Pergola With Hanging Baskets

Pergola With Hanging Baskets - What was once known as an outdoor roof is now called a pergola. It offers shelter from sun as well as wind, rain and sun as well as extending the living space. A major architectural structure, pergolas consist of rafters, beams, and posts. They are able to be connected or removed to a house. Though opinions differ about what makes it different from the gazebo, generally it is freestanding and has a pitched roof, unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. The terms 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 own an outdoor deck or patio or roof, a rooflike structure can extend the amount of time you can spend outside hosting guests or just relaxing. With the growing popularization of living areas outdoors, this is a great way to enhance the value of your home. Before you start the construction of a pergola project, take note of the followingfactors: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated materials, metals, fabric, and glass. Budget: The two biggest costs will be for the cost of labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and it is for the majority of us) that's where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and creativity come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Is it a DIY project or will you hire a contractor? A prefab pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: And, who is going to design it? The majority of outdoor structures need the approval of the building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office should provide guidelines for setbacks and height restrictions. Zoning laws: Do 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 stay on top of it if you want to complete the project within the next couple of months or even the entire year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applications may slip between the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that represent various styles, sizes, materials, and budgets guaranteed to impress 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. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. 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 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. Some shade covers can protect you from light rain, making them ideal for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas offer a variety 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 major decision. There are a variety of materials to consider and all come with advantages and disadvantages: Pressure-treated wood Pergolas are often the least expensive. Although they will last a long time, pressure-treated lumber may crack, warp, or become damaged over time. This type of pergola looks best when stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar is the most popular material 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. Although cedar pergolas are more expensive than pressure-treated pergolas, they have a longer lifespan. 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 can easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint than wood. Fiberglass pergolas can be used to add beauty and style to a patio or deck. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.