Pergola Wood Type.
Pergola Wood Type - What used to be called an outdoor roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola--it protects your home from sun and rain while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural feature, pergolas consist of rafters, beams, and posts, and are able to be connected or removed to a house. While opinions vary on what makes it different from an gazebo, typically it is freestanding and has a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. Arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of an structure that is used to support vines or facilitate foot traffic in the garden. If you own a patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can extend the amount of time you can spend outside hosting guests or just enjoying a relaxing. With the growing demand for outdoor spaces, they is a great way to increase a home's value. Before jumping into the construction of a pergola project, think about these factors: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated material, fabric, and glass. Budget: The two largest expenses will be the cost of labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and it is for the majority of us), this is the point where resourcefulness, clever planning as well as DIY skills and imagination come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Do you want to do it yourself project or will you hire a contractor? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: Also who is the person who will design it? The majority of outdoor structures require the approval of the building inspector or planning commissioner. The local government office will provide guidelines for setbacks and height limits. Zone laws: Are require city, county, or regional Zoning laws and permits? Depending on where you live the process could be lengthy and you must be on top of it if you want to complete the project within the next couple of months or even year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applicants can slip into the wrong hands. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that represent different styles, sizes as well as 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 help create a mood or personality for your home and they extend your family's warmth and hospitality. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. Here's how: 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 could be the perfect solution if you've found you enjoy your outdoor living space but it is less useful during hot summer days or when you are unable to get shelter from the elements. A pergola can increase your outdoor living area and extend your time 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 can even be used to protect against light rain. This is great for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas can be designed in many ways 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. The next step will be to make a decision about materials. There are many materials that you can choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Wood pergolas made of pressure-treated timber: This is the most affordable 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 is naturally insect-resistant and can be seen right out of the sawmill. 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: If you're looking for a pergola that requires very little maintenance, vinyl is certainly worth consideration. Vinyl pergolas cannot be painted easily so your options for color are limited. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas are generally the most expensive way to go, but they come with significant benefits. 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 in any color you like, with a better durability than wood. Finally, fiberglass pergolas are perfect for adding to either a deck or existing patio. Fiberglass pergolas are light in weight and therefore don't require deep footers like other materials.