 light in weight and therefore don't require deep footers like other materials.