Composite decks – Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus

Dublin OH Deck Replacement Offers Homeowners Chance to Make Changes

When your wood deck reaches the end of its useful life, you have some decisions to make about replacing it. Archadeck of Columbus is your deck replacement specialist in Dublin, OH, and throughout the Columbus area. We can help you determine your deck needs so you make the best decisions about the kind of deck you want going forward.

Our clients in Dublin, OH, wanted to remove their old wood deck and replace it with a new deck. This was their opportunity to make significant changes. They wanted a larger deck, and they wanted to build it with low-maintenance composite decking.

Deck before replacement by Archadeck of Columbus

— Before Archadeck of Columbus began the new deck project.

You Can Do More With a Larger Deck

If you’ve had a deck already, and have found yourself wishing it were bigger, deck replacement time is when you can finally make that move. Sometimes it’s a difficult decision. Enlarging your deck means you’ll give up something else, and for many homeowners, what you give up is part of your yard. You’ll need to ask yourself how much you use that area in your yard. Would you use that area more as part of an expanded deck than you use it now?

A bigger better deck — We gave these homeowners a bigger, better deck!

These Dublin OH homeowners knew they would enjoy a larger deck. They spend quality time relaxing, grilling, and dining outdoors. As for finding the extra space, their yard is on a slope and has a small retaining wall that was parallel with their old deck. Extending the reach of the new deck to meet the retaining wall was the perfect solution.

Does Deck Replacement Signal Your Move to Low-Maintenance Decking?

Some homeowners will prefer a wood deck every time, and some are thrilled to make the switch to low-maintenance composite decking. These clients in Dublin can be counted as part of the second group, and they’re happy with their choice, TimberTech Terrain composite decking. They appreciate the concept of the low-maintenance lifestyle, and they love TimberTech Terrain’s 30-year warranty, including a 30-year fade and stain warranty.

Archadeck of Columbus has been a TimberTech composite and PVC low-maintenance deck builder and contractor for more than 10 years. We are TimberTech experts. These Dublin homeowners made two wise decisions: choosing to build with TimberTech and hiring Archadeck of Columbus to design and build their new deck.

How Can You Customize Your Deck Design?

We custom design every deck we build, and our clients collaborate in the design process by selecting the materials for their project. These clients chose composite decking in TimberTech’s Brown Oak color. They selected black powder-coated aluminum railings, a popular choice. They liked the idea of adding a pergola at one end of the new deck. You’ll notice this pergola doesn’t have the crisscross layers of rafters and slats that provide shade. This pergola, made of cedar, is a striking design element that helps define the edge of the space.

Another way we created a custom deck design here was to angle the decking boards on the lower deck surface. We used a parting board down the middle, and on each side of it the boards run at an angle to meet at the parting board. The boards on the upper section, meanwhile, run parallel to the house. The combination creates visual interest and emphasizes the option of using the two levels for different purposes or activities such as grilling and dining.

For easy navigation and ambiance, we installed post cap lighting and tread lighting in areas where the deck transitions from one level to the other. The post cap lights came directly from the railing manufacturer, and the low-voltage riser lights are from TimberTech. Finally—another customization—we used pressure-treated vertical wood deck skirting for contrast.

Is it time for a deck replacement at your home, or are you looking at building your first deck? There is no charge for our design consultation. Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to learn more about our custom-designed decks, screened porches, and more at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

Top-shelf outdoor living makeover in Gahanna, OH, draws oohs and aahs

With a house of this size, its beautiful landscaping and manicured back yard that goes on forever, the word that comes to mind is estate. The home’s original outdoor living structure was an attention-grabber in its day, and we can be certain the family has spent many enjoyable hours on this deck. However, styles have changed; the natural cedar deck and stairs showed extensive wear and the deck was in serious need of some shade!

Enter Archadeck of Columbus to put things right again. Our mission was to restore the deck, staircase and landing to their former glory — only better — and add a grand pergola for shade. What do we mean by better?

First, better for these homeowners means their deck has now been rebuilt with TimberTech Legacy composite decking. This is an excellent choice for the low-maintenance outdoor living lifestyle. The new deck will not need to be sanded, stained or re-sealed; nor will it show the signs of wear you see over the years with natural wood. The TimberTech color the homeowners selected for their deck is called tigerwood.

