Wickes Pergola Wood

Wickes Pergola Wood - What was once known as a patio roof is now referred to as a pergola--it protects your home from sun, rain, and wind as well as extending the living space. A major architectural structure pergolas are made up of beams, rafters, and posts. They can be attached or removed from a home. While opinions vary on the distinction between a pergola and the gazebo, generally a gazebo is freestanding and has a pitched roof, while a pergola's roof is flat. Arbor and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, however an arbor is structure designed to support vines or to direct foot traffic within a garden. If you've got an outdoor deck or patio with a roof, a roof-like structure can prolong the time you can spend outside having fun with guests or simply relaxing. With the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it could increase a home's value. Before jumping into the construction of a pergola project, think about the following: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from wood to plywood metals, prefabricated material, fabric, and glass. Budgeting: Two of the most significant expenses will be labor and materials. If you're on a tight budget (and that's most of us) here's the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly the ability to DIY, as well as the ability to think on your feet come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who is planning to build the project? Is it a DIY project or will you hire a contractor? A prefabricated pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: And, who is going to develop it? Most outdoor structures require the approval of an inspector of buildings or a planning commissioner. Your local government office should have setback guidelines and height restrictions. The zoning law: Will require approval from the city or county Zoning laws and approvals? It depends on where you live this process can be lengthy and you must be on top of it if you wish to get to complete the project within the next couple of months or even the entire year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applicants can slip into the wrong hands. We've found 9 different pergolas that reflect different sizes, styles as well as materials and budgets certain to impress you! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. 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. Pergolas are a great option for adding to your landscaping. Here's how: Pergolas, (further), Expand Your Living Space . You may have an existing deck or patio and added it to expand your living space. 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 can increase your outdoor living area and extend your time outside. Designed and oriented correctly on your lot, a pergola can cast enough light shade to make even a warm afternoon enjoyable or if you still need additional protection, you can install a retractable shade cover for more shade. Shade covers are great for protecting you from light rain. 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. 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: A pressure-treated wood pergola is often your least expensive option. While they have a good life expectancy, pressure-treated lumber is susceptible to cracking, warping, and checking over time. This pergola is best if stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar, also known as Western Red Cedar, is a popular option for pergolas. It is insect resistant and looks stunning right out of a 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: If you're looking for a pergola that requires very little maintenance, vinyl is certainly worth consideration. 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 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 be painted any color you want, and the paint will hold up better than on wood. Finally, fiberglass pergolas are perfect for adding to either a deck or existing patio. Fiberglass pergolas are light in weight and therefore don't require deep footers like other materials.