Can you incorporate your favorite getaway destination into your Columbus-area outdoor living space?

Columbus screened porchesSomewhere on a traditional suburban street in Dublin, OH, there is a screened porch that transports the homeowners back to that sweet, intimate cabin in the woods where they spent so many nights in front of the fireplace.

Yes, it’s a screened porch. With a stone fireplace.  In Dublin, Ohio. And they love it.

The clients asked Archadeck of Columbus to create a cozy, warm, cabin-like screened porch to take the place of an old wooden deck. So this Dublin outdoor living project falls into the category of deck-to-screened-porch conversions. Looking at it now, you won’t think, Oh, that used to be a deck. Instead you’ll think, I want a screened porch like that!

To begin the construction, we removed the original deck and built the new structure from the ground up. For the floorboards and stairs, the homeowners chose TimberTech Terrain composite decking boards in the brown oak color. These boards are low-maintenance, durable and texturized to display the beauty of real wood graining. The selection is both beautiful and practical because the material resists mold, mildew and moisture damage —great for a screened porch!

Columbus screened porch with fireplace

Looking up, you can see that the porch roof has a shallow pitch to avoid hitting the second-story windows overhead. We installed a standing seam metal roof that works well for this pitch and also has the advantage of being a “cool roof,” meaning it is light in color and won’t absorb heat from the sun.

Of course, the centerpiece of this project is the traditional wood-burning fireplace. While the appearance is that of aged brick, perhaps reclaimed from an older home, we actually built it with (new) concrete stones. It definitely contributes to that cabin-in-the-woods vibe we wanted to convey.

Columbus OH Screened Porch Builder

Inside, the fireplace’s granite hearth is nestled amidst cedar and pine. The mantel is cedar, as are the screened room’s posts and beams, while the ceiling is tongue-and-groove pine that will be painted. Outside, you can see the cedar trim, posts and beams and cedar skirting with a small door to access a storage area under the porch. There are two outside storage doors, one on each side of the fireplace.

Rustic screend porch designs in Columbus OHThe overall effect is that of a cozy cabin in the woods, and the homeowners can visit their remote cabin getaway any time just by stepping from the house onto the screened porch. This fireplace will warm many a chilly Ohio evening.

If you have an out-of-the-ordinary escape destination in mind and want to incorporate it into the outdoor living space at your home, contact Archadeck of Columbus for a design consultation today. You can reach us at (740) 879 – 3730, or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

Archadeck of Columbus team
The Archadeck of Columbus team.

 

 

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

Avante Ashlar interlocking has random appearance Archadeck Cols

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.

Sunbury OH Patio and Deck Combination

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.

Outdoor kitchen
Maybe an outdoor kitchen is the best accompaniment for your patio?

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.

Design Excellence Award Winning Columbus Hardscape

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.

plain-city-oh-patio-builder

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.

patio paver designs Columbus OH

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.

Archadeck of Columbus team
The Archadeck of Columbus team.

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.

 

 

Pergolas may be small in stature, but they make a big statement in your outdoor living space

columbus-pergola-buildersSometimes it is the small things in your outdoor living space that can make the biggest impact. Take for example the pergola. Pergolas give you the capability of creating that outdoor room feeling with a minimal investment.

The pergola is among one of the fastest growing elements in backyard building. All you have to do is visit Pinterest, turn on the TV to HGTV or peruse through your favorite home & garden magazine to discern their appeal. In addition to being a favorable aesthetic for your backyard, pergolas also promote coziness within an intimate environment. And it is certainly no secret that adding a Columbus pergola to your outdoor living space can provide loads of ambiance, too!

This photo shows one of the pergolas the homeowner chose
Pergolas add shade and definition to any outdoor space.

Gone are the days of classifying two posts with a board across the top as a pergola! At Archadeck of Columbus, our pergolas can be custom designed and built in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles and in a wide range of materials including classic wood and low maintenance vinyl. Our pergolas can be finished with all the electrical accouterments that are available in outdoor areas such as patios and porches such as lighting, ceiling fans, and more!

