“Just the right size” means different things to different people, but Archadeck of Columbus believes all that really matters is what it means to you. Sometimes what you want is a table for two and a sweet, little deck to put it on. Add a roof to that deck, and you have a covered porch – with a table for two.
So often you see pictures of multi-level decks and expansive porches coupled with patios that seem to stretch on forever. On a big house, a super-sized outdoor living project fits the grand scale of the home and doesn’t look a bit out of place. Seeing so many pictures of these large projects may give you the impression that the best decks, porches and patios have to be that big. Not at all.
Today’s project illustrates how an outdoor living space doesn’t have to be big to have a big impact. These New Albany, OH, homeowners called Archadeck to design and build a covered porch just the right size for their bistro table and chairs.
The area before we began the new porch project:
The house originally had a 3×3 sq. ft. landing outside the sliding glass doors. It had railings, pickets and steps leading down to a stone paver patio. It had many of the trappings of a tiny deck, but it was a little too small for the bistro table.
Archadeck of Columbus designed the perfect-size seating area and added a roof overhead to make it a porch. The new space is 10×10, in keeping with the scale of the home – and in compliance with their neighborhood’s HOA restrictions.
One of the homeowners’ priorities was having a low-maintenance structure, so the materials we selected met that requirement. For the porch floor we used TimberTech composite decking in a combination of two colors, mocha and pecan. The white porch railings and the latticework under the deck are vinyl. The porch pickets are made of aluminum. For the rest of the structure, including the fascia and custom-wrapped columns, we used a newer material called Boral True Exterior. Finally, we used tongue-and-groove cedar for the interior ceiling of the covered porch and added vinyl siding to the upper outside end of the porch to match the home’s exterior.
Interior ceiling detail:
By adding a porch to accompany their existing patio, these homeowners now have a combination outdoor living space. And it’s just the right size for them.
The Archadeck of Columbus team.
Your Archadeck of Columbus design consultant is ready to help you explore outdoor living options either large or small or somewhere in between. Contact us today at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.
There are certain outdoor living structures that are just must-haves and porches have remained at the top of this list for generations. There is nothing more American than the porch. Whether used as a refuge from the elements, or a place to relax and make memories with friends and family, the porch is a classic outdoor structure that transcends time.
“Porches are as synonymous with American culture as apple pie. While known in colonial times, they rose to nationwide popularity in the decades before the Civil War, and remained in fashion for almost one hundred years. Ironically, the very social and technological forces that made them both popular and possible were eventually responsible for their decline.”
— From Kahn, Preserving Porches
For over 15 years, Archadeck of Columbus has designed and built custom outdoor structures with functionality and beauty in mind for homeowners in the Columbus area. During our time in business few structures have remained as constant as the porch. Porches have been portrayed throughout history as a safe haven of protection from wind, snow, rain and nuisance insects and have been associated with the art of relaxation.
An outdoor fireplace adds to the rustic charm of this wooden screened porch in Delaware, OH.
Porches come in all shapes and sizes, and their benefits extend the entire circumference of the home and even within the landscape. From the traditional “rocking chair” front porch, the open porch, screened porch and even porches detached from the home and used in a variable setting within the landscape — all are endearing to Columbusites!
This photo shows the lovely interior of this open porch we recently completed in Columbus, OH.
Archadeck of Columbus specializes in creating porches that are steeped in quality, beauty and overall outdoor enjoyment. We can deliver the beloved wooden porch of your past, or design your porch without the worry of constant painting or staining because of our diverse menu of low maintenance materials such as vinyl, PVC and other synthetics. We also pay close attention to the details that make each of our porches unique and superior to other designs. Our porches can be designed to include the modern conveniences that you yearn for such as ceiling fans, electrical outlets, recessed lighting and even an outdoor kitchen or fireplace. When it comes to choosing the details that set your porch apart from others, the world is your oyster. Archadeck of Columbus’ porches not only provide you with comfort and convenience, they can also improve your home’s curb appeal and increase your home’s value as well.
