Square Pergola Designs

Square Pergola Designs - The term used to refer to the patio roof is now referred to as a pergola--it protects your home from sun and rain while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural element pergolas are made up of beams, rafters, and posts, and can be attached or detached from a home. Although opinions differ on the distinction between a pergola and a gazebo, usually the gazebo is freestanding, and has a pitched roof, the roof of a pergola is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, however an arbor is a structure used to support vines or to facilitate foot traffic in the garden. If you have a patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can extend the amount of time you spend outdoors having fun with guests or simply enjoying a relaxing. With the increasing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it is a great way to boost the value of a house. Before you begin an pergola project, consider the following: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from wood to plywood metals, prefabricated material, fabric, and glass. Budgeting: Two of the biggest expenses are materials and labor. If you're on a tight budget (and this is the case for most of us), this is where resourcefulness, smart planning the ability to DIY, as well as imagination come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or will you hire an architect? A prefab pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: Also who will design it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of an inspector of buildings or a planning commissioner. Your local government office should provide guidelines for setbacks and height limits. Zoning laws: Do you need to obtain city or county zoning laws and permits? Depending on where you live this process can be lengthy, so stay on top of it if you want your project completed within 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 reflect different styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets certain to impress you! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. Because each addition adds beauty and visual appeal to the backyard, it is a place where people can enjoy their garden. 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 are some reasons why: Pergolas (further) Extend Your Living Space . You may have an existing deck or patio and added it to expand your living space. 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 can increase your outdoor living area and extend your time outside. A pergola that is correctly positioned on your property can provide enough shade for a pleasant afternoon. However, if you still require protection, you have the option to install a retractable shade shade cover. You can also get shade from light rain with some shade covers, which is ideal for 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. The next step will be to make a decision about materials. There are many materials that you can choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood: A pressure-treated wood pergola is often your least expensive option. While they have a good life expectancy, pressure-treated lumber is susceptible to cracking, warping, and checking 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 is naturally resistant to insects and looks amazing straight from the sawmill. It can be left untreated to make it a soft silver grey, or stained and sealed to keep its color. Cedar pergolas will last longer than those that have been pressure treated, even though they are more costly. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas require very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas can not be painted, so there are only a few color options. Fiberglass Pergolas: While they are the most expensive, fiberglass pergolas offer significant benefits. Fiberglass can span longer distances than steel posts (in some cases as far as 20 feet). This gives you a cleaner look. Fiberglass can be painted in any color you like, with a better durability than wood. 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.