Veranda Pergola Design

Veranda Pergola Design - What used to be called the patio roof is now referred to as a pergola--it protects your home from sun and rain while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas are made up of rafters, beams, and posts, and can be attached or detached to a house. While opinions vary on what makes it different from the gazebo, generally it is freestanding and is built with a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are often used interchangeably, but an arbor is a structure used to support vines or to facilitate foot traffic in the garden. If you've got an outdoor deck or patio or roof, a rooflike structure can increase the time you can spend outside having fun with guests or simply enjoying a relaxing. With the growing popularization of living areas outdoors, this can 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: This could include plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated material as well as glass, fabric and. Budget: The two most significant expenses are materials and labor. If you have a limited budget (and that's most of us), this is where resourcefulness, smart planning the ability to DIY, as well as imagination come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or do you want to hire an architect? A prefabricated pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: Also, who is going to create it? The majority of outdoor structures require the approval of the building inspector or planning commissioner. Your local government office must have setback guidelines and height limits. Zoning laws: Do you need to obtain city or county Zoning laws and permits? Depending on where you live, this process can take a lot of time, so stay on top of it if you want your project completed within the next couple of months or even the entire year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applicants can slip between the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that showcase various styles, sizes, materials, and budgets guaranteed to inspire you! Many homeowners who enjoy entertaining and relaxing in their backyards have begun to look into the next improvement they can make. Garden enthusiasts love to see their backyards improve. Each improvement creates beauty and visual appeal that can be enjoyed by all. Landscape enhancements create a sense of personality and warmth for your home. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. Here are some reasons why: Pergolas (further) Extend 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. 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. Some shade covers will even protect you from a light rain, perfect for those unpredictable summer storms. Design Options Abound with Pergolas 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 choices available, and all have their 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 looks best when stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar, also known as Western Red Cedar, is a popular option for pergolas. It is naturally resistant to insects and looks amazing straight from the sawmill. It can be left untreated to make it a soft silver grey, or stained and sealed to keep its color. Cedar pergolas will last longer than those that have been pressure treated, even though they are more costly. 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 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 is more durable than wood and can be painted any color. A fiberglass pergola is a great addition to any deck or patio. Because of their light weight fiberglass pergolas do not require as deep footing as other materials.