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

Archadeck of Columbus wants to know: Have you joined the hardscape revolution?

At Archadeck of Columbus, we have observed three types of homeowners:

Those who have a paver patio and enjoy it to the max, practically living outdoors
Those who have an old slab concrete patio and are considering a change to pavers
Those whose yard contains no pavers or slab; they are desperately in need of a paver patio

Which group are you in? Over the past several years we have seen homeowners spending more and more time outdoors on their patios. That trend is not going to wind down any time soon. The kind of custom-designed hardscape outdoor living environment we build will never go out of style. People just enjoy them too much!

Group One: You own a paver patio

If you have one, you know: the paver patio is a thing of beauty. The artful arrangement of smooth, cool stones beckons you outdoors. The effect is almost hypnotic. There is nowhere else you would rather relax — or entertain — than there. The patio is an extension of your home, and it may be your favorite part of the home.

Is your hardscape environment complete? Perhaps as you enjoy entertaining outdoors, you notice there is never enough seating. Have you thought about adding a seating wall? Archadeck of Columbus can rim the patio with a low wall and top it with round-edged stones comfortable for seating. Supplementing your chairs with a seating wall keeps the patio from looking cluttered with too much furniture. You won’t need to bring additional chairs outside; the seating wall is always there.

If you enjoy dining outdoors, it may be time to expand the paver patio to accommodate an outdoor kitchen. The chef and bartender in the family can enjoy more time with the guests without having to run back and forth into the house for food and beverages. Or, what about a fire pit or free-standing fireplace to take the chill off of cooler evenings? It may be time to elevate your outdoor living game, and it’s definitely time to begin planning for fall.

Would your patio look better with built-in stone planters, decorative pillars or lighting for safety or ambiance? We can easily add amenities to an existing patio to enhance your enjoyment of time spent outdoors.

Group Two: Your old concrete slab patio is (past) due for an upgrade

While a basic concrete slab patio is functional, it is uninspiring and usually too small. Are you still entertaining guests on the builder-grade patio that came with your home? If so, you are more than ready for a custom-designed hardscape to replace that slab. We can meet with you to nurture your vision of how a bigger and better patio would suit your family’s lifestyle. We can help you to stop seeing only what is there now and start seeing what could be there.

Take a look at the before and after. They are different angles but we promise, this is the same house!

We have designed a variety of hardscapes in the Columbus area and can work with you to select the materials and design elements that will work with your budget. Maybe you want to go “all out” with a stone fireplace and a full outdoor kitchen, or perhaps you would prefer to start small and add more space and amenities later (see above). With our phased building program, we can create a design for your long-term plan and then build it in stages as your budget permits.

Group Three: Your home has not experienced a patio

If your home is patio free, you don’t know what you’re missing! Or, if you’ve enjoyed socializing at a friend’s home with a hardscape outdoor living space, maybe you do know! Either way, you need to call us and get started as soon as you can. Don’t let another summer or fall pass without being able to enjoy relaxing, gardening or entertaining on your own paver patio.

Time spent outdoors with friends and family is precious, and an attractive and comfortable patio can help you enjoy it to the fullest. The stone or concrete pavers available today are amazingly beautiful and durable. It’s no surprise that pavers are the most popular choice for homeowners in the Columbus area who are considering a new patio or hardscape.

What’s more, Archadeck of Columbus can design a hardscape environment around the size and shape of your outdoor furnishings so all elements are coordinated and the end result exudes harmony. If you are having trouble picturing a hardscape design that would best complement your outdoor furniture, we can create an architectural rendering including the furniture to help you achieve your vision.

Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to learn more about creating the right hardscape outdoor living space for your family. You can reach us at (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.

All of the “elements” of an award-winning design…

Design Excellence Award Winning Columbus Hardscape — And the winner is…

One of the favorite cliches of Oscar season is a famous actor or director telling the audience how special it is to be chosen for such a prestigious award by his peers. Cliche or not, that’s the kind of pride that we felt when Archadeck of West Columbus won the award for Excellence in Hardscapes and Patios in a recent competition that included companies from across the U.S. and Canada.

I believe one of the things that makes this particular Columbus curvilinear patio design special is that it has all of the elements in it. The extensive stonework across multiple levels covers the earth category. We see fire both in the warming conversational-friendly fire pit and the built-in grill area with granite counters. The open air porch invites cooling breezes all summer long. Where is the water? There is no water per se, but take a look at the overall design and you will see the curving, bending nature of the lines and circles that is inspired by the winding paths of the rivers that are such treasures to us here in central Ohio.

