Retractable Pergola Uk

Retractable Pergola Uk - The term used to refer to the patio roof is now commonly known as a pergola. It provides shelter from the sun as well as wind, rain and sun while extending your home's living space. A major architectural structure pergolas are made up of beams, rafters and posts, and can be attached or detached to a house. While opinions vary on what makes it different 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 more of a structure used to support vines or direct foot traffic within a garden. If you've got an outdoor deck or patio with a roof, a roof-like structure can increase the time you spend outdoors entertaining guests or taking a break. With the rising popularization of living areas outdoors, this could boost the value of a house. Before you begin the construction of a pergola project, consider the following: The orientation is north, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from plywood to hardwood, metals, prefabricated materials as well as glass, fabric and. Budgeting: Two of the largest expenses are the cost of labor and materials. If you're on a tight budget (and it is for the majority of us), this is the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly the ability to DIY, as well as the ability to think on your feet come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or will you hire a contractor? A prefabricated pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: Also who will create it? The majority of outdoor structures require the approval of a building inspector or planning commissioner. The local government office will have setback guidelines and height restrictions. Zone laws: Are need to obtain city or county Zoning laws and approvals? Depending on where you live this process can be lengthy, so stay on top of it if your goal is to have your project completed in the next few months or even year. The committees may meet occasionally and applicants can slip into the wrong hands. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that reflect different sizes, styles materials, budgets, and styles sure to inspire you! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. Every improvement brings beauty, visual appeal, and enjoyment to backyards. Landscape enhancements help create a mood or personality for your home and they extend your family's warmth and hospitality. A pergola is a great addition to your landscape. Here's why: 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. 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 expands your living space, and can be used to extend the time you spend outdoors. Designed and oriented correctly on your lot, a pergola can cast enough light shade to make even a warm afternoon enjoyable or if you still need additional protection, you can install a retractable shade cover for more shade. You can also get shade from light rain with some shade covers, which is ideal for 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. Materials will be your next decision. There are many materials available to choose from and each has its pros and cons. 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 pergola is best if stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar, also known as Western Red Cedar, is a popular option 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. Although cedar pergolas are more expensive than pressure-treated pergolas, they have a longer lifespan. Vinyl: If you're looking for a pergola that requires very little maintenance, vinyl is certainly worth consideration. Vinyl pergolas are not easy to paint so you have limited color options. Fiberglass: Although they are more expensive than other options, fiberglass pergolas have significant advantages. 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 can easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint than wood. Additionally, fiberglass pergolas work well for adding value to existing patios or decks. Fiberglass pergolas are lighter than other materials and don't need as many feet.