Steel Pergola Design

Steel Pergola Design - What used to be called an outdoor roof is now referred to as a pergola--it protects your home from sun and rain and also extends your living space. A major architectural structure, pergolas consist of rafters, beams, and posts. They can be attached or detached to a house. Though opinions differ about what makes it different from the gazebo, generally it is freestanding and has a pitched roof, the roof of a pergola is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of a structure used to support vines or to guide foot traffic in a garden. If you've got an outdoor patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can increase the time you spend outdoors having fun with guests or simply relaxing. With the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it can increase a home's value. Before you start an pergola project, take note of the following: The orientation is north east, south, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated materials, metals, fabric, and glass. Budget: The two most significant expenses will be labor and materials. If you have a limited 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 is going to build it? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or do you want to hire an architect? A prefabricated pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: And who will create it? The majority of outdoor structures require the approval of a building inspector or the planning commissioner. The local government office will provide guidelines for setbacks and height limitations. Zoning laws: Do require city, county, or regional Zoning laws and approvals? It depends on where you live the process could take a long time and you must be on top of it if your goal is to have the project done within the next couple of months or even year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applications can fall into the wrong hands. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that showcase different styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets sure to inspire you! 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. 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. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. Here are the reasons: Pergolas are a great way to extend your living space . If you've already built a patio or deck, you probably added it as an extension of your living space. If you have found that you love your outdoor living area but that it's not quite so useful on a summer afternoon when the sun is beating down or if you wish you had protection from inclimate weather, a pergola may be for you. A pergola increases your outdoor living space and allows you to spend more 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. Shade covers are great for protecting you from light rain. Pergolas can be designed in many ways 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. Materials will be your next major decision. There are many choices available, and all have their advantages and disadvantages. Wood pergolas made of pressure-treated timber: This is the most affordable option. They'll have a reasonable lifespan but pressure-treated lumber can warp, crack, and check over time. This type of pergola looks best when stained or painted. Cedar wood is popular for pergolas. It's naturally insect resistant and looks beautiful right from the sawmill. 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: Vinyl is a great option if you are looking for a pergola with minimal maintenance. 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 can span longer distances than steel posts (in some cases as far as 20 feet). This gives you a cleaner look. Fiberglass can easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint than wood. Finally, fiberglass pergolas are perfect for adding to either a deck or existing patio. Fiberglass pergolas require less footing than other materials due to their light weight.