PVC Decking – Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus

New TimberTech colors – you heard it here first!

Archadeck of Columbus is ringing in 2012 with the addition of a trio of TimberTech heavyweights. Radiance Rail Express and two new color collections for the Earthwoods Evolution line of composite decking. Welcome the Tropical collection and the Natural collection, both packed with quality, longevity, durability and beauty.

Archadeck of Columbus composite deck builders — Here you can see the exotic beauty and realistic details of the new Pacific Walnut color selection from the TimberTech tropical collection

The world of composite/synthetic decking just got a little more interesting. Not so long ago you may remember the minimal choices in colors and textures that were available to homeowners who chose to use composite/synthetic decking. This is no longer the case. Composite decking now comes in a wide array of colors and finishes. The realistic look of synthetics make even a seasoned expert have to walk a little closer and lean in a little further to tell the difference between composites and wood. TimberTech synthetic decking is a frontrunner in the composite industry and has introduced some stunning new additions to its palette in the Earthwood Evolutions line for this year.

TimberTech introduced the “Tropical collection” which includes Pacific Teak, Pacific Walnut and Pacific Rosewood in 2011. What makes this collection a real showstopper is the realistic graining, streaking and undulation that mimics real wood so beautifully. This collection takes all the positive attributes of exotic hardwood decking and makes it a decking material that will truly endure the tests of time and mother nature.

TimberTech earthwood evolutions new colors 2012 Archadeck Columbus — TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions new colors 2012

New in 2012 is the debut of TimberTech’s “Natural collection”. This collection is made with same top quality ingredients that go into the TimberTech winning recipe but offers a more even toned, non-streaked composite. The new color introductions include Brick, Brownstone and Slate. The absence of streaking makes the Natural collection a little easier on the wallet than the choices in the Tropical collection, but with the same quality, value and beauty that TimberTech is known for.

Both the Natural and Tropical collections are part of the Earthwood Evolutions line from TimberTech. The resiliency and durability of this line of decking is among the best in the business. The construction includes a wrapped PVC composite board made with a proprietary composite core. This evolutionary approach boasts a product with superior scratch, stain and fade resistance backed by a 25-year fade and stain warranty. Just a little soap and water cleanup will keep your deck looking like new year after year.

RadianceRail-Express-Walnut — Radiance Rail Express gives homeowners an upscale, clean railing system at a lower cost than traditional Radiance Rail

Archadeck of Columbus is proud to offer our customers the new arrivals to this exquisite TimberTech line of products. To add to our arsenal of aesthetically pleasing and durable composite products we also offer the newest addition to the Radiance Rail collection to compliment your TimberTech deck perfectly. Radiance Rail Express was introduced in mid-2011 in white. New colors to the line include Walnut and black. Radiance Rail Express is less expensive than the original Radiance Rail, PVC, vinyl or composite rails that have a PVC cap. Even though synthetic rails are still more expensive than wooden railings, the benefits outweigh the costs in the long run. The Radiance Rail Express has a routed baluster receiver for clean and easy installation and also comes backed by a limited 25-year warranty on residential applications. With a wide array of shapes and colors to choose from, Radiance Rail offers you a high quality clean finished railing system that coordinates perfectly with all TimberTech decking colors. This rail offers you an upscale, finished look that is durable and will outlast and outshine wood each and every year.

To learn more about composite decking, including the new introductions from TimberTech, contact Archadeck of Columbus. We can design and construct the deck of your dreams that will endure the test of time. Call us at (740) 879 – 3730 or send us an email at westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Do you know why Winter is actually the best time of year to build a new deck?

Archadeck of Columbus explains when is the most opportune time to build your new deck and why.

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, after overwintering has seasoned it perfection

Many of our Columbus homeowners ask me when is the best time to build a new deck? Many of you may think that the best time to build a deck is the spring, but the truth is, the best time to consider building a new deck may be in the winter. The best way to explain the reasoning behind a winter deck construction is what i would refer to as the “give and take” of the project. Give and take refers to the use of pressure treated wood during the winter months. The give refers to the woods expansion, and the take refers to the woods contraction that is caused by the effects of varying outdoor temperatures on the wood itself.

Double low to grade deck in Columbus OH with fire pit

The first thing you have to remember when considering building any type of deck or other outdoor structure, whether the decking boards you choose are composite, PVC, vinyl, IPE or hardwoods the foundation of your structure will be constructed using pressure treated pine or another pressure treated wood. Wood curing is important to understand in relation to the wood’s natural tendency to “give and take”, and curing which occurs over the winter months offers many important benefits.

Pressure treated wood has a 50% moisture content when you initially build. This fresh lumber is sometimes referred to among builders as “green”. The winter has less humidity and thus the pressure treated wood will stabilize itself and dry more consistently and evenly when you build in the winter. On the other end of the spectrum a summer deck construction exposes the pressure treated wood to higher humidity conditions. In addition, when drying in the hot sun, pressure treated wood will undergo expansion and contraction which can cause cracking, warping and other damage to the wood itself. Due to the orientation of the sun during the winter months, the sun doesn’t beat down on your deck, and the pressure treated wood that holds the key to your project’s structural integrity will not undergo these negative effects.

timbertech deck and screen porch — TimberTech composite deck and screen porch by Archadeck of Columbus

Another benefit of building in winter is you will also experience less wait time and backlogs which are typical in spring and summer projects. Our typical waiting list is 8 weeks in the height of the season, during the winter you are likely going to cut that wait time in half. A winter project also causes less lifestyle interruption because homeowners typically spend less time outdoors and less time participating in outdoor activities during the colder months of the year. You will also experience less deterioration of the ground, and less turf damage during the winter months because of the dormancy period that Columbus landscapes experience through the cooler months.