This is a project that will continue to grow more beautiful over the next few years. There are a number of landscaped areas within the design that will fill in over the long term. Those are intermingled with beds and planters that are well-suited to the use of annuals to create pops of color and interest. I can’t wait to see what furnishings the homeowner adds now that all the pieces have come together.

Here are a few of the kind words we received with our award:

“We are proud to present this award to Rob Mitchell and the entire Archadeck of West Columbus team,” stated Mike Reeder, VP of the Archadeck Outdoor Living Brand. “His level of expertise and design carried him through many challenges that the landscape provided and in the end, he was able to deliver to the homeowner what he had envisioned… beautifully.”

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.

Our Hardscape and Softscape Project in London, OH, Merges New and Old Seamlessly!

There is nothing more interesting than when Archadeck of Columbus gets the chance to work on a historic home in our local geography. It certainly does present some challenges in terms of keeping the integrity of the home while providing homeowners with all the practical elements and benefits that are all about today’s outdoor lifestyle. We recently worked on a project in London, OH, with a home built in 1865 on 7.5 acres that has steep history during the Civil War/Antebellum era.

The house has been restored numerous times throughout its lifespan, and luckily the previous owner did renovations to the home to code back in 2000 after investing almost $750K to restore it, including the home’s stunning original brick veneer. This home’s newest owners also wanted to do right to the structure to continue its legacy in the proper way and preserve its integrity, but also add plenty of energy that would enhance the exterior. They wanted a masterful intermingling of new and old.

On a project of this scope, the homeowner’s needed a highly skilled company with expertise in these areas for a large-scale outdoor additions complete with landscaping that would elegantly blend the new upgrades so they would complement the existing look and feel of the home. The homeowners didn’t necessarily want to have a historically accurate renovation, but rather have the improvements to the outdoor entertaining areas marry beautifully with what was already in place. This delicate balance was struck with the addition of a large paver patio, retaining/seating walls and fire pit along with extensive landscape installation to create a tasteful and practical outdoor living space that would complement this gracious home and property without overpowering its handsome simple lines.

The home originally had an existing deck off the back which was long overdue for an upgrade, so we tore it down to make way for a whole new look that was more in keeping with the historical nature of the brick building. Archadeck of Columbus added a hardscape outdoor living environment with stunning curved tiered steps lead from one area to the other in a dreamy way that tempers the hard lines and materials. The project also includes all the softscape foliage landscaping as well.

The hardscapes are built solely using Unilock and Belgard pavers due to their beauty and hard-wearing nature. The patio features Unilock pavers from the Camelot series in the Riverblend color with plenty of natural hues. All the vertical hardscapes were built using Belgard pavers from their Bel-air line in the Fossil Beige color. Both of these beautifully complement each other and have a seamless feel. The softscaping installation pairs well with all the stonework and adds plenty of color thanks to gorgeous specimens of Hydrangeas, Lavender, KnockOut Roses, new trees and evergreens for year round green.

London OH hardscape outdoor living environment — Just look at the vantage point the family now has to enjoy the view!

The family is beyond overjoyed at their new outdoor living environment, and you can see it looks heavenly. These homeowner’s are now in the process of adding a tranquil backyard pool to further their enjoyment and are currently in discussions with Archadeck of Columbus to design and build a paver pool surround, pavilion and a pool house — they are so excited, and we are too!

Not only did we meet their challenge of merging old and new, but the property now boasts a multi-faceted and multi-functional outdoor living space that increases the livability of this stately 18th century home.

Got a challenging project for us? Give Archadeck of Columbus a call today for a free consultation at (740) 879 – 3730. We look forward to your call. Please also visit our website at http://columbus.archadeck.com.

Take a look at 2 beautiful new hardscapes in New Albany and Dublin OH by Archadeck of Columbus

We often profile some of our larger projects on the blog. The big projects are certainly not all that we do though. Some smaller projects are standalone projects, and other times they are additions or extensions to previous ones. We recently completed two of these in the Columbus area that we want to share with you.

The first one in New Albany OH included the removal of an existing brick patio and redoing the stairs from the back of the home. The brick patio was not quite level and there were some issues with moss growing between the bricks and corners coming up and creating tripping hazards.

