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

What Sets an Archadeck of Columbus Deck Apart from All the Rest?

Archadeck of Columbus reveals what sets our decks apart from all the rest—from amenities and custom features to our unbeatable warranties.

You’ve probably seen enough decks to know that not all decks are created equal, as the expression goes. What makes Archadeck of Columbus decks so much better than the others? Beyond our quality construction, what sets our decks apart are our deck amenities, custom features, high-quality materials, attention to detail, and our unbeatable warranties.

We take our expert craftsmanship and quality construction for granted (in a good way!), and we expect you to, as well. Inspect any deck that Archadeck of Columbus has designed and built, and you will find all the evidence of careful craftsmanship and quality construction. You can expect the same whether we are adding a wood deck or a low-maintenance composite deck to your home.

What Deck Amenities Make Our Decks Stand Out from The Crowd?

Amenities … we’re talking about those little extra touches that mean a lot. Take, for example, the drink rail. It’s a simple thing, but so helpful when you need it. Ever stood among a group of people on someone’s deck (or your old deck) and tried to find somewhere to set your drink? Had trouble balancing a drink in one hand and a plate in the other? Tried to describe something using hand gestures and spilled your drink in the process? The convenience of a drink rail has prevented many a spill on decks!

You can see a super-sized drink rail here: Archadeck of Columbus Transforms This Westerville Low-To-Grade Patio and Stoop Into A Full-On Outdoor Oasis! It’s wider than most drink rails and can actually be used as a bar.

Privacy screens are popular as a deck amenity in Columbus-area subdivisions. Are the homes in your neighborhood situated so that everyone can see activity on their next-door neighbors’ deck? Do you face a golf course and find golfers looking over to see what you’re having for dinner? You need a deck with a privacy screen! Archadeck of Columbus can incorporate an attractive and discrete privacy screen into your new deck design.

Integrated deck lighting is another amenity that seems so essential you could argue it’s a necessity rather than just nice-to-have. Gone are the days when deck lighting was an afterthought! Deck lighting increase your family’s safety on and around your deck, and the safety of your guests, too. We recommend including small LED lights on stair risers and at key spots along deck railings or posts. In addition to increasing safety, deck lighting creates ambiance and makes lingering on your deck more enjoyable.

On the hottest Columbus afternoons, a shade cover will make your deck so much more comfortable! There’s no need to suffer in the heat! Even better, you don’t need to avoid your deck on hot days if you can bring shade to the deck. Archadeck of Columbus can do that for you by adding a shade pergola or other shade cover. While many homeowners think of pergolas as purely ornamental, if they are designed to provide shade, they will help keep you cooler. We can design your deck with a pergola that has a cover to filter UV rays and block some of the sun’s heat. At the same time, when you include a pergola, you suddenly have a place to hang a ceiling fan over your deck. While decks and ceiling fans don’t usually go together, we think they should!

We normally don’t think of deck steps as amenities, but if the steps are extra-wide, flowing steps, then yes! When a deck is at grade or low to grade (only a step or two above the ground), we have the opportunity to design extra-wide steps. These steps seem to flow from the deck to the ground! Sometimes we can surround two or three sides of a deck with these wide steps. Not only are they attention-getting, you can even use them for additional seating when you have more guests than your deck can comfortably seat in chairs.

A bump-out area for a grill on the deck is a practical amenity because it means your grill won’t take up valuable floor space. Think about those decks that must allow room for a grill but don’t have a bump-out. The grill ends up being in the way far too often. A simple area just for the grill, where it won’t impede traffic flow on the deck, is quite desirable.

Finally, let’s not forget the ultimate deck amenity, an outdoor kitchen. They’re not just for patios! Who doesn’t love dining on the deck? Having the outdoor kitchen right there, so you can prepare a meal and get it to the table while still hot … it’s a luxury! If you are interested in incorporating an outdoor kitchen into your new deck design, let us know. We’ll talk about the additional steps required like running utilities (gas and water) to the deck and providing extra support for the weight of an outdoor kitchen.

How Do Custom Design Features Take Our Decks to the Next Level?

