Composite decks – Page 2 – Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus

Archadeck of Columbus proves good things come in small packages, such as this unique custom fire pit which is part of the bigger picture of outdoor bliss

A deck, patio and fire pit combination outdoor space is just what these Granville, OH homeowners had in mind.

Granville OH patios and hardscapes — This new outdoor space gives the rear of this Granville, OH home new direction.

Our featured project this week proves the power of adding a quality designed and built outdoor space to your backyard. This relatively new home only had a small concrete landing. When we met with these Granville homeowners, we discussed adding a larger and more usable outdoor living space. The existing area had stairs that led to the home’s upper level. They also had a door outside their basement that sat at a lower grade. Their desire was to add two outdoor living spaces to extend their backyard enjoyment. They were also certain that they wanted a fire pit with a seating wall.

Granville OH before — This image shows the backyard area before we began the project.

Archadeck of Columbus headed to the drawingboard to design a space that would meet their needs and fulfill their wishes. We came out with a combination outdoor living space that includes a low maintenance deck and new patio complete with the fire pit and seating wall.

The deck was built with TimberTech Evolutions decking in walnut. This choice ensures the authentic look of natural wood but requires minimal maintenance to stay looking great for years to come. We wanted to tie the trim color of the house into the space so we used white vinyl railing. The contrast between the walnut deck and the white railing is clean and crisp. We also recommended TimberTech rail camp on the vinyl railing to allow a flat surface. Normal vinyl railing will not allow for this feature since they are often rounded. The rail camp adds another layer of aesthetic to the space.

Granville OH TimberTech decks — Notice how beautifully the Walnut TimberTech Evolutions decking compliments the whote vinyl rail and rail camp.

In addition to the new TimberTech deck, we removed the existing concrete patio and replaced it with a nice curvilinear patio with a retaining wall that also serves as a seating wall. We then integrated a wood fire pit within the seating wall. This design includes a retaining wall next to the house. This small retaining wall is both functional and attractive. Archadeck of Columbus constructed the hardscape components with Unilock‘s Brussels in the Sierra color. We also added a soldier course with an Il Campo charcoal colored border. For the retaining walls we used Unilock’s Brussels dimensional stone which is typically used for walls since it is a larger sized hardscape medium.

Granville OH custom fire pits — The fire pit’s unique design is functional yet unobtrusive.

We included Unilock Ledgestone as a decorative cap, and carried the same cap throughout the seating wall. We designed the custom fire pit into the retaining wall so it becomes one with the wall. For a relatively small space, the fire pit doesn’t take up a lot of functional, usable space. In addition to the deck and hardscape area, we also installed an extra column to support the stairs. This is our protocol with any set of long stairs such as this. This is to alleviate movement and bouncing, which will not occur with the additional support we installed.

These Granville homeowners are elated with their new space. They hosted an outdoor party last weekend where they were able to use (and show off) their new outdoor oasis! They are looking forward to the spring and summer season to have more opportunities to utilize their new space.

If you would like to learn more about improving the beauty and function of your backyard, contact Archadeck of Columbus. No dream is too big, or too small, for us to make a reality. Call today for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

You can see more examples of our low maintenance deck designs and out patios and hardscapes by visiting our composite and PVC deck gallery and our patio and hardscapes gallery, located on our website.

Choose the right hue for your Columbus deck and create a fabulous outdoor space

Archadeck of Columbus explores the design and color trends in synthetic decking for 2013, what’s hot, what’s not and the importance of choosing the right decking material and color to express your style.

TimberTech XLM Harvest Bronze deck with TimberTech Radiance Rail Columbus — Choosing the right color for your new synthetic deck can be a daunting task, we can help.

Choosing the right color for your new synthetic deck can be a daunting task. Colors in general are a very personal detail of any project. In most cases homeowners will make their color selections based on complimenting the deck color to that of their home or contrasting with their home. Each of these approaches to choosing a color for your deck can be quite powerful, but therein is where the problem can lie; choosing the right hue even when dealing with neutrals can open up a wide spectrum of choices. Too many choices can lead to confusion and uncertainty. Nowadays, brown is more than just a singular shade. There are a wide range of browns that start from light to dark and everything in between. With synthetic decking, there may be a dozen natural tone options.

