Patios & hardscapes – Page 5 – Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus

Multi-Level Decks and Deck and Patio Combinations Mean Multi-Levels of Unique Beauty and Added Function

Multi-level decks as well as deck and patio combinations are the growing trend in the Columbus, OH market. Archadeck of Columbus gives you some wonderful examples of the different combinations, with function and beauty in mind.

Columbus_low_to_grade_Timbertech_Composite_Deck_with_Patio_Columbus_Ohio — Low-to-grade composite deck with hardscape patio by Archadeck of Columbus

Here at Archadeck of Columbus the growing trend we continue to see among our customers is multi-level structures such as multi-level decks and decks that step down to patios and landscaping. Not only are these structures pleasing to the eye on multiple levels but they are built with multiple ways to enjoy your structure. Bi-leveled structures maintain room for a multitude of uses some of which would include separate dining, separate gathering areas and separate seating areas.

Most homeowners usually have a deck or patio only. By utilizing a combination of both of these structures you will not only have two distinct living areas, but you will also have multiple outdoor living areas which is unique. In today’s markets having the “unique” will enhance your investment in your outdoor living structure.

Low_to_grade_deck_in_Columbus_Ohio_with_firepit — Low-to-grade deck with fire pit by Archadeck of Columbus

A classic example, and one most homeowners can relate to, is the scenario of the backyard dinner party where the men and women usually end up congregating in separate spots on your single level deck or patio. The added space and separation a multi-level structure provides would give your male and female guests alike room to stretch out and enjoy their evening . You could even heat things up a little by adding a fire pit to create a distinct area. One level could make room for seating and dining and the other could be seating and the fire pit area.

Multi-Level_Cedar_Deck_with_low_to_grade_portion_and_Gazebo_Marysville_OH — This low to grade deck has a gazebo added to the lower level which allows cover from the elements

Another unique and aesthetically pleasing option is a gazebo or pergola added to one the levels in your your multi-level structure. Not only are these structures stunning to look at but they add shade to your space. Structures such as these would allow for shelter from the elements as well, so even if a summer shower comes to ruin your backyard barbecue your guests can move under the covered structure portion of your structure until the rain passes.

multi_level_low_to_grade_Floating_Bench_Flaired_Steps_Columbus_Delaware_County — This multi-level low to grade deck has flared steps and a floating bench

Multi-level structures are common in the Columbus area because of our terrain. The average home is about 30″ off the ground so it makes a perfect place to have two distinct areas. Low-to-grade decks are still a popular choice in this area as well. The beauty part of a low-to-grade deck is the option of not requiring a rail. Structures less than 30″ off the ground do not require a rail by code. advantages of not having a rail are the ability to see an un-obstructed view of landscaping, or hardscaping, or other focal point in your landscape, as well as the additional room you will have to add seating, furniture or planters. A clear uninhibited view is appreciated by many homeowners. If you have a relatively flat grade to your yard hardscapes such as patios are easier to construct.

Low_to_Grade_Deck_with_Landscaping_Westervile_Ohio_Columbus — Low-to-grade deck with exquisite landscaping

There are two things about being close to ground-level that we want to caution homeowners about. If the grade is extremely low the structure will require more posts to structure because you can’t use a beam construction. We use a true post and beam construction but with low to grade structures the posts are actually attached to joists which eliminate the beam. The second concern is the moisture and ventilation issue. Most communities require landscape fabric with gravel be put down to avoid grass and weed growth into the deck. This barrier also inhibits animals and helps keep it drier. Archadeck of Columbus recommends being no less than 16″ off the ground to alleviate structural costs and ventilation issues.

If you are considering a multi-level deck or deck and patio multi-level combination, or one of many other unique combinations, give Archadeck of Columbus a call to discuss what type of structure is best for you. We can schedule a free consultation to evaluate which grade would best suit your lot and design and construct the structure of your dreams.

Color Choices and Trends in Hardscapes are Keeping an Artful Eye on Design

Archadeck of Columbus explores the world of color choices in hardscapes. What is popular and tried and true here in the midwest, and how to put together the right color palette for you.

Hardscape stone wall w/ composite deck — This hardscape wall shows a beautiful neutral brown to taupe color combination

Archadeck of Columbus prides itself in keeping up with the new design trends when it comes to hardscapes and other aspects of outdoor living design. Recently, I was fortunate enough to speak with Guy Lane, who is the design consultant for Outdoor Living by Mr. Mulch. He was able to let me into the world of colors with his artful eye on design and expertise. Speaking with Mr. Lane gave me the insight on what direction consumers are going in terms of color palettes for hardscapes.

Hardscape patio and seating wall — This hardscape patio and seating wall by archadeck of Columbus, has a lighter neutral taupe based color combination

Naturally, the popularity of certain colors depends mainly on your demographics. Here in the Midwest the popular hues consist of neutral browns and taupe based beige. These neutral tones are most often accentuated by charcoal gray, and very dark gray tones used for banding and accents. When a customer is installing a patio, or other hardscape structure you mainly want to stick to a basic, classic, tried and true color palette because you want the landscaping and flowers to be your focal point. Too much color going on in one area will make your focus uneasy, and will make it difficult for your eyes to be at rest. You can use complimentary colors to make your basic color scheme “pop” through the use of outdoor accent furniture and accessories. The outdoor living industry has grown in leaps and bounds and there are designs, patterns, textures and colors available to suit every taste.

