Pergola Vs Pergola

Pergola Vs Pergola - What used to be called an outdoor roof is now referred to as a pergola--it provides shelter from the sun, rain, and wind and also extends your living space. A major architectural structure, 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 a gazebo, usually it is freestanding and has a pitched roof the roof of a pergola is flat. Arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, however an arbor is a structure used to support vines or to direct foot traffic within a garden. If you've got an outdoor patio or deck, a rooflike structure will prolong the time you are spending outdoors hosting guests or just taking a break. With the increasing popularization of living areas outdoors, this is a great way to boost the value of a house. Before you start the construction of a pergola project, consider the following: The orientation is north or south, east or west-facing. Materials: They can range from hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budgeting: Two of the largest expenses will be labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) that's where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and creativity come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or will you engage an expert? A prefabricated pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who will create it? The majority of outdoor structures require the permission of the building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office must provide guidelines for setbacks and height limitations. Zone laws: Are you need to obtain city or county zoning laws and permits? Depending on where you live, this process can be lengthy, so be aware of it if you wish to get the project done within the next couple of months or even the entire year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applicants can slip into the wrong hands. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that represent different sizes, styles, materials, and budgets certain to impress 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 are the reasons: 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. If you have found that you love your outdoor living area but that it's not quite so useful on a summer afternoon when the sun is beating down or if you wish you had protection from inclimate weather, a pergola may be for you. A pergola can increase your outdoor living area and extend your time outside. A pergola that is correctly positioned on your property can provide enough shade for a pleasant afternoon. However, if you still require protection, you have the option to install a retractable shade shade cover. You can also get shade from light rain with some shade covers, which is ideal for 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 decision. There are a variety of materials to consider and all come with advantages and disadvantages: Pressure-treated wood: The most cost-effective option is often a pergola made from pressure treated wood. Although they'll last for a while, pressure-treated lumber can crack, warp and become unusable over time. This type of pergola generally looks best if 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 untreated to make it a soft silver grey, or stained and sealed to keep its color. Cedar pergolas are typically more expensive that pressure-treated pergolas but will have a longer useful life span. Vinyl: If you're looking for a pergola that requires very little maintenance, vinyl is certainly worth consideration. Vinyl pergolas are not easy to paint so you have limited color options. Fiberglass: Although they are more expensive than other options, fiberglass pergolas have significant advantages. 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 any color you want, and the paint will hold up better than on wood. A fiberglass pergola is a great addition to any deck or patio. Fiberglass pergolas require less footing than other materials due to their light weight.