Month: June 2023

If you’re a homeowner looking for a way to add more charm and style to your outdoor space, a residential pergola is the perfect solution. A pergola is a shade structure that’s not attached to your house or fence and provides a great place to lounge and commune with nature. It’s also the perfect setting to host a barbeque or a small wedding ceremony, and can even be used as an inviting entryway into your garden.

While there are some pergola kits available for home use, it’s best to consult a licensed contractor that specializes in these types of structures to get the most out of your investment. This will ensure that the pergola is designed and built in a way that’s appropriate for your property and meets all local regulations. The professional can also help you customize the design to match your personal preferences and needs.

Depending on the size and complexity of your pergola, you’ll likely need to spend between $5,000 and $25,000 to build one. However, a skilled contractor can provide you with several options that will allow you to stay within your budget while still creating a beautiful and functional structure.

Pergolas are often built from wood, but other materials such as metal and vinyl can also be used. In general, it’s important to choose a material that will complement the existing decor and architecture of your property, including the colors and finishes of other hardscape elements like paths or walls. Additionally, it’s a good idea to take into account how the pergola will look at different times of the day and in various weather conditions.

For example, if you live in an area where it snows frequently, you may want to consider adding a roof to your structure to prevent snow and rain from collecting on its louvers and causing damage. The same is true for areas where high winds are common.

Another important factor to consider is the amount of shade and shelter you’ll need from the sun. While some homeowners prefer a more open structure that allows for more light and air movement, others appreciate the sturdiness and privacy that a covered pergola offers.

It’s also possible to add more shade by installing climbing plants on your pergola. While it will take a full planting season before they are mature enough to provide coverage, the result will be an extra layer of protection from the sun’s harsh rays.

In addition to providing a focal point that draws the eye and sets your backyard apart from the rest of your neighborhood, a well-designed and properly constructed pergola will also increase the value of your property. If you’re considering adding a pergola to your yard, contact the team at Leisure Time Designs today to learn more about our services and to request an estimate. We’re proud to offer a variety of high-quality shade solutions, including custom pergolas. We look forward to helping you create a beautiful and welcoming outdoor retreat for your family, friends, and neighbors!

A floating deck may sound like something straight out of Aladdin’s magic carpet ride, but it’s an ideal way to expand a home’s outdoor living space. It can serve as a place to read or sip lemonade and relax, a spot to dine with friends, or a buffer zone between indoor living areas and the garden or back yard. Aside from a little extra planning and work, building a floating deck is similar to installing a conventional wood or composite deck. Unlike a deck that’s attached to your house, though, this type of freestanding structure doesn’t usually merit different tax regulations or require special permits, since it’s not permanently attached to the house.

Because it’s not secured to the house, a floating deck can also protect it from harsh weather conditions that might damage an attached deck or cause structural issues for the house itself. Additionally, because it doesn’t need to be anchored to the ground and can’t pull away, a floating deck isn’t as expensive to maintain as a traditional deck.

While many people choose to build a floating deck from scratch, the idea is also great for those with an existing backyard patio or deck that they wish to upgrade. In this case, a floating deck can be made from repurposed materials such as railroad ties or concrete blocks.

Before beginning to build, it’s important to assess the terrain where you want to locate your new deck. Then, carefully level and remove the grass/rocks from the area. Next, lay down deck blocks to create a base for your frame. Deck blocks are cement-filled squares that can support the weight of your deck without the need for in-ground concrete piers. Using deck blocks will reduce the risk of hitting underground services such as water or sewage pipes, which can be costly to repair.

Once your deck frame is in place, you’ll need to install the floor joists. Use a framing square to ensure the joists are even, and then fasten them to each block with 3 1/2-inch deck screws. To add extra strength and stability to your new floating deck, you can also install rim joists between the floor joists.

Some municipalities require floating decks to be anchored, but this can be done quickly and easily with shed anchor kits that attach to joists in multiple locations. It’s a good idea to anchor your deck anyway, though, because high winds can lift even a small freestanding structure.

Once your deck is in place, you can style it with furniture and plants to make it a cozy place for relaxing or dining. You can even add a hammock to while away the day, or create a shady spot to enjoy the blooming garden beneath you. To really bring the design together, apply a stain or sealant to protect your floating deck from the elements. This will keep it looking good and lasting longer.

