Perspex Covered Pergola

Perspex Covered Pergola - What used to be called a patio roof is now known as a pergola. It offers shelter from sun, rain, and wind as well as extending the living space. A major architectural structure, pergolas consist of beams, rafters, and posts, and can be attached or detached to a house. While opinions vary on what differentiates it from a gazebo, usually the gazebo is freestanding, and is built with a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of an structure that is used to support vines or guide foot traffic in the garden. If you have an outdoor patio or deck, a rooflike structure will extend the amount of time you spend outdoors hosting guests or just taking a break. With the increasing demand for outdoor spaces, they is a great way to boost the value of a house. Before you start the construction of a pergola project, consider these factors: The orientation is north or south, east or west-facing. Materials: This could include plywood to hardwood, metals, prefabricated materials as well as glass, fabric and. Budget: The two largest expenses will be labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and this is the case for most of us), this is the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly, DIY skills, and imagination come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Do you want to do it yourself project or will you engage an expert? A prefabricated pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: And, who is going to design it? Most outdoor structures need the approval of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. The local government office will provide guidelines for setbacks and height restrictions. The zoning law: Will you need to obtain city, county, or regional Zoning laws and permits? Depending on where you live the process could take a lot of time, so stay on top of it if you wish to get the project done within the next couple of months or even the entire year. The committees may meet occasionally and applicants can slip through the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that showcase various styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets certain 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. Garden enthusiasts love to see their backyards improve. Each improvement creates beauty and visual appeal that can be enjoyed by all. Landscape improvements can create a unique atmosphere in your home. They also increase the warmth and hospitality of your family. A pergola is a great addition to your landscape. Here are the reasons: Pergolas (further). Extend Your Living Space . If you've already built a patio or deck, you probably added it as an extension of 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 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 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 major decision. There are many options available and each one has its advantages and drawbacks. Pressure-treated wood: A pressure-treated wood pergola is often your least expensive option. Although they will last a long time, pressure-treated lumber may crack, warp, or become damaged 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's naturally insect resistant and looks beautiful right from the sawmill. It can be left in its natural state to turn a soft, silvery gray or sealed with stain to retain its color. 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. You cannot easily paint a vinyl pergola, however, so your color choices are limited. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas are generally the most expensive way to go, but they come with significant benefits. Because fiberglass is so strong, you can span much longer distances without posts, (in some cases, about 20 feet) giving you a cleaner look). Fiberglass is more durable than wood and can be painted any color. A fiberglass pergola is a great addition to any deck or patio. Fiberglass pergolas are light in weight and therefore don't require deep footers like other materials.