Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck

A Columbus Online Magazine for Outdoor Living

Category Archives: Mutil-level outdoor living structures Columbus

Our combination structure projects run as smooth as silk, down to last board and bloom

Open porch with outdoor fireplace

This outdoor space combines an open porch with an outdoor fireplace, it also houses an indoor kitchen and spa at the other end of the porch.

Designing the perfect outdoor space for you and staying on top of outdoor living and design trends is our business. We are seeing an increase in the number of combination projects Columbus area homeowners are seeking such as deck/patio combination or a screen porch/deck/patio combination. Clients who build combination projects want to create an outdoor space that fits all their needs, and allows the effortless flow from one structure into another to offer maximum enjoyment in their backyards.

In good building management of combination structures, the projects need to be built in a certain order for everything to run smoothly. We schedule everything in order, in house, so there won’t be installers at the same place at the same time falling over each other. This also means that there are no big delays in finishing one facet of the design and starting another. This enables us to finish the job the way it needs to be done. No delays due to bad planning is an element our customers really appreciate and value because multi-living outdoor structures mean that their outdoor living area is not just one part, but many working together as one. This is part of what makes us a truly outdoor living company.

Open porch with spa and kitchen

This image shows the other end of this combination structure.

When building multi-component backyard living areas, many companies outsource the whole project or parts of the project which can cause delays, multiple crews working at one time, or other scheduling and project management nightmares. That simply isn’t the case when you are working with us. We do it all “in house”, right down to your landscaping. This ensures your entire project is staged accordingly and the finished project will leave you astounded and transform your entire back yard starting with the decking boards right down to the flower blooms.

Quality is our top priority when making your outdoor oasis come to life. When you have the project management, the quality materials, the expert installers and expert designs all coming from the same source the projects run more smoothly and the designs are better integrated. Our multi-part projects are built seamlessly as one continuous flow of work.

Columbus cedar pergola and hardscape duo

Columbus cedar pergola and hardscape duo

Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus

Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus

To learn more about our outdoor combination designs, including the landscaping that helps bring it all to life, contact Archadeck of Columbus today. Call for a free consultation: (740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net

See more multi-faceted outdoor combination structures by visiting our many photo galleries, located on our website. There are so many wonderful and functional combinations it will be hard for you to choose!

Double the enjoyment by adding a patio to your deck or porch

Columbus_OH_large_paver_patio_with_screen_porch_and_deck

This photo shows how each of the structures,the custom deck, screened porch and patio by Archadeck of Columbus work together as one.

We are really excited about the outdoor living season this year. We recently took part in two fantastic home shows in the area and got tons of ideas on the outdoor living trends for this Spring. While at the show we had a great deal of interest in not only decks, but also adding a patio to your deck.  The trend we see is that Columbus area homeowners are requesting the addition of a patio to go with their new AND existing decks and porches. It stands to reason that even when it comes to outdoor living structures the hot new idea is to double the fun.

The great part about adding a hardscape, such as a patio, to your deck or porch is that it is the perfect add-on to give you those multiple outdoor living areas that you really want. A patio can be added with a new, or existing, deck or porch at anytime. Adding a patio to your deck is a great way to spice it up and put that spark back into your outdoor entertaining as well enhance the beauty in your backyard.

Wouldn’t it be great to have your deck serve as your outdoor cooking or gathering location and have a beautiful patio adjacent to use for dining and conversation?  Or even a deck that leads into a covered hardscape patio with a fully functional outdoor kitchen? The entertaining opportunities that open up to you when you think about a dual structure such as a deck and patio combination are endless. Having multiple living areas within your outdoor design can offer more room and expand the functionality of your design.  We can design a project for you that will turn your backyard until the ultimate backyard oasis.

Synthetic Deck with Hot Tub and Paver Patio

Archadeck of Columbus also offers “phased building”. This means we can plan upgrades or additions to your current project to accommodate for later additions or enhancements. For instance, if you really want a deck for this season, but foresee the future facilitating a patio and deck combination, we can make all the necessary adjustments in advance so when your budget allows you to add the patio a little later the structural necessities needed to make the transition run smoothly are already put into place.

Contact Archadeck of Columbus to learn more about our deck/patio and porch/patio combinations, and to learn more about our phased building program. We are now scheduling projects for the Spring season to have the backyard of your dreams in time for warmer weather, don’t delay. (740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus

Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus

Do you want to enjoy your new deck in Spring or wait until Summer?

