Wooden Pergola 2.5 X 2.5

Wooden Pergola 2.5 X 2.5 - What was once known as the patio roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola--it protects your home from sun and rain as well as extending the living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas comprise beams, rafters, and posts, and are able to be connected or removed to a house. While opinions vary on what differentiates it from a gazebo, usually the gazebo 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 more of structure designed to support vines or guide foot traffic in a garden. If you have a patio or deck, a rooflike structure will prolong the time you can spend outside entertaining guests or taking a break. With the growing demand for outdoor spaces, they can enhance the value of your home. Before jumping into a pergola project, think about the following: Orientation: North east, south, or west-facing. Materials: This could include wood to plywood metals, prefabricated material, fabric, and glass. Budgeting: Two of the largest costs will be for labor and materials. If you're on a tight budget (and this is the case for most of us), this is the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly as well as DIY skills and imagination come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who's going to build it? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or will you engage an architect? A prefab pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: And, who is going to develop it? Most outdoor structures need the approval of the building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office should have guidelines on setback and height limits. Zone laws: Are require city, county, or regional Zoning laws and approvals? Based on the location you reside in, this process can be lengthy, so stay on top of it if your goal is to have your project completed in the next few months, or even a year. Committees sometimes meet sporadically and applications may slip between the cracks. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that represent various styles, sizes, materials, and budgets guaranteed to be awe-inspiring! People who love to entertain and relax in their back yards are more likely to think about the next addition. As each improvement adds beauty, visual appeal and enjoyment, backyard enthusiasts are eager to make more. Landscape enhancements add personality to your home and enhance your family's hospitality and warmth. If you are considering the next addition to your landscape, consider installing a pergola. Here's how: 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 will increase the size of your living space and allow you to spend more time 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 will even protect you from a light rain, perfect for those unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas can be designed in many ways 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 materials available to choose from and each has its pros and cons. Wood pergolas made of pressure-treated timber: This is the most affordable option. Although they'll last for a while, pressure-treated lumber can crack, warp and become unusable 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's insect-resistant and looks great right out of the mill. You can leave it untreated to turn a soft silver gray, or stain and seal it to hold its color. Cedar pergolas will last longer than those that have been pressure treated, even though they are more costly. Vinyl: Vinyl is a great option if you are looking for a pergola with minimal maintenance. Vinyl pergolas cannot be painted easily so your options for color are limited. Fiberglass: Although they are more expensive than other options, fiberglass pergolas have significant advantages. 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 easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint than wood. Finally, fiberglass pergolas are perfect for adding to either a deck or existing patio. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.