Month: September 2023

A pergola is a beautiful, freestanding structure that provides shade, a focal point, and a spot to enjoy nature. It’s also a great way to add personality and a touch of whimsy to an outdoor space. Putting a pergola on deck can provide an additional living area where family and friends can gather to entertain, dine, or relax. However, adding this feature to your existing deck may seem daunting. With a little planning and a few DIY tips, you can build a pergola on your deck and start enjoying it in no time.

Like all outdoor upgrades, a pergola on deck should be carefully considered to ensure it is the right fit for your home and will serve its intended purpose. For instance, the size should be appropriate to the size of your deck and any other landscape features that surround it. You can consult a landscaping professional to help you determine what type of pergola would best suit your yard and the surrounding landscape.

To create a strong foundation for your pergola, it’s essential to properly anchor the posts. The easiest way to do this is by digging holes that are 13 the height of your post and one foot wide. Then, set the post in the hole, pour concrete, and allow it to harden. You can also use lag bolts or other fasteners to secure the posts, but this is not as strong as using concrete.

In addition to anchoring the posts, you’ll want to use high-quality materials for the beams of your pergola. For instance, if you opt for a wood pergola, choose ACQ (accelerated corrosion-prevention) treated lumber. This will help the posts resist ongoing damage from the elements and insects and last longer than untreated wood.

Aside from making your pergola stronger, ACQ treated wood will also look better than untreated lumber. This is because the wood will be naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestations. The high-quality material will also prevent warping and bending over time.

If you’re planning to hang plants from your pergola, be sure to use sturdy wire mesh or other trellis material to keep the vines secure. Alternatively, you can plant the vining plants in containers, which can be easily moved inside during colder weather. Moreover, you’ll need to train the plants to grow in only one direction, otherwise they’ll get tangled on your pergola.

Pergolas can be a beautiful addition to any deck, but they’re even more effective when used as the framework for your favorite landscape accents. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, throwing a small wedding, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee by yourself, your pergola will be the center of attention.

If you’re interested in incorporating a pergola on your deck, contact the landscape experts at Green Impressions today to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you turn your backyard into an irresistible destination for entertaining, dining, lounging, and gardening! We proudly serve homeowners in Northeast Ohio.

Purchasing composite decking is a big investment. But compared to the maintenance costs of a traditional wood deck, it can be worth it in terms of long-term value and total cost of ownership. However, the amount of money homeowners will spend on a composite deck will depend on the materials they choose and how they design their deck.

When shopping for composite decking, be sure to compare prices and choose a brand with an established track record and warranties. Also look for a local distributor or lumberyard that stocks the products, so you can easily make returns and future purchases. Another important factor is location, as some localities have requirements for the strength and durability of composite materials. For example, many building authorities will not issue a construction permit for a composite deck unless it meets local engineering standards.

In general, premium composite decking brands offer higher-quality materials with longer warranties and more stylish designs than lower-end brands. They can also cost more to install, because the deck boards are thicker than pressure-treated wood and require additional framing support and fasteners.

Choosing a color, texture and finish will also affect the price of your composite deck. A textured surface will hide scratches and scuffs better than smooth surfaces, but it may require more regular cleaning. Also, certain colors will fade more quickly in the sun than others.

It’s also a good idea to visit showrooms and display areas where you can touch and feel the different composite decking options. A quick walk around can help you narrow down your selections and determine which one best suits your tastes, budget and lifestyle.

The size and shape of your deck will also impact the cost, as well as any special features. For example, you may want to add railings, stairs, built-in seating or pergolas. In addition, if you’re installing lighting or electrical work, that will add to the overall project cost.

Site preparation is a significant factor, as it includes clearing and leveling the area where your deck will be installed. It can also include adding a drainage system, which will increase your labor costs. Finally, if you need to remove your existing deck, you’ll pay a home demolition company a fee for hauling away the old materials.

