Quality construction standards – Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus

Pardon our dust: Archadeck of Columbus aims to make construction a kinder experience

The path to creating your outdoor living dream is not just the sticks and stones that go into creating the space and how it is going to look — it is also about the process. Our goal at Archadeck of Columbus is for you to be happy with your project before, during and after, it’s that simple

proper_deck_sub_structure_lr — The path to outdoor living bliss is fraught with noise and dust!

Customers always ask us how much interference the construction of their project will cause. This covers all aspects of disruption from personally and in respect to their lawn. My answer to this question is with any type of construction, home improvement or remodeling project interference is inevitable. Depending on the type of project and the specifics involved in excavation will determine how much damage to your turf will occur. The amount of time a project takes to complete and the weather conditions also play a huge role in damage to the turf. In regards to personal disruptions during your project: noise is something that is hard to avoid and will be a factor in having your project completed in a timely fashion. The type of equipment we have to use such as drills, power saws and hammers don’t have a quiet mode, we quite often wish they came with a volume control feature as well!

We go the extra mile to try to make the disruption minimal and we work around our client's schedules. — We go the extra mile to try to make the disruption minimal and we work around our client’s schedules.

One of the most important assets of working with a good company is that we recognize the disruption projects cause. We go the extra mile to try to make the disruption minimal and we work around our client’s schedules. We are also more conscious of homeowners that work from their homes. We realize that your home is your castle, and our crews exercise the utmost respect and are dedicated to taking care of every aspect of your home to make the construction process as minimall invasive as possible.

pergola incorporated into a privacy fence — Our goal is to deliver a breathtaking outdoor space with minimal interference during construction.

Archadeck of Columbus’ project standards make the construction process a kinder experience:

When loading and unloading materials we strive to establish a traffic flow that will create the least amount of impact and disturbance on your property. This includes using a one-way route around your house during the course of a job to minimize disruption of turf. We understand the need for heavy equipment and materials on your project and may even use wagons or wheel barrels to move materials to the area they need to be. We try to avoid the use of heavier excavation machinery and will only use smaller scale versions if the project absolutely depends on it, such as a mini Bobcat or skid steer.

Our climate can lend itself to some really wet seasons, but there is nothing that will keep us from building your project within a wet year. Don’t let the weather be a deterrent because the sales process will take some time and we do everything within our power to avoid disruptions caused by weather conditions. If the ground is thawing from freezing conditions or is very wet we have a heightened conscience about the conditions of our customer’s lawns and will put down plywood between the material and jobsite to minimize turf damage and avoid rutting. In summary, during the time we have been in business we have only had to repair two (2) lawns due to damage incurred by inclement weather conditions during the construction process. By taking a proactive approach with these actions, 99% of yards will quickly recover in a month or so.

Sweeping Up — Daily cleanup is protocol on all our outdoor living space projects.

Our project standards are also visible on the inside of our projects. Daily cleanup is protocol. We carry 50 gallon trash cans so when there is waste we remove it daily to avoid an unsafe or unkempt looking jobsite. In addition, we also use caution tape during construction when it is unsafe to traverse an area under construction. Obviously, dust is an issue with many of our outdoor living structure additions. This is especially the case when we use a partner saw to cut concrete pavers during patio installations. In these “dusty” situations we often post a “pardon our dust” sign to help warn (and apologize) to neighbors that are adjacent to your project.

Keep in mind, the path to creating your outdoor living dream is not just the sticks and stones that go into creating the space and how it is going to look — it is also about the process. Our goal at Archadeck of Columbus is for you to be happy with your project before, during and after, it’s that simple. Our team members believe in treating you, your family and your home & landscape with respect and care from start to finish! Contact us today to learn more (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Connecting with a screen porch expert is an important as connecting the porch to your home

Our design series on screened porches continues with an in-depth look at roof styles and the importance of choosing the correct connection to your home.

Are you looking for a backyard experience without the rain, bugs and dangers caused by the sun?A screened porch is the perfect solution. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells without the bugs, rain, and too much sun.

A lot of our customers look for our guidance on the type of screen porch roof and where to attach a new porch to their home. Consulting an experienced builder is the key to success in this area. Your existing home’s structure will often dictate where we can tie in and what type of roof will work best for your project. Existing roof lines, dormers, windows, existing skylights, bump out areas such as bay windows and many other factors are considered.