If you can’t match the color of your new deck perfectly to the color of your home, don’t fret. Most houses have basic colorations of brown, gray or white, whether these colors are part of the hues in your masonry or whether they are the colors of your siding or trim. If your home has white siding for example, white is the perfect companion to any color you choose for your synthetic decking.

timbertech-earthwood-evolutions-walnut-columbus-oh. — This deck was completed in Walnut from the TimberTech Earthwoods Evolution line of decking.

Even though the New Year has just begun, we have already seen new color trends emerge from some of the top synthetic decking manufacturers. We work closely with these companies to keep homeowners “in the know” about what is new, what is popular and what we foresee as being hot for 2013. Some of the up and coming colors are brown hues, which also include streaked colors that give the decking a more exotic feel closer to the look of natural hardwoods. With brownish tones, there are numerous choices such as light browns and dark browns that mimic the look of Walnut which is really popular right now. Walnut in the TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions line is highly requested among our customers, as well as Walnut Grove which is a TimberTech XLM color. The only drawback to using a dark brown is that they indeed show dirt more easily than a lighter brown, much like a dark colored car seems to get dusty more often. Dark colors also retain more heat and are hotter to the touch. If the orientation of your deck receives a great deal of sun, this is an important consideration. Along with the many browns, there are also a lot of grays, and even reddish hues that resemble rust or terra-cotta tones. These hues are not requested as often as earth tones.

Azek Brownstone colored multi-level deck with Gazebo and Vinyl Rails, Reynoldsburg, OH, Columbus, OH — This multi-level deck and gazebo finished in AZEK Brownstone with vinyl rails.

AZEK synthetic decking also has a myriad of beautiful hues to choose from when considering color selections. One of their most popular colors is Acacia which is part of their beautiful Brownstone collection. Acacia is a darker brown with all the undulation and streaking that closely matches natural wood. Another great color by AZEK is Brownstone from their Harvest collection. Brownstone incorporates the best of both worlds by covering the realm of both gray and brown in this color. It makes a fabulous choice for contrast and complimentary color selections.

If you really are set on exactly matching your deck to the color of your home, you may consider choosing an all wood product as opposed to a synthetic deck. With wood, you can match it easily to any color by simply applying stain. Wood is also a less expensive investment to make when compared to synthetics. If you do however choose an exotic hardwood such as Ipe, then it is likely the price point will be about the same as synthetic. Exotic hardwoods have a lot of character including wood graining which resembles the graining and details of an interior walnut hardwood floor. These woods are dense and require more labor, which can be more expensive, because the holes have to be pre-drilled prior to installation.

ipe-deck-archadeck-of-columbus — Ipe exotic hardwood deck in Columbus, OH.

All wood has to be stained or sealed. It’s never a good idea to paint a deck. Painting a deck can result in bubbling and it will also peel off very quickly, just imagine what our interior walls would look like if we walked on them?! We urge you to have your outdoor living structure professional steer you in the right direction to make the most informed decision on choosing your deck’s color. Remember, if you find a color you like there are always ways to bring your home’s color into your space. Whether you apply your home’s color to vertical accessories or by matching your house or house trim, there is always a fabulous way to pull it all together.

If you are ready to turn your backyard into a design masterpiece this year, contact Archadeck of Columbus to learn how.We can turn your outdoor space into a thing of beauty and joy. Call for a free consultation today (740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net

You can see great examples of the magic of color by visiting our composite and PVC deck gallery, and our wood deck gallery, located on our website.

Archadeck of Columbus introduces the new Terrain line to TimberTech and more railing options for 2013

Archadeck of Columbus unveils the TimberTech additions for 2013, Terrain decking and Feeney Cable Rail. These two additions mean more choices and more beauty can be yours with a custom outdoor space from us.