Keep in mind that Archadeck of Columbus can also build your outdoor structure combination in stages. Winter is the perfect time to start the first stage of your desired outdoor living project. If you are considering a deck and patio combination for example, you can take advantage of our staged building option and build the deck this winter and then we can add the patio later into the spring. With Archadeck of Columbus’ staged building the choice is yours. Contact us today to learn more, call us at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Watch Jake and Kyle beat up TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions and TimberTech XLM

Can two young Columbus boys damage TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions and/or TimberTech XLM?

How much damage can two young boys do with 2 hammers, 2 wire brushes, chalk and mud? Watch their valiant effort.

More on wood plastic composites vs. PVC decking

Wood plastic composite? Cellular PVC? Or, the new combination product called TimberTech Earthwood Essentials? We can help you make the choice.

Timbertech XLM - Sand Ridge and Mountain Cedar border

One of our most popular blog posts last year was my post about wood plastic composites vs. PVC decking. For most of us, we will likely only have a deck, patio, porch or sunroom built onto the back of our house once or twice. If you’ve started to do any research on decking materials, you know that there are what seems like too many choices. On top of that, no single choice easily stands out as the best.

Well, you are not alone. This is what I do all day long and I feel the same way. The number and types and brands of products on the market are constantly growing and improving. So even my knowledge today is greatly expanded over last year because of the sheer speed of growth and change and product introductions with composite and PVC decking materials.

When I wrote the last post, you had to decide between composite or PVC. The latest product combines the best of both worlds. There is a new product called a wrapped or capped product that is a wood plastic composite with a PVC wrapped cap. In short, it’s cellular PVC on the outside and wood composite on the inside. Why is this the best of both worlds? Well, PVC has some advantages over straight composites – namely the fain and stain resistance. Although composites have strong protection against fade and stain, they do not compare to cellular PVC. On the other hand, solid PVC products are more expensive but the greatest benefit is having the PVC on the outside. So, a capped product really is the best of both worlds.

TimberTech Earthwood Essentials Deck — The completed TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions deck: A beautiful deck for a beautiful cause

Here’s what’s new on the market. TimberTech is one of the premier composite decking lines on the market – and for good reason. Not only are they based out of Columbus (great place to live) but they are very good at what they do. Their product is durable, strong, scratch resistant, mildew resistant and you do not need to paint, stain or seal it. It’s truly a low maintenance product. TimberTech stands behind their product with a 25 year warranty.

TimberTech has a PVC product line called TimberTech XLM. It’s a great product and I use it in my building quite a bit. As I said above, a solid PVC product is more expensive than a solid wood composite.

In the past, two things were not covered in the warranty of TimberTech’s wood plastic composites – stain and fade protection. Cellular PVC has the ultimate stain and fade resistance so the new TimberTech capped product called TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions has the best of both worlds.

It would be easy if the physical characteristics and warranty were the only factors to consider when choosing a decking material. But, after we make an intellectual decision, we then need to make the aesthetic decision. Every company’s composite or PVC line has different colors. And, from company to company those colors are different. We all know that what one company calls gray or tan is different than what another company calls gray or tan. Have you ever tried to pick out a shade of taupe at Home Depot or Lowes? I did this recently. Once I spent 30 minutes trying desperately to pick the best taupe out of the 39 shades of taupe, then I realized the next company had their 49 shades of taupe.

Columbus paver patio deck and landscaping — Columbus paver patio deck with landscaping customer design drawing

When picking color on composite or PVC decking, it’s a little bit easier. You won’t find 39 or 49 shades of each color. There will be a handful of total colors to choose from. And, yes, one company’s version of a color will be different than another company’s version. To make the decision a little more complex, the composite companies are now getting much more adept at adding the design characteristics that make these materials look more real – things like streaks.

Thinking about making this decision is probably making you tired. But, it’s good time and energy. Your composite or PVC deck is going to last 25 – 30 years or more – warrantied! And that’s what I’m here to help you with. I have no allegiance to any of the companies. I work with TimberTech, Azek, Fiberon Horizon and other composite and PVC brands. I will bring you samples to touch and feel and compare. After reading this blog and touching and feeling the products, you will likely have a fairly good idea about what you want.

Give me a ring to talk about your next outdoor project. My consultation is free and you can tell I love what I do and discussing the merits of the various materials as well as discussing the pros and cons of the different structure choices. I can help you with deciding whether a screened porch, deck, patio, or sunroom is the best fit for you. I can give you guidance for making your choice on the materials. And Archadeck stands behind what we do with our own warranty. When you work with me, you get a design rendering of exactly what your project will look like. I like no surprises and a consultative selling approach so that’s what I give my customers.