New Albany OH Paver Patio Builder

One of the unique facets of the pergola’s design is that there are no set standards so your pergola can really become a creative piece that you can add your own personal touches and character. A great example of the use of diverse materials is the pergola we built in Columbus that aluminum powder coated trusses across the top …

Aluminum powder coated trusses on pergola
Aluminum powder coated trusses on pergola.

Most homeowners prefer to implement their pergola addition as a secondary layer of a multi-faceted outdoor living combination. For instance; Pergolas work as a great medium for adding definition and dimension to a deck, they can also be attached to other structures such as covered porches, patios and even screened porches. Let us not forget that pergolas can be used as viable shade structures. The amount of protection they deliver is based on the design itself. By building the pergola with 3″ wide lathing (the top portion of the pergola), and installing these on a 20-degree angle we can increase the measure of shade and sun protection.

pergola incorporated into a privacy fence

Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to design and build the pergola of your wildest dreams. When it comes to the design and functionality possibilities of the pergola, the choices are endless!

You can reach us at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

Archadeck of Columbus team
The Archadeck of Columbus team.

 

Our Newest Project in Galena, OH, Gives New Meaning to the Term “Dog Day Afternoon”

Columbus deck and patio combinationsArchadeck of Columbus just completed a backyard transformation in Vinmar Farms, a neighborhood located in Galena, Ohio. When we originally met with the homeowners they had recently purchased the home and their existing outdoor living space consisted of only an 8x 10 builder grade deck. Not only was the deck small it created a boxed in feeling of not being able to turn around in the space, and it offered no access to the backyard from the deck itself. In order to enter the backyard you had to do so from the main level of the home. Since the home included a walkout basement, not having access to the backyard from the deck was an issue they wanted to rectify.

Columbus deck and patio combinationsWhen we met with the homeowners to discuss upgrading their outdoor living space there was another prerequisite we needed to address. Aside from all the reasons associated with the size, flow and functionality of the existing space. The homeowners, being caring dog owners, wanted a space that would give their beloved canines, and themselves, an open space to spend time outdoors together and separate.

Galena OH Timbertech deck builderThe final design we came up with speaks to all their concerns through a new (much larger) low-maintenance deck, spacious Unilock patio and under-deck space that could provide a shady spot on those dog day afternoons. The entire space flows from one into another and offers access to the backyard AND walkout basement.

The deck is built in durable TimberTech Terrain in brown oak, this color is not only easy on the eyes, it also helps mask any dirt brought onto the deck by muddy paws. The deck also includes a white vinyl rail with a TimberTech rail cap which unifies the design. We used a three-board tread step approach to the stairs to make travel up and down into and from the deck into the yard easier for the homeowner’s aging dogs.

Galena OH Timbertech deck builder

Just a gentle walk below the deck is the stunning curvilinear paver patio which opens up the outdoor living space possibilities for man, and man’s best friend. The patio is built with Unilock Beacon Hill Flagstone pavers in platinum with a sailor course edge in Unilock Basalt Courtstone. The patio is finished off with a cropped rotary wall of Ledgestone which compliments the edge of the patio and adds a custom touch to the entrance into the walk-out basement.

Columbus deck and patio combinations

As you can see, the patio floor extends the length of the under-deck area to provide a shady spot for the homeowner’s dogs to relax on warm days. The homeowner’s plan to add low-profile outdoor furnishings to help make the under-deck area easily accessible for the dogs too.

Columbus deck and patio combinations

The entire space is built with pet-friendliness and extended outdoor living capabilities in mind. The homeowners are elated with their new backyard, as are their dogs. We look forward to revisiting this project in the months ahead and capture images of our four-legged clients enjoying the space too!

Columbus deck and patio combinations

If you are ready to extend your outdoor living possibilities, for all members of your family to enjoy, Archadeck of Columbus can help! We can address any special circumstances and expertly refine an outdoor living space to address those needs. Contact us today to learn more at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

Archadeck of Columbus team
The Archadeck of Columbus team.

 

 

 

 

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

Columbus OH covered patio for dining and entertainingThe 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…

Columbus porch for happy catEnjoy 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.

Low maintenance Columbus TimberTech deck with pergola lrSave 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.

