Square Pergola Plans

Square Pergola Plans - What used to be called the patio roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola--it protects your home from sun and rain and also extends your living space. A significant architectural feature, pergolas consist of beams, rafters, and posts, and can be attached or removed to a house. While opinions vary on what differentiates it from an gazebo, typically a gazebo is freestanding and has a pitched roof, unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of a structure used for supporting vines or to guide foot traffic in the garden. If you have an outdoor deck or patio or roof, a rooflike structure can extend the amount of time you spend outdoors hosting guests or just relaxing. With the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it could boost the value of a house. Before you begin the construction of a pergola project, take note of the followingfactors: The orientation is north east, south, or west-facing. Materials: These can include hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: The two biggest expenses are labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) that's where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and creativity come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who is planning to build the project? Do you want to do it yourself project or will you hire an architect? A prefab pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: And, who is going to create it? The majority of outdoor structures need the approval of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. Your local government office should have setback guidelines and height limitations. Zoning laws: Do require approval from the city or county zoning regulations and approvals? Based on the location you reside in this process can take a lot of time and you must be on top of it if you wish to get the project done 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 different pergolas that reflect various styles, sizes materials, budgets, and styles guaranteed to be awe-inspiring! Homeowners who have discovered the merits of relaxing and entertaining in their backyards are often considering the next enhancement they can add to their outdoor space. Garden enthusiasts love to see their backyards improve. Each improvement creates beauty and visual appeal that can be enjoyed by all. Landscape enhancements add personality to your home and enhance your family's hospitality and warmth. A pergola is a great addition to your landscape. Here's how: 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 may be right for you if you have discovered that you love your outdoor living spaces but don't find it useful in hot weather or if there are other reasons. A pergola expands your living space, and can be used to extend the time you spend outdoors. 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. Shade covers can even be used to protect against light rain. This is great for unpredictable summer storms. Design Options Abound with Pergolas The first thing to consider when adding a pergola to your landscaping is "custom or kits?". A local landscape professional will help you design and build a pergola, but you won't have the same flexibility as a professional landscaper. However, all parts will be delivered to you for you to assemble and place. Your next decision will be materials. There are many materials that you can choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood: A pergola made from pressure-treated wood is usually the cheapest option. While they have a good life expectancy, pressure-treated lumber is susceptible to cracking, warping, and checking over time. This type of pergola generally looks best if 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. You can leave it untreated to turn a soft silver gray, or stain and seal it to hold its color. Cedar pergolas can be more expensive than pressure-treated ones, but they will typically last for a much longer time. Vinyl: If you're looking for a pergola that requires very little maintenance, vinyl is certainly worth consideration. You cannot easily paint a vinyl pergola, however, so your color choices are limited. Fiberglass: Although they are more expensive than other options, fiberglass pergolas have significant advantages. Fiberglass is stronger than wood and allows you to span greater distances with no posts. Fiberglass is more durable than wood and can be painted any color. Additionally, fiberglass pergolas work well for adding value to existing patios or decks. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.