Selecting the right roof style

The three most common roof styles are gable, hip and shed. It is not always necessary to make your screened porch roof an exact match to the style of your existing home. Often different roof styles can be combined to complement one another. Shed roofs are usually not as complex as a gable or hip roof, and are the least expensive to build.

A hip roof has 3 or more sides that all slope downward from a common point
A gable roof is the most popular. It looks like a triangle with two sides sloping down from a center line
A shed roof is a flat roof that slopes in one direction from the home

This Arlington screened porch has a shed roof which unifies the modern lines of the existing home. It also features a unique spiral staircase.

This lovely screen porch features a hip roof.

A side wall connection and gable style roof adds to the charm of this screened porch.

Making the right connection

The next determination is where to attach the screened porch to your existing home. This can be achieved through a roof tie in or a sidewall connection. Indeed in most situations a roof-tie in connection is more expensive than a sidewall connection. Roof tie-in connections require greater experience and expertise to make the connection structurally sound and water tight. It is important to make sure your contractor is or employes a roofing specialist when hiring them to attach a structure to your home.

This screen porch was built with a gable roof and also includes crickets. Crickets are used to tie one roof line cohesively into another and also aid in diverting water away from the roof.

This sidewall connection includes a cantilever which aids in the support of the 2nd story overhang and deflects the weight from the roof tie-in, to the structural framing of the porch.

Because this home has a flat roof we used a shed roof with a roof connection.

This roof connection also connects to the wall on the other side.

Archadeck of Columbus is a national company. Our engineers design all the structural details of how each project is to be built whereas a lot of companies let the carpenters make the decision. In the field is where theory turns to practicality and having the right contractor can ensure the integrity of your new porch and your existing home. The goal is to have a cohesive design that looks original to your home. A successful project ends with a quality structure that harmonizes with all the elements of your home and landscape.

Contact Archadeck of Columbus to learn more about our custom screen porch designs and quality construction standards. Call us for a free consultation today (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

See more screened porches that were built with originality and expert craftsmanship at their core by visiting our screened porch gallery located on our website.

There’s more than meets the eye in stairs for your Columbus deck or porch

Archadeck of Columbus explores the importance of stairs in an outdoor structure design. There is more intensive purposes stairs serve than just making a grand entrance, or exit.

TimberTech deck in Hillard, OH — This wide set of stairs allows for easy traffic flow between the deck and patio. The stairs also include riser lights for visibility in the evening.

Stairs are one of the most important elements of any outdoor structure design and are often taken for granted. There are many code regulations that dictate how deck stairs must be constructed. These code regulations are put in place for safety purposes and are taken very seriously with reputable contractors and building inspectors. A stairway is not the place you want to fail because the results could be disastrous. With safety in mind, the minimum requirement for stairs is 3′ wide, we often build our stairs 4′ wide which exceeds the standard but allows for the opportunity of two people on the stairs at the same time comfortably and safely. At first glance it seems that stairs are simple, but when it comes to stairs there is definitely more than meets the eye.

Cedar deck and patio in Columbus, OH — These iron railings are powder coated to reduce rust and maintenance and allow more visibility from inside the home and while utilizing the living space.The lower stairs tie into the beautiful hardscaping while the upper stairs tie into the deck.

Stair construction in itself is labor intensive because a lot of framing components go into this small area. The carpentry involved in building stairs is something that needs to be done by a good carpenter that knows how to cover all the angles and framework in building a good quality stair. Stairs are generally the first component on a deck to fail because they are often not built with longevity in mind. Some contractors will frame their stairs with nails that will deteriorate more rapidly than those built with screws. The reason for the failure of stairs built with nails is the continuous force put on the framing as you walk down the stairs. Over time this force will cause separation and deterioration. We build our stairs using the Archadeck methodology which means we use all the proper hardware, framing angles and screws in a stair construction to add to the life of the stairs. In addition to the framing hardware we also either put columns or footers at the base of the stairs to keep them from moving and we never rest the framing on the ground. We also back all of our structural constructions with a five-year warranty.

Along with the importance of the construction of the stair, stair direction and stair style can make or break the fluidity of your outdoor design. The first consideration to think about is the flow of your outdoor living space to determine where the ideal placement of the stairs should be and how many sets you may need. This is especially important in back yards with play areas or if you desire additional access to your side yard as well as directly into the rear yard. In this scenario we sometimes recommend multiple sets of stairs.