If you are ready to transform that blah front exterior of your home, or are ready to turn your vacant backyard into an outdoor oasis, a porch is the perfect answer! Contact us today to learn more about our versatile porch and screened porch designs at (740) 879 – 3730, email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net or visit our website at columbus.archadeck.com.
I love a good, long, hard, drenching rainstorm. Not all the time naturally, but there is something incredibly invigorating about watching Mother Nature flex her muscles and bring some serious water down from above. The key, of course, is having someplace where you can watch such a magnificent display from under cover.
We recently build a wonderful space for just this purpose in Pataskala. The homeowners had parts of their outdoor living space that they liked, but there were others that just didn’t work for them. They called Archadeck of Columbus because they were ready to make a change and wanted an update that would give them plenty of space for relaxed entertaining or tailgating on some days, and a place to take in a wild rainstorm on others.
The first part of the job was to remove an outdated concrete slab and the lower level of a two-level deck. We replaced both of these areas with a custom Unilock stone patio. While it’s effectively one large area, we differentiated the patio into three discrete spaces by using different color stones, using multiple course designs in the layout, adding some seating walls & pillars, and covering nearly half of it with an open-air porch.
The customer liked the rustic, natural look of Unilock pavers. They have a subtly distressed appearance when they come from the factory, so they look like they have always been part of the home–making the area feel both classic and relaxed. We built the floor of the patio with Unilock Avante Ashlar, using a combination of Sierra and Sandstone colors for the center and contrasting border. It looks very sharp. We constructed the seating walls and pillars with the complementary line of Unilock Brussels which is a distinctive and beautiful paver. The open area provides ample space for relaxing under the stars or gathering around the fire pit.
We replaced a retractable awning with a permanent covered patio that gives the customers the option to enjoy their yard in all kinds of weather. Each pillar has an outlet to plug in radios, phones or anything else at hand. We also installed permanent wiring for an outdoor TV, a ceiling fan on the ridge beam and outlets earmarked for party lights. There is a narrow, sunny area just in front of the porch that is perfect for catching some rays while relaxing on a chaise.
In addition to the design details that make the project easy to use and great to look at, there are other, less evident structural details that will make a huge difference to the owners over time. The large width of the porch demanded extra roof support. To avoid blocking light to the upstairs window, we built a low-pitched roof. We’ve found that low-pitched Columbus porch roofs need to have an ice and water guard or the homeowners will have big trouble down the road. You might notice the millwork and wrapped posts on the porch. It’s important to always have a seasoned builder evaluate your desired projects, looking at both structure and design details.
The bottom line is how the new space is meaningful and useful to the homeowners. Take a look at the review they left on Angie’s List:
“Let me start off by saying we absolutely love the patio and the work done by Archadeck. From the beginning design phase to final completion everyone that represented the company were top notch. Rob with our design, Phil as his back up , Seth on construction to Paco on the pavers all of them went out of their to make sure the job was done to our satisfaction. As with many construction projects we had some glitches along the way but in the end I felt any issues were handled fairly and reasonably. I felt I was always able to get ahold of Rob at anytime day or night with my issues and he responded promptly to all inquiries. Seth and the carpentry work he preformed is beautiful. Paco and his crew did a beautiful job with the pavers. My wife and I keep saying “it feels like we moved” because the space they created for us makes it feel like a completely different house.
I think most peoples frustrations with contractors is that once they have your money your stuck. Sometimes they show up and sometimes they don’t , with no explanation. Not Archadeck, we were always kept informed as to who and when someone would be there and what they would be doing that day. And they were always there when they said they would be. If no one was working that day, you knew why and when they would be back. This was a big job and when any of the crew were there they were working and getting alot done. The job site was cleaned up every night and the space around the work area was usable. Finally the bill, there were addendums that were added only they way from the initial quote. They were very specific as to the changes and the cost. When the job was over, we paid what we owed with no “surprises”. No job this big gets done without some issues but I feel they were all professionally handled. And they fact that they operate as a single point of contact using all their own subs and employees I didn’t have to make sure there was coordination between some outside contractor and Archadeck,. The one outside contractor I did have to bring in was told when he would be able to do his part and they were respectful of his time and he was able to do his work when he was told. Everyone that has seen the project is amazed at the work, my wife and I love it. I would highly recommend Archadeck to anyone who would ask. Great Job Guys!! Thanks!”