Large_Columbus_deck_with_hot_tub_pergola_and_planter

Imagine this beauty ready and waiting for you to enjoy with the first blooms of spring.

Usually our phones start to ring off the hook around Groundhog day each year. Whether it’s only six more weeks to spring, or six more weeks of cold weather, that’s when many people start thinking about getting started on their new deck or porch or patio. No matter how you look at it the answer comes out to the same conclusion. Spring is just around the corner. With that sudden realization, whether it comes from a groundhog, or the first traces of dandelions sprouting under the snow, many homeowners are getting ready to get started on their spring projects.

A new deck or outdoor structure can be ready for you to enjoy this spring.

On average a typical deck project takes about a week to construct.  But what takes time if you’re working with a reputable builder is getting your project scheduled. Reputable builders will have projects on the docket and may be 6 or 8 weeks out before they can start your project. Unfortunately, many homeowners wait until they are within the warmer months to begin planning their outdoor project, and this often means a longer wait time to start enjoying the benefits and living outdoors. Right now in early February when people sign, we are scheduling start dates in March for the structures to be ready in April. We serve our customers on a first come, first serves basis and if you wait too long, you won’t be able to enjoy your project this year in the prime months of the year.

Here in Columbus we build year-round and cold weather does not keep us from constructing your deck , screen porch or other structure. It’s so important to call early to avoid long wait times and to ensure you get to enjoy your structure this spring.

Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus

Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus

Being the early bird is vital in getting the outdoor structure you have dreamed about all winter ready in time for for those warm, sunny days. Contact Archadeck of Columbus to get started. Give us a call for a free consultation and come see us at the Central Ohio Home & Garden Show Sat Feb. 25 – Sun Mar. 4 located in the Celeste building booth #2306 & 2308. See you there!

(740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

These Washington Courthouse, OH homeowners get the outdoor structure of their wildest dreams by Archadeck of Columbus

Columbus_celtic_retaining_walls_with_Columbus_TimberTech_deck

This composite deck by Archadeck of Columbus is a virtual fantasy of relaxation and elegance.

If you were to imagine the backyard of your dreams, what would it look like and what functions would it address for you and your family? Imagine being able to soak in the hot tub on your custom hot tub deck on a cool autumn evening while listening to the crackling of a fire burning in your own outdoor fireplace. This outdoor structure takes advantage of mingling two of nature’s most mesmerizing elements – fire and water.

Multi_level_TimberTech_deck_with_outdoor_fireplace_Columbus_Archadeck

Archadeck of Columbus has created a masterpiece of design with this multi-level deck complete with an outdoor fireplace for the ultimate in backyard enjoyment.

This outdoor living area flows effortlessly in a carefully planned series of functional vignettes that make the structure a joy to use for these Washington Courthouse, OH homeowners, and indeed a feast for the eyes as well.

When we began to plan and design the structure we were given a blank canvas to work our magic on because the home was brand new. The landscaper had completed the landscape design and brought us into enhance the home and landscape for the homeowners with an outdoor structure design that would bring out the best of every attribute of the  stunning home and the landscape. The homeowners were looking for a design that would be great for entertaining on a grand scale with plenty of room for a crowd as well as the capability to play on the structures ability to create intimacy in a way that would be comfortable for a smaller crowd. Another crucial design element the homeowners wanted is a planting area incorporated into the deck.

Belgard_Celtic_retaining_walls_Columbus_hardscape_builder

Here is an awe-inspiring view of the entire structure from the backyard of the Washington Courthouse, OH home.

Archadeck of Columbus went to work on the design and came up with a deck with a surround of stunning stone retaining walls, custom stone planters, a hot tub deck with a custom pergola and privacy wall, grilling area, and plenty of room in between for dining and conversation. At one end of the deck there is an outdoor fireplace flanked as well by custom stone retaining walls and plenty of room for seating upon an elevated section which surrounds the outdoor fireplace.

In order to achieve complete harmony in relation to the home the color selections played a huge role and tied everything together. We matched the brick used on the outdoor fireplace to the brick on the home. We also chose a color for the large composite deck that would blend beautifully with the stonework and columns and pillars that were used to create this magnificent outdoor structure. We even matched the lanterns that are used throughout the structure atop the caps on the retaining walls to continue the neutral, rustic feel that is present throughout the design of the entire structure.