Taking it all in stride

Each outdoor structure represents a different set of components when it comes to stairs. For example some structures will require railings and some won’t. Any set of stairs that has three or more sets of treads requires a railing going down for safety reasons. With decks requiring railings, we usually build off the back of the house near the location of the homeowner’s outdoor dining area because people often want stairs in the center of this area as to not impede the view with rail while dining . The most important aspect to remember about proper stair placement is to place them in areas so they don’t negatively affect the view or the traffic flow to where the stairs are leading to.

2nd story deck in Delaware County, OH — Notice the elongated Steps featuring 3 Board Treads.To get down to the lower level patio, a direction change in the stairs was necessary. The beautiful railings on both the deck and the steps make both elements very attractive.

Landings are another element that is carefully dictated by the height and shape of your outdoor structure. When landings are used on elevated decks we always ask the homeowner where they want the stairs to end. Landings allow us to make directional changes and meet code requirements. For example, porches are required to have have a landing right outside the door. Porch stairs also work best when built close to the house as to not congest the traffic flow through the porch.

Circular staircase in Arlington, OH — Stairs don’t always need to be square. This circular staircase descends from a second story porch down to an area where we will be replacing the deck in another stage of this project. Ask us about staged building for your outdoor living space.

Many homeowners want wrap-around stairs or bay stairs. Though these are costly, they provide a nice wide opening which can also be used for additional seating. On very elevated decks spiral staircases often fit the bill. Spiral staircases are typically made from powder coated aluminum and take up considerably less space than traditional stairs. When talking about spiral staircases you cannot forget to mention their unique shape, aesthetic appeal and “cool” factor!

Stair direction is another fact to consider. This is why we often build stairs that lead directly into your key backyard destination or focal point of the entire backyard. A good example of this is a deck that has access directly to a patio below or an elevated deck or porch that spills directly into the surround of your pool or spa.

Last but certainly not least, we have to mention stair lighting. Lighting within stair risers and small dome lights on your rail posts add a new layer to your outdoor experience. Though deck lighting is not required by code, is does make evening travel on the stairs easier and safer.

Evergrain deck with tiered stairs in Columbus, OH — The mirrored stairways make the lower portion of the deck easily accessible. Deck lights in all areas allow the owners to use their outdoor living space at all hours of the day and night.

Whether you are considering a deck addition, or a multi-structure backyard makeover, Archadeck of Columbus will provide you with a design that harmonizes with your home and your backyard. We can help you ensure your outdoor oasis flows effortlessly from one level of enjoyment to the next.
Call for a free consultation:
(740) 879 – 3730
Email:westcolumbus@archadeck.net

See more stairs that are designed for function and flavor by visiting our steps and stairs gallery located on our website.

Do you know why Winter is actually the best time of year to build a new deck?

Archadeck of Columbus explains when is the most opportune time to build your new deck and why.

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, after overwintering has seasoned it perfection

Many of our Columbus homeowners ask me when is the best time to build a new deck? Many of you may think that the best time to build a deck is the spring, but the truth is, the best time to consider building a new deck may be in the winter. The best way to explain the reasoning behind a winter deck construction is what i would refer to as the “give and take” of the project. Give and take refers to the use of pressure treated wood during the winter months. The give refers to the woods expansion, and the take refers to the woods contraction that is caused by the effects of varying outdoor temperatures on the wood itself.

Double low to grade deck in Columbus OH with fire pit

The first thing you have to remember when considering building any type of deck or other outdoor structure, whether the decking boards you choose are composite, PVC, vinyl, IPE or hardwoods the foundation of your structure will be constructed using pressure treated pine or another pressure treated wood. Wood curing is important to understand in relation to the wood’s natural tendency to “give and take”, and curing which occurs over the winter months offers many important benefits.

