Outdoor Rooms = More Living Space!
Patios, decks and stone or brick extensions expand your outdoor living space, but fall short of an actual outdoor “room”. They are, however, a great foundation for a gazebo, pavilion, pergola or arbor which are not only “room” additions, but offer the perfect space to relax, dine, nap and sip – who doesn’t like to spend time outdoors with a cup ‘o joe or a perfectly mixed cocktail?
While gazebos and pergolas lack solid walls and sometimes roofs, their configurations gives shape and definition to outdoor spaces. Plus, the see-through character offers the beauty of being outside to catch a few Vitamin D-boosting rays of sunshine, and lowering your stress levels! Arbors are perfect for dressing up walkways and framing a pretty view. They don’t cost much to DIY, but you can also get an easy-to-assemble kit at your local home improvement store.
Quick Look: Pergolas
A pergola is a shade structure that offers partial relief from the sun, given the intermittent beam “ceiling”, and can provide support for climbing vines, like the purple profusion clematis. Pergolas built by a pro can cost around $3,500 for labor and materials – usually wood. But you can also build your own for a bit less. Check out the how-to video from handyman Ron Hazelton who can help break down the build into steps you can manage if you’re handy with a circular saw and a nail gun!
Here are some inspirational pergola pics from DIY Network that span small spaces and entire backyards (or so they seem!) attached and detached, with swinging beds, fireplaces, curtains, hot tubs and adjacent pools and firepits. Country Living published 16 more ideas earlier this year, decorated with Edison bulbs, shutters, ceiling fans, hanging potted plants, outdoor furnishings, and pendant lighting.
Pergolas don’t alter the structure of your home so they don’t require a building permit and can improve the appearance of a cement patio, or seating area. You can also buy prefab pergolas from Lowe’s or Home Depot in Thornton: 10×12-foot, 10×14-foot and 12×20-foot cedar pergolas run from $1,000 to $5,000 and there are composite, vinyl and aluminum options, too.
And for a combination pergola-gazebo, thanks to a convertible canopy that slides across the beamed ceiling, this aluminum pergola with a Chilean wood grain finish in cocoa. Offered by Garage Appeal this pergola is rust-free, maintenance-free (unlike real wood the aluminum never needs staining or treating) and comes with step-by-step installation instructions.
Quick Look: Gazebos
Gazebos are typically round or octagonal, while pergolas are square or rectangular. Gazebos have a roof, while pergolas have cross beams, but no roof. The benefits of a covered gazebo are not only the unique fun living space it can add to your yard, but also one that you can enjoy all year long. On average, building a gazebo costs just over $6,400. Most homeowners pay between $3,500 and $9,400. Pre-built structures or kits are between $1,500 and $7,000 (e.g., Sam’s Club in Thornton has a kit for $1648) and custom built gazebos can cost between $5,000 and $10,000.
Gazebos, as this post on HGTV reveals, can be dainty and delicate or full-on outdoor rooms without walls but with trellises, built-in or furniture seating, shingled, acrylic or living roofs. The Spruce offers another 27 gorgeous gazebo design ideas for every taste and style.
Outdoor Living in Colliers Hill
The warmer weather sends people outside in Colliers Hill to enjoy the fresh air, views of the Front Range, and indoor-outdoor living in a master-planned community with tons of amenities. The beautiful model homes from top builders include offerings by Richmond American Homes, Century Communities, Shea Homes and Meritage Homes in ranch or two-story designs, priced from the upper $300s to the $600s.
