Pergola With Brick Columns

Pergola With Brick Columns - What used to be called an outdoor roof is now commonly known as a pergola. It offers shelter from sun, rain, and wind while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural element, pergolas consist of rafters, beams, and posts. They can be attached or removed from a home. Although opinions differ on what differentiates it from an gazebo, typically a 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 often used interchangeably, but an arbor is a structure 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 prolong the time you are spending outdoors having fun with guests or simply taking a break. With the increasing demand for outdoor spaces, they could boost the value of a house. Before you begin a pergola project, consider the followingfactors: Orientation: North or south, east or west-facing. Materials: These can include plywood to hardwood, metals, prefabricated materials, fabric, and glass. Budgeting: Two of the most significant expenses are materials and labor. If your budget is limited (and that's most of us) here's where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and the ability to think on your feet come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who is 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 can be a good alternative. Building codes: Also who will design it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of the building inspector or planning commissioner. The local government office will provide guidelines for setbacks and height limits. The zoning law: Will require city, county, or regional Zoning laws and permits? Based on the location you reside in this process can take a long time and you must be 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 showcase various styles, sizes, materials, and budgets certain to inspire you! Many homeowners who enjoy entertaining and relaxing in their backyards have begun to look into the next improvement they can make. Every improvement brings beauty, visual appeal, and enjoyment to backyards. Landscape enhancements create a sense of personality and warmth for your home. A pergola is a great addition to your landscape. Here are some reasons why: Pergolas are a great way to extend your living space . If you've already built a patio or deck, you probably added it as an extension of your living space. A pergola may be right for you if you have discovered that you love your outdoor living spaces but don't find it useful in hot weather or if there are other reasons. A pergola expands your living space, and can be used to extend the time you spend outdoors. 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. Your next decision will be materials. There are many choices available, and all have their advantages and disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood: A pressure-treated wood pergola is often your least expensive option. They will have a decent lifespan, but pressure-treated lumber has the potential to warp, crack and look shabby over time. This type pergola looks best when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar, also known as Western Red Cedar, is a popular option 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. Cedar pergolas can be more expensive than pressure-treated ones, but they will typically last for a much longer time. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas require very little maintenance. You cannot easily paint a vinyl pergola, however, so your color choices are limited. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas can be expensive but offer many benefits. Fiberglass can span longer distances than steel posts (in some cases as far as 20 feet). This gives you a cleaner look. Fiberglass is more durable than wood and can be painted any color. Finally, fiberglass pergolas are perfect for adding to either a deck or existing patio. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.