Pressure treated wood has a 50% moisture content when you initially build. This fresh lumber is sometimes referred to among builders as “green”. The winter has less humidity and thus the pressure treated wood will stabilize itself and dry more consistently and evenly when you build in the winter. On the other end of the spectrum a summer deck construction exposes the pressure treated wood to higher humidity conditions. In addition, when drying in the hot sun, pressure treated wood will undergo expansion and contraction which can cause cracking, warping and other damage to the wood itself. Due to the orientation of the sun during the winter months, the sun doesn’t beat down on your deck, and the pressure treated wood that holds the key to your project’s structural integrity will not undergo these negative effects.

timbertech deck and screen porch — TimberTech composite deck and screen porch by Archadeck of Columbus

Another benefit of building in winter is you will also experience less wait time and backlogs which are typical in spring and summer projects. Our typical waiting list is 8 weeks in the height of the season, during the winter you are likely going to cut that wait time in half. A winter project also causes less lifestyle interruption because homeowners typically spend less time outdoors and less time participating in outdoor activities during the colder months of the year. You will also experience less deterioration of the ground, and less turf damage during the winter months because of the dormancy period that Columbus landscapes experience through the cooler months.

Keep in mind that Archadeck of Columbus can also build your outdoor structure combination in stages. Winter is the perfect time to start the first stage of your desired outdoor living project. If you are considering a deck and patio combination for example, you can take advantage of our staged building option and build the deck this winter and then we can add the patio later into the spring. With Archadeck of Columbus’ staged building the choice is yours. Contact us today to learn more, call us at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Top 5 Reasons to Build a Composite/Synthetic Deck by Archadeck of Columbus.

Archadeck of Columbus gives you the top 5 reasons to build a composite/synthetic deck.

Composite deck Columbus — This composite/synthetic deck by Archadeck of Columbus says it all.

When considering which type of decking material to construct your new deck from the number of choices, this otherwise easy task can turn into a quite daunting one. It can seem sometimes like there is a little person on each shoulder, one of which is shouting “wood” and the other is shouting “composite”. Archadeck of Columbus is here to help you silence the shouting. Composite/synthetic is definitely the way to go for many reasons. The low maintenance, the beauty, and the consistency to remain looking like new are just a few reasons to choose composite/synthetic decking for your new deck. We have compiled a list of the top 5 reasons to build your new deck out of synthetics. The list is in no particular order of importance and was compiled to assist homeowners in making the daunting task of choosing their decking material a little easier.

columbus TimberTech Earthwood — TimberTech's Earthwood composites have the look of wood without the headaches.

1) No staining or painting, ever– with any wood deck you’re going to need to take care of it. Wood is also a natural material therefore, eventually, with any wood, it will rot. Depending on the deck’s location in relation to the sun, you might have to maintain a wood deck more readily if it is facing west with the sun’s rays beating down onto it constantly. Wood needs to be treated at a minimum of once per year. Wood decks also require power-washing to remove staining prior to sanding. It is also recommended to pre-treat a wood deck to ensure cleanliness before you apply any stain or paint. An average 300 sq. foot deck can cost between $500 to $900 per year to maintain properly. If your wood deck has a lot of details such as railings it can take a tremendous amount of time to stain or paint as well.

2) No more tweezer torture– Okay, we can all relate to this one. You or the kids get a splinter by simply walking barefoot across your wooden deck or one of the kids inevitably picks up a splinter every time they chase each other around the deck. You’re yelling stop running but it’s not because you’re scared of a fall. It’s because you dread putting your kids through tweezer torture to get splinters out. If your wood deck is not kept up to par, splinters will become an issue. Wood will move and expand with heat, and when it expands, it will not always shrink back and this causes splinters. Splinters can be a real headache, especially when you have to get out the tweezers to painfully remove the splinter and put yourself or your child through an instant replay of pain. Splinters hurt as much coming out as they do going in. Who wants a deck you can’t enjoy in your bare feet anyway?

TimberTech Earthwoods with Aluminum railings Columbus — This composite/synthetic deck by Archadeck of Columbus will retain its beauty for many years to come.

3) What you see is what you get– Synthetics retain that “like new” color and feel , so what you see is what you will still have years from now. Synthetics won’t fade like wood. Wood can fade gradually and over time you no longer get what you paid for, sort of like that expensive pair of designer jeans that fade out in the wash over time, one day you look down and think “wow” what happened?

4) 15 year warranty for wood VS 25+ year warranty on composite/synthetic– This one is really a “no brainer”. Usually the 15-year warranty on wood has a clause about “normal wear and tear”, which includes the pains of naturally aging wood like splintering, twisting, cupping, checking not to mention the other aches and pains of naturally weathering wood like fading among others. Today’s composite/synthetic decking has a 25+ year warranty, and they’ve only been around for close to 20 years, so the product could exceed the warranty by years beyond that.

