What Does A Pergola Do.
What Does A Pergola Do - What was once known as the patio roof is now referred to as a pergola--it offers shelter from sun and rain and also extends your living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas are made up of beams, rafters, and posts, and are able to be connected or removed to a house. Though opinions differ about what differentiates it from an gazebo, typically it is freestanding and has a pitched roof unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are often utilized interchangeably, but an arbor is a structure used to support vines or to direct foot traffic within a garden. If you own a patio or deck, a rooflike structure will prolong the time you can spend outside entertaining guests or relaxing. With the increasing demand for outdoor spaces, they could increase a home's value. Before jumping into an pergola project, take note of the followingfactors: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: This could include plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated materials, metals, fabric, and glass. Budgeting: Two of the largest costs will be for the cost of labor and materials. If you're on a tight budget (and it is for the majority of us), this is the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly, DIY skills, and creativity come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Is it a DIY project or will you engage an expert? A prefabricated pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: Also who is the person who will create it? Most outdoor structures need the approval of an inspector of buildings or a planning commissioner. Your local government office should have setback guidelines and height limitations. Zone laws: Are require city, county, or regional zoning laws and approvals? Based on the location you reside in this process can take a long time, so stay on top of it if you wish to get to complete the project within the next couple of months or even year. The committees may meet occasionally and applications can fall through the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that reflect different styles, sizes materials, budgets, and styles guaranteed to impress you! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. Every improvement brings beauty, visual appeal, and enjoyment to backyards. Landscape enhancements add personality to your home and enhance your family's hospitality and warmth. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. Here are some reasons why: Pergolas (further) Extend Your Living Space . You may have an existing deck or patio and added it to expand your living space. 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 extends your living space and increases the amount of time you can spend outside. A pergola that is correctly positioned on your property can provide enough shade for a pleasant afternoon. However, if you still require protection, you have the option to install a retractable shade shade cover. You can also get shade from light rain with some shade covers, which is ideal for summer storms. Pergolas offer a variety of design options When you decide to add a pergola to your landscape the first thing you'll need to decide is, "custom or kit?" A local landscape professional can help you design a pergola from scratch and can custom build it right in your backyard or you can purchase a kit from one of the many well-known manufacturers in the U.S. You won't have the same design flexibility--you're typically limited to rectangles and fixed dimensions--but all the parts will be delivered to your home for your landscape professional to assemble and install. Your next decision will be materials. There are many choices available, and all have their advantages and disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood Pergolas are often the least expensive. While they have a good life expectancy, pressure-treated lumber is susceptible to cracking, warping, and checking over time. This type of pergola looks best when stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar), is a popular choice to make 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 can be more expensive than pressure-treated ones, but they will typically last for a much longer time. Vinyl: Vinyl is a great option if you are looking for a pergola with minimal 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 be painted any color you want, and the paint will hold up better than on wood. Additionally, fiberglass pergolas work well for adding value to existing patios or decks. Fiberglass pergolas are lighter than other materials and don't need as many feet.