Hardscape patio showing detailed soldier course (outside bordering) — Hardscape patio which takes advantage of the neutral brown, brick red and charcoal combination ( notice the soldier course detailing on the outside border)

Sometimes when you think hardscapes the first image that pops into your mind is that of a terra-cotta paver. The terra-cotta palette of hardscapes is not used that often anymore. Brick red, and richer red accents however, are commonplace and used in accents, borders and banding. Even though the light gray family of colors, with its more commercial and contemporary feel is not a very popular color choice on its own, when paired with the brick-red, it becomes stunning.

Another design trend we are seeing is the use of chocolate browns to add spots of color to a design. That same chocolate can be seen throughout outdoor living accents and fabric industry as well, where it is often paired with spa blue for a relaxing and soothing effect. Generally, blues are not a popular hardscape color. Blues in hues from slate all the way to your darker blues are rarely seen used in hardscapes.

Hardscape patio, seating wall and fire pit — Notice the refreshingly subtle use of light beige and gray here in this color combination

The use of white and creams are used marginally here in the mid-west. We do see a certain amount of customers who do like them, Says Lane, but it is minimal. Even though this palette gives an essence of crispness and cleanliness, people are sometimes hesitant to use these hues simply because of the upkeep factor. They feel it is a harder color to keep clean.

Color guidance is an important tool to have when deciding colors for you new outdoor structure. Whether you decide to use the ever popular and classic neutral brown and taupe based tones, or decide to think outside the box, choosing your color palette is a fun experience. Another key is to remember you can always change out you accessories to suit your taste much easier and at a minimal expense, when comparing the headache of changing out the colors in your hardscapes. That being said, using a classic neutral color choice can also allow you the freedom to experiment or even seasonally change your accents and just have fun with it. Your hardscapes can serve as your artist’s canvas, and then the rest is only limited to your imagination.

If you are planning the addition of an outdoor structure in your future, give Archadeck of Columbus a call to help design and build your next work of art.(740) 879 – 3730
or email us @ westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Decisions in Hardscapes- the Who’s Who and the What’s best

Archadeck of Columbus, OH explores the trends in pavers. Pavers are used on a wide scale to construct floors, patios, retaining wall, pillars and outdoor fire pits and fireplaces.

Dublin_outdoor_patio_landscaping — Rendering and design plan for outdoor patio done in pavers

Everyday we are asked about hardscapes and pavers. Hardscapes have become very popular recently. With the choices and styles sometimes it can be quite a chore just to make a selection for your upcoming project. One of the things we love to do as design consultants, is to aid in making your selections. I do want to take an opportunity to share some of my thoughts and experience on pavers and hardscapes with you, in essence a “who’s who” and “what’s best”.

belgard3 — Soothing water feature in Belgard

Most pavers come in different sizes, and when considering pavers you usually will have at least two different sizes in each style and color so that you can create lots of different looks. Pavers come in various colors as well, this makes it easy to either contrast or blend your colors. Each paver is not a single, solitary color. Each will have variation and different tones throughout the paver itself. This is due largely in part to the fact that pavers are concrete molds and they will tend to vary in color due to the aggregates. Most

patio and fireplace w star hardscapes — Patio and outdoor fireplace done in hardscapes

pavers come in either a smooth surface or a more rustic surface, which is referred to as “tumbled”. Stonehenge and Brussels are a good representation of the “tumbled” pavers. Various styling trends such as the lane pattern’s and Curvilinear are popular. Curvilinear is a little more expensive because there is more cutting involved. Styles such as these a larger and more like tiles or slabs that mimic the look of natural stone. Belgard also has a line of natural “stone”- like pavers as well.

Of course when considering building with pavers, foundation, as is the case with any construction, is very important. The advantage of using a concrete paver over a concrete pad or stamped concrete. With a paver you don’t run the risk of a cracking foundation because when using pavers you have a joint that acts as an expansion joint, and if potentially something goes wrong it is an easy fix.

