Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits – Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outdoor fireplaces are hot in Columbus

Yes, I know, but I couldn’t resist the pun.

Columbus OH paver patio with retaining wall and fire pit — The curved seating wall and firepit is a great way to add vertical dimension to this patio in Columbus, OH.

There is a subtle distinction between the fire pit and the fireplace. Fire pits can be built-in or portable and are suitable for patios or just sitting out in the yard. Their primary advantage is that they are relatively inexpensive. The Columbus outdoor fireplace is another animal entirely. It is a true addition to your home and will forever change how (and how often) you use your yard or porch.

Fire attracts us on a primal level that isn’t fully understood. It’s mesmerizing to watch. It creates a kind of invisible force field that protects us against the cold, allowing us to stay outside longer. Fireplaces are enjoyed by people of all ages. Your teenagers won’t necessarily want to stick around for other family activities, but they seem to show up a little more often and stay a little longer when the fire is blazing. Having chocolate and graham crackers nearby helps too.

What will your Columbus fireplace look like? That’s really up to you. You can decide if you prefer wood burning or gas. Gas fireplaces are popular because they are a snap to use and more affordable than wood burning. You don’t have to cut or carry wood, you can turn them on with a switch or even a remote control. You

outdoor fireplace on screen porch columbus oh — The stunning outdoor fireplace within the screen porch uses mixed medias for a breathtaking design.

can choose vented or ventless. The front of the fireplace can be faced with wood, stone or a heat-resistant facade of your choosing.

What does your magic night by the fireplace look like? Are you cuddled up on the loveseat under a fleece blanket with your loved one? Perhaps you are telling ghost stories to the kids while they are gathered around snuggled up in their sleeping bags. Do the neighbors like to come by because your fireplace is the best place to share a drink and conversation at the end of a long week? You can always sit alone by the fire, captivated by a book, but outdoor fires are, more often than not, a communal experience.

I love a night under the stars with my family. When the fire is roaring, that little cold nip in the air is really pleasant. After everyone has had their fill of s’mores and the dog settles down, the boys tell us bad jokes and we make family plans. What should we do for vacation? Who is going to go to the Columbus Blue Jackets game this week? What do the kids want for Christmas? The fire seems to hold everyone’s attention and makes them forget about their screens for a while. It’s a lot of fun to spend time by the fire with my friends, but the memories I cherish most are the nights I share by the fire with my wife and kids.

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.

Why you want an outdoor fireplace in your Columbus screened porch

Screened porches are terrific in the summertime because you can enjoy the outdoors without the bugs and, with the addition of a ceiling fan, stay very comfortable even when temperature peaks. In the cooler months, they are the perfect place for a ventless fireplace.

Many people still think of a fireplace as a huge masonry project that costs a lot to install, takes up significant space and demands a chimney. Today’s gas fireplaces offer the perfect combination of easy installation, economical pricing, warmth, and ambience. There is no need to chop wood to start a fire. You can light yours with the flick of a switch– or even by touching a button on your remote control. Almost instantly you can take the chill from the early morning air or create a warm, romantic retreat.

Think of your porch as a room addition. You design it to be consistent in its style with the rest of your home. It can have cathedral ceilings or rustic, exposed beams. You can use natural wood floors accented with throw rugs or opt for a low-maintenance composite. The centerpiece of the room though will be the fireplace. It will be the picture on the wall and the frame will be the natural beauty just behind the screened windows all around it. They are available in a large range of sizes so they will always fit the porch you have in mind.

When you entertain in your house, people naturally congregate in and around the kitchen. When you have a fireplace on your porch, you will find that the conversation area around it is the first to fill with friends. Perhaps it’s our prehistoric fascination with fire. Maybe it’s the heat or the hypnotic, flickering flames. It’s impossible to say for certain, but humans are drawn to fire much in the same way the moths are.

Regardless of whether your fireplace is a feature that you enjoy alone, with a partner or among a group of friends, you will never regret incorporating one into your porch. When you make the investment in building a porch, you owe it to yourself to create a retreat you can use and enjoy year round. Adding a porch will increase the value of your home; adding one with a fireplace will make it a real stand out.

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.

Archadeck of Columbus wants to keep the home fires burning safely when adding an outdoor fireplace to your outdoor space

Archadeck of Columbus urges homeowners to retain the expertise of an expert when considering the addition of an outdoor fireplace or fire pit in, or on their outdoor structure.

Large screen porch with outdoor fireplace and tongue and groove ceiling Columbus OH — An outdoor fireplace adds to the ambiance and appeal of this large screened porch in Columbus,OH.

I cannot begin conveying this information to you without thinking about the old saying “if you play with fire you are bound to get burned”. Fire features such as fire pits and outdoor fireplaces have become a staple in outdoor living enjoyment spaces. They have rapidly moved into the spotlight as one of the most wanted and requested structure additions we are asked about homeowners. With this in mind, fire elements and structures can cause more of a danger than a pleasure if they are not built by an experienced professional.

