Outdoor Kitchens – 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.

Paradise by the porch/deck light

We just put the finishing touches on a design for an outdoor living space that includes everything but a restroom. This Gahanna patio-porch combination will certainly set the standard for entertaining in the neighborhood. We are very excited to break ground on this project which is sure to see lots of fun in the sun this spring, summer and fall.

The curvilinear Unilock paver patio has plenty of room, over 1,000 square feet, for multiple conversation and activity areas. Close to the house it will include a complete outdoor kitchen with granite countertops, a built-in grill and a refrigerator. A second area is designated for relaxed socializing. A third is a circular stone firepit with a retaining wall and plenty of space for chairs. The entire patio also serves as an unifying space which joins the two decked areas. We haven’t settled on exactly which color paver we will use, but intend to use darker, contrasting stones for a framing course along the edge and around the firepit.

The flow of the project is ideal. Leaving the rear of the home, guests will emerge onto a low-to-grade deck with no rails. That space is intended primarily for dining, but almost has the feeling of a balcony. From there people can move easily down the grand staircase toward the conversation cluster or off to the side for use the barbecue. The hot tub sits near the firepit and adjoining the covered porch, in case there is a bit of a chill in the air after a quick dip. It’s also just a few steps from the hot tub to the fridge if a frosty beverage is needed.

The covered porch is original to the house. This Archadeck endeavor is primarily new construction, but part of the overall building project involves redecking to minimize unnecessary costs while ensuring top-quality and a unified look for the entire space. We’ll use TimberTech Terrain for the new deck with white trim and white risers on the stairs. TimberTech’s CONCEALoc® hidden fasteners will add to the seamless, high-end feel of this Gahanna porch.

Another terrific design detail you should note is the way that we were able to integrate the hot tub with both the covered porch and the Gahanna paver patio. You can easily enter the tub from the top rim using the porch, from partway up via the stairs or lever yourself over the side from ground level. As with all of our projects, we consider functionality and fabulous looks for every part of the whole space.

If you have a Columbus outdoor living space you are considering for 2015, we’d love to hear from you: (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net. The consultation is completely free.

Our upcoming covered porch and hardscape project in Dublin, OH is sure to become a backyard paradise

Archadeck of Columbus gives us a peak into an upcoming outdoor living combination project that includes a covered porch, outdoor kitchen and hardscape seating wall.

Archadeck of Columbus hardscapes and outdoor kitchen combinations — A first look into our upcoming covered porch, hardscape and outdoor kitchen project in Dublin, OH.

Archadeck of Columbus is excited to preview an upcoming outdoor living combination project that we are scheduled to begin in Dublin, Ohio. The homeowners have an existing patio which we plan to adjoin a gable roof open porch complete with a fully functional outdoor kitchen and seating wall into. Part of the design will include encompassing elements of existing walls into match their existing patio. The result of tying in these elements will deliver an outdoor combination living space that is eclectic, yet elegant.

Upcoming hardscape covered patio in Dublin, OH by Archadeck of Columbus — Notice how the hardscape seating wall will tie the entire space together promoting a cozy feel.

The new hardscape space will be completed using Unilock Beacon Hill pavers in Sierra, which will make a dramatic impact used in the new seating wall that skirts the perimeter of the porch space and will add valuable seating options to the outdoor kitchen portion of this design. The porch pillars will be wrapped in Polonia wood, adding clean lines to enliven the texture of the multiple hardscapes used throughout the design. Archadeck of Columbus also plans to introduce outdoor lighting to the upcoming space for added safety, function and to promote ambiance.

Hardscape seating wall and outdoor kitchen design for project in Dublin, OH — This rendering shows the way the Brentwood stone will accentuate the additional hardscapes used in the project.

On the outdoor kitchen portion of this project we are using a specialty stone called Brentwood stone. This unique stone will be used as the countertop for the outdoor kitchen and on the pillar caps to gently frame the space with subtle accents of stone. Since it will be necessary to have the stone sized, the stone will be cut in Missouri and shipped directly to Archadeck of Columbus. As is the case when using any type of specialty stone, it is important to remember you first have to build the base, create a template and then build to those specifications. If these steps are not done with precision and in a timely manner, this can delay installation of the stone or even delay completion of the entire project.

Design rendering for Dublin OH hardscape outdoor living space — Detailed design rendering prepared for upcoming Dublin, OH outdoor living space.

