Wooden Pergola Wickes

Wooden Pergola Wickes - The term used to refer to the patio roof is now commonly known as a pergola. It provides shelter from the sun and rain while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural feature, pergolas consist of beams, rafters and posts, and can be attached or detached from a home. While opinions vary on what differentiates it from the gazebo, generally the gazebo is freestanding, and has a pitched roof, unlike a pergola's roof, which is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are frequently used interchangeably, but an arbor is structure designed to support vines or guide foot traffic in the garden. If you own a patio or deck with a roof, a roof-like structure can increase the time you are spending outdoors hosting guests or just taking a break. With the growing popularization of living areas outdoors, this is a great way to boost the value of a house. Before you begin a pergola project, consider these factors: Orientation: North east, south, or west-facing. Materials: They can range from wood to plywood, metals, prefabricated materials, fabric, and glass. Budget: The two largest expenses will be the cost of labor and materials. If you have a limited budget (and it is for the majority of us), this is the time to use your resourcefulness, planning smartly as well as DIY skills and imagination come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Is it a DIY project or will you hire an expert? A prefabricated pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: And who is the person who will create it? Most outdoor structures require the permission of an inspector of buildings or a planning commissioner. Your local government office should have guidelines on setback and height restrictions. Zoning laws: Do need to obtain city, county, or regional zoning regulations and approvals? It depends on where you live, this process can be lengthy, so stay on top of it if you want the project done in the next few months or even the entire year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applications may slip between the cracks. We've found 9 diverse pergolas that showcase various styles, sizes, materials, and budgets 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. Because each addition adds beauty and visual appeal to the backyard, it is a place where people can enjoy their garden. 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 the reasons: 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. 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. Some shade covers can protect you from light rain, making them ideal for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas offer a variety of design options The first thing to consider when adding a pergola to your landscaping is "custom or kits?". A local landscape professional will help you design and build a pergola, but you won't have the same flexibility as a professional landscaper. However, all parts will be delivered to you for you to assemble and place. The next step will be to make a decision about materials. There are many choices available, and all have their advantages and disadvantages. Pressure-treated wood Pergolas are often the least expensive. They'll have a reasonable lifespan but pressure-treated lumber can warp, crack, and check over time. This type pergola looks best when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar, also known as Western Red Cedar, is a popular option for pergolas. It is naturally resistant to insects and looks amazing straight from the sawmill. You can leave it untreated to turn a soft silver gray, or stain and seal it to hold 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 can not be painted, so there are only a few color options. Fiberglass: Fiberglass pergolas can be expensive but offer many benefits. Because fiberglass is so strong, you can span much longer distances without posts, (in some cases, about 20 feet) giving you a cleaner look). Fiberglass is more durable than wood and can be painted any color. Additionally, fiberglass pergolas work well for adding value to existing patios or decks. Due to their light weight, fiberglass pergolas don't require the same deep footers as other materials dictate.