TimberTech_new_decking — TimberTech unveils their new Terrain line and new railing options as well for 2013

Just when we thought the TimberTech product line couldn’t get any better, there is a new introduction to their new line of synthetic decking called TimberTech Terrain. Terrain is a wood and plastic capstock product that is similar in many ways to the popular Earthwood Evolutions line. The Terrain line features a thinner profile, similar to the TimberTech Reliaboard line, but with the same attributes that makes homeowner’s flock to the Earthwood Evolutions line at about 30% lower cost.

TimberTech Terrain — This picture shows both colors of the Terrain line.

Capstock is a term that depicts a synthetic board with a composite core which is wrapped (hence the term capped), with a PVC shell. According to a press release from TimberTech “In its second year, Earthwood Evolutions continues to exceed expectations for aesthetics and scratch, stain and fade resistance, said Toby Bostwick, director of product management for TimberTech. “From the Terrain Collection, customers can expect the same high performance qualities, backed by the same 25-year fade and stain warranty as our other Evolutions planks.” This means more of a good thing from the TimberTech line.

Terrain comes in two neutral colors; Brown Oak which is a deep brown, and Silver Maple which is dark gray. Both these new colors were formulated to complement any of the other TimberTech products and their vast color palettes. As with the Earthwoods Evolutions, we also have the ability to conceal lock fasteners so you won’t see any fasteners providing a clean, cohesive appearance.

New railing options for TimberTech for 2013

With the new introduction of the Terrain line, TimberTech also joins forces in 2013 with Feeney Cable Rail. These railings are very desirable because they deliver an unobscured view in your outdoor space. The same aesthetics that have made the design of the “endless pool” so popular among pool owners is the same design basis with Feeney cable railings. Both provide a clear view into your landscape and backyard. The concept really opens up a space, allows for more visual interest, and makes your outdoor space appear more spacious. Feeney is a significantly higher-end product but customers agree it is worth it for the added beauty it provides in your outdoor space.

RadianceRail in the style of Feeney Cable Rail, endless views and endless beauty.

Archadeck of Columbus looks forward to the opportunity of using these new TimberTech additions in the field in 2013. More choices and diverse options always make for a happy customer!

If you are planning to add a synthetic deck, or porch to your backyard in the New Year, contact Archadeck of Columbus to learn more about TimberTech and all the other great synthetic options we offer. Call today for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Visit our composite and PVC (vinyl) deck gallery located on our website to see more stunning examples of TimberTech decks and railing options we have available.

The top 10 most colorful reasons to choose Archadeck of Columbus for your new TimberTech deck

Archadeck of Columbus takes you on a trip through the many beautiful colors to build your new TimberTech deck from.

With all the new composites that are on the scene, each manufacturer has their own color palette to choose from. In our experience working with many different synthetic decking brands, among the most beautiful composite undoubtedly has to be TimberTech. The TimberTech line offers superior scratch, stain and fade resistance, this means the lovely color your deck starts out with is the color it will keep. Much of Timbertech’s decking also rivals the look of real wood with graining and undulation so close to the real thing you have to walk right up on it to tell it is indeed synthetic. Since TimberTech offers a wide array of beautiful colors to choose from to build your new deck, we only thought it fitting to take a closer look at some of their most popular hues.

1) This stunning first and second story deck in Powell, OH was completed with TimberTech XLM in Harvest Bronze, with a coordinating TimberTech Radiance rail. The space also features built-in bench seating and planters for a seamless space that becomes one with the lush landscape surrounding the area.

2) A golf course plays as the backdrop to the unique deck in the Muirfield community of Dublin, OH which is shown below. We used TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions decking in Teak with a Walnut border and streamlined cable rail. A true masterpiece.

3) This deck also features TimberTech’s Earthwood Evolutions in Teak with a Walnut trim and parting board. Notice how closely this deck mimics the look of real wood with shading and graining throughout.

4) An aerial view of this gorgeous TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions deck lends a bird’s-eye view of the colors and patterning. We paired Walnut alongside black aluminum railings for a beautiful contrast.