New Albany OH Softscaping

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.

Archadeck of Columbus team
The Archadeck of Columbus team.

Archadeck of Columbus softscapes are the perfect finishing touch to your outdoor living addition!

Columbus OH softscapes
Our softscapes are the perfect finish to your Columbus outdoor living addition!

It probably comes as no surprise that April is National Garden Month in the U.S. April is not only known for its showers, but it’s also the time that most homeowners gaze at their yards with a critical eye, trying to decide what new plants to purchase and whether or not a new infusion of mulch is necessary. If you are considering a new Columbus porch, patio or other outdoor living area, this annual event is also a good reminder that no “hardscaping” project is truly complete without including some thought for the “softscape” or landscaping around it.

London OH hardscape and softscape project
London, OH, hardscape and softscape installation.

We build outside because we enjoy being outside and the bushes, trees, lawns, and flowers are a huge part of what makes spending time in the yard so relaxing. Some of our clients are diehard gardeners, a few of them professionals even, and they work closely with us during the design phase to help us determine where planting beds should be and to what depth they should be dug. Others don’t know what they want, but know that they would love to have something lush and green and that they would prefer that it be low maintenance. We are happy to accommodate both of those groups and all of the homeowners in between.

Tiered patio in London OH

Our softscaping services include analysis of your soil and a professional assessment of what kinds of plants will do well in the different areas of your yard. We’ll consider how the plants will grow and complement one another over time so that you don’t have a festival of color in June, but nothing left in August. We’ll also design for the long haul; we want your yard to look even better 5 years from now.

tulips close upBecause we design and create new hardscapes and softscapes in tandem, we have the flexibility to deal with the unique challenges in your yard. We can address drainage issues that might arise through the changes to water movement associated with your project. Perhaps we will need to build fences or choose plants that will deter wild (or domestic) animals from visiting certain parts of your property. Archadeck will evaluate the sun, shade, and orientation of the different parts of your home and yard to create spaces that are both comfortable and beautiful. Visit this archived blog to learn more about key considerations for your Columbus softscape. Or check out some beautiful tips from the National Gardening Association.

Archadeck of ColumbusIf 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.

 

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.

Design Excellence Award Winning Columbus Hardscape

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.

Design Excellence Award Winning Columbus Hardscape

Design Excellence Award Winning Columbus Hardscape

Design Excellence Award Winning Columbus Hardscape

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.

Design Excellence Award Winning Columbus HardscapeHere 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.

Archadeck of ColumbusIf 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.

 

When Plan B stands for Beautiful!

before
Existing deck before Archadeck of Columbus began 3-season room addition.

Our clients had hoped to build their Dublin 3-season room on the structure of an existing deck that was in disrepair. This was certainly a great idea and a cost-savings tool that we use on many of our redecking and upgrade projects. Unfortunately, in this case, we found during our professional inspection that the foundation was not strong enough to use. And so we went with Plan B.

Dublin OH three season room
New three season room!

While it is always nice to save some money, pulling out an unsound foundation offers a few benefits. First, and most importantly, you are looking out for the safety of your family and everyone else who visits the new room.  Second, it frequently gives you some additional longevity on your project, whether it is a Columbus screened porch, 3-season or sunroom. Replacing the foundation also gives you extra flexibility when it comes to deciding on the “footprint” of the project. You can expand or alter the shape from your original deck easily when starting from scratch.

Interior of Dublin, OH, 3-season room.
Interior of Dublin, OH, 3-season room.

Screened porches are the center of much of the social activity in this neighborhood, so when our customers were ready for an upgrade they had a good idea of what they wanted. Their ideal space was a 3-season room that has both screens and windows so that they can enjoy the space nearly every day of the year. They chose Jeld-Wen Low-E windows which are extremely energy efficient and will save them money in the long term. They also wanted hardwood flooring to give the room a rustic feel.

Interior of Dublin, OH, 3-season room showing king truss detail.
Interior of Dublin, OH, 3-season room showing king truss detail.