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
If you’re thinking about adding an outdoor living space to your Columbus backyard, contact us 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 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net. We look forward to your call.
The year in review takes a bow as Archadeck of Columbus explores the top 10 design trends in screened and open porch designs; the final installment in our design trend series for 2013 and beyond.
An outdoor fireplace adds to the rustic charm of this wooden screened porch in Delaware, OH.
As we look back at the year in review, porches were hot! Screened porches and open porches were very popular in 2013. We see that trend continuing into the New Year as well. The number one reason homeowners love porches is because they are a functional and beautiful way to provide shade in your outdoor living space. The need for shade is a necessity in many cases, especially in yards facing South or West. In many cases, porches are a way to allocate a more permanent shade structure than the use of an awning or shade curtains in an outdoor living space.
As the final installment in our series on design trends, Archadeck of Columbus explores the top 10 design trends in screened and open porch designs…
#1) Paver flooring used in a screened porch setting – This is what as referred to as a “screened patio”. These spaces have all the function and appeal of a porch with the only difference being the grade of the structure and floor medium used. Paver and hardscape patios can be the foundation for a wonderful screened or covered/open porch addition. These outdoor living spaces are often built on the ground or at a lower grade than traditional screened porches, but can also include an elevated design.
#2) Wraps are very popular – Wrapping consists of covering areas such as posts with a more aesthetically pleasing wood. We often wrap areas that are visible in your screened porch with cedar or paulownia to give the space a rustic appeal. Custom trim is also widely requested.
The open rafter detail of this porch gives it a rustic feel and the warm wood tones the homeowners used further the charm.
#3) Cathedral ceilings are a must – Cathedral ceilings within screen porches interior are a hot commodity. The pitch of the roof dictates ceiling height and since our most utilized roof styles for screened porches in the Columbus area are the gable and hip, it sets the stage for a cathedral ceiling. Cathedral ceilings lend an open airy feel to your porch interior and create a sense that the space is larger than it actually is. Keep in mind, if conditions require, we can do a flat roof as well.
#4) Exposed rafters – Nothing adds character or style to a screened porch interior quite like exposed rafters. With the simple act of leaving the ceiling of your porch open (exposed), you create a panoramic focal point. In most cases, making the decision to enclose the rafters is more expensive than leaving them open because the additional trim that is required. In choosing an open rafter ceiling you will get a true original work of art in your space, and save a little green to boot!
#5) Ceiling finishes – We have a huge demand for tongue & groove products, including beaded materials. Among the most requested ceiling material for screened porches here in our region is cedar.
Another Columbus outdoor fireplace and screened porch combination.
#6) Fireplaces are hot! – Integrating an outdoor fireplace is hugely popular on our screened porch designs. Having an outdoor fireplace within your porch space helps create an atmosphere similar to an interior living room. Imagine being seated around the fire along with family and friends in a protected outdoor space that can be utilized throughout the year — magical. This type of magic can come with a hefty price tag depending on the type of outdoor fireplace you choose. Wood burning masonry models can cost $15,000 +, but gas inserts are also available which are a lot easier on the wallet.
#7) Televisions – When it comes to electrical within your porch, Archadeck of Columbus always ensures our porches are wired for electrical. This includes outlets, cable, ceiling fans, lights and switches. We try to ensure no creature comfort has been overlooked. With those comforts in mind, having access to mount a flat screen TV within the porch interior is our most popular porch accoutrement and is requested by a vast majority of homeowners as the “must have” item for their porch.
Notice the overstuffed, comfy furniture used on this screened porch in Columbus, Ohio.