When planning our projects, we make every effort to ensure even the most minute details fall into place giving you a project that is finished on time. Part of this process includes creating a detailed design rendering of your anticipated outdoor space, a project scope and making sure all the materials including the specialized ones, are measured and ordered out in a timely manner. We make sure “no stone is left unturned”( no pun intended), in providing you with the outdoor living space of your dreams.

These Dublin homeowners are excited about starting their backyard makeover and cannot wait to start enjoying it!

If you are ready to set the wheels in motion to making your outdoor living dreams a reality, contact Archadeck of Columbus for a free design consultation. We treat each of our customers as if they’re our only customers, each and every time. (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Please visit our porches photo gallery and our outdoor living photo gallery located on our website to see more examples of outdoor kitchens designed within porch settings.

Help! Where do I put my grill?

Archadeck of Columbus welcomes the season for grilling with designs especially suited for grilling out on your deck, porch or patio.

TimberTech deck with grill area under cover — This TimberTech deck has a special covered area perfect for grilling out when summer showers arrive to keep the cook dry.

With the season of outdoor living in full swing many of us look forward to the smell of delicious food cooking on the grill and the camaraderie that so often comes along with it. If you want your grill to be part of your new outdoor living area, you need to take some serious considerations into account when designing your new area. You want the location of your grill to be extremely convenient. You can either allocate space on your deck, porch or patio for a grill. Another viable option is to actually add space by extending an area for your grill on your deck, porch or patio such as a deck bump-out or a grill rack.

A few helpful hints to remember if you are planning on incorporating your grill into your deck or patio is that sizes of various grills can differ. A typical gill is 4.5′ wide, but larger models can span from 5′ to 5.5′. With this in mind you want to consider the amount of space the grill will take up and allowing enough space for walking room and maneuverability around the grill. If you have a smoker, or are planning on getting one you will also need to allocate enough space for it as well. You will also want to leave a 2 x 6′ area for the grill and additional room for any accompaniment pieces, such as a smoker.

Low to grade deck and patio with built-in bend seating next to grill — This low-to-grade deck and patio has built-in bench seating near the grill area to add comfort and convenience for the cook!

Deciding what functionality you want your grill area to serve is important to confirm when planning your deck, patio or porch addition. Decisions such as whether or not you are intent on “hanging out” around your grill while entertaining, or whether you will need or want a seating area next to the grill will help determine what type of space you need. If serving food right from the grill is something you like to be able to do, then a nice sized rail could be the perfect place to put serving platters or rest dinnerware while you and your guests are filling your plates. If you entertain often, you might consider a buffet table in close proximity to your grill that can also hold serving platters.

Open porch with deck tucked aways on one end — The design of this open porch allows the grill to be “tucked away” and out of the flow of traffic.

Key considerations include having the grill out-of-the-way so it doesn’t inhibit traffic flow, or maybe you want the grill area close to the kitchen to make bringing stuff back and forth more convenient. You don’t want to design a grill area that is too close to the house because the heat is a safety concern and can also discolor your siding or home’s exterior materials. But you do want to design it close enough that you aren’t “running your legs off” when you grill or entertain. If you entertain often then maybe an outdoor kitchen would fit your needs better than a grill area. Outdoor kitchens can be outfitted with anything from grills and food preparation areas to refrigerators, food warming drawers and much more.

If grilling during inclement weather is a concern you might consider creating an outdoor structure that would allow for you to grill regardless of rain or snow such as an open porch. A key consideration for grilling out when weather is an issue is the location of your grill in relation to the prevailing winds. If the prevailing winds are West then you would want your grill to be located in the opposite direction. Food stains are also a key point to consider. Many decking materials will stain from food grease spills such as barbecue sauce or wine so it’s important to try to clean them at the time of the stain just as you would inside your home.

No matter what your pleasure, Archadeck of Columbus can make the grilling experience a more enjoyable and convenient one by designing your outdoor structure to best suit your lifestyle. Grill on, and contact us to make the most out of your deck, patio or porch this grilling season. Bon Appetit!

Call for a free consultation: (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

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

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

Columbus_OH_large_paver_patio_with_screen_porch_and_deck — This photo shows how each of the structures,the custom deck, screened porch and patio by Archadeck of Columbus work together as one.

We are really excited about the outdoor living season this year. We recently took part in two fantastic home shows in the area and got tons of ideas on the outdoor living trends for this Spring. While at the show we had a great deal of interest in not only decks, but also adding a patio to your deck. The trend we see is that Columbus area homeowners are requesting the addition of a patio to go with their new AND existing decks and porches. It stands to reason that even when it comes to outdoor living structures the hot new idea is to double the fun.