The new patio is both wider and longer, now abutting the house, while leaving a lovely river birch in place, and extending to two corners of the home. We leveled the area and installed Unilock Beacon Hill pavers. The stair pavers are also Beacon Hill but have the bullnose edging. We created a bump out off the main area which can easily accommodate either a table and chairs or a free-standing fire pit by the half moon seating wall. The seating wall cap is Beacon Hill Sierra. The curve of the bump out is echoed on the semicircle landing creating harmony in the space. This new landing is much more welcoming and doesn’t block light to the French doors. You’ll also notice the soldier course in Unilock Copthorne in Basalt color – or perhaps you didn’t notice it at first blush. The basalt color is much darker and creates a perfect picture frame for the space.

The feature the homeowners will probably enjoy the most is the gas line extension that we plumbed beneath the patio. We took the gas line off the back of the house so that the grill can be a little farther away from the house and no one ever has to make a last-minute dash to the store to refill the propane tank again. The resulting patio is lighter, more open and easier to maintain. When people look at it, the adjective I hear repeatedly to describe it is “harmonious.”

Another job we want to show you is in Dublin OH. This project includes a deck expansion, hardscape expansion and an expanded flagstone walkway that creates a small patio with built-in fire pit. We worked with existing pavers for the patio and used Unilock Brussels for the retaining wall. In addition to pavers, capstones and edging, we added a Unilock fire pit to match.

The patio area has a nice canopy of trees over it which makes for great shade and protection from light rain, but it is a little dark, even at noon. We brightened it up by installing lighting on the pillars of the seating wall around the fire pit. It is a wonderful little oasis. The surrounding trees and landscaping give it a woodsy feel that make it seem like you are far from the city.

Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to see how we can make creating your dream backyard an enjoyable experience, start to finish. The consultation is completely free. (740) 879 – 3730 or

email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net. We look forward to your call.

Archadeck of Columbus discusses the importance of site conditioning for your softscape design

In this 2nd installment in our 3-part series on softscapes, Archadeck of Columbus discusses site conditioning for your softscape design plan.

Columbus OH front of home hardscape designs — Lovely hardscape and softscape addition in Columbus, OH.

In this 2nd installment in our 3-part series on softscapes, Archadeck of Columbus discusses site conditions for your softscape design plan.

There is an art and a science to installing a successful softscape design. This is driven by a host of factors which include a vast knowledge of the way plant material reacts within a border or bed, the growth characteristics of the plant, and the type of conditions best suited for an individual plant. Many less than professional contractors will just “throw” a plant in the ground not looking beyond the moment of installation. These practices forgo any site considerations to give the plant(s) their best start in order to thrive.

Archadeck of Columbus does not approach softscape design this way. We create a master plan with each of our clients that provides a detailed image and specifications of your softscaping plan. Our design team always takes into consideration what colors the homeowner prefers, or if you dislike a particular color when planning your softscape.

Pink hydrangea — Hydrangeas work well in Northern facing beds and borders, and come in many colors.

Factoring site conditions into your softscape design plan

1) Sun/shade orientation – When examining your individual site conditions, we first consider the orientation of your house and where the plantings will be located. For example, if the orientation of your site in on the North side of your home, it will receive a large amount of shade. For this site configuration we would choose shade loving plants to fill your border or bed, such as Euonymus, hydrangea and hostas, just to name a few.

The same rules apply (but in reverse) when planning for a softscape that will receive a great deal of sun. For a sunny border we would choose sun-loving plants that are more drought tolerant than those required for shade plants. The soil within a sunny border or bed will dry out quicker because of sun exposure and evaporation, whereas a shady border will retain moisture and vital nutrients in the soil longer. This is also important to keep in mind when considering maintenance requirements of your softscape.

Here are some other sun/shade conditions.

Light Shade—A few hours of direct sun
Medium Shade—little direct sunlight – Reflected sunlight comprises bulk of available light
Deep Shade—No direct sunlight – In very deep shade, it is often beneficial to include hardscaping, structures, water features, containers, and or sculpture for enhancement.

Lilac bushes are a great choice for Ohio landscapes because they thrive in alkaline soil.

2) Soil conditions – Much of Ohio lies on a limestone bed. This makes most of our soil here in the Columbus region very alkaline. The area that encompasses central Ohio works well with plant selections that are suitable for alkaline environments. A few specimens that perform well in alkaline soils include Lilac bushes and lilies, but the list goes on and on.