#8) Perimeter seating – This is especially the case with covered or screened patio designs. Many homeowners are requesting perimeter area seating with a patio, for instance, to use for dining and other recreational functions. The key to gaining the most function from your porch is to always consider what your main function of the room is going to be. This will ensure it is designed with that function in mind.
#9) Porch furniture – We are seeing the use of larger-scaled furniture than of those used in the past in finishing out porch designs. Loveseats, couple chairs, and tables are often used alongside coffee and end tables to give the porch the feel of the ultimate outdoor room. We always recommend homeowners have some idea of the type, and scale of the furniture they plan on using in their space in order for us to design the space accordingly with plenty of turn-around room.
#10) Totally custom – Each and every one of our porches is totally custom to what the homeowners want and need for their new space. The size, roof style, finishes, flooring, and ceiling treatment are done according to your specification.
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
If you are starting to think about adding a new open porch or screened porch to your Columbus area home for the New Year give Archadeck of Columbus a call for a free consultation. We can help you plan and design an outdoor space that suits your individual function with a cutting edge screened porch or porch addition.
(740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net
You can see more of our stunning porch designs by visiting our screened porch photo gallery, and our porches photo gallery, located on our website.
Archadeck of Columbus explores the significance of the front porch and how this beloved outdoor addition is still in high demand today.
This front porch reflects the age-old design of a true American original.
Remember back, not so long ago when the front porch served as a gathering place for families and neighbors? The idea of the front porch takes us back to a time when the world was a little more relaxed, time moved a little slower and people took pleasure in the simpler things in life. It wasn’t uncommon to enjoy a glass of ice cold lemonade over conversation and rock away the time on the front porch, or even enjoy a little front porch guitar on those sunny Columbus afternoons.
The cultural significance of the front porch is still alive and well today. This article titled ” The Evolution of the American Front Porch” published in conjunction with the University of Virginia describes the historical significance. “In many ways, the front porch represented the American ideal of family. The porch, in essence, was an outdoor living room, where the family could retire after the activities of a long day. In the evenings, as the outdoor air provided a cool alternative to the stuffy indoor temperatures, the entire family would move to the front porch. The children might play in the front yard or the friendly confines of the neighborhood, while the parents rocked in their chairs, dismissing the arduous labors and tasks of the day into relaxation and comfort.”
Although homeowners today generally focus their outdoor living attention to the back of their homes, front porches are still in high demand. Not only do front porches serve a functional purpose of covering the area around the front door, but they also provide maximum curb appeal to a home. Archadeck of Columbus receives many requests for front porch additions. These requests stem from homeowners looking for a way to improve the beauty of the front of their home, and to provide a more suitable way to mark entry into the home. Like all porches we build, we always try to match or compliment the architecture and colors of your existing home. Our goal is to design a front porch addition that looks original to your home; like it has always been there.
On this front porch in Columbus, OH we brought in different stone to match and compliment the home’s front facade. Even though the stones are different, they work together beautifully on this relaxed front porch design. Four columns add elegance to the curved roof design as well.
This front porch is a more updated version of the beloved “rocking chair front porch” of yesteryear. By using an open air design combined with square columns, Archadeck of Columbus transformed the curb appeal of this home. On older front porches we will often use vintage style wood from historical districts the way it was originally designed to be used to build the front porch.
This front porch was built using low-maintenance materials with a TimberTech composite floor and vinyl railings. Today’s porch material options far exceed the porches of the past as they are easier to maintain and built with longevity in mind. Many homeowners opt for closed gables in their front porch design because it gives the porch more protection from the elements.
Keep in mind that a front porch doesn’t have to be large in order to make a huge impact on the front of your home. This front porch is built to accentuate the design of this home. Built using low-maintenance materials in colors that compliment the existing home while still providing plenty of room for a chair, it’s a resting place for the umbrella and room to kick off your shoes after a long day!
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to inquire about putting together a front porch or portico design that will make you the envy of the neighborhood. We can help you create a grand entrance that is worthy of your home. Call today for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net
Please visit our portico and front porch photo gallery located on our website to see more inspiring examples of entrances worthy of a second glance.
