Small Lean To Pergola

Small Lean To Pergola - The term used to refer to a patio roof is now called a pergola. It provides shelter from the sun and rain while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas comprise beams, rafters, and posts, and are able to be connected or removed from a home. Although opinions differ on what makes it different from a gazebo, usually it 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 structure designed for supporting vines or to guide foot traffic in the garden. If you have a patio or deck, a rooflike structure will prolong the time you can spend outside hosting guests or just relaxing. With the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it can enhance the value of your home. Before you start an pergola project, consider the followingfactors: The orientation is north, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: This could include hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated material as well as glass, fabric and. Budgeting: Two of the biggest expenses are materials and labor. If your budget is limited (and that's most of us) here's where resourcefulness, smart planning the ability to DIY, as well as the ability to think on your feet come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who is planning to build the project? Is it a DIY project or will you hire a contractor? A prefabricated pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who will develop it? The majority of outdoor structures need the approval of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. Your local government office must provide guidelines for setbacks and height limitations. Zoning laws: Do you require city or county zoning regulations and approvals? It depends on where you live this process can take a lot of time and you must be on top of it if your goal is to have to complete the project in the next few months or even year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applicants can slip into the wrong hands. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that showcase various styles, sizes, materials, and budgets sure to inspire you! 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 help create a mood or personality for your home and they extend your family's warmth and hospitality. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. 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. 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 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. Shade covers can even be used to protect against light rain. This is great for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas offer a variety 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. The next step will be to make a decision about materials. There are many choices available, and all have their advantages and disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood Pergolas are often the least expensive. While they have a good life expectancy, pressure-treated lumber is susceptible to cracking, warping, and checking over time. This pergola looks great when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar) is a popular choice for pergolas. It is naturally insect-resistant and can be seen right out of the 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 pergolas require very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas are not easy to paint so you have limited color options. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas can be expensive but offer many 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 any color you want, and the paint will hold up better than on wood. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Fiberglass pergolas require less footing than other materials due to their light weight.