Azek Harvest Series - Brownstone — This AZEK deck entails quality, beauty and a warranty to match.

5) A smart investment– If you’re making an investment in your home, it should be a smart investment. You wouldn’t buy a brand new car only to anticipate the transmission falling out after only 1,000 miles would you? Of course not, then why invest in a deck that is going to decay and fade over time when you can invest in a deck that will be like driving it off the showroom floor in 10 years?

With so many positive attributes in composite/synthetic decking nowadays, it is easy to make an informed and smart decision. Another great choice is pure PVC decking products such as AZEK, TimberTech XLM and TimberTech Earthwood Essentials. These pure PVC products are non-porous , so stains won’t happen at all. You can also learn more about composite/synthetic decking materials by reading a wonderful story written last year on the subject https://columbus-decks.com/2010/02/11/wood-plastic-composites-vs-pvc-decking/

To learn more about the joys of owning a composite/synthetic deck contact Archadeck of Columbus (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net We can create a deck that is made to enjoy, not to constantly worry about maintaining.

You can also see photos of other stunning composite/synthetic decks in our photo gallery at http://columbus.archadeck.com/pickYourProject/composite-and-vinyl.html

At Archadeck of Columbus, a picture is worth 1,000 words.

Archadeck of Columbus finds severe damage in this home in Dublin, OH left from poor workmanship of the previous builder, but takes it all in stride, and sets out to make it all right. The end result being a quality, and structurally sound deck these homeowners can be proud of.

proper_rubber_membrane_on_deck_lr — This photo is an after photo showing the proper rubber membrane that was installed by Archadeck of Columbus

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. The pictures I have posted below showing the poor workmanship in regards to the work completed by a previous builder at this home in Columbus, OH speak volumes. Archadeck of Columbus was called out to these homeowners’ residence to replace their decking, cable railings, posts and add lighting and a drainage system. Once we arrived at the home we found a deluge of mistakes left by the previous builder. Thus begins the process of making the construction another builder did improperly, our job, by fixing the areas within our grasp for the safety of the homeowners as well as the structural integrity of the home. Please watch the video detailing what we found…

house_rotted_under_windows_near_deck_connection_lr — This photo shows the rot around the windows near the deck connection

The first obstacle we encountered was a portion of the deck which lies above the basement in this home that showed evidence of rotting around the windows and doors which indicates water was getting into the home’s basement. Proof positive that improper building techniques led to the decay. When we removed the old deck in preparation of installing the new deck, there was also a tremendous amount of rot. The house itself was not outfitted with the proper preventative of Tyvek when it was built, the lack of this crucial material promoted rot and decay throughout the structure. Tyvek is a barrier which is used in home construction to increase air and water resistance and provide protection from water and moisture.

house_not_water_protected_and_rotting_lr — Improper building techniques led to rot and decay.

Archadeck of Columbus was able to fix the areas surrounding the location of the deck, as well as installing Tyvek around the doors and new aluminum flashing around the doors.

When we pulled up the old deck the beams were run perpendicular to the house, which is not customary when building a deck. Archadeck of Columbus rebuilt the sub-structure of the deck to our standards. You have to have a correct and firm foundation for any structure you build.

The stone area near the stairs was vas poorly constructed at best and falling down. The lights did not work as well.

proper_door_protection_before_new_decking_structure_lr — Proper door protection was installed before the new decking was completed

house_rotting_lr — Construction like this is sad and unfortunate

When we come into contact and witness the shoddy construction that some builders try to get away with, it is unfortunate and saddening. This is the main reason it is so important to hire an experienced, qualified and licensed builder.

Archadeck of Columbus has a track record of quality built structures for over 10 years. We have a A+ rating with the BBB, ( Better Business Bureau). We received the “Super Service award” from Angies list 5 years running. This award is quite prestigious with only a mere 5% of the service providers on Angie’s list receiving this award. We have been recommended by TimberTech as a premier contractor in the area. We also have a multitude of satisfied customers, some of which have called upon us to build more than just one structure for them. We are proud of our record and proud to offer homeowners in the Columbus, OH area quality construction that is built to endure years of enjoyment. That is what we refer to as the “Archadeck difference.”

Contact Archadeck of Columbus to plan, design and build quality and integrity into your outdoor structure. (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Please visit our web site to read the testimonials of Archadeck of Columbus’ customers http://columbus.archadeck.com/local/Testimonials.html