5) The low-to-grade deck in Columbus, OH shown below showcases the beauty of TimberTech’s XLM decking in Sandridge with Mountain Cedar trim.

6) This multi-level deck flows graciously with the lines and colors of this existing home. We used a winning combination of TimberTech Earthwood in Walnut with a stained cedar rail alongside black aluminum pickets.

7) This outdoor living combination in Columbus, OH includes a TimberTech XLM deck in Walnut Grove with a low maintenance white vinyl rail. The deck spills onto a charming hardscape patio area below.

8) This Columbus low-to-grade deck includes multi-levels and a gazebo which houses a hot tub for enhanced enjoyment. The deck is constructed from TimberTech Twin Finish decking in Gray.

9) Another low-to-grade beauty in Columbus, OH finished with TimberTech XLM. This palette is breathtaking in Rustic Bark with a black Radiance rail.

10) This deck has a stunning curved design and was completed using TimberTech Twin Finish in Cedar with an ornamental rail.

If you are looking for a quality low-maintenance deck that comes in a myriad of beautiful tones. A TimberTech by Archadeck of Columbus may be just what you are looking for. Contact us today to learn more about TimberTech decks and our many other outdoor structure designs. We can help make your outdoor living dreams a reality. Call for a free consultation at (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

To see more examples of the beauty of TimberTech decks, you can visit our composite and PVC deck gallery located on our website.

Composite vs. synthetic decking for your Columbus deck or porch

Archadeck of Columbus explores the world of synthetic decking products, from the original composite to the newer capstock decking.

Upper Arlington Columbus OH screen porch TimberTech — Synthetics are for more than just decks. This screened porch in Upper Arlington was built using a gorgeous TimberTech floor.

The term composite is used to describe a broad spectrum of low maintenance materials. Because of the new introductions to the market, there are other low maintenance products that are actually not composite materials. Many people are familiar with composites or the idea of composites and that has become the Coca-Cola of the low maintenance materials. Because of the new and improved low maintenance materials, we now call this category synthetic decking and composites are just one of the materials in this synthetic category.

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 this spring.

Composites are a mix of materials including wood fiber and plastic. Product lines such as the TimberTech Twin Finish, and Trex Accents are good examples of traditional wood/plastic composites. Traditional composite has now become the value oriented decking board because of the new products that have joined the category. Wood particles are still part of the makeup of the product which makes it porous. If you spill coffee, wine, or grease on the deck you will want to clean it up quickly just as you would inside your home. Other environmental factors such as bird droppings can lead to staining if now cleaned properly. We expect that in the next 5-6 years these composite products will fall by the wayside, they will still remain available but will probably not experience any dramatic growth in the popularity of these products with the other newcomers that are making their way into the spotlight.

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

Pure PVC products came onto the scene about 5-6 years ago. Lines such as AZEK, and TimberTech’s XLM, and Fiberon are great examples of pure PVC decking materials. They consist of PVC foam and a hard PVC cap that is non-porous. They are non-porous and accordingly will not stain permanently however when they become soiled, they will need to be cleaned with soap and water. Just because it’s low maintenance doesn’t mean it’s self cleaning. PVC comes in a host of colors and new color introductions are made onto the market almost every year, so the selection is vast. You can get solid colors such as the TimberTech Natural Collection, or the TimberTech Tropical collection which has more streaking to replicate the look of real tropical hardwoods. These PVC products are oil-based so the natural colors are the least expensive, and the tropical collection forges into the higher end of the synthetic cost spectrum.

TimberTech earthwood evolutions new colors 2012 Archadeck Columbus — TimberTech earthwood evolutions new colors 2012

The newest synthetic product came onto the scene 2-3 years ago. This is called capstock. Capstock is a third generation synthetic which is also referred to as capped PVC. This product contains a composite core which has been capped, or wrapped in PVC. TimberTech Evolutions and Trex Escapes are good examples of capstock. In the Columbus market, Fiberon is the most costly because it is not stocked locally. The TimberTech capstocks are popular in this area because they are good products and the close proximity to their national office makes them easily obtainable. TimberTech now has a capstock line called Evolutions that has a realistic look of tropical hardwoods with streaking, and color variations that mimic the real thing. TimberTech also offers a line of natural color capstock as well. The beauty of capstock is the performance and the price point. Capstock is less expensive than pure PVC and performs beautifully.

