Traditional Pergola Designs

Traditional Pergola Designs - What used to be called a patio roof is now known as a pergola. It offers shelter from sun as well as wind, rain and sun while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural feature, pergolas consist of beams, rafters and posts, and can be attached or removed to a house. Though opinions differ about the distinction between a pergola and an gazebo, typically a gazebo is freestanding and has a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. Arbor and pergola are commonly used interchangeably, however an arbor is more of an structure that is used to support vines or to facilitate foot traffic in the garden. If you've got an outdoor patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can prolong the time you can spend outside entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing. With the increasing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it could boost the value of a house. Before jumping into an pergola project, think about the followingfactors: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: This could include hardwood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: The two most significant costs will be for materials and labor. If you have a limited budget (and it is for the majority of us), this is the point where resourcefulness, clever planning as well as DIY skills and the ability to think on your feet come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Is it a DIY project or will you hire a contractor? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: And who is the person who will design it? Most outdoor structures require the permission of an inspector of buildings or a the planning commissioner. Your local government office must have setback guidelines and height limits. The zoning law: Will need to obtain city or county zoning laws and approvals? Depending on where you live, this process can be lengthy, so stay on top of it if you want to complete the project within the next few months, or even a year. The committees may meet occasionally and applicants can slip through the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that showcase different styles, sizes materials, budgets, and styles guaranteed to inspire you! Homeowners who find the benefits of entertaining and relaxing in their own backyards are always looking for the next improvement. 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. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. Here are some reasons why: Pergolas (further). Expand Your Living Space . If you've already built a patio or deck, you probably added it as an extension of your living space. A pergola might be the right choice for you if your outdoor space is not as useful in summer heat or you want to protect it from inclimate weather. A pergola extends your living space and increases the amount of time you can spend 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. 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. Materials will be your next major decision. There are a variety of materials to consider and all come with advantages and disadvantages: Pressure-treated wood: A pergola made from pressure-treated wood is usually the cheapest option. They will have a decent lifespan, but pressure-treated lumber has the potential to warp, crack and look shabby over time. This type pergola looks best when painted or stained. Cedar wood is popular for pergolas. It's insect-resistant and looks great right out of the mill. 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: Vinyl pergolas require very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas can't be painted so the color options 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 can be painted in any color you like, with a better durability than wood. 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.