Archadeck enhanced the rustic theme with cedar wrap and trim, as well as exposed tongue & groove wood on the ceiling and interior walls. The decorative king truss is a thing of beauty. It’s a stunning visual focal point for the entire room. From the outside you will see vinyl siding installed to match the existing home with cedar trim that will weather beautifully over time. Deckorators made the balusters for the exterior railing.

This three season room and patio prove that plan B can stand for beautiful!
This three season room and patio prove that plan B can stand for beautiful!

Because we were starting essentially with a clean slate, Archadeck of Columbus was also able to install a curved Unilock paver patio for eating or barbecuing. In one fell swoop this family traded one tired deck for a 3-season room-paver patio combination that will be the hot new place to visit and socialize in the neighborhood this spring, summer, and fall.

Archadeck of ColumbusIf 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!

London OH Retaining wallsThere 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.

London OH Hardscape project on historic home

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.

London OH patio builderOn 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.

London OH Patios and Hardscapes

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.

London OH outdoor fire pit builderThe 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.

Archadeck of ColumbusGot 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.

Outdoor living trends for Columbus in 2015

One of my high school teachers always encouraged her students to ask the questions we had because, “If you have a question, someone else probably has the same question too.” With that in mind, I’d like to share some common questions I get which may help with some insight into what’s trending now and will likely to continue to trend at least early in 2015.

Q: What materials will people use the most in decks for 2015?

Synthetics like TimberTech make up about 80% of our deck business and we don’t foresee that changing much.

Q: Will we see anything new in composites?

Yes. TimberTech generally adds to their line at the beginning of each year. I understand they will add new colors to their line including a gray board.

Q: What new colors are becoming popular?

Dark brown is rising in popularity and we will build a lot of decks with contrasting colors, like those done in a picture frame design. Clients are also getting more creative with some of their trim choices on the sides.

Q: How about railings? Anything new there?

Nothing new really, but we anticipate high demand for aluminum because its thin profile allows for a superior view of your yard.

Q: What alternatives are there to the traditional rectangular deck?

Most houses are very linear so rectangular decks are always going to be popular. Having said that, we can use angles to soften the shape of the back of the house and add some visual interest to the design. It’s really the best of both worlds and less expensive than going with round or curvy.

Q: What’s hot in deck accessories?

Built-in lighting, especially with LED bulbs, is a trend that’s here to stay. It makes sense: why go to the trouble of building a deck and then make it hard to use after the sun sets? We can put accent lighting on stairs, which is a terrific safety feature, or mount it on posts or railings. If you can see your deck, you are going to use it more. And the newest generation of bulbs is energy efficient and designed to last. We can even link your lights to a timer or remote control for easy use.

Q: How about patios? What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in them over the last 4 years?

Larger stones are being requested more often. I’m ordering a lot of 8×12 and 12×12 stones. When I first started installing Columbus patios there were more 3×8 or 4×8 blocks. We also are building patios with different natural stones.

Q: Why are people using different sizes?

Sometimes they want to have more than one pattern in the layout, like using a soldier course inlay, a sailor course or designing the patio like a deck picture frame. We’ve collaborated on some really beautiful, creative projects using multiple sizes of pavers and stone.

Q: What are your customers adding to the patio base?

We are including lots of vertical components. Seating walls are terrific for a variety of purposes. Planters and pillars add visual interest and provide great opportunities for seasonal decorating. And, of course, we install fire pits and fireplaces.

Q: What stone colors are going to be popular next year?

Browns, buffs and grays. I think people like to use the colors of stones that they see in the environment around them. Reds generally are not as popular in this area.

Q: What feature do you consider a “must have” for a Columbus patio?

Lights. They provide safety and make any outdoor space more beautiful and useable. You can never go wrong with outdoor lighting.

Q: Any last words of outdoor living wisdom?

It may sound a little simplistic, but I always remind customers that the patio doesn’t end at the edge of the stones. You have to give some thought to what you will see all around it. Make sure to have a landscaping plan, even if it’s not fancy. If gardening is not one of your passions, we can help with Columbus landscape design and recommendations for low maintenance plants suitable to our climate.

Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus

If you’re considering building a porch, deck, patio or other outdoor living structure in the Columbus area, give us a call for a free consultation. We look forward to your call!

(740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net