No matter which synthetic is right for your deck and your budget, Archadeck of Columbus can answer any questions you have about any of the decking products we offer. We also build wood decks as well. Whatever your function or fancy, we can build it. Learn more about all our wonderful deck designs by contacting us today. Call for a free consultation: (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

See more great examples of synthetic decks by visiting our composite and PVC deck photo gallery located on our website.

Archadeck of Columbus on “Touring TimberTech”

Archadeck of Columbus recently took a world-class tour of the TimberTech plant in Ohio. The experience left us in awe of the whole process and stringent standards TimberTech uses to create magical materials for your perfect outdoor oasis.

TimberTech_FactoryTour1 — View from outside the TimberTech factory

Do you remember how excited Charlie from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” was when he got inside the chocolate factory and got see where and how Willy Wonka made all that scrumptious candy? Well, that is a little how I and members of the Archadeck of team, Dennis Schaeffer and Rob Mitchell felt when we recently had the opportunity to take a plant tour of the TimberTech plant in Wilmington OH (Columbus) this past week.

We were invited to participate in the TimberTech plant tour along with other contractors and dealers from all over Ohio. The event was called “Dare to Compare”. On our walk-through we were able to see the product being made on extruders. We were also given the opportunity to review the company’s marketing and social media and what they do to help their contractors. We spent time reviewing a number of new products and discussing the benefits these new products will have for our customers. The plant here in the Columbus area makes all synthetic decking and rails. We were also able to visit the main plant in Wilmington, OH where they make the remainder of TimberTech products. In essence we got a dual tour of the TimberTech facilities during this visit.This particular facility has the capacity to send out 50 semi-trucks of their product daily, and their warehouse stores 500 semi-trucks full of product at a time. The massive size was awe inspiring.

TimberTech_golf_course_deck_Columbus_Muirfield_Dublin_OH — Archadeck of Columbus built this stunning TimberTech deck in Dublin, OH. The Muirfield golf course serves as the backdrop.

I was fortunate enough to take a tour in 2006 when Archadeck of Columbus and TimberTech initially established a relationship. The main point that sticks out in my mind from then until now is their expansion into other products. When I visited in 2006 it involved just wood and plastic composite. The trend we are seeing now is the growth of the PVC products and also the growth of polypropylene and polyethylene products as well.

Watching the magic happen in real-time is really amazing. The extrusion of the material appears similar to “Play-doh” in composition, this material is put through a mold which gets pressed and becomes a shape. When mixing the wood pulp with the plastic there are numerous tests the product goes through, such as those similar to a stress test. TimberTech uses Maple in their wood pulp because it doesn’t absorb a lot of mold and mildew spores. They get the maple through recycling practices by using recycled wood cabinetry and furniture. They even re-use the waste off their own decking boards after they emboss a decking board and as it grinds out the top of the board, the remainder is then re-used.

They also conducted competitive comparisons on their product such as UV tests, humidity tests, mold and mildew tests, and scratch tests. TimberTech conducts these tests on their product and those of the competition, so we got to see a great deal of different manufactured products tested during the tour. A finished decking board takes an astounding 48 hours to cool completely after it’s production.

Our team walked away impressed with the entire process. Our biggest impressions were the extent of the efforts taken to ensure the product uses Green technology and how much TimberTech is actively involved with that. They have reduced their total waste by 95%, on what they used to send to the dump. TimberTech’s care and quality checks are also very impressive. As we watched the quality tests throughout the day, no stone is left unturned, from testing every hour for quality and the product’s tolerance level.

We would like to sincerely thank TimberTech for giving us this wonderful opportunity to experience this up close and personal. This only solidifies how proud we are to have them as a partner and how strong their presence is in the market.