3) Outside interference – Any time we examine site conditions, we always factor in the amount of wildlife that may visit your property. The urban deer population has become a really big issue her in our area, and can decimate an entire border in one visit! We take all these factors into consideration when planning your softscape by adding deer deterring specimens to your design. We also consider the welcomed 4-legged friends that visit your site. We make sure your pet has a direct path that leads from the door to the area they use most often. We will do the same for the 2-legged friends that will be frequenting your proposed area around your softscape, perhaps we will even add stepping-stones through your border or bed for easier access to their favorite backyard retreat!

Do deer like to visit your backyard? Certain plants will deter deer when added to your softscape. — Do deer like to visit your backyard? We know which plants will deter deer when added to your softscape.

4) The highs and lows – Grade is an important consideration when preparing your site for a softscape installation. Archadeck of Columbus can use the grade of your site to gain the most benefit. We can create beds on a flatter surface and use hardscapes, such as retaining walls, to solve grade issues at your site. We also readily use spreading, ground covers on sloped areas for erosion control.

5) Site preparation and plant layout – When preparing your site for installation, we ask that you consider your privacy needs. Would you prefer a screening that delivers partial privacy or full privacy? We can provide either through the plant material itself, or through structural amendments or adding hardscapes — the choice is yours~

Unilock EnduraColor Il Campo — Hardscape paths integrated into a border or bed will alleviate plant damage by foot traffic, and they look beautiful!

What we use as resources for planning and design:

We instill the expertise and knowledge of a great nursery in Norton OH, called Dayton Nursery and Garden Center. They have a plethora of helpful information on their website. Their easy to use directory allows you to look up information many different ways and even add commentary. This valuable resource is even targeted to the central Ohio region specifically.
Another great resource we utilize is a computer program called “Horticopia“. It has everything you need to know about every plant imaginable, including pictures and specifications!

Archadeck of Columbus realizes that knowledgeable and thoughtful plant selection, soil criteria and site conditioning are key factors in creating a functional and attractive softscape. We can help you plan and design the outdoor oasis you have always imagined, including the lush landscape that comes along with it! (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Please visit our extensive hardscape photo gallery on our website, including our patios and covered patio photo galleries, for more backyard ideas!

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!

Top 7 hardscape design trends we’ve seen in 2013 (part 1 of 3-part series on design trends)

Archadeck of Columbus is in what many would call an enviable position. We have the opportunity to meet with homeowners around Columbus throughout the year and get to hear what they like, what they are looking for and what type of things they are contracting us to build in their backyards. As 2013 will soon be drawing to a close, we would like to share some of the trends we’re seeing on the front line. Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing these design trends for decks and porches also. This week we will look at hardscape trends.

Top 7 hardscape design trends for 2013

Columbus OH covered patio for dining and entertaining — This covered paver patio in Columbus is a great example of planning for function and comfort in your outdoor space.

#1) Roofed structures over patios – This design trend has been a heavy hitter throughout the year and one we predict will continue into 2014. The reasoning behind the popularity of adding a roofed structure over a patio or hardscape area is because it provides a sense of an outdoor room. Pergolas have remained a top choice for a long time, but patio covers offer more protection from the elements and convey a more formal room setting. You don’t have to look very far to see the concept of the “outdoor room” in action; pick up any home and garden magazine and you will notice it is filled with design ideas regarding outdoor rooms. Everything from contemporary to rustic, outdoor rooms are what the “in” crowd is asking for in outdoor structure design. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, outdoor rooms are highly versatile and functional because they can provide an outdoor escape for a myriad of recreational and entertaining uses.

#2) Incorporating hardscape lighting – “Let there be light” seems to have been the unanimous request among hardscape homeowners. We have integrated tons of lighting into our hardscape designs over the past year. From lighting the risers of steps, pillars, seating walls and even into the soldier course through the use of lighted pavers, we have done it all! The allure of adding outdoor lighting into hardscape outdoor spaces is ambiance and enhanced safety. By adding romantic touches of light into a retaining wall, or paver patio for example, you can extend the function of the space. The beauty that comes from combining stone with lighting draws you into the space like a moth to a flame!

#3) The use of non-standard pavers – What is that old saying, “the bigger, the better?” When it comes to the use of larger non-standard sized pavers among hardscape owners, this saying certainly rings tree. Traditionally, homeowners have requested their patios and hardscape structures be built using the standard 4 x 8, 6 x6, and 6 x9 sized pavers. In 2013, Archadeck of Columbus has seen a huge increase in request for oversized pavers. The reason for the demand is because larger hardscape pieces lend more toward a natural feel and make the space look less like a typical patio. The downside to using larger pavers is that they can be overwhelming when using such large pieces. One option we use to overcome this is by using a paver rug option. Paver rugs are used to create a isolated section using inset patterned pavers. Paver rugs make wonderful design elements and look great in front of an outdoor fireplace, or to mimic the look of a rug under a grill or dining area — remember, creative touches make your design stand out!