We’ll let you in on a little secret. We did not have to rebuild this deck from scratch. The original support structure was in very good condition, still structurally sound and capable of supporting the new deck. That’s especially important because composite decking is heavier than wood. So what Archadeck of Columbus actually did here is called redecking. We removed the deck’s original surface and railing system and replaced the cedar boards with composite boards from TimberTech.

Next, better means an updated railing system. The original railings were quite sturdy but, compared to today’s railings, they looked clunky — especially the way they were bolted to the outside edge of the deck. Compare that to the new vinyl railing system. It’s just as protective but elegant and much less obtrusive. The light tan railings provide a subtle contrast to the tigerwood color of the decking boards.

Because the deck extends all the way across the back of the house, literally from one end to the other, you’re going to see a lot of railing. All the more reason to select an elegant railing system. A single design change here creates a huge visual impact.

Following the railing down the sweeping staircase, you may notice that the new stairs include risers, the vertical boards that connect each step to the one above it. The addition of risers is a design technique that seems simple but creates a polished look.

Finally, better means the family now has a shaded area for dining on the deck. We designed and installed a tan vinyl pergola to match the deck’s new railing system. The pergola is large enough to shade the biggest section of the deck, which contains the dining table.

Altogether the redecking project enhances the entire back side of the house. As you can see, the deck, pergola, stairs and landing make up a portion of the home’s entire outdoor living space. There’s also a grill and another seating area under the deck, a patio featuring a fire pit, a handsome retaining wall and a large swimming pool. Archadeck of Columbus is proud of the way the new deck helps transform this home from stunning to amazing.

Your Archadeck of Columbus design consultant is ready to help you explore options for updating and transforming your outdoor living space — or creating a new one from scratch. Contact us today at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

Why a Columbus deck and patio combination is sure to make you the envy of the neighborhood

Would you like to have the kind of backyard that everyone flocks to during block parties? Uses as the compared standard to other backyards in the neighborhood? Or maybe the kind of outdoor living space that has friends and family making excuses to drop by just so they can enjoy your backyard?

plain-city-oh-patio-builder — This deck & patio combination in Plain City, OH, includes a cozy fire pit!

If you answered yes to any or all of the above, a deck and patio combination space from Archadeck of Columbus is just the ticket. When it comes to gaining the most benefit out of something, it stands to reason that combining two or more of what you like will bring you the most enjoyment. Examples of the power behind combinations are evident in many everyday things we take for granted. These include the successful pairing of a baked potato as a companion to a steak dinner, wine and cheese or a slice of apple pie topped with ice cream. The list of successful pairing goes on and on… Naturally, many of the things we enjoy have an accompaniment to make them even more decadent, so why should our outdoor living spaces be any different?

Paver Patio with Composite Deck — Synthetic Deck with Hot Tub and Paver Pati

A deck that gently descends down into a patio space opens up a wealth of outdoor entertaining, dining and quality time opportunities. Not only is there plenty of room to spread out giving you freedom to get creative with outdoor furnishings and placement, the union delivers added functional square footage to your outdoor space. Combination projects, such as a deck and patio combination, are a great way to create more space for more versatility and enjoyment, and by combining one or more outdoor structures you can designate different areas for different purposes.

plain-city-oh-timbertech-deck-builder — TimberTech low-maintenance deck and paver patio combo in Plain City, OH,

Choosing a deck built from one of our high-quality, low-maintenance decking material options paired with a paver or stone patio will also provide double the low-maintenance qualities. This is because patio and hardscapes are considered low-maintenance in their own right. Paver patios, in particular, are becoming more popular with Columbus homeowners who are seeking low maintenance, durability, and stability in their outdoor living space. In fact, more than 200 million square feet of pavers have been installed throughout North America. You can read more details about the low-maintenance benefits of patios in our article titled ” The Unexpected Low-Maintenance Structure — The Columbus Patio ” on our blog.

Last but certainly not least there are cost advantages of deciding upon a deck and patio combination space. In some cases, making the decision to integrate a patio into your project design in lieu of opting for just an oversized deck can be more economical as some hardscape materials are budget-conscious this means more benefit for your buck, so to speak.

Contact us today to learn more about our award-winning deck and patio combination designs. You can reach us at Call (740) 879–3730, or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

Our Newest Project in Galena, OH, Gives New Meaning to the Term “Dog Day Afternoon”

Archadeck of Columbus just completed a backyard transformation in Vinmar Farms, a neighborhood located in Galena, Ohio. When we originally met with the homeowners they had recently purchased the home and their existing outdoor living space consisted of only an 8x 10 builder grade deck. Not only was the deck small it created a boxed in feeling of not being able to turn around in the space, and it offered no access to the backyard from the deck itself. In order to enter the backyard you had to do so from the main level of the home. Since the home included a walkout basement, not having access to the backyard from the deck was an issue they wanted to rectify.

When we met with the homeowners to discuss upgrading their outdoor living space there was another prerequisite we needed to address. Aside from all the reasons associated with the size, flow and functionality of the existing space. The homeowners, being caring dog owners, wanted a space that would give their beloved canines, and themselves, an open space to spend time outdoors together and separate.

The final design we came up with speaks to all their concerns through a new (much larger) low-maintenance deck, spacious Unilock patio and under-deck space that could provide a shady spot on those dog day afternoons. The entire space flows from one into another and offers access to the backyard AND walkout basement.

The deck is built in durable TimberTech Terrain in brown oak, this color is not only easy on the eyes, it also helps mask any dirt brought onto the deck by muddy paws. The deck also includes a white vinyl rail with a TimberTech rail cap which unifies the design. We used a three-board tread step approach to the stairs to make travel up and down into and from the deck into the yard easier for the homeowner’s aging dogs.

Just a gentle walk below the deck is the stunning curvilinear paver patio which opens up the outdoor living space possibilities for man, and man’s best friend. The patio is built with Unilock Beacon Hill Flagstone pavers in platinum with a sailor course edge in Unilock Basalt Courtstone. The patio is finished off with a cropped rotary wall of Ledgestone which compliments the edge of the patio and adds a custom touch to the entrance into the walk-out basement.

As you can see, the patio floor extends the length of the under-deck area to provide a shady spot for the homeowner’s dogs to relax on warm days. The homeowner’s plan to add low-profile outdoor furnishings to help make the under-deck area easily accessible for the dogs too.

The entire space is built with pet-friendliness and extended outdoor living capabilities in mind. The homeowners are elated with their new backyard, as are their dogs. We look forward to revisiting this project in the months ahead and capture images of our four-legged clients enjoying the space too!

If you are ready to extend your outdoor living possibilities, for all members of your family to enjoy, Archadeck of Columbus can help! We can address any special circumstances and expertly refine an outdoor living space to address those needs. Contact us today to learn more at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

Our “Hybrid” Outdoor Room Addition in Dublin, OH, is Unique and Versatile

When you think of the term “hybrid” the first thing that probably comes to mind is a plant, or maybe even one of the cutting edge hybrid cars that can operate on gas or electricity. The term hybrid is formally defined as “a thing made by combining two different elements; a mixture” and we can’t think of a better way to describe our recent outdoor room addition in Dublin, OH.

This four season room addition gets its interior design inspiration from the great outdoors with the rustic wood walls.

Typically, outdoor rooms can be classified in four different ways — all of which are composed as a roofed structure.

A sunroom is a room addition in itself and consists of many windows. A sunroom is attached to the home and is conditioned, meaning heated and cooled, just like the other rooms within your house. Then there is a four season room, which is classified closely to a sunroom but is not considered a room addition or part of your home. A four season room can be attached or detached from the home and can be conditioned, but also has the capacity to be closed off when not in use. Third is the three season room. These structures can be designed attached or detached from the home. Three season porches/rooms are built with screen and in some cases windows and/or a convertible window panel system such as EZE Breeze system that enables use screen and/or panels for closure within the space. Last but certainly not least is a screened porch which consists of a roof and screened openings to protect from inclement weather, insects and debris.

Interior of 3-season room in Dublin OH — Interior of Dublin, OH, “hybrid” outdoor room.

Our recent outdoor room addition in Dublin, OH, doesn’t fall into the traditional categorization but instead combines elements of both a 3-season and 4-season room. With this in mind, we are referring to it as a “hybrid” outdoor room. There are many factor that make this room unique. The first aspect that is unique to this design is the use of Anderson casement windows. These windows are hinged on the side and the sash opens horizontally opposite the hinge. This type of window allows for full ventilation from top to bottom of the window opening and the extended sash can catch the breeze and direct it into the addition for better air flow. The second aspect is this room, though attached to the home, acts as a detached outdoor room as it is only accessible from the outside through a pair of elegant carriage doors.

No detail was overlooked when perfecting this project either. The interior of the room is finished in beautiful cedar, and on the exterior we installed coach lighting on either side of the painted redwood carriage doors. The shingles were meticulously chosen to match those on the existing home as was the brick skirting used on the room addition.

Dublin OH Hybrid Outdoor Room — Dublin, OH, Hybrid Outdoor Room.

This project not only includes the outdoor room addition, but also a low-maintenance deck to help transition the room to the back of the home. The deck serves as a place to enjoy the fire pit and grill out when the weather is right. The low-to grade design helps define the entire space and is built in TimberTech Legacy decking so maintenance is a breeze! The deck also includes lighting to increase function and ambiance in the evening.

The homeowners’ main objectives in building this addition was to be able to sit outside without the nuisance of bugs. We can attest to their happiness in the completed project as it serves as a backyard escape complete with lighting, ceiling fans and even a ceiling mounted TV.

Before After in Dublin OH — Before and after in Dublin, OH:

Our hybrid has really changed the look of the rear of this Dublin, OH, residence and has changed the way these homeowners live outdoors. The finished project is a winner in their book, as it combines all the elements they love into a hybrid outdoor living oasis!

If you are thinking about the addition of an outdoor room, or other unique outdoor living space, contact Archadeck of Columbus today at (740) 879-3730 or via email @westcolumbus@archadeck.net to design and build your project!

This Outdoor Living Combination in New Albany, OH, Gives New Meaning to Backyard Bliss!

One of our most recent completed projects took us to beautiful New Albany, OH, where we total transformed the backyard and outdoor living potential for these amazing homeowners. Their journey to fulfilling their wish for a new and improved outdoor space began by contacting Archadeck of Columbus.

When we initially met with these New Albany, OH, homeowners for their consultation, their existing outdoor living space consisted of a painted wooden deck. The deck, in itself, was not complimentary or scaled to accentuate to their home or their landscape. The main concern expressed by the homeowner’s was their desire to have more outdoor space to entertain, and a space to provide shade on those hot summer days. With this in mind, our talented design team went to work on coming up with a multi-faceted design that would address the clients needs and deliver a new & improved look and feel to the backyard!

New Albany OH Before and After — Amazing before & after images of this project.

The new outdoor living space combines all the function, beauty and versatility the homeowner’s had in mind, and much more. This outdoor living combination includes a new deck, paver patio surround with a shade pergola, custom fire pit and a seating/retaining wall. Archadeck of Columbus also designed and installed the landscaping as the perfect finishing touch to the outdoor structure additions.

Here’s an in-depth look at each of these outdoor living structures which together, comprise a total package delivering enjoyment and fluidity:

The Paver Patio encompasses and blends the entire space from the moment you enter from the rear of the home, or step off the deck. The patio was built using Unilock Beacon Hill pavers in Sierra with a Holland Stone soldier course border in Charcoal.

The Deck was built using a low-to-grade design providing a seamless transition from one space to another in low-maintenance TimberTech in Pacific Rosewood. This beautiful color was recently discontinued from the TimberTech line, so Archadeck of Columbus diligently searched to ensure the needed materials were within our reach as we began the project. The railings used on the deck were powder-coated aluminum and we also integrated deck lighting into the design to enhance evening functionality and ambiance.

The Fire Pit delivers extended enjoyment for the homeowner’s to gather with family and friends for conversation, or even s’mores! The retaining wall helps define the area and adds additional seating when entertaining a crowd. The fire pit and wall were built using Brussels Dimensional pavers with a ledgestone cap and accent banding within the seating wall to unify the color used along the patio’s edge and for added visual interest.

The Pergola adds the shade qualities these homeowner’s wanted while adding beauty to the entire project. The pergola is made of low-maintenance vinyl and is constructed with angled lathing to deliver additional sun-blocking benefits.

The Landcaping/Softscaping is last but certainly not least, as it serves as the perfect finishing touch to the entire outdoor living space. Archadeck of Columbus carefully hand-picked select perennials that would work best in this backyard and to compliment the design elements of the new outdoor space, and the homeowner’s personal tastes. Softscaping is the pièce de résistance to many of our projects and it adds a signature flair and seasonal color.

If you are ready to transform the way you live outdoors through the addition of a singular or combination outdoor living space, contact Archadeck of Columbus today to get started! We would love the opportunity to work with you on your anticipated outdoor structure project. You can reach us at (740) 879 – 3730, or via email at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

It’s not a to-do list; it’s a dream-and-do list

May is National Home Improvement Month. At first blush, this doesn’t sound like much fun; in fact, it sounds a lot like work, but it has tremendous potential to change the way you look at and live in your home. What parts of your home do you enjoy the most? What would you like to change? What could you add or improve in your home that would make you want to spend more time in it? Home improvement isn’t just about fixing a sagging door or replacing shrubberies. It’s about reimagining your family’s home as you would love it to be.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry offers a terrific “Top 10” useful tips for preparing for a project for free on their website. The list is comprehensive and applicable to almost any project that involves a contracter: a wonderful resource. It’s in the format of a press release, but don’t let that throw you. The information in it is something every homeowner should know.

After you’ve spent some time thinking about what you’d like and doing a little research about various project options on the internet and elsewhere, don’t forget to take a few minutes to give some thought to what the potential Return on Investment (ROI) for the project is likely to be. Various industry groups do annual surveys that provide numbers on this subject, but I’d like to share a few from my line of business.

In the Columbus area, the average cost for a composite deck addition runs about $16,675 and improves the home’s value by about half of that. A Columbus wood deck has an even better ROI, returning about 67% of the cost immediately to your home’s bottom line. These numbers might not sound impressive, but they are higher than those for many other common projects like bathroom additions and roofing replacement. Remember: the real payoff is in the months and years you enjoy spending time with friends and family on your new Columbus patio or deck. The ROI is just a bonus you enjoy at home sale time.

If you’re thinking about adding an outdoor living space to your Columbus backyard, give us a call to see how we can make creating your dream backyard an enjoyable experience, start to finish. The consultation is completely free. Call (740) 879 – 3730, email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net or visit our website at columbus.archadeck.com. We look forward to connecting with you.

Archadeck of Columbus will be at the Dispatch Home and Garden Show beginning this Saturday!

Archadeck of Columbus will be at the Columbus Dispatch Home & Garden Show at the Ohio Expo Center 2/22 thru 3/02. Come see us and let us help make your outdoor living dreams a reality this season!

The Columbus Dispatch home and garden show — Come see us!

If improving your existing outdoor living space or adding a new one is something that has been on your mind, we know how you can learn more about both! Archadeck of Columbus will be at the Columbus Dispatch Home & Garden Show at the Ohio Expo Center.The show begins on February, 22nd and runs through March, 2nd. Spring is right around the corner and now is the time to start planning for your outdoor living space addition!

A look at our new booth for the Columbus Dispatch Home and Garden Show.

Our new booth is filled with inspiring outdoor living space design ideas you can not only see, but touch and feel. We will be featuring a 10 x 20 booth in the Celeste Center where we will share a custom TimberTech deck design featuring their newest capstock product introduction, EarthWoods Evolution Legacy. We will showcase white vinyl railings with black aluminum pickets in conjunction with this low-maintenance, high-aesthetic deck, which are very popular right now. Above the deck we also feature a white vinyl pergola integrated within four (4) Unilock hardscape pillars. Stepping down into another section of our display will bring you into our hardscape area which features Unilock Enduracolor pavers, a custom planting wall and fire pit. As our backdrop we are using cedar screening which will feature pictures of past projects to give homeowners ideas and inspiration for their own outdoor oasis!

Alternate view of our new booth for the Columbus Dispatch Home and Garden Show — Our booth will highlight a stunning deck and pergola combination,a Unilock patio and much more!

The home and garden show is an event designed for homeowners in all stages of remodeling, landscaping and decorating their homes. If you’re thinking of adding or amending your outdoor living space, or an outdoor room addition, this is the home show you can’t afford to miss. No matter what you have in mind for home improvements, you’ll find the right products and the best companies at Columbus Dispatch Home & Garden Show, one of the largest home shows in the region. Talk to the experts and find just the right designs at just the right price for your home improvement budget.

Spring is right around the corner and this is the home show you can’t afford to miss.

Come by and see us while at the home show, you won’t be disappointed. Whether you are a new homeowner, or someone who has lived in your home for years, anyone with an interest in updating, enhancing, or creating a new look or amenity for their home will enjoy the Home Show. We will be offering a special discount of $250 off of any project of $5,000 or more for this show only!

We will be located in the Celeste Center in booths #5023 – #5025, and our talented team of designers and builders will be on hand to answer all your questions and help you begin living your outdoor living dreams.

Hours for this event are as follows:

Saturdays – 10am – 8pm
Sundays – 10am – 6pm
Tuesday – 3pm – 8pm
Wed – Fri. – 12pm – 8pm
Closed Monday

The Ohio Expo Center (Ohio State Fairgrounds) is located at 717 E. 17th Ave. in Columbus.

Admission for the event is $12 at the door or $11 in advance . On Tuesday, Feb. 25, bring your home electric bill and get buy-one, get one free tickets at the door, courtesy of AEP Energy. On Wednesday, Feb 26, and Thursday Feb. 27, save $3 off two tickets at the door when you present your home electric bill, courtesy of AEP Energy. Friday, Feb. 28, is AAA Show Your Card and Save Day, when you can get $3 off on up to two tickets by showing your AAA card at the door.

To learn more about our fabulous outdoor living space designs anytime contact Archadeck of Columbus at (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net We look forward to seeing you at the show!

What’s the difference between composite decks and synthetic decks in Columbus?

Archadeck of Columbus explains the difference in composite and synthetic decking materials.

Granville OH TimberTech decks — This Granville, OH deck was built using TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions which is a capped PVC product – beautiful.

The scope of outdoor structure materials has broadened in recent years to reflect a constant evolution of new technology. These products are built with longevity, convenience and beauty in mind. You may have heard the terms “composite” and “synthetic” used when referring to these materials. Many homeowners think these products are one and the same which is not the case. Composites and synthetics do include some of the same characteristics and benefits but are actually quite different. Archadeck of Columbus is here to explain the differences in our quest to help homeowner better understand each product and place a face with the name.

Powell OH TimberTech XLM Harvest Bronze with TimberTech Radiance rail — This deck in Powell ,OH is built with TimberTech XLM Harvest Bronze with TimberTech Radiance rail

What is the difference between composite and synthetic?

Composite is a general term for the original form of low-maintenance decking. Some builders also use the technical term when referring to composites- which is wood plastic composites, or WPC. Composites came onto the scene in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Composites are made up of wood pulp that is combined with plastic which is often derived from recycled plastic. This combination of wood pulp and plastic is used to create this low-maintenance decking material. The wood plastic composite is a great product but is one that we rarely sell anymore. Even though WPC’s don’t require staining or painting, they do need to be kept clean in order to be keep them looking and functioning their best. A good comparison of what can happen to a wood composite deck is to look at what an ignored leaf can do to a concrete driveway if it is not removed promptly. This is the same thing that can happen with your WPC deck if it is not kept clean. Since we are dealing with products that are outside in the elements on a daily basis, composite needs to be checked for any debris or dirt on a regular basis. WPC is still a great product to use on or in your outdoor structure design, but the growing trend is leaning toward more homeowners choosing synthetic over composite nowadays.

Azek Brownstone — This deck was built with AZEK in brownstone from their harvest color collection.

Synthetic decking materials encompass products that contain PVC. This can be a product that is built using solid PVC or capped (wrapped) with PVC. PVC or (poly vinyl chloride) is a product that is free of any wood. These decking products, known as the second generation of decking materials, came onto the scene about a decade ago. Pro-cell was the original PVC manufactures which was later purchased by AZEK ,which specialized in PVC trim used around homes. PVC products deliver the ultimate in low maintenance characteristics, but are generally at the higher end price point. Cost for synthetics can vary depending on the color, pattern and amount of streaking and undulation present. In general, the formulation of synthetic is very expensive and especially the synthetics that contain emulated natural wood details. Among the leader in solid PVC decking is of course, AZEK, but Fiberon and many other manufacturers are offering solid PVC along with their capstock and WPC lines.

TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions Teak with Walnut Border — This deck uses two shades of the Earthwood Evolutions tropical line, Teak and Walnut, to add more visual interest to this stunning deck.

One of the newest synthetics is a composite wrapped in PVC. This product is often referred to as capstock decking. The advantages of both solid PVC and wrapped PVC products include reducing the amount of maintenance required by the homeowner, and more specifically a decrease in the amount of cleaning required to keep the deck looking new. Capped composites, or capstock include Trex Transcends and TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions. Most synthetic manufacturers stand behind their product with a 25 year warranty. Based on Archadeck of Columbus’ experience with these synthetic products, my belief is that many of these products will outlast their warranties by many years. The only downfall we have seen with PVC products is due to the elasticity of the material it will sometimes expand during the hotter days of the summer.

Multi_level_TimberTech_deck_with_outdoor_fireplace_Columbus_Archadeck — This TimberTech deck and outdoor fireplace by Archadeck of Columbus is the perfect spot for entertaining.

In terms of price, composites are the least expensive and generally speaking a capped composite will be less expensive than a pure PVC product. TimberTech Twin Finish and Reliaboard are among some of the wood plastic composites that are available, but we recommend using a capped PVC product in most circumstances. The technology behind WPC has gotten better since their debut, but they still require lots of care and cleaning. Most all of the synthetic manufacturers are now in a stage of tweaking their color choices to offer a wider selection for homeowners to choose from. This includes more colors that contain streaking and undulation that mimics the beauty of natural wood. The technology behind making a stronger more resilient board is also improving.

Hopefully this information will quell any confusion about the differences between composite and synthetic. Our goal here at Archadeck of Columbus is to provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision when choosing the material that bests suits your needs and budget for your new outdoor structure.

If you are ready to create an outdoor living space that will provide more time for enjoyment and less time focusing on maintaining your space, contact Archadeck of Columbus. We can help you choose the best decking material for you! Contact us today for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730- Email westcolumbus@archadeck.net

You can see more examples of composite and synthetic decks by visiting our decks photo gallery and our composite and PVC decks photo gallery located on our website.

Our newest project in Columbus includes a low maintenance deck and Asian inspired gazebo that holds the space’s best kept secret

Archadeck of Columbus takes a peek inside a one of a kind custom gazebo and deck combination project we just completed.

Columbus OH gazebo and spa deck design rendering — This image depicts our initial design for this Columbus outdoor oasis.

Our most recent project is located in Columbus, OH and incorporates an outdoor living design that defines thinking out of the box. These homeowners contacted Archadeck of Columbus to explore building an extension onto their existing deck as well as a custom gazebo addition to house their hot tub. By making their deck space larger and building a specialized area set aside for the hot tub, the homeowners wanted to add functional space and a private place to enjoy the hot tub.

Upon meeting with the Columbus homeowners and becoming familiar with the aesthetics, function and investment objective that best suited their needs we then proceeded to

TimberTech synthetic deck to go with their gazebo hot tub

design their outdoor oasis.We began by extending their existing deck and re-decking the area with low maintenance TimberTech Earthwoods Evolutions decking. This same decking was also used in the floor of the custom gazebo addition. The homeowners chose to use the beautiful Walnut color flooring as it adds a deep, rich feel to the entire addition. The Earthwoods Evolutions line of decking from TimberTech works great on pool and spa decks because it is capped with a protected polymer shell. The plank is resistant to the elements and everyday accidents endured by most decks. Earthwood Evolutions’ 25-year Fade and Stain Warranty also gives homeowners total peace of mind.

spa-ing in style in Columbus — Spa-ing in style in Columbus

The spacious 15 x 15 custom gazebo includes a luxurious recessed hot tub. Opting to recess the spa not only increases ease of access when using the hot tub, it also gives the interior of the gazebo an open feel. The gazebo is built in a unique octagonal shape. We installed a 24″ knee wall on all angles (minus the door).

hot tub gazebo with buckeyes grill — What’s better than a hot tub gazebo? How about having a Buckeye grill cover on your adjacent grill!!

We kept the gazebo original to the home by matching the shingles we used to the ones on the home, and we also matched the exterior vinyl finish to the vinyl used on the home. Archadeck of Columbus took the custom look a step farther by wrapping the gazebos’ columns with beautiful Paulownia hardwood and installing lattice around the openings of the gazebo which have plantation shutters. The use of lattice on the gazebo gives the space an Asian feel that is ambiguous to the Zen inspired outdoor spaces readily seen in upscale home and garden magazines.

This outdoor living space clearly defines an area inspired by the principles of Zen, which involves a total state of focus that incorporate a total togetherness of body and mind. Zen is a way of being and a state of mind. From the open deck to the tranquil gazebo interior specially designed for relaxation and renewal, this project takes comfort to a whole new level.

hot tub gazebo interior with flat screen tv and fan — Don’t forget the flat screen TV in your ultimate soaking oasis!

If you are thinking of an outdoor living space addition to your backyard, but are looking for a unique design that reflects your individuality or special needs, contact Archadeck of Columbus today. We can design an outdoor living oasis especially for you that is truly one of a kind. Call us today for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

You can see more unique outdoor living space designs by visiting our gazebo photo gallery and our pool and spa deck photo gallery located on our website.