Square Pergola With Swings

Square Pergola With Swings - What was once known as a patio roof is now referred to as a pergola--it provides shelter from the sun and rain as well as extending the living space. A significant architectural element pergolas are made up of rafters, beams, and posts. They can be attached or removed to a house. Though opinions differ about what makes it different from an gazebo, typically it is freestanding and has a pitched roof, while a pergola's roof is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, however an arbor is a structure used to support vines or direct foot traffic within the garden. If you own an outdoor patio or deck, a rooflike structure will prolong the time you are spending outdoors hosting guests or just relaxing. With the increasing popularization of living areas outdoors, this could enhance the value of your home. Before you begin a pergola project, consider the following: The orientation is north or south, east or west-facing. Materials: These can include plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated material, fabric, and glass. Budget: Your two biggest costs will be for the cost of labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and that's most of us), this is where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and the ability to think on your feet come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? 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 is the person who will create it? Most outdoor structures require the permission of an inspector of buildings or a planning commissioner. Your local government office should have setback guidelines and height limits. The zoning law: Will require city or county Zoning laws 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 want to complete the project within the next couple of months or even year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications can fall through the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that showcase different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets sure to impress you! Homeowners who find the benefits of entertaining and relaxing in their own backyards are always looking for the next improvement. Every improvement brings beauty, visual appeal, and enjoyment to backyards. Landscape enhancements help create a mood or personality for your home and they extend your family's warmth and hospitality. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. Here are some reasons why: Pergolas (further). Extend 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 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. When placed properly on your lot, a pergola will cast enough shade to make even a hot afternoon more enjoyable. You can also add a retractable shade cover to provide additional shade. Shade covers are great for protecting you from light rain. Pergolas can be designed in many ways 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. The next step will be to make a decision about materials. There are a variety of materials to consider and all come with advantages and disadvantages: 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 pergola is best if stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar, also known as Western Red Cedar, is a popular option for pergolas. It's insect-resistant and looks great right out of the mill. It can be left untreated to make it a soft silver grey, or stained and sealed to keep its color. Although cedar pergolas are more expensive than pressure-treated pergolas, they have a longer lifespan. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas are very easy to maintain. Vinyl pergolas are not easy to paint so you have limited color options. Fiberglass: Although they are more expensive than other options, fiberglass pergolas have significant advantages. Fiberglass is strong and can be spanned for longer distances (in some cases up to 20 feet), giving you a cleaner look. Fiberglass can also be painted in any color that you choose. The paint will last longer than wood. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.