#4) Mirroring designs – Mirroring is popular among our hardscape customers. The concept behind mirroring is simple, everything is built as a mirror image of the other side of the patio. Mirroring is desirable because it gives people comfort in their outdoor space and balance is always an important factor of hardscape designs.

Patio with sailor course edging adjacent to Deck Columbus Ohio — This patio and deck combination matches the exterior of this home beautifully and also includes a sailor course border for added contrast.

#5) Bordering options – Border usage is still very popular with patios. Adding a border gives a design finality and it gives the homeowner an opportunity to make their space original. We often change the color or texture of the pavers within a border and also mix solider course with sailor course to add character.

#6) Color – When you think of paver patios, the vision of red brick looking pavers is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Stretching to think about more recent hardscape colors, you probably envision earth-toned colors – and you’re right. Earth tones are incredibly popular. But in the last year, we’ve also seen gray tones rise in popularity both as a primary color or as a great color for bordering in the soldier course.

#7) Texture – Many different surface textures are available from relatively flat to coarsely tumbled or cobbled. What we’ve seen rise in popularity this year is the cleft surface texture. This texture is slightly uneven resembling the surface texture of natural bluestone.

If you are starting to think about adding a new outdoor space to your Columbus area home, give us a call for a free consultation.

(740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Take a look at some of our patio and hardscape photos on our website.

Archadeck of Columbus discusses the benefits of a screened patio or covered patio addition; a new take on the traditional porch we all know and love

Archadeck of Columbus explores the realm of covered and screened patios including construction, benefits and costs.

Elevated screened patio — This elevated screened patio with adjoining patio below offers loads of low-maintenance qualities and aesthetic appeal.

In keeping with the endless outdoor living opportunities present with a screened porch addition, many homeowners are opting for less traditional screened porch designs. Most conventional methods of screen porch construction consist of being built on “top” of some kind of deck-like structure, be it wood or composite. However Archadeck of Columbus has built many screen porches and open porches over concrete pavers or hardscapes. These are generally referred to as screened patios, or covered patios with the only difference essentially being the grade of the structure and floor medium used.

Paver and hardscape patios can make a wonderful screened or covered/open porch addition. These outdoor living spaces are often built on the ground, or at a lower grade than traditional screened porches, but can also include an elevated design. Screened or covered patio construction begins with planning the corner columns of the structure. Here we install a standard footer set in concrete to secure the columns and create a base from which the structure is built out. In this part of the country we typically install these footers at 3 feet in depth due to freeze lines. Once the footers are installed, they serve as the base from which the rest of the structure is built. This includes the walls, rafters, roof and remainder of the structure. In constructing some of our screened or covered patio designs from scratch we will often extend the paver or hardscape out past the covered portion. This will allow a good transition and add valuable outdoor living space too!

Columbus screened patio builder — This screened patio in Columbus, OH is built using a mix of dimensional pavers and rustic cedar interior trim.

Often the question may arise, how do we adhere the walls when knee walls are present in the design? The answer is simple: we attach the walls to the pavers themselves with concrete fasteners. Another viable consideration is how do you combat the undulation of some pavers or hardscape mediums? When choosing a paver the homeowner needs to keep in mind the different paver textures. Using a hardscape material with varied undulation is actually no different from the undulation or character of a decking board — because no two are exactly alike.

There are many reasons homeowners choose a screened patio or covered patio design. These include the low-maintenance qualities tied to using a hardscape floor. Pavers and hardscapes are easy to maintain and to clean. Hardscapes are also strikingly beautiful from an aesthetic standpoint, and homeowners like to tie their screened or covered patio into a new or existing patio space as well. The mixture of wood and stone is also appealing aesthetically to many homeowners.

Columbus OH screened patios — This screened patio in Columbus, OH opens onto a covered patio which increases valuable outdoor living space.

You can also add a porch over an existing patio—this is done by installing footers which requires removing sections of the existing patio, setting posts, back filling and reinstalling the pavers. Portions of the pavers or hardscape of your existing space will have to be removed but once the porch is done, you won’t be able to tell. Our renovations look original once completed.

