Pergolas and awnings are popular features for outdoor spaces and gardens because they contribute to the curb appeal of your home. Pergolas can be used to set up several garden elements like flowerbeds and sit-out areas. But choosing the wrong structure and making impulsive decisions can cause you a lot of headaches later. So consider these factors before setting up pergolas for your outdoor spaces.
Consider The Purpose Of The Pergola
Pergolas can be used purely for decorative purposes, for providing shade or for building garden elements within them. They can be built over certain paved areas within your garden or can be adjoined to your house based on the purpose they are built for. Before making the decision to install a pergola, consider its specific purpose. For instance, if you are looking to add shade to your herb garden or simply want to create a shaded seating area, then small pergolas will suit your purpose well. If you are looking for a large patio living area, then you may need to consider bigger pergolas to serve multiple purposes in your outdoor areas.
Consider Whether You Need Local Council Permits
Whether you draw pergola designs yourself or with a professional designer, you need to have a comprehensive view of the structure to present to your local council. Building pergolas may require special council permissions, planning permits and building permits from your local council. This can vary because every council has their own rules regarding pergolas, which will cover aspects like materials, height, size and structural integrity. In some instances, permit exemptions may be granted if the pergola meets certain requirements. For instance, the Geelong City council offers permit exemptions for pergolas that don't exceed 3.6 metres in height and 20 square metres in floor area. Get in touch with your local council to find out whether you need a permit and ask about permit exemptions to save you the trouble of acquiring them.
Establish The Pergola Material
Pergolas can be made from materials like PVC, composite, wood and steel based on your specific needs. Timber is a strong and durable material, but it needs to be sealed and stained over time to protect it. Composite pergolas simulate the look of wood and are usually weather resistant. PVC pergolas come in a range of colours and styles, requiring minimal maintenance. Steel pergolas are normally resilient and durable without the need for much maintenance. Timber is an excellent option if you're looking for traditional pergolas, but PVC, composite and steel may be good choices when you're looking to minimise maintenance.
Consider these crucial factors before planning pergolas for your home.
Share29 August 2016
My yard is in the shade of both of my neighbour's homes for most of the day which makes it quite hard to grow some of my favourite plants. Even though the yard is shady I still want it to have some nice look ground cover and be a cool place to entertain people. I have used a combination of shade resistant plants and pavers to create a lovely space that is good for entertaining all year round. This blog has some tips on creating a pleasant atmosphere in your shady backyard, particularly if you have a yard that is too shady to grow many kinds of plants.