A fireplace on your screened porch

There’s nothing better than having the luxury of an outdoor fireplace on your screened porch. They provide beauty, warmth and ambiance and turn your screen porch into a comfy place for conversation under the protection of an outdoor roofed structure. In order to provide a safe environment to enjoy for years to come there are many things to consider.

This fireplace contains a wood burning insert for the ultimate in comfort. It provides warmth to extend the time you can enjoy your space.

When planning to include an outdoor fireplace to your screened porch design there a couple of ways you can proceed. A standard fireplace built from scratch is stunning but can be quite pricey. A typical custom outdoor fireplace starts at around $10,000. The basis behind the expense in building one comes in the need to add a full foundation. And, depending on how high off grade it is can really dip into your wallet. This can bust your budget when you have to get down to grade with your footers. Another factor in starting from scratch is the chimney stack. In order to comply with building codes and for the sake of safety, the chimney stack must exceed the height of the roof. Expenses here incur with the individual characteristics of your roof line. Not only does the chimney stack have to be a specific distance from the roof itself, it must also be a specific distance from each side of your structure.

An alternative to building solely from scratch is to build a fireplace with concrete block in the foundation which goes all the way up to the stack. From there, you can install a veneer that can be done in a myriad of different mediums. The most common medium we use on fireplace veneers is cultured (manufactured) stone. Natural stone is another option but is rather expensive.

Another important consideration in building an outdoor fireplace on your screened porch is to decide how your fireplace will burn. Your fireplace can use real wood, or it can be a gas burning fireplace. In some cases homeowners opt to do both. We can run the gas line for you. When you get into the realm of wood burning fireplaces you have to consider elements that will go into your fireplace design such as mantels, hearths and size and location of your fire box which is used to store your wood. Another factor is do you actually want a place to store your wood, or a spot above the mantel to mount a television? All these things factor into the planning, design and ultimate construction of your fireplace.

It doesn’t have to be from scratch to still be good

Among the many options to installing a fireplace onto your screened porch a viable alternative is to install a Zero clearance firebox which in essence is a fireplace kit. These fireboxes include a fire box, a flue and all the elements you need for a fireplace. We install these by framing them in wood and wrapping them in a veneer of your choosing. The great thing about these is they can be installed atop a deck or on a porch without needing a foundation. We also use Aspen fireplaces which are the same concept with the added choice of using a wood burning insert, or a gas burning insert, or even a wood stove insert. We have also heard great reviews about Lennox fireplaces. The Lennox kit is a skeleton of a fireplace which we can add wood framework and veneer to complete. These kits come with capability to add a wood stove, but in doing so you won’t see the fire as much. Depending on the veneer you use, we will still have to figure out the weight of the Lennox systems to determine if it is deemed fit to place on top of your structure and still meet all the necessary safety and code requirements.

Columbus outdoor fireplace on porch — Another Columbus outdoor fireplace and screened porch combination.

With a myriad of choices, the key to getting the fireplace you really want in the location you desire is to build it when you start your outdoor structure. Waiting until your space is completed will make the addition tremendously expensive. If you feel like adding a fireplace at the time of your structure’s construction would be biting off more than you can chew then we can phase your project for you. Talk with us about where the fireplace is going and this way we can take some steps in advance such as reinforced foundation, running of gas lines, etc. for the future addition. We can build the framing and foundation in anticipation of the addition of your fireplace at a later date so we are not ripping out framing to install your fireplace as an afterthought. This way the stage is set when your lifestyle and budget allows the addition.

Columbus fire pit atop cedar deck — We resurfaced this deck in cedar, added additional framing a ran gas lines to accommodate this deck top fire pit.

A fire pit can fan those flames of desire for a fire element in your outdoor space

An outdoor fireplace is a great addition to your outdoor living space; however, fire pits can provide that same cozy ambiance that you are looking for at a fraction of the price in many cases. We can build fire pits atop your deck if you go with gas. Wood burning fire pits spark off embers that could pose a danger or damage your deck. In a synthetic deck setting these factors are even more pertinent because of the resin within the synthetic material. We strongly suggest not burning atop a wood or synthetic deck for this reason. In a patio setting a fire pit is often the perfect choice when considering the addition of a fire element. Approximately 20% of the patios we build have a fire pit.

Columbus OH paver patio with fire pit — This paver patio includes a custom fire pit for the ultimate in patio indulgence on those cool Columbus evenings.

If you are burning to add an outdoor fireplace or fire pit to your outdoor space, contact Archadeck of Columbus today. We can help you plan, design, and build a space that is safe and beautiful. Call for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

See more images of outdoor fire structures by visiting our outdoor fireplace and fire pit gallery located on our website.