If you’re unsure how much your composite deck will cost, talk to several builders and compare prices. This will give you a solid idea of how much to expect for your project. You can also ask your builder to provide a quote based on the specific materials you choose. This will give you an idea of how much the materials are going to cost you and how much more your total project is likely to be. Also be sure to consider the extras, like landscaping and site grading.

A timber pergola is an ideal way to create a shaded backyard escape. You can use lattice panels, hanging plants, and vines to personalize the structure with your favorite garden elements. You can also use slats to add privacy to your structure or screen out nosy neighbors. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing sanctuary or a place to host a gathering, a timber pergola can bring your vision to life.

The most popular material for a pergola is pine. This wood type is strong, durable, and affordable. It can be stained or painted to suit any style. It is naturally weather resistant and holds up well in wet climates. Cedar is another popular choice for a pergola. It is rot-resistant, insect-resistant, and has an appealing fragrance. Cedar is more expensive than other woods, but it lasts longer. Like pine, it can be stained or treated with suitable wood preservatives.

If you’re looking for a less expensive and more durable option, you can build your pergola out of pressure-treated (PT) lumber. This wood is treated with chemical preservatives and has a lower water absorption rate than untreated lumber. However, it doesn’t look as nice as natural wood. It often has a green tint or blue streaking and is not as good for appearance projects. It does, however, hold up very well to wet climates and requires less maintenance than other woods.

Other materials that can be used for a pergola include redwood and western red cedar. Both are beautiful and durable. They do require regular maintenance to keep them in top condition. If you’re building a pergola in a wet climate, it’s a good idea to use a water-resistant stain. Both types of wood are also susceptible to fungi and mildew.

You can even build a pergola out of steel. This is a relatively lightweight option and works well in many applications, but it may not be as aesthetically pleasing as wood. Steel structures are also vulnerable to rust and may need to be coated regularly with protective paint.

When it comes to choosing the best material for your pergola, you should balance cost and durability with what visually appeals to you. The right material will allow you to enjoy your backyard oasis for years to come.

A covered pergola can transform an open outdoor area into a private shaded retreat. These structures are typically built out of wood or another material that can withstand harsh weather conditions. They offer protection from rain and sunlight, while allowing air to flow through the structure. They can also be adorned with climbing plants to add both beauty and function to your backyard.

The type of cover you choose for your pergola will depend on your climate and how you plan to use it. If you live in an area with harsh winters or frequent hot summers, a heavy duty cover made of polyethylene or PVC plastic is the best option. These materials are more durable than canvas or vinyl, and will not tear or crack under extreme heat or cold.

If you’re looking for a light-weight cover that will provide some shade but won’t interfere with your view, a lattice-style fabric is an excellent choice. It lets in some sun, but blocks most UV rays. This type of fabric also looks great when draped over a pergola, and it’s available in a wide range of colors to match your backyard design scheme.

In addition to protecting your furniture from the elements, a pergola cover will also keep your wooden structure safe from moisture damage. During the construction process, be sure to use waterproof sealants and regularly inspect your pergola for any signs of moisture damage (e.g., warping, cracks, rot). If you notice any problems, address them promptly to prevent the situation from worsening.

Many people choose to build a pergola in order to make a spacious outdoor living space more intimate and defined. This is especially useful for homes with large yards that don’t have much privacy. A pergola can break up the space into multiple areas for different activities, and add a focal point that can be enjoyed by all members of your family.

Unlike conventional patio covers, which are usually attached to your home’s roof, a pergola is free-standing. This makes it easier to install them in your yard without the need for permits. However, you should still check with your local building code office to make sure your new addition is up to code.

There are a variety of reasons to add a pergola to your yard, whether it’s to create a private shaded retreat or to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Regardless of the purpose, it’s important to consider your budget and how you plan to use your pergola before starting the construction process.

If you’re ready to add a pergola to your backyard, contact Pavertime today! We’ll help you find the perfect solution for your needs and install a beautiful, long-lasting pergola that you can enjoy for years to come.