Archadeck of Columbus gives us a sneak peek into one of their curren in-progress projects which includes a stunning re-deck, expansion and hardscape addition in Columbus, OH.
Here is a peek into this stunning re-decking , expansion and addition project in Columbus, OH we are currently working on.
Upgrading an existing outdoor living space can take on many forms. Some homeowners call us and are interested in only re-decking an existing deck while others are interested in transforming an existing deck into a porch. There are endless possibilities when it comes to upgrading and expanding upon your existing outdoor space to enhance the time you spend outdoors with your family. Our recent outdoor living area upgrade consists of a re-deck and deck extension that includes an open porch and extended hardscape area to house the homeowner’s grill and smoker. When you dig a little deeper into the details of the project, it is evident that what the homeowners are getting is so much more than additional room for grilling.
When we met with these Columbus homeowners they had an existing linear rectangular deck with a permanent fabric awning that provided shade to the space. Their existing deck space did not allow for good traffic flow, or enough space with all their outdoor furnishings. The homeowner’s goal was to expand their existing deck space out from the house on a curve to make it more aesthetically appealing.
This is the detailed design rendering and custom plan prepared for this project.
Since the existing deck is low to the ground, our design will include a hardscape seating wall that follows the same curved pattern of the deck as requested by the homeowner. Our design encompasses re-surfacing the existing deck with TimberTech Evolutions Terrain in Brown Oak. Above the deck we plan to build an open porch addition that will provide more function, shade and beauty than that of the awning previously used to gain shade. As part of the expansion, Archadeck of Columbus will also add new footings to make sure the new area is structurally sound. We are wrapping all exposed wood in Polonia for added appeal. The homeowner also asked that we minimize the columns that are to support the roof of the open porch, to accommodate this request we plan to use engineered lumber so you will only see two visible posts supporting the roof of the porch.
A little look at the anticipated grill and smoker area, which will lie adjacent to the deck and porch area.
What is difficult about this project is the presence of second story windows right above the intended area for the porch roof. In order to overcome this obstacle Archadeck of Columbus will install a flat rubber membrane roof to facilitate the use of a low-pitched roof on the open porch. This rubber membrane roof will divert water away from the house and assist in keeping this area dry. Most rubber membranes are black, but we were able to locate one in white to fulfill another request of the homeowner. The end result will be cohesive and will match the exterior of the other amendments we are completing. On the interior porch ceiling we plan to use white ply bead as a continuation of the sleek white used elsewhere in the project.
Adjacent to the deck and open porch area, we are also building a small addition for the homeowner’s grill and smoker. This portion of the project will not be under roof. A grill surround that will include taking placing vertical paver dimensions into the grill surround will add to the charm and function of this unique space. This area will function much like that of an outdoor kitchen addition.
Adding to the distinct appearance of this addition is the beautiful hardscape seating wall. This area will contain small pillars against the seating wall as well as pillars above the seating wall. The finished seating wall will stand 19 inches and the post supporting the roof of the porch will come down into the seating wall. The anticipated seating wall will be wide enough to sit on and add valuable additional seating to this gorgeous backyard oasis. These Columbus homeowners are very excited about completion of this project and cannot wait to use their new and improved backyard in time for fall as the expected finish date is expected to be late summer to early fall.
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
If you are ready to upgrade or improve your backyard to make it more livable, and more beautiful contact Archadeck of Columbus. Our goal is to make your outdoor living dreams a reality. Call us for free consultation today (740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net
Archadeck of Columbus focuses on our recently completed open porch and custom fire pit addition in Gahanna, OH.
This open porch in Columbus includes a spacious floor plan, custom hardscape fire pit and a rustic inspired seating wall.
We recently covered the progress of a lovely open porch in Gahanna, OH that revealed a design full of curves in all the right places. The project is now finished and as we anticipated, it turned out stunning. The homeowners are ecstatic with joy over their new outdoor living space. We put together a little video to walk you through the completed project.