The price of adding a screened patio or covered patio all depends on the elevation of your design and the hardscape flooring you choose to use within the design. You can have it built two ways, either low-to-grade, which is essentially on the ground or elevated. Elevated screened patios generally cost 20% more than a regular elevated screened porch. The increase reflects the construction dynamics involved which consist of layers of aggregate that are necessary in patio construction. Low-to-grade designs usually cost approximately 10% more over standard screened porches built using wood. This increase may be non-existent or even a decrease when compared to screened porches built with higher-end solid PVC decking or its counterparts. Just like a savory recipe, it is the ingredients that go into an outdoor living design that make the difference, and reflect the costs involved.

To find out more about our quality hardscape outdoor living designs, including patios, screened patio and covered patios, contact Archadeck of Columbus today. Call us for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730 or drop us an email at westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Please visit our patio and hardscape photo gallery and our outdoor living photo gallery located on our website to see more of our fabulous Columbus area hardscape designs!

Exploring the evolution of Columbus hardscape design as it moves from the backyard into the spotlight

Archadeck of Columbus explores the growing popularity of hardscape designs used to enhance the front of the home.

Columbus OH Hardscape front of home additions — This paver sidewalk and landing is carved out into the landscape and adds loads of curb appeal to this Columbus, OH home.

When you mention the term hardscape, most people automatically envision a backyard paver or stone patio. Backyard patios are a huge asset to your outdoor living space but the realm of hardscape designs is vast and hardscape designs are not confined to the backyard. There is a plethora of design options in adding a hardscape space to either the side or front of your home. Hardscapes can change the entire mood and look of your home and the surrounding landscape. You can peruse through the pages of any upscale home or outdoor living magazine sitting on the store shelf and see the trend in pavers and stone as they move from the backyard and into areas that are more visible. Any realtor will be quick to point out that adding curb appeal will increase your return on investment on outdoor additions. Homes with great entrances sell quicker and will put more money in your pocket at closing.

You can really beautify the front of your home and add curb appeal by adding a paver walkway or sidewalk. Even a concrete driveway takes center stage when transformed into a hardscape or paver driveway, this will also give your entire property a more upscale and refined look. Archadeck of Columbus has also had great success in upgrading the aesthetics of the home by adding hardscape curved stairs, retaining walls, planters and even landings. Most walkways, driveways and landings are built in just concrete, but in the past few years we are seeing that trend shifting towards constructing these areas in hardscapes. There is a multitude of products offering different colors, textures and patterns that genuinely blend with the colors of your home, whereas concrete is just concrete and really doesn’t “match” anything.

Columbus OH pavered drivways and sidewalks — This hardscape addition in Columbus, OH features a paver driveway and sidewalks.

Materials like stone and pavers not only harmonize better with the colors used in many brick, stucco and wood home facades; they can also soften the lines of your home. Most homes are very linear in nature, for example you may have a rectangular or square entry or landing with square steps to access these areas. Removing these linear areas is simple in most cases, and they can be replaced with curved pavers or vertical dimensions including stairs to beautify the front yard. When using pavers in a design, you gain the ability to curve areas that will contrast and compliment the linear and square dimensions of your home adding visual interest.

Columbus OH Paver sidewalks — The beautiful curves of this paver sidewalk soften the brick facade of the home.

One of the most favorable trends in hardscapes right now is the front courtyard. The front courtyard can totally change your perspective of the front entrance to your home. The concept behind the front courtyard mimics the front porches of old providing a cozy area where you can sit down, relax and reconnect with your neighbors. These spaces even make the perfect place to wait for your child to arrive home from school because it gives you a vantage point to see them get off the school bus in the afternoon without having to stand at the curb. A front courtyard will also provide seasonal space for you to enjoy throughout the outdoor living season and can even be designed to include amenities like seating walls and end pillars which can be used to mount versatile lanterns to light the space.

Columbus OH pavered planting area — Adding hardscape planters is a practical way to add appeal to the front of your home.

As with any outdoor addition the front of your home should set the stage for the design, textures and colors you choose for your hardscape addition. You may also consider replicating, augmenting or complimenting specific architectural features of your home to gain the most success from your anticipated hardscape design. The key to a successful hardscape addition also lies in keeping the scale and proportion of your design in mind. Even a simple hardscape addition can make the front of your home more unique, because the key to a wonderful hardscape design is to keep it safe and practical.

If you would like to learn more about adding a front of home hardscape addition, or transforming an existing space with pavers, or another hardscape medium, contact Archadeck of Columbus to learn more today. Call today for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net