This Old House Pergola

This Old House Pergola - What used to be called an outdoor roof is now known as a pergola. It protects your home from sun and rain while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas comprise rafters, beams, and posts. They can be attached or detached from a home. Though opinions differ about what differentiates it from the gazebo, generally it is freestanding and is built with a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of a structure used for supporting vines or to facilitate foot traffic in the garden. If you've got a patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can increase the time you can spend outside entertaining guests or relaxing. With the rising demand for outdoor spaces, they could increase a home's value. Before you begin an pergola project, think about the followingfactors: Orientation: North east, south, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials, fabric, and glass. Budget: Your two most significant expenses are the cost of labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and this is the case for most of us) here's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly, DIY skills, and creativity come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Is it a DIY 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 need the approval of a building inspector or the planning commissioner. The local government office will have setback guidelines and height limits. Zoning laws: Do you require approval from the city, county, or regional Zoning laws and permits? Depending on where you live this process can take a lot of time, so be aware of it if you wish to get to complete the project within the next couple of months or even year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications may slip into the wrong hands. We've found 9 different pergolas that reflect various styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets guaranteed to impress 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. 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. Consider adding a pergola to your landscape. Here are some reasons. Pergolas, (further), Expand Your Living Space . You likely have a deck or patio already. This is because you want to expand the living space you have beyond your home's walls. 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 will increase the size of your living space and allow you to spend more time outdoors. 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 Wide Range of Design Options 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. Materials will be your next decision. There are many materials that you can choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood: The most cost-effective option is often a pergola made from pressure treated wood. Although they'll last for a while, pressure-treated lumber can crack, warp and become unusable over time. This pergola is best if stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar) is a popular choice for pergolas. It is naturally resistant to insects and looks amazing straight from the sawmill. It can be left in its natural state to turn a soft, silvery gray or sealed with stain to retain 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 can not be painted, so there are only a few color options. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas are generally the most expensive way to go, but they come with significant benefits. Fiberglass is extremely strong so you can span more distances without the need for posts. In some cases, it can even reach 20 feet. This will give 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.