The great part about adding a hardscape, such as a patio, to your deck or porch is that it is the perfect add-on to give you those multiple outdoor living areas that you really want. A patio can be added with a new, or existing, deck or porch at anytime. Adding a patio to your deck is a great way to spice it up and put that spark back into your outdoor entertaining as well enhance the beauty in your backyard.

Wouldn’t it be great to have your deck serve as your outdoor cooking or gathering location and have a beautiful patio adjacent to use for dining and conversation? Or even a deck that leads into a covered hardscape patio with a fully functional outdoor kitchen? The entertaining opportunities that open up to you when you think about a dual structure such as a deck and patio combination are endless. Having multiple living areas within your outdoor design can offer more room and expand the functionality of your design. We can design a project for you that will turn your backyard until the ultimate backyard oasis.

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

Archadeck of Columbus also offers “phased building”. This means we can plan upgrades or additions to your current project to accommodate for later additions or enhancements. For instance, if you really want a deck for this season, but foresee the future facilitating a patio and deck combination, we can make all the necessary adjustments in advance so when your budget allows you to add the patio a little later the structural necessities needed to make the transition run smoothly are already put into place.

Contact Archadeck of Columbus to learn more about our deck/patio and porch/patio combinations, and to learn more about our phased building program. We are now scheduling projects for the Spring season to have the backyard of your dreams in time for warmer weather, don’t delay. (740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net

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

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

Large_Columbus_deck_with_hot_tub_pergola_and_planter — Imagine this beauty ready and waiting for you to enjoy with the first blooms of spring.

Usually our phones start to ring off the hook around Groundhog day each year. Whether it’s only six more weeks to spring, or six more weeks of cold weather, that’s when many people start thinking about getting started on their new deck or porch or patio. No matter how you look at it the answer comes out to the same conclusion. Spring is just around the corner. With that sudden realization, whether it comes from a groundhog, or the first traces of dandelions sprouting under the snow, many homeowners are getting ready to get started on their spring projects.

Spa deck with privacy screen — A new deck or outdoor structure can be ready for you to enjoy this spring.

On average a typical deck project takes about a week to construct. But what takes time if you’re working with a reputable builder is getting your project scheduled. Reputable builders will have projects on the docket and may be 6 or 8 weeks out before they can start your project. Unfortunately, many homeowners wait until they are within the warmer months to begin planning their outdoor project, and this often means a longer wait time to start enjoying the benefits and living outdoors. Right now in early February when people sign, we are scheduling start dates in March for the structures to be ready in April. We serve our customers on a first come, first serves basis and if you wait too long, you won’t be able to enjoy your project this year in the prime months of the year.

Here in Columbus we build year-round and cold weather does not keep us from constructing your deck , screen porch or other structure. It’s so important to call early to avoid long wait times and to ensure you get to enjoy your structure this spring.

Being the early bird is vital in getting the outdoor structure you have dreamed about all winter ready in time for for those warm, sunny days. Contact Archadeck of Columbus to get started. Give us a call for a free consultation and come see us at the Central Ohio Home & Garden Show Sat Feb. 25 – Sun Mar. 4 located in the Celeste building booth #2306 & 2308. See you there!

(740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

A custom hot tub or spa deck is a personal place of refuge and relaxation for many homeowners.

Archadeck of Columbus takes the plunge into tranquil spa and hot tub decks that will soothe your aching muscles and your soul with design inspirations that are as beautiful as they are functional.

Monarch deck with vinyl pergola in Columbus, OH — This spa deck in Columbus, OH by Archadeck of Columbus has everything a deck could possibly offer.

More and more homeowners are choosing to invest in making their backyard into a place of refuge rather than splurging on exotic vacations and trips abroad in pursuit of the ultimate place to relax and rewind. Hot tubs and spas are a popular choice among homeowners seeking to create a tranquil setting to escape to while staying in the comfort of their own back yards. What could be more perfect on a brisk autumn evening than soaking in the hot tub with a glass of Merlot? The steam wafting in the cool air around you and the sounds of the season captured by the sound of crisp leaves blowing in the breeze. This scene is set and played out with your very own hot tub integrated as the focal point to your custom spa deck.

