Louvered pergolas are a great way to add shade and style to outdoor living spaces. These structures have been popular in Europe for centuries, but they are becoming more common in the United States as well.
For many homeowners today, louvered pergolas offer an ideal solution for outdoor living spaces because they’re attractive and functional while also being relatively inexpensive compared to other options like screened-in porches.
Pergola kits are a great way to get your pergola set up with a quick DIY approach. They come in a range of styles such as Amish, pitched roof hexagonal, free-standing simple designs, attached lean-to corner, or triangle pergola designs.
You need a good pergola kit to be quick and easy to assemble into a finished product, durable enough so it doesn’t look like a cheap add-on that will blow away in the next light wind, and of course, does the primary job of offering shade for that outdoors lifestyle.
There are many different options for louvered pergola kits on the market today, including wood, metal and vinyl. This blog post will discuss 3 of each type of kit so you can find what is best suited to your needs!
Option One: Wood Louvered Pergola Kits
This type of design has been around for centuries so you know it has staying power! With this style, you have even more choices with how your structure looks since they come in many different designs from simple wood slats all the way up to intricate lattice work details. These structures are fairly lightweight as well which makes moving them between locations an easier task than steel or aluminum; however paint may not last quite as long when used outside year round.
Wooden louvered pergolas are often the most traditional of these structures and have many benefits. For example, they can be painted to match any color palette or landscaping you like for a custom look that fits your personal style. Woods also come in various types including red cedar, western red cedar and cypress pine, so one might suit your needs better than another depending on what type of climate you live in! In addition, wood is durable enough for outdoor use year round as long as it is treated with a high quality sealant before installation.
It’s also easy to repair if any damage occurs, just sand down the affected area then add another coat of stain or sealant – most people only have to do this once every two years!
The downside? It’s susceptible to decay if it isn’t treated properly before installation (you should really consult a professional). It also needs regular maintenance like annual painting- which you’ll either have to do yourself or hire someone else to do. While this type of material typically lasts longer than vinyl does, wood will require more time commitment on behalf of the homeowner in terms of upkeep.
In terms of concern about decay, cedarwood offers the traditional feel along with built-in resistance to rotting, weather and attack by insects and other creepy crawlies.
Option Two: Metal Louvered Pergola Kits
Metal kits are typically the most expensive option, but they also offer a sleek modern look. They’re often seen as an elegant upgrade to the traditional wood louvre design, with some versions not needing paint or sealer because they come in their coated color from the factory.
The downside with uncoated metal kits that need painting is that it must be painted and maintained more frequently than vinyl or wood which can lead to durability issues over time as well as fading colors.
Many people think that metal structures are sturdier than other designs which can make it especially appealing if you have pets running around or small children who might try climbing on the structure! If this sounds like what you want then read on to learn about the two most popular types of metal louvered pergolas on the market for your consideration.
Traditional steel:
This type of louvered pergola is a great option if you want to choose between the traditional look of wood and something that will last. Steel can be exposed directly to harsh weather conditions without fear because it’s strong enough to withstand heavy rain, snow or even hail! In addition, this kind of structure also has a low maintenance cost as they don’t require painting since they come in their natural color.
Aluminum:
If you’re looking for an affordable design then aluminum may be your best bet with its lower price point. The material is lightweight making it easy to transport and install. It’s also a durable option that can be left out in the elements without worry about rusting or corrosion but will need more frequent painting due to its silver color.
Vinyl Louvered Pergola Kits
You can pretty much get a vinyl version of most garden furniture nowadays, and the pergola is no exception. It comes with all the vinyl advantages of being virtually maintenance-free, resistant to sun fading, and resistant to premature cracking. No periodic painting or sealing with a vinyl pergola option, unlike wood pergolas. Of course, the other advantage of a vinyl choice is that it is generally a lot cheaper than the other options. You can pick one up around the $500 mark. On the downside, no one is going to mistake it for a wooden pergola so as long as you don’t mind that it doesn’t have that authentic look then you’re good to go.
Vinyl is a durable material that can be left out in the elements without worry about rusting or corrosion.
So vinyl kits offer the same flexibility as wood but are usually more affordable because they’re made from a durable plastic material.
For those who want something low maintenance as possible without sacrificing on quality, vinyl may be the perfect option for their needs.
Styles Of Pergola Kits Available
They come in a range of styles such as Amish, pitched roof hexagonal, free-standing simple designs, attached lean-to corner, or triangle pergola designs.