To learn more about how you can experience TimberTech quality in your own backyard, contact Archadeck of Columbus you can call us at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Get your own personal tour of beautiful TimberTech decks by visiting our composite and PVC deck photo gallery located on our website.

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

Archadeck of Columbus delivers the forecast in what is hot in outdoor living trends for this Spring. Deck and patio combinations, as well as porch and patio combinations seem to be at the top of the list.

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.

Paver Patio with Composite Deck — 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

New TimberTech colors – you heard it here first!

Archadeck of Columbus is ringing in 2012 with the addition of a trio of TimberTech heavyweights. Radiance Rail Express and two new color collections for the Earthwoods Evolution line of composite decking. Welcome the Tropical collection and the Natural collection, both packed with quality, longevity, durability and beauty.

Archadeck of Columbus composite deck builders — Here you can see the exotic beauty and realistic details of the new Pacific Walnut color selection from the TimberTech tropical collection

The world of composite/synthetic decking just got a little more interesting. Not so long ago you may remember the minimal choices in colors and textures that were available to homeowners who chose to use composite/synthetic decking. This is no longer the case. Composite decking now comes in a wide array of colors and finishes. The realistic look of synthetics make even a seasoned expert have to walk a little closer and lean in a little further to tell the difference between composites and wood. TimberTech synthetic decking is a frontrunner in the composite industry and has introduced some stunning new additions to its palette in the Earthwood Evolutions line for this year.

TimberTech introduced the “Tropical collection” which includes Pacific Teak, Pacific Walnut and Pacific Rosewood in 2011. What makes this collection a real showstopper is the realistic graining, streaking and undulation that mimics real wood so beautifully. This collection takes all the positive attributes of exotic hardwood decking and makes it a decking material that will truly endure the tests of time and mother nature.

New in 2012 is the debut of TimberTech’s “Natural collection”. This collection is made with same top quality ingredients that go into the TimberTech winning recipe but offers a more even toned, non-streaked composite. The new color introductions include Brick, Brownstone and Slate. The absence of streaking makes the Natural collection a little easier on the wallet than the choices in the Tropical collection, but with the same quality, value and beauty that TimberTech is known for.

Both the Natural and Tropical collections are part of the Earthwood Evolutions line from TimberTech. The resiliency and durability of this line of decking is among the best in the business. The construction includes a wrapped PVC composite board made with a proprietary composite core. This evolutionary approach boasts a product with superior scratch, stain and fade resistance backed by a 25-year fade and stain warranty. Just a little soap and water cleanup will keep your deck looking like new year after year.

RadianceRail-Express-Walnut — Radiance Rail Express gives homeowners an upscale, clean railing system at a lower cost than traditional Radiance Rail

Archadeck of Columbus is proud to offer our customers the new arrivals to this exquisite TimberTech line of products. To add to our arsenal of aesthetically pleasing and durable composite products we also offer the newest addition to the Radiance Rail collection to compliment your TimberTech deck perfectly. Radiance Rail Express was introduced in mid-2011 in white. New colors to the line include Walnut and black. Radiance Rail Express is less expensive than the original Radiance Rail, PVC, vinyl or composite rails that have a PVC cap. Even though synthetic rails are still more expensive than wooden railings, the benefits outweigh the costs in the long run. The Radiance Rail Express has a routed baluster receiver for clean and easy installation and also comes backed by a limited 25-year warranty on residential applications. With a wide array of shapes and colors to choose from, Radiance Rail offers you a high quality clean finished railing system that coordinates perfectly with all TimberTech decking colors. This rail offers you an upscale, finished look that is durable and will outlast and outshine wood each and every year.

To learn more about composite decking, including the new introductions from TimberTech, contact Archadeck of Columbus. We can design and construct the deck of your dreams that will endure the test of time. Call us at (740) 879 – 3730 or send us an email at westcolumbus@archadeck.net

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

Archadeck of Columbus urges homeowners to schedule their outdoor structure endeavor now to ensure a spring ready completion.

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.

Spa deck with privacy screen — 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.

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

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.

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