Small Wooden Garden Pergola

Small Wooden Garden Pergola - What was once known as the patio roof is now commonly called a pergola. It provides shelter from the sun as well as wind, rain and sun while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural feature, pergolas consist of beams, rafters and posts. They can be attached or detached to a house. Though opinions differ about what makes it different from an gazebo, typically the gazebo is freestanding, and has a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are commonly utilized interchangeably, but an arbor is more of an structure that is used for supporting vines or to guide foot traffic in the garden. If you have an outdoor deck or patio with a roof, a roof-like structure can increase the time you are spending outdoors having fun with guests or simply taking a break. With the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it is a great way to boost the value of a house. Before jumping into a pergola project, think about the followingfactors: Orientation: North east, south, or west-facing. Materials: This could include wood to plywood metals, prefabricated material fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budgeting: Two of the biggest expenses are the cost of labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) that's where resourcefulness, smart planning the ability to DIY, as well as creativity come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or will you engage an expert? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: And who will develop it? The majority of outdoor structures require the approval of a building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office should have setback guidelines and height limits. Zone laws: Are you need to obtain city, county, or regional Zoning laws and permits? Based on the location you reside in, this process can take a long time, so stay on top of it if your goal is to have to complete the project in the next few months or even the entire year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applications may slip into the wrong hands. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that represent various styles, sizes, 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. As each improvement adds beauty, visual appeal and enjoyment, backyard enthusiasts are eager to make more. Landscape enhancements help create a mood or personality for your home and they extend your family's warmth and hospitality. Consider adding a pergola to your landscape. 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 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 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. Shade covers are great for protecting you from light rain. Pergolas Offer a Wide Range of Design Options 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. Materials will be your next decision. There are many options available and each one has its advantages and drawbacks. 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 of pergola looks best when stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar is the most popular material for pergolas. It's insect-resistant and looks great right out of the mill. To make it soft and silvery gray, you can leave it as is or seal it with stain. Cedar pergolas will last longer than those that have been pressure treated, even though they are more costly. Vinyl: If you're looking for a pergola that requires very little maintenance, vinyl is certainly worth consideration. Vinyl pergolas can't be painted so the color options are limited. Fiberglass Pergolas: While they are the most expensive, fiberglass pergolas offer 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 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 light in weight and therefore don't require deep footers like other materials.