Stand Alone Pergola Plans

Stand Alone Pergola Plans - What used to be called a patio roof is now commonly known as a pergola. It protects your home from sun as well as wind, rain and sun and also extends your living space. A major architectural structure pergolas are made up of beams, rafters, and posts. They are able to be connected or removed from a home. Although opinions differ on what makes it different from an gazebo, typically the gazebo is freestanding, and is built with a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, however an arbor is structure designed for supporting vines or to facilitate foot traffic in a garden. If you've got a patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can extend the amount of time you can spend outside entertaining guests or taking a break. With the growing popularization of living areas outdoors, this can enhance the value of your home. Before you start a pergola project, take note of the following: The orientation is north east, south, or west-facing. Materials: This could include hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials, fabric, and glass. Budgeting: Two of the largest expenses are the cost of labor and materials. If you're on a tight budget (and that's most of us) that's the point where resourcefulness, clever planning as well as DIY skills and the ability to think on your feet come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Do you want to do it yourself project or do you want to hire an architect? A prefab pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: Also who will develop it? The majority of outdoor structures require the approval of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. Your local government office must provide guidelines for setbacks and height limits. Zone laws: Are require approval from the city or county zoning regulations and approvals? Depending on where you live, this process can take a long time and you must be on top of it if your goal is to have your project completed within the next couple of months or even year. The committees may meet occasionally and applications can fall into the wrong hands. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that showcase different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets guaranteed to inspire you! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. 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. If you are considering the next addition to your landscape, consider installing a pergola. Here are the reasons: Pergolas are a great way to 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 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 can increase your outdoor living area and extend your time outside. Properly positioned on your lot, the pergola will offer enough shade to keep even hot summer afternoons enjoyable. Retractable shade covers can be added for additional protection. You can also get shade from light rain with some shade covers, which is ideal for summer storms. Pergolas offer a variety of design options When adding a pergola into your landscape, the first thing that you should decide on is "custom" or "kit". A local landscape pro can help you design the pergola from scratch. 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 Pergolas are often the least expensive. Although they will last a long time, pressure-treated lumber may crack, warp, or become damaged over time. This type of pergola generally looks best if painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar is the most popular material for pergolas. It's naturally insect resistant and looks beautiful right from the sawmill. It can be left as-is to turn a soft grayish silver, or you can stain it and seal it to preserve its color. Although cedar pergolas are more expensive than pressure-treated pergolas, they have a longer lifespan. Vinyl: If you're looking for a pergola that requires very little maintenance, vinyl is certainly worth consideration. Vinyl pergolas cannot be painted easily so your options for color are limited. 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 easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint than wood. A fiberglass pergola is a great addition to any deck or patio. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.