Pergola Wood Treatment

Pergola Wood Treatment - The term used to refer to the patio roof is now called 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 rafters, beams, and posts, and are able to be connected or removed to a house. Though opinions differ about what makes it different from an gazebo, typically it is freestanding and has a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. Arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of structure designed to support vines or guide foot traffic in the garden. If you've got an outdoor deck or patio with a roof, a roof-like structure can prolong the time you can spend outside having fun with guests or simply taking a break. With the increasing popularization of living areas outdoors, this could increase a home's value. Before jumping into a pergola project, think about the following: Orientation: North or south, east or west-facing. Materials: This could include hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated material as well as glass, fabric and. Budget: The two biggest costs will be for materials and labor. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) here's where resourcefulness, smart planning the ability to DIY, as well as imagination come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or do you want to hire an expert? A prefab pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: And, who is going to create it? Most outdoor structures need the approval of a building inspector or planning commissioner. The local government office will have setback guidelines and height restrictions. Zone laws: Are you require city or county zoning regulations and permits? Depending on where you live this process can be lengthy, so be aware of it if you want to complete the project in the next few months, or even a year. The committees may meet occasionally and applications may slip into the wrong hands. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that reflect different styles, sizes, materials, and budgets sure to inspire you! Homeowners who are enjoying relaxing and entertaining in their gardens have a tendency to be open-minded about what they can do next. Every improvement brings beauty, visual appeal, and enjoyment to backyards. Landscape enhancements add personality to your home and enhance your family's hospitality and warmth. If you are considering the next addition to your landscape, consider installing a pergola. Here are some reasons why: Pergolas (further). Extend Your Living Space . You may have an existing deck or patio and added it to expand your living space. 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 extends your living space and increases the amount of time you can spend outside. Properly positioned on your lot, the pergola will offer enough shade to keep even hot summer afternoons enjoyable. Retractable shade covers can be added for additional protection. Shade covers are great for protecting you from light rain. 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 your next decision. There are many options available and each one has its advantages and drawbacks. Pressure-treated wood Pergolas are often the least expensive. They'll have a reasonable lifespan but pressure-treated lumber can warp, crack, and check over time. This type pergola looks best when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar is the most popular material for pergolas. It is insect resistant and looks stunning right out of a sawmill. To make it soft and silvery gray, you can leave it as is or seal it with stain. Cedar pergolas can be more expensive than pressure-treated ones, but they will typically last for a much longer time. Vinyl: Vinyl is a great option if you are looking for a pergola with minimal maintenance. Vinyl pergolas can't be painted so the color options are limited. Fiberglass Pergolas: While they are the most expensive, fiberglass pergolas offer significant 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. Fiberglass pergolas can be used to add beauty and style to a patio or deck. Fiberglass pergolas require less footing than other materials due to their light weight.