Large_Columbus_deck_with_hot_tub_pergola_and_planter

This image shows the beautiful colors and the realistic wood grain of the composite decking used on this fabulous deck.

We chose to use composite decking material on the deck. Composites are ultra low maintenance and don’t require staining or sealing. Composites are also scratch and stain resistant, and many are impervious to insects, mold and mildew as well. They are also long-lasting and cannot be damaged by the moisture which is present when you use the hot tub. With this particular deck, using composites gave us the freedom to install the decking boards on a beautifully interesting angle which only adds to the appeal of the deck.

Columbus_hot_tub_deck_with_privacy_wall_and_pergola

Notice how the design and placement of the hot tub deck, pergola and privacy wall offers shade and intimacy for the homeowners when the hot tub is in use.

The pergola which is placed above the hot tub to add character and offer some shade in deflecting the suns rays is made from vinyl by Mt. Hope Fence, Ltd. The privacy wall which matches the pergola,  is also constructed of vinyl as well. Vinyl is a durable material which offers many of the same attributes of composite decking in that it is durable, maintenance free and won’t succumb to rot, insect damage and decay like wood can. The choice to use vinyl alongside the composites means this deck and the details used within the deck will give these Washington Courthouse, OH homeowners many years of carefree enjoyment without the worry of painting or staining in the future.

Columbus_composite_deck_with_paver_border

Careful attention was paid to every detail from the columns to the paver border used on this entrance into the home from the deck.

The stone surround and retaining walls were constructed using Celtic retaining walls by Belgard. The retaining walls gives strong concrete elements and uses the aspects of old stone to create an elegant old world appeal.  By using this high quality innovative retaining wall system by Belgard, Archadeck of Columbus was able to facilitate the creation of curves within the retaining walls surrounding the deck that would not have been possible by using  natural stone or other materials.

Archadeck of Columbus paid close attention to every detail within the composite deck and accompanying structures. From the color choices made to paint the columns and pillars that help frame the beauty of the deck’s entrances into the home, to the use of custom paver borders used to outline and enhance the grill area. No stone was left unturned in terms of the use of cohesive design within this structure. The pairing of stone, composites, vinyl, and detailing truly creates a match made in heaven for this home in Washington Courthouse, OH.

Columbus_large_TimberTech_composite_deck_with_planter_and_hot_tub

The perfect place for a backyard barbecue.

We were able to create a masterpiece of beauty, design, functionality and enjoyment with this outdoor structure. The homeowners continue to enjoy their new deck and all it’s amenities more and more each day. This is truly the outdoor oasis of their dreams, and they get to live the reality each day, and for many years to come as well.

If you have a dream of creating an outdoor oasis within your backyard, contact Archadeck of Columbus to turn that dream into a reality. Call us at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net to learn more.

Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus

Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus

Visit our Composite and vinyl decks photo gallery located on our website for more picture perfect composite decks.

To turn up the heat on design inspirations you can also visit our outdoor fireplace and fire pit gallery, also located on our website.

Archadeck of Columbus explores ways to enjoy your screen porch all year through

Archadeck of Columbus can convert your screened porch to a 3 or 4 season room

Archadeck of Columbus can convert your screened porch to a 3 or 4 season room

For many homeowners who have a screened porch they look at it as a structure that can only be used during the warmer months of the year and once the weather turns colder they can no longer spend time enjoying their screened structure. Many screened porches are treated much like a seasonal outdoor pool would be, opening in the spring only to close it down a few months later after the warmth of the sun has made its grand appearance and faded back behind the clouds of autumn. This doesn’t have to be the case. There are many ways to convert your screen porch into an outdoor living space that can be used beyond the end of summer and in some cases all year through. These conversions still take advantage of the whole reason you wanted a screen porch to begin with – the freedom and fresh air without the hassle of insects and the suns dangerous UV rays beaming down upon you and your family. These conversions won’t take away all the glory that is the screened porch, only enhance it and make it a livable addition to your home and backyard for extended season enjoyment.

A screen porch does have it’s limitations and in some cases only be used between five and six month out of the year. Screened porches can be converted into 3 and 4 season rooms that can be used for longer time periods throughout the year. If you are considering a new screened porch in your future and think you may want to convert the structure at some point, it is  good idea to convey this to your builder so that certain prerequisites for conversion can be met ahead of time, such as the use of standard window sizes to make conversion easier and less hassle in the future.

