Pergola Rafter End Shapes

Pergola Rafter End Shapes - What used to be called a patio roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola--it offers shelter from sun as well as wind, rain and sun and also extends your living space. A major architectural structure, pergolas consist of beams, rafters and posts. They can be attached or removed from a home. Though opinions differ about what differentiates it from a gazebo, usually it is freestanding and has a pitched roof, while a pergola's roof is flat. Arbor and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of a structure used to support vines or to facilitate foot traffic in the garden. If you have an outdoor patio or deck, a rooflike structure will extend the amount of time you are spending outdoors hosting guests or just relaxing. With the rising popularity of outdoor living spaces, it can increase a home's value. Before jumping into a pergola project, take note of the followingfactors: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: This could include wood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budgeting: Two of the largest costs will be for labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and this is the case for most of us) that's where resourcefulness, smart planning, DIY skills, and the ability to think on your feet come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Do you want to do it yourself project or do you want to hire an expert? A prefabricated pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: And who will develop it? The majority of outdoor structures need the approval of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. Your local government office should have setback guidelines and height restrictions. The zoning law: Will need to obtain city, county, or regional zoning laws and permits? Depending on where you live, this process can take a lot of time, so be aware of it if you want the project done within the next few months or even year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applicants can slip between the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that reflect different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets sure to be awe-inspiring! 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 enhancements create a sense of personality and warmth for your home. If you are considering the next addition to your landscape, consider installing a pergola. Here are the reasons: Pergolas, (further), Expand 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 is a great option if you find that your outdoor living space isn't as practical in the summer sun or that you need protection from inclimate conditions. 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 will even protect you from a light rain, perfect for those unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas offer a variety of design options 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 the next thing you need to consider. There are many materials available to choose from and each has its pros and cons. Pressure-treated wood: A pergola made from pressure-treated wood is usually the cheapest option. While they have a good life expectancy, pressure-treated lumber is susceptible to cracking, warping, and checking over time. This type pergola looks best when painted or stained. Cedar wood is popular for pergolas. It's insect-resistant and looks great right out of the mill. It can be left as-is to turn a soft grayish silver, or you can stain it and seal it to preserve its color. A cedar pergola is more expensive than a pressure-treated pergola, but you'll typically get a longer serviceable lifespan from cedar. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas require very little maintenance. You cannot easily paint a vinyl pergola, however, so your color choices are limited. Fiberglass: Although they are more expensive than other options, fiberglass pergolas have significant advantages. 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 any color you want, and the paint will hold up better than on wood. Additionally, fiberglass pergolas work well for adding value to existing patios or decks. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.