Composite decking has become very popular over the past few years as people are looking for an alternative to wood. Its eco-friendly nature, resemblance to wood, low maintenance, and longevity make it the perfect choice for a deck. There are many different brands to choose from and choosing the best one can be a daunting task. We have put together a list of the top composite decking along with some tips to help you find the best one for your needs.

The most important factor in determining the best composite decking is its lifespan. Most quality brands will provide a 25-year warranty covering the structure and finish of the deck. This will cover damage from harsh weather, stains and fading from sun exposure, insect infestation, and general deterioration of the decking boards. Warranties for composite decking are generally transferable when the home is sold which can add resale value to the property.

While the initial cost of composite decking is higher than wood, it will save homeowners and builders money over time as it will require less maintenance. Composite decking also has a more pleasing aesthetic and does not splinter like other materials do. Its ability to withstand moisture is another important factor as some areas are more prone to rainy climates.

When it comes to the durability of composite decking, Trex is the clear leader. The company uses a combination of recycled plastic, sawdust and reclaimed wood to produce their boards. The end result is a material that is highly durable, water-resistant, and able to resist mildew and fungus. The company even offers a range of different finishes to match your home’s style.

As an added bonus, Trex has a comprehensive line of accessories to help with the installation process. This includes a wide variety of hidden fastener options designed specifically for use with their composite decking. In fact, using non-Trex fasteners can void your warranty. So don’t be tempted to save a few bucks and ruin your new deck by buying non-compliant screws.

Another brand that is a great option for those who want to go green with their decking is TimberTech. This company has a strong focus on sustainability and their composite decking is made with up to 95 percent recycled materials, including plastic and reclaimed wood. They also have a unique patented splinter-free design that makes the decking safer and more comfortable to walk on.

The other big factor in determining the best composite decking for you is your budget. Prices for composite decking vary widely depending on the specific product and the amount of customization you desire. The more custom features you add, the higher the price tag will be.

The final factor to consider when selecting the best composite decking is if the product meets local code requirements. Most retailers should know this but you can also check with the manufacturer or a third party service such as Interket. They can usually provide a Code Compliance Research Report (CCRR) that will show that the product meets code and is safe to use.

A pergola is a garden structure that provides a lovely, shaded space for relaxing and enjoying outdoor living. But if you want to take the enjoyment of this backyard feature to the next level, add a roof to the structure for added privacy and rain shelter. These pergola with roof ideas offer a variety of stylish options that increase comfort and privacy, provide cooling shade, and add to the design appeal of the garden.

When planning your pergola with roof, consider the location of the structure and how it will be used. If it will be a freestanding unit, you can opt for a simple wooden trellis that is attached to the ground. This option is cost-effective and will provide a basic cover that works well in many locations. However, if you want to create a more enclosed nook, you can choose to build a roof with rafters or louvers that are able to be opened and closed for control over airflow and sunlight penetration. Louvered roofs can also be automated to open, close, or adjust automatically depending on the time of day and weather conditions.

Another great option for a pergola with a roof is to use an existing awning. These portable structures can be purchased from many retailers and installed on a pergola to create a beautiful, custom-made patio cover that is perfect for your garden. These retractable awnings are available in a number of colors and styles, making them a versatile choice for any landscape. They are typically a little less expensive than a pergola with a solid roof, but they do not necessarily provide as much privacy or shade.

If you’re looking for a more stylish and permanent solution, you can choose to roof your pergola with a fabric canopy or other contemporary roofing material. These designs are often inexpensive and can be made to look very stylish with the addition of lighting or other design features. They tend to offer less protection during heavy rainfall, though.

The reed mats that cover this pergola are a stunning accent and help to add an organic element to the space. The wood pergola is also a gorgeous complement to the home and garden, helping to tie the area together.

A solid roof on a pergola can make it perfect for dining or entertaining al fresco. When paired with comfortable patio furniture and lighting ideas, it can turn your backyard into the perfect oasis where you can kick back and relax or entertain guests for an evening under the stars. This is a great way to use your garden space in most climates, and it can be easily removed for winter storage if desired.

This pergola’s solid roof is created with pressure-treated pine, which is rot-resistant and able to withstand harsh weather. When stained or water-sealed, it can also maintain a golden color for years to come. In contrast, an untreated gazebo will quickly become gray as it ages.