Wickes Timber Pergola

Wickes Timber Pergola - What used to be called an outdoor roof is now commonly known as a pergola. It protects your home from sun and rain while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas comprise beams, rafters and posts. They can be attached or removed from a home. While opinions vary on what makes it different from the gazebo, generally a gazebo is freestanding and has a pitched roof, unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. The terms arbor and pergola are commonly utilized interchangeably, but an arbor is more of a structure used for supporting vines or to guide foot traffic in the garden. If you've got an outdoor deck or patio with a roof, a roof-like structure can increase the time you can spend outside having fun with guests or simply taking a break. With the increasing popularity of outdoor living spaces, it can enhance the value of your home. Before jumping into the construction of a pergola project, consider these factors: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from hardwood to plywood metals, prefabricated material fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: Your two biggest expenses will be the cost of labor and materials. If your budget is limited (and it is for the majority of us), this is the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly the ability to DIY, as well as imagination come into play. Construction vs. DIY: Who is planning to build the project? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or will you engage a contractor? A prefab pergola kit could be an option. Building codes: And, who is going to design it? The majority of outdoor structures need the approval of a building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office must have setback guidelines and height limits. Zoning laws: Do require city, county, or regional zoning laws and approvals? Based on the location you reside in 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. The committees may meet occasionally and applicants can slip through the cracks. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that showcase various styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets certain to be awe-inspiring! Homeowners who have discovered the merits of relaxing and entertaining in their backyards are often considering the next enhancement they can add to their outdoor space. As each improvement adds beauty, visual appeal and enjoyment, backyard enthusiasts are eager to make more. Landscape enhancements help create a mood or personality for your home and they extend your family's warmth and hospitality. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. Here are some reasons why: Pergolas (further). Extend Your Living Space . If you already have a patio or deck, it is likely that you added it to increase 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. A pergola, when placed correctly on your lot will provide enough shade to make any afternoon pleasant. If you need more protection, you can also install a retractable shade covering. Some shade covers can protect you from light rain, making them ideal for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas offer a variety of design options If you are considering adding a pergola or pergola to your landscape, the first thing you need to decide on is whether you want it custom or a kit. A local landscape designer can help you design a pergola and then build it in your yard. Materials will be the next thing you need to consider. There are many options available and each one has its advantages and drawbacks. Pressure-treated wood: A pressure-treated wood pergola is often your least expensive option. They'll have a reasonable lifespan but pressure-treated lumber can warp, crack, and check over time. This pergola is best if stained or painted. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar) is a popular choice for pergolas. It is naturally insect-resistant and can be seen right out of the sawmill. It can be left as-is to turn a soft grayish silver, or you can stain it and seal it to preserve its color. Although cedar pergolas are more expensive than pressure-treated pergolas, they have a longer lifespan. Vinyl: Vinyl is an excellent choice if you want a pergola that needs very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas cannot be painted easily so your options for color are limited. Fiberglass Pergolas: While they are the most expensive, fiberglass pergolas offer significant benefits. Fiberglass is strong and can be spanned for longer distances (in some cases up to 20 feet), giving you a cleaner look. Fiberglass can also be painted in any color that you choose. The paint will last longer than wood. A fiberglass pergola is a great addition to any deck or patio. Fiberglass pergolas are light in weight and therefore don't require deep footers like other materials.