With the dawn of the personal hot tub or spa comes the custom spa deck to compliment the structure and add valuable outdoor living space as well. A customized spa deck is perfect for entertaining, dining, grilling and cooking and any other activity you and your family enjoy doing outdoors. Keep in mind the need for easy accessibility from your home because you want to plan on using your spa during the fall and winter months for the utmost in warmth, ambiance and relaxation. Here is a stunning panorama of spa and hot tub decks that will give you some ideas and inspiration in your own backyard.

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Archadeck of Columbus deck extension for hot tub with retractable awning — This deck extension by Archadeck of Columbus even has a retractable awning for the ultimate in comfort.

Here are some considerations when designing and building your spa or hot tube deck. A spa or hot tub deck is not just a deck with a hot tub placed in it or on it. There are certain areas within the structural criteria of a hot tub deck that must be met in order to accommodate the added weight for safety and to preserve the structural integrity of the deck as a whole. Many homeowners don’t take into consideration the full magnitude of the weight a hot tub or spa , once filled with water will add to the deck. This is why it is crucial to make sure your deck has the appropriate structural supports to accommodate the added weight of a hot tub or spa. When considering adding a hot tub or spa to your existing deck it is important to implement this support system as well. Utilizing the expertise and experience of a professional licensed deck builder to design and construct your deck is the best route to take when thinking of adding a hot tub or spa to the structure. In many cases a spa can add an additional weight of up to 2,000 pounds when filled with water and your deck will need to be sturdy enough to carry this weight without any stress. This sturdiness can be achieved by constructing a spa support deck, with either a concrete pad of wood platform.

Another consideration is having accessibility to the mechanics of the hot tub or spa. If the hot tub is located on top of the deck, access is simple, but with a partially or fully recessed hot tub you may need a trap door or have an access area built around it on 3 sides so as to have access to the control panel. Trap doors such as these are quite easy and can be designed to be hidden from view.

This stunning hot tub deck takes curves to a new level — The curvilinear design of this hot tub deck wraps you in beauty and comfort.

Aside from the structural diversity that is required when building your spa deck, there are many design options available when deciding how to finish out your spa deck. Above all, location of the hot tub itself is an important decision. Archadeck of Columbus likes to think outside the box in terms of locations for your spa or hot tub. Many times homeowners make the mistake of placing the hot tub in the center of the deck. This can be a major design flaw which will affect the flow and use of your deck. The first rule of thumb is to never place the hot tub in front of a window. This will become a regrettable decision because it will restrict your view and soon become an eyesore. From experience we have found that most popular with homeowners is partially recessing the hot tub within the deck. Hot tubs are most typically 3 feet high and many times homeowners decide to mount the hot tub flush with the deck so you actually “step into” the hot tub. We also see a great many top mountings as well. The only dangers we see if when the hot tub is partially recessed it can present a challenge when exiting and entering the hot tub, and a tripping hazard in some cases as well. For example, consider placing the hot tub within a curvilinear corner, or incorporate the spa to be surrounded by bench seating that will make the perfect place to sit down and take off your shoes to dip your fit in the warm bubbling water. If entering and exiting the hot tub seems as though it may present a problem, steps can easily be incorporated into the design to make gaining entry to the hot tub easy and safe. Keep space in mind as well when considering how your hot tub or spa will integrate into your decks design. If you choose a hot tub with a cover that has an arm, for instance, you will need ample space to back it up comfortably.

When your hot tub is in use privacy as well as shading can be important. Many homeowners choose to build privacy walls adjacent to the hot tub, this offers shade from the sun and also keeps prying eyes away. Pergolas look great when paired with hot tubs and spa features as well and can also provide ample shade and privacy.

Selecting the right material for your hot tub or spa deck is also important, after all you don’t want to get splinters in those bare feet. There are many quality composite and PVC decking materials, as well as natural woods on the market that are designed specifically for areas around water. There are many brands that offer slip-resistance and that also keep heat build-up to a minimum so they are easy on your bare feet. TimberTech , AZEK and many others have lines specified for use on pool and spa decks, and some are even formulated for use on docks such as TimberTech’s Docksider decking.

Now is the perfect time to consider taking the plunge into a spa or hot tub deck of your own. The chill of Autumn creates a stunning backdrop for the soothing waters of a spa or hot tub. Archadeck of Columbus can design and build a hot tub or spa deck that will compliment your home and your lifestyle. We can even incorporate other outdoor living structures such as an outdoor fireplace or firepit into your decks design that will enable you to enjoy two of natures most mesmerizing and powerful elements in unison. To learn more about the magic you can create in your own backyard with a hot tub or spa deck contact us today (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

To experience more serene inspiration visit out pool and spa deck gallery located on our website.