Dublin_OH_patio_design — Paver patio designed by Archadeck of Columbus

In the Midwest the most popular pavers are Oberfields and Unilock. Both are good concrete pavers, however over time Oberfields will lose some its color. An inexpensive color will start to show more of the aggregate within the paver much more quickly than a higher quality paver will. The aggregate color which usually comes forth is a concrete-type grayish tint and this is the reason we generally don’t recommend using Oberfields.

retaining wall hardscape — Hardscape retaining wall

Another important aspect when considering pavers is water drainage and elevation.You always want to keep the water away from your house. We add a slight slope with installation of each paver to ensure that the water is flowing away from your home. When elevation is an issue, for example if you have a slope in your backyard, there will be a necessity to create a retaining wall(s). In this case we usually suggest a fall of 6″ or more. Another choice for keeping water away from the house is Belgard and Unilock’s permeable pavers. They are the new “green” thing in pavers. They are slightly wider and water goes through them, however they do require a different type of installation.

patio with outdoor kitchen hardscape — Hardscape patio with outdoor kitchen

A great facility to view pavers here in Columbus, OH is Mr. Mulch. They are a retailer with about 25,000 feet of display area which includes Techno-bloc and Unilock pavers. Another place is Wellnitz. My grandfather was Harry Wellnitz and he actually started the company, they now specialize in landscaping and carry Belgard products as well. Belgard is a high-end product that is not only used for paver floors but also seating walls, pillars and the ever popular fire pits and outdoor fireplaces.

large_Dublin_OH_patio_design — Another view of this great rendering for a hardscape patio by Archadeck of Columbus

Last but certainly not least are Techno-bloc pavers. Believe it or not this is the only paver that will withstand salt being applied to it. This paver will come in handy to use if you live in area that requires a great deal of de-icing each year.

I hope these helpful hints and suggestions help you to better identify the current trends and choices in pavers. If you still have some questions you need answered our design staff is always here to help you with all your hardscape needs. Give Archadeck of Columbus a call to plan your next paver project.(740) 879 – 3730

A Deck/Patio Combo in Columbus turns out to be just what the Doctor Ordered

Archadeck of Columbus pairs together a deck and patio combination that suits these Columbus, Ohio homeowners to a “T”.

Columbus paver patio deck and landscaping

Here at Archadeck of Columbus, we recently completed a deck for this homeowner in Gahanna which is located in Columbus, Ohio. This customer decided to install a deck and patio combination because they liked the idea of having two different living areas and having adjoining seating areas to enjoy throughout the season.

Patios can be installed in the Columbus area from about March 15^th until the first freeze which is usually around mid-December. The ideal is to wait to begin a patio until March or early April to make sure the ground is not frozen, or in some cases muddy from melting snow or ice.

We constructed the deck using TimberTech XLM in beautiful “river rock” gray and used a cedar rail for a wonderful contrast. We completed the deck prior to the stairs because we wanted to make sure the stairs are all the same height.

Columbus_paver_patio_builder — Design rendering in detail

The upcoming patio will be oval on one corner and the other corner will be a straight rectangle to accommodate a small retaining wall. Due to the excavation that is necessary for the patio’s installation there will be excess soil that needs to be removed. In most cases we can use excavated soil as topsoil to create planting beds or an upgrade at a later date around the perimeter of a structure such as this patio. In the case of this customer, they wanted to add planting beds that they could go ahead and plant in now. This worked out perfectly for this customer. We will also be adding a spading edge to the planting beds and mulch.

umbriano_winter_marvel — Umbriano "Winter marvel"

Archadeck Columbus paver patio architectural Rendering

The patio itself will be finished using Uni-lock Umbriano pavers. These are concrete pavers but are made to look contemporary, the end effect resembles slabs with a larger pattern. This type of paver has been quite popular in the Columbus area. The color these homeowners chose is “winter marvel” for the field area and the soldier course ( perimeter/border) is “midnight sky”. We anticipate this combination will be breathtaking when completed.

The choice to include a patio with the deck area is clearly a design that can be integrated into any landscape whether it is single or multi-level. Having multiple living areas is a growing trend. The two structures harmonize together beautifully.

If you are considering a deck, a patio or both, give Archadeck of Columbus a call and we can meet with you to discuss placement, design and materials. We can give your backyard that same harmony. Give us a ring for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730
or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

Archadeck Enhances Services with Landscape Design and Installation

Archadeck Welcomes Rob Mitchell!!

Archadeck of Columbus is constantly striving to improve our business, as well as diversify the type of projects we offer.

Through the years we have worked with several quality landscape companies to assist us with hardscapes, such as paver patios, seating walls, outdoor fireplaces and firepits. Starting in 2011, we are taking the information we have learned over the years and will be providing those hardscape services right here at Archadeck!

We would like to introduce Rob Mitchell, our Outdoor Living Design Consultant. Rob has a 16 year background in landscape/hardscape design and installation. Archadeck of Columbus has had the pleasure of working with Rob on numerous projects over the last 10 years. Impressed with his attention to detail, ability to listen to client’s needs, customer service skills and knowledge, his services are just what we need to assist us in our continued growth.

Rob has been involved in the design, installation and management of projects such as paver patios, retaining walls, seating walls, firepits, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, natural stone patios, natural stone retaining walls, boulder accents, masonry applications, low voltage outdoor lighting, bed formations and plant installations. His product knowledge and vast experience will be a tremendous benefit to our clients.

We would like to welcome Rob to our team and urge you to consider Archadeck of Columbus for “All Your Outdoor Living Needs”.

Archadeck of Columbus

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

(740) 879-3730

Web: www.columbus.archadeck.com

Email: westcolumbus@archadeck.net

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!