Pergola Awning | Retractable Patio Awnings

Archive for May, 2010

A patio awning is a wonderful thing: capable of both form and function, it serves the double duty of adding aesthetic value to your home, and of giving your home ample protection from the ravages of the elements, most notably the abuse brought about by the sun, the wind and of all sorts of precipitation (rain, snow, hail, etc. ). Even more, awnings of this sort can also help to “blend” the entryways of your home with your garden, giving you easier and much more comfortable access to your garden from your home, and vice versa.

First, let us take a look at the aesthetic aspects of owning a patio awning. Awnings are a great way to ornament your patio and garden without essentially overwhelming them. They do not feel out of place in a patio, in addition to providing valuable shade in open areas. Also, these awnings come in a wide variety of colors, depending on the material they are composed of. When choosing colors and styles, you are only limited by your imagination. Also, the frames used for holding awnings up can also be composed of different materials, each with their own set of aesthetic and structural advantages.

With this beauty comes also a very important function that awnings fulfill perfectly: protection. Awnings, in addition to having their own aesthetic charm, are also durable enough hold their own against different forms of precipitation (rain, snow, etc. ). The covers used for awnings are also made of durable materials in order to withstand the rays of the sun, especially during the latter parts of the morning and the noon. All this, again, comes with the valuable shade these accessories provide for us.

What’s more, awnings are easy to maintain and even upgrade with accessories of their own. There are specialized parts and outdoor accessories of every sort to make the experience of hanging out in your patio a much more pleasant one. A little lubricant and a specialized cleaner (to help maintain the waterproof nature of the cover, along with providing additional sun protection) will go a long way in keeping your awning in good shape. Remember, too, to fold your awning in when the wind picks up, and when you are not using it, as many an awning has been lost, even done damage to property and to other people, simply because it got blown off its position by a strong wind.

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Building your own pergola is a project many do-it-yourselfers can do themselves. This project can be built without plans. But to eliminate all the guess work, trying to design it yourself, you should look for step by step plans with illustrations, and a material list. There are many sites that offer free plans. If you can’t find what you need with free ones, consider buying some, most are very affordable and they will eliminate a lot of work.

Plans will come with a material list, and this is a great way to estimate what the project will cost before you build. Of course, building it yourself will save you money, but is it possible to do it yourself? If you are capable of using a jigsaw, more than likely, yes. It is not a complicated structure. Square and rectangle designs are the easiest to build. This project can be done in one or two weekends. With the help of some friends this can be a fun weekend project.

Where do you begin? The first thing to do is to find out of any requirements by visiting or calling the building department. If digging will be involved, call the utility department to find out if there is any power, water, or electrical lines that might get damaged while digging. Once you have found the spot to build, measure and find the appropriate plans. Study the plans, and material list, make sure you understand the process of building it. Study the material list and all the cuts you will be making. Once you get familiar with the design, and the building steps, you are ready to begin.

If you feel this project is beyond your carpentry skills, consider hiring a contractor. Once you have the plans you like, and the material, you can show them to different contractors to get some bids for the project

Every city has different laws when building new structures. Make sure you check with your local building department before beginning any constructions. You might need a permit, you might not, check your zoning regulations for any requirements.

Do your research when choosing the lumber. Pressure treated wood is great to prevent rot and decay. Cedar and redwood is another good choice, it is more expensive, but it is nicer and it will last for many years.

If any digging is required, make sure to take caution with any water, telephone, or electrical lines that might be underground. Find out the locations of these lines to avoid any problems, or injury.

Save money by building it yourself. If you are thinking of building just a basic design, such as a square or rectangle shape, you should consider building it yourself. This design is very basic and simple to build. The best way to do this is getting some plans. You can search for free plans, or you can buy some.

If one of the main reasons to having a pergola is to entertain, make sure you build it big enough to accommodate people comfortably.

Adding a pergola will not only make a great focal point, it will add value to your property, making this project a great investment.

There’s nothing better than having a pergola during those sizzling summer days. In spite of what people believe, constructing a pergola is fairly simple provided you are familiar with the procedure.

This sort of starter home project is just perfect for the novice carpenter who wants a functional yet artistic and beautiful addition to any home. And as hard as it seems, you really don’t need to worry about getting over your head as long as you keep it simple and stick to your plan.

The best way to beat the heat during summer is with a pergola. However, there is no need to pay someone do the work, because with the right equipment you can make it yourself.

To create your pergola you will need a stock (2 x 4 and 2 x 8), post stock (4 x 4), several bolts and screws, foundation tubes, anchors, nails and paint.

You will also need a wheelbarrow, a shovel, ladder, stakes, hatchet, measuring tape, saw (circular or table). paintbrush, and a hammer or nail gun. Also get a drill.

First use the stakes to shape the pergola. For a rectangular pergola, use a piece of wood or anything straight as a guide. Next, you need to have a strong foundation, so use the shovel to create a hole wide enough for the posts and also about 4 inches deep.

Next mix the cement and pour them into the tubes. Place them some three inches beneath the surface, and then set the anchors, making sure that the concrete is still wet.

Get some strapping to put the post into the anchors. When you set the headers make sure that they are all even, and mark the level. When you have the right measurements, cut the posts and headers. The proceeding step is to paint the pieces. Paint it any way you like. Although some may prefer to paint later, doing it now is more preferable because the pieces are still separate. This makes the process of painting and drying easier.

Take the stock and slice according to the precise measurements. A 3-4-5 level (triangular) will help ensure that all the pieces are similar. Before you start to cut and paint though, make certain that there are no bends.

At this point you can put in a patio if you like, or some other flooring. Do not add any more pieces until you have placed the flooring, if you so desire.

Now is the time to connect the posts to the post anchors of the pergola. Use the countersink of the drill to manufacture openings in the holes in both the headers and the posts. Slice the blocks at the point where the headers and posts will join up. Use the screwdrivers to securely tighten everything into place.

Now you take the cross members and put them on top of the pergola headers, nailing the smaller ones into the larger headers. Some use a middle header. If you do, nail it as well.