Small Garden Pergola

Small Garden Pergola - What was once known as the patio roof is now commonly called a pergola. It protects your home from sun, rain, and wind as well as extending the living space. A significant architectural feature, pergolas consist of beams, rafters and posts, and can be attached or removed to a house. Though opinions differ about what differentiates it from the gazebo, generally a gazebo is freestanding and has 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 a structure used to support vines or direct foot traffic within a garden. If you own an outdoor deck or patio with a roof, a roof-like structure can increase the time you are spending outdoors entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing. With the growing demand for outdoor spaces, they can increase a home's value. Before jumping into a pergola project, consider the following: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated material fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budgeting: Two of the largest expenses will be labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and it is for the majority of us), this is where resourcefulness, smart planning the ability to DIY, as well as creativity come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who is planning to build the project? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or will you engage an architect? A prefab pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who is the person who will design it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of an inspector of buildings or a planning commissioner. The local government office will have guidelines on setback and height limits. The zoning law: Will you require city or county Zoning laws and permits? Based on the location you reside in this process can take a long time, so be aware of it if your goal is to have the project done within the next few months, or even a year. The committees may meet occasionally and applications may slip between the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that represent different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets guaranteed to be awe-inspiring! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. Garden enthusiasts love to see their backyards improve. Each improvement creates beauty and visual appeal that can be enjoyed by all. Landscape enhancements create a sense of personality and warmth for your home. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. Here are some reasons. 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 extends your living space and increases the amount of time you can spend outside. A pergola, when placed correctly on your lot will provide enough shade to make any afternoon pleasant. If you need more protection, you can also install a retractable shade covering. Some shade covers can protect you from light rain, making them ideal for unpredictable summer storms. Design Options Abound with Pergolas If you are considering adding a pergola or pergola to your landscape, the first thing you need to decide on is whether you want it custom or a kit. A local landscape designer can help you design a pergola and then build it in your yard. The next step will be to make a decision about materials. There are many options available and each one has its advantages and drawbacks. Pressure-treated wood: The most cost-effective option is often a pergola made from pressure treated wood. 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, 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 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: 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 can be expensive but offer many 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 can easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint than wood. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.