The open porch design features a curvilinear hardscape patio, with a curved step down into the patio from the home. It also includes a custom fire pit and adjacent hardscape seating wall, which is also curved. We tied the area into the home seamlessly under a shed roof with an adjacent gable roofed tie in area.
The materials that were used offer clean, flowing lines with a touch of rustic details added to the mix. Underneath the porch we used Unilock pavers in Brussels and finished it out with a soldier course done in Unilock pavers in Il Campo. The two shades seam together effortlessly. As you enter the fire pit and seating wall area of the space you will notice we also used the Unilock paver in Brussels, but finished it out with ledge stone caps on both the fire pit and the seating wall that have a rough-hewn edge offering a structure with a rustic, yet elegant touch. The interior of the covered porch reveals a stunning cedar ceiling that harmonizes perfectly with the extensive use of high-quality hardscape materials used in this project.
Join us as we unveil a new masterpiece of outdoor living design in Gahanna, OH.
The homeowners now have the ability to extend the amount of function their home provides into the new covered porch addition. They will now have the luxury to soak in their hot tub while the ambiance of the custom fire pit takes their enjoyment up a notch. There is also spacious room under the cover of the open porch to dine and entertain. Not only does their new covered porch add value to their home, it adds valuable outdoor living space as well.
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
If you are ready to add more beauty and living space to your backyard, contact Archadeck of Columbus to make it happen. We can custom design the outdoor living space of your dreams for a lot less than you might think. Call for a free consultation today (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net
Archadeck of Columbus turns the spotlight on a versatile combination of outdoor structures in Columbus which includes a rustic open porch, and patio with separate seating area. The perfect match for the outdoor living season.
This photo shows the lovely interior of this open porch we recently completed in Columbus, OH.
Open porches take us back to a time when you spent the summer afternoon sipping lemonade while rocking away the time on the porch in the company of friends and family. Open porches sure have changed and evolved. Once upon a time an open porch was only a front of the house, or back of the house thing. Today’s open porch designs include detached, open gables, intricate ceilings, and many other “goodies” hidden inside. Open porches now include many different convenient amenities such as outdoor kitchens, lighting, ceiling fans, fireplaces and even televisions.
Notice the stunning keystone centerpiece within the open rafter end. This adds character and rustic appeal to the appearance of the porch.
This open porch we recently completed has an open gable roof to allow lots of sunshine to enter the area. The gable includes a stunning decorative element called a keystone centerpiece. The homeowner wanted to use a minimal number of columns so they could utilize the open area more efficiently; therefore we used four columns in the porch’s construction. In doing so we had to engineer the size of the beams to take care of the abundant span on this 17 x 21 area.
Along with the keystone used on the rafter, we also used a keystone on the king truss. The large king truss serves two purposes; aesthetic appeal and the ever important structural support. We were also able to hang the ceiling fan from the king truss to provide further visual interest, and more function.
Since the homeowners specifically asked for intricate details and plenty of lighting in their new open porch, we wrapped everything in rustic cedar. The rustic touches can also be seen in the use of the large 4 X 6 rafters we used. We included lots of lighting including skylights, and lighting on the ridge beams as well.
The king truss adds loads of structural support and beauty.
The beauty and function doesn’t end with the open porch. We also built a patio below with a separate seating area, built with unilock pavers. This multi-structure outdoor area serves all the purposes the homeowners desired and then some. These Columbus, OH homeowners are looking forward to many lazy afternoons on their new open porch, from lemonades to entertaining, the world is the limit.
Contact Archadeck of Columbus to design your outdoor oasis, open porch, or combination structure for you to enjoy the season. Let the sunshine in! Call for a free consultation: (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
See more stunning open and covered porch designs by visiting our covered porch and front porch photo galleries located on our website.
“Just the right size” means different things to different people, but Archadeck of Columbus believes all that really matters is what it means to you. Sometimes what you want is a table for two and a sweet, little deck to put it on. Add a roof to that deck, and you have a covered porch – with a table for two.
Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus 