Month: April 2024

A pergola can be a wonderful shade structure for any backyard. You can sit under it, enjoy a meal or just enjoy the sun’s rays and it’s beauty. There are several different styles of pergolas and deciding on the one that best suits your needs is important. The most important thing is that it fits your space and looks good. The next is how much shade you want to get. You may also want to consider privacy and how you’re going to use the space.

Choosing the right size pergola for your outdoor living space is just as important as determining which style of pergola to get. We offer a number of different sizes for both freestanding and attached styles so you can choose the right size for your backyard. We also have a number of options for louvres on the side that allow you to open or close the panels depending on the weather and your personal preference.

You’ll also need to decide whether you want overhangs on the sides of your pergola and if so, how long. Our CAD drawings show the standard 12″ overhangs on both sides of the posts and you can also choose to have the end caps either scrolled, beveled or flat. The first step is deciding if you want overhangs at all and which style of end caps you’d like to have on the ends.

Once you’ve decided what size pergola you want, you’ll need to determine how large of a footprint you have available for it. This is often done by adding the column center measurements together and then subtracting the size of the post base. For example, if you have a 10′ wide pergola and a 4′ wide post base, you would have a footprint of 14′.

Another method is to start with the column center measurement and then add on the width of your choice of post to arrive at the footprint measurement. For instance, if you have an 8′ wide column and an 8′ wide trellis and you want a 3′ tall trellis with louvres, your footprint is 15′.

Finally, there’s the old carpenter’s adage, “measure twice and cut once.” If you measure carefully and accurately when you’re doing your layout for the posts on your pergola, you’ll have an easier time when it comes time to install. If you’re not sure which method to use, just ask us and we’ll walk you through it.

The beauty of our pergolas is that they aren’t “cookie cutter” kits that you have to fit into your outdoor space. Instead, our DIY ShadeScapeTM kits are custom made for your home and yard to ensure a stress-free and perfect fit every time. Contact a Design Manager to help you determine the ideal pergola for your space and then we’ll create a custom kit that meets or exceeds your specifications. It’s the best way to get a great looking and functional pergola that will last a lifetime.

Imagine enjoying a warm cup of coffee and relaxing under the soothing beams of a gorgeous pergola that enhances the natural beauty of your garden sanctuary. A metal pergola is a stylish addition that can be designed to shelter you from the sun’s harsh rays and add visual appeal to your outdoor space. Compared to wood, steel is generally more costly, but it also offers more durability and strength that will stand the test of time. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your budget under control while still getting the pergola of your dreams.

Before you purchase your pergola, carefully consider your backyard dimensions and desired functionality to determine the perfect size. Standard dimensions are typically available, but if you’re looking for a tailored fit, custom sizes can be accommodated. Additionally, it’s a good idea to understand the weight implications of your chosen materials. For example, while aluminum is a lighter material than steel, it showcases an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and can often support the same amount of weight as steel.

If you’re not sure where to start, consult a professional. They’ll be able to recommend the best materials, styles and colors to suit your unique space. In addition, they’ll be able to assist with any permit or code requirements that may apply. Before starting construction, be sure to check with your local building department and homeowners’ association to see if they have any restrictions on the size, height or location of your pergola.

Once you’ve purchased your pergola and have it in place, there are a few easy maintenance steps to take to keep it looking its best. Regular cleaning and inspection are essential to preventing damage and prolonging its lifespan. To protect your structure from the elements, consider applying an anti-corrosion coating. Keeping your pergola clean will also help prevent the buildup of mold and mildew.

If your pergola is made of timber, be sure to treat it regularly with a quality wood stain or paint to protect the finish. Staining will also help protect the timber from water and UV rays that can damage it over time. It’s also a good idea to keep the structure insulated and protected from extreme weather conditions.

Pergolas can add a touch of elegance to your garden and are ideal for growing vines. The beautiful structure creates an inviting atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing and entertaining. The design options are endless, so you can personalize your pergola to match the style of your home.

Pergolas are a great addition to your yard, but they can also be a pain to maintain. With a little bit of effort, you can transform your pergola into a beautiful retreat. The right materials, design and care will ensure that your pergola is a lasting feature in your backyard. By following these simple tips, you can keep your pergola looking its best and enjoy it for years to come.

As an exotic wood, ipe has incredible durability and weather resistance that make it popular for decking projects. You can also use it for fencing, gazebos, or pergolas to add an elegant natural touch to your home’s exterior. While it may be more expensive than other types of lumber, you can recoup the initial cost with increased property value and reduced maintenance. It is an environmentally sustainable material that doesn’t require chemical treatments, making it a good choice for Eco-friendly households and businesses. Ipe is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure that it comes from forestry operations that follow sustainable harvesting practices.

Ipe is a type of Brazilian walnut that is a very hard and dense tropical hardwood. It is an excellent choice for decking and other outdoor home improvement projects because it resists rot, insect attack, and mold. In addition, it has a Class A fire rating and won’t float in water. It is one of the toughest materials that can be used for building, and it’s even stronger than concrete or steel.

When properly sealed, ipe can last for decades without any signs of wear and tear. In fact, it can outlast even pressure treated pine or cedar. It has a rich color that can be stained or left to age naturally into a silvery gray finish. Regardless of how you choose to maintain your ipe deck, it is important to reseal the wood every few years to protect it from the elements.

Many people ask whether or not ipe is sustainable because of the way it is harvested. Because the ipe trees grow in low densities and are difficult to locate, it is more convenient to clear surrounding areas in order to reach them. This leads to deforestation, which is a world-wide issue that needs to be addressed.

The best way to reduce the impact that ipe has on the environment is to use reclaimed ipe instead of new. Reclaimed ipe has been cut from old, mature trees and can be recycled into the same products as new ipe. This reduces the amount of new ipe that must be harvested from the rainforest, which makes it a more environmentally friendly option.

Another great way to support the sustainability of ipe is to buy it from a company that sells only FSC certified ipe. The FSC provides third-party certification to verify that the wood is sourced from forests that practice sustainable harvesting practices. The FSC is a nonprofit organization that works for environmental conservation, social welfare, and economic well-being in local communities around the world. It also helps to train and educate workers in the forest industry to promote responsible business practices. The FSC certification is a sign that the company is doing their part to help the environment and the local economy. It’s important to support green initiatives in any industry, so be sure to check out the options available in your area when choosing a supplier for your ipe project.

When considering what kind of deck you want to build, a lot of people decide on wood for the look and feel it provides. While softwood makes up 80% of all decking materials, hardwood is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners looking to invest in something that will last a long time. Hardwood also has a natural resistance to fungi and other insects that can damage composites or pressure-treated pine.

However, not all kinds of hardwood are the same and there are pros and cons to each type. Hardwoods are typically more expensive than softwoods and can require a little more work during installation, but they can last a much longer time than other types of decking material and may even stand up to more severe weather conditions such as heavy snow or high winds.

While the durability of a hardwood deck is important, it’s also good to consider how the wood was harvested and sourced before making any final decisions. Many tropical hardwoods are sourced from regions where deforestation is a major issue. This is why it’s important to choose a company that offers FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PFEC (Pacific Forestry Ecological Certification) chain of custody certifications to ensure that the timber is sourced responsibly. This can help to reduce the environmental impact of the harvesting process and encourage reforestation and other forms of land use that will benefit the local communities.

Some of the most common hardwoods for decking include Ipe, Cumaru and Massaranduba. Ipe is one of the most durable and naturally resilient woods available, offering a Class A fire rating and a Janka hardness score that’s higher than redwood or cedar. It also resists insect infestation, rot and mildew. While the cost of Ipe is high, it will likely last 10 to 15 years or more in most climates, requiring only periodic staining and refinishing.

Cumaru is another durable option that is comparable to Ipe in terms of hardness and strength, while having a slightly different appearance with more of a reddish hue. It can be refinished in the same way as Ipe, with a UV-blocking penetrating oil that’s specifically formulated for hardwoods.

Batu is a beautiful option that closely resembles mahogany and can be used in the same ways as Ipe or Cumaru. It is also resistant to rot, termite and mildew and can be refinished with a UV-blocking oil.

While kiln-dried hardwoods are far more stable than pressure-treated lumber, they do expand and contract when exposed to hot or cold weather, so it’s important to leave a bit of space between boards. It’s also a good idea to apply a waterproof sealant to the decking, which can be found in most home improvement stores. It’s best to avoid stains with these types of wood as they tend to soak in and can lead to discoloration, although if you do choose to stain, make sure the product is formulated for hardwoods. Lastly, it’s a good idea to wear a dust mask during installation as the sawdust from these hardwoods can irritate your nose and throat.

Plastic decking has been around for a while and is an excellent option for homeowners looking to save on maintenance costs. It’s made from a mix of recycled and new materials, most notably polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and it can be molded into different shapes to create the look and feel of wood or other types of natural deck lumber. It’s waterproof and resists rot, mold, and mildew without the need for sealants or stains. It also has good short-term fade resistance and can be manufactured in a wide range of colors. Some manufacturers, such as Zuri, use cellular PVC and photorealistic print to make their boards look more realistic, but the material tends to be a little more expensive than other options.

Compared to traditional wood decking, a plastic deck requires less maintenance and can last up to 15 times longer. It is also more resistant to insects, fungus, and mold growth, and it can be molded into different shapes for a custom design. Most manufacturers offer a limited lifetime warranty for their plastic decking, although the duration of that warranty varies by product line.

The most popular plastic decking is made from either PVC or composite. Both types of materials are manufactured from recycled products, so they can help you reduce your environmental footprint. PVC plastic has a solid core and can be manufactured in various styles to resemble natural wood, while composite features a synthetic core that is encased in an organic or recycled cap for better weather resistance.

Aside from a few differences in appearance, both types of plastic decking are similar. They’re both low-maintenance and can add value to your home. Composite and capped PVC also have a higher strength to weight ratio than wood, making them more durable for heavy foot traffic and other uses.

While both plastic and composite can be crafted with a variety of color and grain patterns, most brands of composite and capped PVC have a more modern appearance than wood. Some manufacturers, such as Trex, have even been able to mimic the appearance of exotic woods for a more luxurious finish.

Both composite and capped PVC have a lower carbon footprint than natural wood, reducing the number of trees that need to be cut down to produce them. Plastic is recyclable, and it also has a lower risk of contaminating waterways and landfills, unlike wood.

Whether you choose a plastic or capped composite deck, it’s important to install them according to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure a long lifespan and optimal performance. Both types are a bit heavier than natural wood, so you’ll need to plan for more structural support and make sure the joists can handle their extra weight. In addition, it’s crucial to leave enough room between boards for proper airflow and water drainage. Otherwise, moisture and debris may cause the boards to swell or warp, affecting their function and look. Fortunately, these issues are relatively easy to address.