Brands Of Pergola Kits
There is a great range of brands to choose from when it comes to pergola kits. Some of the best brands are:
-Amish Pergraves, Inc (amazing for that traditional Amishi feel) and Victory Garden Products with their free-standing wood frame pergolas on metal posts or heavy-duty steel beams to withstand high wind gusts if desired). Other popular choices include Abaco awnings, All-Weather Covers, and Shade Systems.
Victory Garden Products: – All their pergola kits are made of the highest quality materials and they offer a range to suit people’s tastes. The designs vary from traditional, archways or hexagonal roofing styles for that Amish charm right through luxurious hardwood finishes with pitched roofs (made up mostly by older model designs, but still some of the best quality in terms of durability). Every pergola kit is made to order and designed with careful attention. These are not mass-produced pieces that arrive at your doorstep as a flat-pack product (though they do offer their own line for DIYers too) so you can be confident it will suit every
-There is also the option of preassembled pergola kits or DIY instructions to help you build your own from scratch if desired!!! – If not then there are many ready-made products that can be shipped right away! (Amazon for instance has quite an amazing selection!) :D)
Take The Time To Research Your Needs For The DIY Approach
All of these different styles can be a little confusing, but it is worth the time to figure out which style you like best so that you can find a kit and installation service that will work for your needs.
Pergola kits are a great way to get your pergola set up with a quick DIY approach.
If you decide to go with a pergola kit, then it is important that the design of your project matches what type and size building materials are available in order for installation. Some kits require more complex construction skills such as welding or carpentry while others can be installed by just about anyone who has access tools like saws/drills and screwdrivers.
It is important that the pergola kit you purchase has everything included like pre-cut pieces, hardware and instructions because once it arrives at your home there should be no more trips to store for anything else needed or desired before installation can occur! Once installed these kits give anyone of any skill level a one day project with minimal effort.
Tips for a successful installation:
– Choose the right location in your yard before purchasing or measure to make sure it will fit correctly on site and not be obtrusive with nearby structures like homes, buildings etc… Keep trees within 30 feet of pergola kit at last because they can affect structural integrity if too close during construction.
– Make sure the area is level and stable with no slope towards any other structures. It should be as flat or gently sloping away from home to allow for water drainage if it rains, which may cause a wet pergola kit installation in some cases because they are not waterproof by default (though there can always add that option).
– Install pergola as close to the ground or a few feet high, depending on how it will be used. If you want more space underneath for an outdoor living area then install at low level and if just using sun shade in summer months from heats of mid day heat wave is okay with less flooring below so can store picnic items etc, then go with high installation.
– Get the right tools for your DIY project by looking up a list of what is required at home or do some online research to get an idea before starting on construction day (have all necessary drill bits, power drivers etc available). – Decide which style you want and buy as set that includes matching posts and fencing.
– Make sure the posts are set well into ground or concrete to prevent shifting in wind and use stakes on corners of pergola for extra stability if needed (be a good neighbour). Follow your kit instructions closely, measure twice before cutting once so you don’t end up with an uneven final install out back! Have a friend help out for extra hands on the job.
– Clean up any tools and leftover materials that were used to construct your pergola kit so you don’t end with a messy looking backyard (a sense of pride should be felt when having guests over, not embarrassment!). Enjoy! -The right design will give it character but also make it blend into your home’s exterior design.
– It will be a good idea to take measurements of the space you are building on before purchasing or ordering pergola kits so that they fit and can offer shade as intended, without being too small for desired purpose (or using more materials than necessary). -The first step is to place the posts, which are typically made of pressure treated wood or a composite material that can withstand outdoor elements.
-You will need your set’s instructions for this step! They may also recommend what type and size screws you should use depending on where they attach (for example: make sure not too long so it doesn’t poke through the other side).
-Next, you will need to attach and level your rafters. You can use a measuring tape or laser line tool for this step (depending on options available with purchase of kit) -Add in braces if desired per instructions as well! This is usually an optional part but may be helpful depending how high up you want the ceiling of your shade.
-Then attach roof panels to rafters and shape it into a triangle or hexagon! – You may need extra screws in order for this step, depending on what material you are using (some kits come with these attached). The last thing is attaching any fascia boards that might have been included per instructions
-Lastly, attach your ceiling panels to the rafters and make sure they are level. Double check that all of these steps have been done correctly so you don’t end up with any gaps or less coverage than desired! You can always use a tarp/ shade cloth if there is too much space between roofing materials for more coverage.
-Now it’s time to relax under the shade and enjoy your pergola! – If you have a ceiling, now is also an opportunity for installing fans or hanging bulbs of course if desired as well!!! :D)
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