We can’t over-emphasize the importance of custom components in a custom deck design. It’s your deck, so let’s design it with the custom elements that will give you the greatest enjoyment and pride. When Archadeck of Columbus adds a new deck to your home, we want you to be proud of it! Custom design features that command attention include custom deck railings, parting board and picture framing details, color-coordinated decking, integrated deck seating and custom deck skirting.

There are so many new railing styles available today that it can be difficult to select your favorite. We can design custom deck railings using low-maintenance materials—even if we are building your deck with wood. One advantage of composite railings is the absence of splinters! In addition to composite or wood railings we can use aluminum, iron, cables or glass. Yes, glass! If your view from the deck is your happy place, we can install glass panels between your railing posts instead of balusters. So don’t feel penned in by yesterday’s bulky railing designs.

With our custom deck designs, parting board and picture-framing details help to make your deck unique. These details show up best on composite or vinyl (PVC) decks because we have the option of using contrasting colors. A parting board placed where a section of boards meets the next section of boards adds visual interest. We often use this design with diagonal decking board patterns or down a line where the boards change direction. It can also serve as a visual cue setting off deck areas for specific functions such as lounging in one area and dining in another. Picture framing is another deck design element we use to customize a deck and add visual interest. When we are working with composite decking, we can use contrasting colors for the deck field and the boards that encircle its perimeter—the “picture frame.”

Nothing says “custom deck” like integrated deck seating. To create this feature, we design bench-type seating built into your deck structure. Integrated deck seating saves space because it allows you to seat more people without adding too many bulky chairs.

Some homeowners overlook the role custom deck skirting can play in making your deck attractive from the ground. It’s not something you’ll notice while you’re on the deck! But if the underside of your deck can be seen from below, let’s make it attractive!

The “Before” and “After” photos of this deck will show you what a difference our custom deck skirting can make! See it here: Powell, OH, Low-Maintenance Deck Provides Beautiful Golf Course View.

Does the Quality of Your Deck Materials Make a Difference?

At Archadeck of Columbus, we build high-quality decks with the best-quality materials. If you are interviewing Columbus OH deck contractors and someone tells you the quality of their materials doesn’t matter, walk away! We frequently work with TimberTech and AZEK decking materials and Unilock paver patio products because of their consistent quality and reliability. If you prefer a different product or brand, we are open to using others, as long as they meet our quality standards. Consistently using high-quality materials on the decks we build is one of the practices that sets an Archadeck of Columbus deck apart from the others. Keep in mind, we can get much better pricing on these materials than you could at a big box home improvement retailer. Archadeck has an established, national relationship with several preferred material vendors, and that works to your advantage!

How Do Little Details Make a Deck Stand Out?

Details make the deck! At Archadeck of Columbus, we are known for our careful attention to detail. You can read more about that here: Why Hire A Professional? All of the ways that we work, our processes, focus on keeping fine details in the forefront. You can see it in our craftsmanship, in our designs, in the “little things” like deck skirting and parting boards. The details add up. When your deck builder pays attention to detail and incorporates quality details throughout, those details add up to a well-designed and well-built deck. If you work with a deck builder who doesn’t pay attention to the finer details, those details will also add up—to a mess.

How Do Our Deck Warranties Set Archadeck of Columbus Apart from our Competitors?

In addition to everything else that sets us apart, our amazing warranties do, too. If you haven’t worked with a deck builder who includes warranties in their contract, you haven’t worked with Archadeck of Columbus! All Archadeck projects come with a written one-year warranty on workmanship and a five-year warranty covering structural integrity. We also provide a completion guarantee that if we cannot complete your project, another Archadeck location will step in to complete it. They will honor the terms of your contract

This year we added a new level of warranties to our deck projects when you select TimberTech or AZEK low-maintenance decking. TimberTech and AZEK product lines offer manufacturers warranties of 25 years, 30 years and lifetime, depending on which product you select. Archadeck has partnered with TimberTech/AZEK to match those warranty periods with an Archadeck labor warranty. You can read the details here: Archadeck and TimberTech/AZEK Partner for Best Deck Warranties. When we say these labor warranties are unbeatable, we are not exaggerating. No other builder will match them.

Have we answered the question, What sets an Archadeck of Columbus deck apart from the rest? If we have not answered your questions, please give us a call so we can do so!

Are you ready to move forward with a new custom deck at your home? There is no charge for our design consultation, and videoconferencing is an option. Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to get started!

Archadeck of Columbus Stands Out Among the Premier Deck Builders Columbus, OH, Has to Offer

Archadeck is the deck builder Columbus OH homeowners trust.

Archadeck of Columbus is the TimberTech deck builder AND the wooden deck builder you can trust to build the perfect custom deck for your home.

If you’ve begun to search online for a professional deck builder in the Columbus, OH, area, you have probably found plenty. In addition to searching for “deck builders in my area,” at Archadeck of Columbus we recommend asking friends, family and colleagues for recommendations. When asking for referrals, be sure to ask if they would use that same builder again! If they say yes, take the time to read other customers’ reviews on the builder’s website so you get more than one opinion.

archadeck of columbus is the deck builder you can trust

When you consider working with Archadeck of Columbus for your next custom deck project, be sure to check our testimonials. We are proud of the excellent feedback we have received over the years. Our customers, one after another, mention the excellent quality of our work as well as our courtesy and professionalism. Not every deck builder is a “custom deck builder,” and not everyone receives the consistently positive feedback we have received year after year.

Who are the custom deck builders Columbus, OH, homeowners trust?

No matter how you conduct your research, your search results for trusted custom deck builders in the Columbus OH area should include Archadeck of Columbus. Reading our testimonials will tell you we are trusted. Looking at our deck photo galleries will show you the expert level of custom work we do. Whether you are interested in a low-maintenance composite or vinyl deck, or a wood deck, you won’t find any cookie-cutter decks here!

We understand the importance of custom components in a custom deck design. You should be able to select the specific amenities you want for your new deck. We won’t design your deck until we have met with you and viewed your property. Our deck design will be based on your preferences, the style of your home, and the specific characteristics of your lot. So, yes, Archadeck of Columbus is the custom deck builder Columbus OH homeowners trust.

How can I find TimberTech deck builders near me?

If you search online for “TimberTech deck builders near me,” you will find quite a few links to the TimberTech website! TimberTech even provides a place on their website to search by zip code and find deck builders in your area. There you will see that Archadeck of Columbus is a TimberTech Platinum Contractor.

Technically, TimberTech can’t endorse one deck builder over another, and they have a disclaimer on their website to that effect. However, they do advise homeowners that contractors who have registered with TimberTech are likely to have more experience with their materials. Working with composite and synthetic decking is not like working with wood. This distinction is important if you plan to add a low-maintenance deck to your home. You want to be sure your deck builder is familiar with best practices for installation of TimberTech capped composite and AZEK capped polymer boards.

Archadeck of Columbus has a special partnership with TimberTech, beyond what the distinction of “Platinum” contractor indicates. While TimberTech Platinum Contractors typically offer a 7-year labor warranty on projects built with TimberTech and AZEK materials, we go way beyond that. We provide a labor warranty that matches the TimberTech and AZEK manufacturer’s warranty. No other outdoor living builder in our area can match this amazing labor warranty. You can read more about this special labor warranty here: Archadeck and TimberTech/AZEK Partner for Best Deck Warranties.

How can I find wooden deck builders in my area?

If you are looking for a professional outdoor living contractor to build your wooden deck, you still need to be cautious. While most people know it takes specialized experience to build a low-maintenance composite deck, some homeowners think any ol’ deck contractor can build a wood deck. If you want the most basic deck with no frills and no warranties, you might feel comfortable with just anyone building it. But you shouldn’t.

Again we recommend you go beyond Googling “deck builders near me.” Ask acquaintances for referrals, and pay careful attention to the website of any firm you are considering. Check their references and testimonials. Take a wood deck project just as seriously as you would take a composite deck project. While a wood deck may be less expensive, you don’t want to accept lower quality work just because it’s a wood deck.

At Archadeck of Columbus, we call our company’s culture “the Archadeck difference.” We hold ourselves to higher standards regardless of whether we’re working with composite decking or wood. We are known for our attention to detail and our processes that keep quality control front-and-center. We also provide warranties on ALL of our decks, not just composites. Plus, we offer a completion guarantee. When you work with Archadeck, you never have to worry about your builder disappearing before you are completely satisfied.

Are you ready to move forward with a new deck, porch or patio? There is no charge for our design consultation, and videoconferencing is an option. Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to get started!

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.

Why wait for the Columbus outdoor living space you are yearning for?

The prospect of adding a custom outdoor living structure, or combination of structures, to your home and property just naturally sparks excitement. That is why I am often stumped when a customer has their preliminary plan in place and decides to “wait until spring” to begin their project. It is from my experience within the world of outdoor living that a common misconception among many homeowners is we don’t build in the fall and winter. In actuality, nothing could be farther from the truth.

When is the best time of year to embark on an outdoor living addition you may ask? The answer may be more surprising than you may think. Many homeowners are under the impression that outdoor structures such as decks, porches or patios are best to build during the warm weather months. The truth is that Archadeck of Columbus builds year-round and anytime that best suits your circumstances and budget is the right time to build. However, there are certain advantages to moving ahead with your project during the cooler months…

Enjoy your space sooner and be “sitting pretty” in time for spring

There are many advantages to building in the cooler months. Along with shorter lead times you will also get a space that is up and running in time to enjoy for the upcoming holidays, spring and the beginning of the outdoor living season.

Wood loves cooler weather

Since the humidity level is much lower during the fall and winter, any wood used during construction of your project will season quicker. Seasoning involves the drying out of wood making it ready to accept stain or paint better. When a project is built during the warmer, humid months the usual wait time to stain or paint is a few months.

Increased productivity

Another plus to cooler weather construction is productivity. A crew that is working in the humid 95 degree weather, even in the shade, is less productive than one that is working outside during milder weather. Less heat means more stamina and less time lost to hydration breaks for the crew. This translates to the likelihood that a job that is completed sooner.

Save more in the long run

Prices for building materials generally increase during the early part of the 1st quarter. Moving ahead with your outdoor living project now instead of waiting will ensure you are locked into this year’s pricing modules. In addition, outdoor furnishings and accessories sometimes reflect deep discounts as retailers make way for holiday merchandise. Outfitting your new space may also mean a savings!

It’s not good to fool with Mother Nature

Since our average temperatures remain above freezing in Columbus for most of the winter, chances of inclement or freezing weather impacting your project are minimal. The advantages of fall and winter construction outweigh any deficiencies brought on by Mother Nature. As with any construction project there will be damage to the turf caused by foot traffic. In a fall/winter project the turf is more apt to recover quicker because it has the time to overwinter in time for spring taking in valuable nutrients present in precipitation. Some turfs are dormant during the winter and this will aid in quicker recovery as well.

If you are on the fence about deciding when your outdoor structure project, keep in mind that lead times during the outdoor living season can be in excess of 8-12 weeks. In the winter it may be 4-6 weeks at the most. This quick turn-around will ensure you get the full benefits of your outdoor space when you are ready, and with less impact on your lifestyle. Contact Archadeck of Columbus to schedule your free consultation today and get the ball rolling on your outdoor dreams. (740) 879 – 3730
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.

Using color to create a mood for this Dublin OH home

People choose the colors they want for their outdoor living spaces based on a huge range of factors. One of the most common is to match the exterior of the rest of the home. Another is to comply with strict homeowner’s association requirements. This Dublin redecking job managed to check both of those boxes and did something else at the same time: it created a wonderfully soothing and relaxing mood.

You may be surprised to read that the planking that we used is not an exotic hardwood like ipe or kumaroo, as is suggested by the depth and range of color in the boards. It is, in fact, TimberTech Legacy Tigerwood. This product is the closest that we’ve seen to mimicking high-end natural beauty in a synthetic. Each board looks different, but when installed by an experienced contractor, they combine to create a unified and genuine look.

Elegant and soothing are two words that come immediately to mind when you look at this Dublin elevated deck. The shape is distinctive and mixes seating areas and walkways along an unbroken path across the rear of the home. You can choose to be alone and quiet or to sit with others. In either case, your surroundings will put you immediately at ease. It’s the visual equivalent of a neck massage.

Another advantage of such a low-key color scheme is that it gives the homeowner the opportunity to really make a statement with color if she ever decides to go in that direction. A few throw pillows on a couch, a spray of fresh flowers in a vase or a vibrant tablecloth would really stand out on such a canvas. It’s also a lovely environment for making some bold landscaping choices. Whatever is ultimately done in the yard, it will be very easy to see the design through the slender black, aluminum pickets on the railings.

How much do you know about pressure treated pine?

Pressure treated pine is the most common building material used in North America, but how much do you really know about it? It won’t come as a surprise that the primary reason for this statistic is that pine is fast-growing and plentiful and so it is cheap to buy, compared with its building material competitors. Americans are also very comfortable with the look of pine because they see so much of it.

This custom designed deck was constructed in Powell, Ohio Pressure treated pine — Custom designed pressure treated pine deck in Powell, OH.

We frame all of our projects in pressure treated pine which gives it an edge over homes that are framed in untreated pine. Termites don’t like the taste of the chemicals so they will stay away from the underpinnings of your outdoor living space. That’s obviously a plus. However, there are some reasons to limit your use of pressure treated pine in your Columbus deck or porch.

Pine has a moisture content of roughly 40%. That means that is very susceptible to shrinking and expanding, drying and sucking up water. Each of those actions creates movement in the boards. Cupping and twisting can result, putting stress on different parts of your structure. That’s also where you run into problems like splintering which can be an unpleasant hazard for children and pets especially.

Twisting is another movement issue that you see in pine projects. You notice this the most when it is used on vertical surfaces like columns and railings. Even if you are diligent about maintaining your pine structure with sealers and stains, exposure to the elements will eventually take its toll on your deck or porch. These effects are the greatest if your space is oriented south or west, because of the sun.

How can you minimize the effects of the elements on your project? Consider another kind of wood like cedar or synthetic decking as a primary building material. Cedar costs more, but has less moisture and natural oils that help minimize movement. If you want to capture the cost savings of pine, you can also mix in other materials on the more noticeable vertical elements like railings. We may build a pine deck, but accent it with synthetic or aluminum railings to limit movement and give the project greater visual appeal. We also recommend hosing down your pine boards regularly in the summer months to help keep them from drying and cracking.

Take all the time you want

When it comes to Columbus additions and home improvement projects, your ultimate vision for what you want your home to be isn’t always practical immediately. Often, the barrier to doing everything right away is cost, but sometimes the timing or another aspect isn’t quite right to jump in and complete everything immediately. Luckily, Archadeck has the flexibility to allow you to work at your pace.

Take, for example, this lovely New Albany deck we just completed. Our delightful customers described the backyard of their dreams for us. It included a slightly rounded patio with a veneer stacked stone apron to match the look of the home’s foundation. It also had a large paver patio with seating walls, a fire pit and a large retaining wall with landscaping. We sketched out some designs and talked about materials and came up with a budget.

As with many large projects, this one was easy to break up into different stages that make sense both for use over time and for financial planning in the long term. Our clients decided to build the deck now and to add the Columbus paver patio and retaining wall next year. By spreading the cost over two years, they were able to more easily afford to create exactly the kind of space they had been dreaming of and include some higher-end materials and upgrades.

Isn’t the stacked stone apron gorgeous? It really makes the deck look like an original part of the home and it’s so elegant. The angled decking with parting board is an easy-maintenance product from Timbertech’s Legacy line in Ashwood. The stairs and white vinyl railings have built-in lighting for safety and you may notice that the railings are capped with the Timbertech Ashwood as well. The little cedar barn door on the side gives the family easy access for storing toys or yard maintenance equipment.

You’ll see at the bottom of the stairs we have a small 9-paver landing. That’s an inexpensive placeholder for next year. We plan to return then to complete the project. In the meantime, the family has a beautiful, fully functional deck to enjoy and they can continue to think about how they use the space and what, if any, changes they want to make to the next phase of the addition before we break ground.