Here is a look  at some of the options available to screened porch owners who are thinking of a conversion:

The addition of windows turn this amazing screened porch  by Archadeck of Columbus into a 3 season room

The addition of windows turn this amazing screened porch by Archadeck of Columbus into a 3 season room

The 3 season room

Converting a screened porch to a 3 season room can be as easy as adding windows. By adding windows you can take advantage of 3  or more months of enjoyment on your screened structure. All windows come with screens that can be used when that Indian summer arrives. Many homeowners use acrylic inserts that block out the weather and when the temperatures dive into a less comfortable zone you can easily add a space heater to add warmth on those days when the windows won’t block a sufficient amount of the chilliness to keep you comfortable while using your screen porch. Vinyl window inserts such as the Eze breeze porch enclosure system, are on a track system and can be opened and closed depending on the weather. Other manufacturers offer a double-paned insulated window that can also be removed in the spring when the weather turns warm. The advantage of having windows and screens is you can amend how your structure functions season to season, and even day to day  and customize how much of the outside you want to let inside. Artistic enclosures makes a wonderful swing and slide window wall that is perfect when considering a conversion to a 3 season room for your screened porch.

Sliding glass windows can turn your screen porch into a room for all seasons

Sliding glass windows can turn your screen porch into a room for all seasons

The 4 season room

The difference in a 3 season room and a 4 season room is the addition of insulation. These structures can be used throughout most of the year. Insulation is added to the kneewalls, ceiling and underneath the floors. On existing screened porches this requires enclosed walls be re-opened to add the insulation. Making the decision to convert to a 4 season room is based on how often you feel you would use the structure during the cooler months of the year. A 4 season room will still need to have a heating source, whether this heating source is a heat pump or a new MEHVAC  unit such as Mitsubishi’s ductless heating and cooling unit, which are engineered to efficiently heat or cool and individual space the functionality of the space throughout the year for you and your family is the deciding factor when thinking of converting to a 4 season room.

The addition of windows turn this amazing screened porch by Archadeck of Columbus into a 3 season room

The addition of windows turn this amazing screened porch by Archadeck of Columbus into a 3 season room

No matter how you choose to convert your screen porch, Archadeck of Columbus can help you with our years of experience in converting screen porches to better suit the colder months of our Ohio climate, that can sometimes be harsh. Archadeck of Columbus can meet with you to discuss which conversion would best suit your needs and your lifestyle. Contact us today at (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net
To see more stunning 3 and 4 seasons rooms by Archadeck of Columbus visit our Columbus screen porch photo gallery.

Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus

Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus

Archadeck of Columbus scores a triple-play on this screen porch, patio and deck combination

Columbus_OH_large_double_deck_over_screen_porch

This large double-deck sits directly over the gorgeous screen porch and patio.

It is not often that you have a combination of structures that work together effortlessly to create not just a grouping of spaces but an entire outdoor living area. These Columbus, OH homeowners definitely scored a triple play with this stunning second story double-deck, rustic screen porch and beautiful paver patio. Every inch of these structures are built with quality and style and they also create the feeling of one large, multi-functional outdoor structure despite the fact that they are actually three separate structures. These structures work together with harmony and fluidity as they flow effortlessly into one another, making it perfect for intimate get togethers and entertaining on a grand scale as well. Here is a video to experience to experience this entire outdoor living space.

Columbus_OH_large_paver_patio_with_screen_porch_and_deck

This photo shows how each of the structures by Archadeck of Columbus work together as one.

Archadeck of Columbus used composite, low-maintenance TimberTech XLM decking in Sandridge to cover the second story double-deck and accented it with black aluminum railings. On the lower level, a rustic screen porch welcomes you with its breathtaking and aromatic cedar walls and trim. The floor of the screen porch is finished with large concrete slab pavers that resemble tile to carry on the rustic theme, we also used Unilock pavers around the porch itself.  The screen porch spills out onto a beautifully designed patio . As always, Archadeck of Columbus paid close attention to every important detail of this outdoor oasis by making sure the roof between the deck and screened porch below is a dry roof to keep out moisture that could cause damage to the structures. For the final touch we added small flush mounted low voltage lighting for safety and ambiance.

Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus

Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus

If you are ready to turn your backyard into an extension of functional beauty and style, contact Archadeck of Columbus to learn how to create an outdoor oasis of your own. (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

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