Virginia Creeper Pergola

Virginia Creeper Pergola - What used to be called the patio roof is now called a pergola. It protects your home from sun as well as wind, rain and sun as well as extending the living space. A significant architectural element pergolas comprise rafters, beams, and posts, and can be attached or detached from a home. Though opinions differ about what differentiates it from the gazebo, generally the gazebo is freestanding, and has a pitched roof the roof of a pergola is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, but an arbor is more of an structure that is used to support vines or to facilitate foot traffic in the garden. If you have an outdoor patio or deck or roof, a rooflike structure can prolong the time you spend outdoors entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing. With the growing popularization of living areas outdoors, this is a great way to boost the value of a house. Before jumping into an pergola project, take note of the followingfactors: The orientation is north, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: These can include hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated materials, metals, fabric, and glass. Budget: The two biggest expenses will be materials and labor. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us) here's where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and imagination come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Is it a DIY project or do you want to hire an architect? A prefabricated pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: And, who is going to develop it? Most 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 you need to obtain city or county zoning regulations and approvals? It depends on where you live, this process can be lengthy, so be aware of it if you wish to get to complete the project within the next few months or even year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applications can fall between the cracks. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that showcase various styles, sizes materials, budgets, and styles sure 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 can help you create a feeling or personality in your home, and increase your family's warmth. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. Here are the reasons: Pergolas (further) Extend 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 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 expands your living space, and can be used to extend the time you spend 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. Some shade covers can protect you from light rain, making them ideal for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas are a wide range 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. Materials will be your next decision. There are many options available and each one has its advantages and drawbacks. Pressure-treated wood: A pergola made from pressure-treated wood is usually the cheapest option. Although they will last a long time, pressure-treated lumber may crack, warp, or become damaged over time. This pergola looks great when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar) is a popular choice for pergolas. It's insect-resistant and looks great right out of the mill. It can be left in its natural state to turn a soft, silvery gray or sealed with stain to retain its color. Cedar pergolas will last longer than those that have been pressure treated, even though they are more costly. Vinyl: Vinyl is an excellent choice if you want a pergola that needs very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas can't be painted so the color options are limited. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas are generally the most expensive way to go, but they come with significant benefits. Fiberglass is stronger than wood and allows you to span greater distances with no posts. Fiberglass can easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint than wood. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.