Home Show Display Features Low Maintenance Decking

Your guide to Central Ohio Home and Garden Show

2008HomeShow — Archadeck Home/Garden Show - 2008

Yes, spring will be here soon enough! A great way to taste the eventual break from winter is to join Archadeck of Columbus at the Central Ohio Home and Garden Show beginning Saturday, February 27^th – March 7^th, 2010. Our new display will feature a double level curved deck using Timbertech wood/plastic composites as well as XLM (PVC decking). We will also be showing Azek PVC decking as well as Fiberon products.

If you have not attended this Home Show and you are considering any home improvement, you should not miss this. You can find most anything related to home improvement from decks, landscaping, windows, glass block to seminars on gardening and cooking tips.

This show has been one of our biggest generators of leads throughout the year. We get to meet folks whom are interested in our services but it also gives us a chance to assist homeowners with their questions. The best part is the energetic atmosphere that spring is just around the corner!

Some tips if you are truly interested in using your time wisely:

Go on weeknights (the schedule can be found on the link below)
Avoid weekends! We would love to see you but I must say it is packed until about 5pm.
Plan ahead and look for vendors whose products and services interest you. The link (below) will help you as well as the free program which is provided upon arrival
Be sure to talk to the vendors. Most spend a tremendous amount of time setting up their respective displays and are eager and appreciative when people come by.
If you are a DIY (do it yourself), be respectful that most vendors are interested in speaking with potential clients. Please advise them early that you are going to do something by yourself, but are interested in their experience. Most vendors will help you if their time permits
Don’t forget there are two separate buildings conducting the show. The Multi-Purpose Building is where most home improvement companies reside and the Celeste Building is where the Garden Showcase is located as well as other home improvement booths. There is an enclosed walkway between both buildings. By the way, Archadeck of Columbus is located in the Celeste Building near the showcase
Don’t miss the Garden Showcase. The themes and displays are unique and change each year and the flowers give you a true sense of spring
Senior Day is Wednesday, March 3^rd. Discounted tickets are available and hours are from 12 noon – 9pm

http://www.dispatchevents.com/home_garden.php

Carol, Seth and I will be there throughout the week. Please feel free to come by should you require our assistance. Happy Hunting!

Michael

Decking Trends

A review of decking and composite trends for 2010 outdoor living spaces

Carol and I are excited about contributing to the information age by assisting homeowners with their questions, concerns and product choices pertaining to outdoor living.

As winter nears its end (hopefully!), we are eager to begin another season of designing and constructing decks, screen porches, pergolas, gazebos and patios in the Columbus area. We would like to take a quick moment to reflect on our accomplishments of 2009 and then share upcoming trends.

I just returned from Archadeck’s National Workshop and we were honored to receive three awards, the Customer Service Achievement Award, the Archadeck Design Award for one of our projects completed last year and the Performance Profile Award. It’s certainly nice to be a recipient of any award, but we were especially grateful to receive the service award for the 5^th consecutive year as this is the staple any business should strive for. Too bad most forget this simple value.

During the course of the workshop, I was again reminded how lucky I am to be part of such a professional community of outdoor living entrepreneurs. The opportunity to interact and learn from each other is energizing and further re-enforces Archadeck’s commitment to each and every client.

On to trends, we continue to witness the growth of low maintenance decking options and color selections continue to evolve. In addition, low maintenance pergolas and fencing options are available. Hidden fasteners are becoming more prevalent for those who prefer a cleaner appearance. Composite (low maintenance) decking still remains our most requested product on our decks. We highly recommend Timbertech http://timbertech.com and Azek http://azek.com decking as our most trusted products. More on low maintenance products in future posts.

We also have seen an increase in deck and patio combinations. Normally this would consist of a deck design stepping down to a patio area. Depending on materials, one can achieve this look without necessarily spending more money. Instead of one large deck or patio, split the difference. Now you can enjoy two distinct entertaining areas with different appearances!

Outdoor kitchens are continuing to grow. We will be offering modular or custom designed kitchens through our new partner Outdoor Kitchen Creations. Check out their website should you wish to consider: http://outdoorkitchencreations.net

We are eagerly preparing for the “season”. Should you wish, feel free to peruse our website, contact us or visit us over the next month at two upcoming home shows:

Home Improvement Show, Franklin County Veterans Memorial, Friday, February 19-21

Central Ohio Home and Garden Show, Ohio Expo Center, February 27- March 7

Thanks for visiting and we look forward to further postings. Enjoy!