Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus

Small porch delivers big impact for these New Albany, OH, homeowners

“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.

Before — 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.

New Albany OH Porch Builder — 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.

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.

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

Somewhere 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!

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.

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.

The 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 wants to know: Have you joined the hardscape revolution?

At Archadeck of Columbus, we have observed three types of homeowners:

Those who have a paver patio and enjoy it to the max, practically living outdoors
Those who have an old slab concrete patio and are considering a change to pavers
Those whose yard contains no pavers or slab; they are desperately in need of a paver patio

Which group are you in? Over the past several years we have seen homeowners spending more and more time outdoors on their patios. That trend is not going to wind down any time soon. The kind of custom-designed hardscape outdoor living environment we build will never go out of style. People just enjoy them too much!

Group One: You own a paver patio

If you have one, you know: the paver patio is a thing of beauty. The artful arrangement of smooth, cool stones beckons you outdoors. The effect is almost hypnotic. There is nowhere else you would rather relax — or entertain — than there. The patio is an extension of your home, and it may be your favorite part of the home.

Is your hardscape environment complete? Perhaps as you enjoy entertaining outdoors, you notice there is never enough seating. Have you thought about adding a seating wall? Archadeck of Columbus can rim the patio with a low wall and top it with round-edged stones comfortable for seating. Supplementing your chairs with a seating wall keeps the patio from looking cluttered with too much furniture. You won’t need to bring additional chairs outside; the seating wall is always there.

If you enjoy dining outdoors, it may be time to expand the paver patio to accommodate an outdoor kitchen. The chef and bartender in the family can enjoy more time with the guests without having to run back and forth into the house for food and beverages. Or, what about a fire pit or free-standing fireplace to take the chill off of cooler evenings? It may be time to elevate your outdoor living game, and it’s definitely time to begin planning for fall.

Would your patio look better with built-in stone planters, decorative pillars or lighting for safety or ambiance? We can easily add amenities to an existing patio to enhance your enjoyment of time spent outdoors.

Group Two: Your old concrete slab patio is (past) due for an upgrade

While a basic concrete slab patio is functional, it is uninspiring and usually too small. Are you still entertaining guests on the builder-grade patio that came with your home? If so, you are more than ready for a custom-designed hardscape to replace that slab. We can meet with you to nurture your vision of how a bigger and better patio would suit your family’s lifestyle. We can help you to stop seeing only what is there now and start seeing what could be there.

Take a look at the before and after. They are different angles but we promise, this is the same house!

We have designed a variety of hardscapes in the Columbus area and can work with you to select the materials and design elements that will work with your budget. Maybe you want to go “all out” with a stone fireplace and a full outdoor kitchen, or perhaps you would prefer to start small and add more space and amenities later (see above). With our phased building program, we can create a design for your long-term plan and then build it in stages as your budget permits.

Group Three: Your home has not experienced a patio

If your home is patio free, you don’t know what you’re missing! Or, if you’ve enjoyed socializing at a friend’s home with a hardscape outdoor living space, maybe you do know! Either way, you need to call us and get started as soon as you can. Don’t let another summer or fall pass without being able to enjoy relaxing, gardening or entertaining on your own paver patio.

Time spent outdoors with friends and family is precious, and an attractive and comfortable patio can help you enjoy it to the fullest. The stone or concrete pavers available today are amazingly beautiful and durable. It’s no surprise that pavers are the most popular choice for homeowners in the Columbus area who are considering a new patio or hardscape.

What’s more, Archadeck of Columbus can design a hardscape environment around the size and shape of your outdoor furnishings so all elements are coordinated and the end result exudes harmony. If you are having trouble picturing a hardscape design that would best complement your outdoor furniture, we can create an architectural rendering including the furniture to help you achieve your vision.

Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to learn more about creating the right hardscape outdoor living space for your family. You can reach us at (740) 879 – 3730, or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

Say goodbye to the screened porches of yesteryear!

It wasn’t so long ago that screened porches were built with utilitarian purposes in mind. Their job was to keep the bugs, and the rain, off of you. Historically, in rural areas and before air conditioning became commonplace, many people used a screened porch as a bunk room (sometimes referred to as a sleeping porch) on particularly sweltering summer nights.

Digging a little deeper into the archives, you will learn that the use of window screens started as soon as people began framing windows. References to window screens can be traced back to 1823. The earliest screens were made of wood, ceramic and stone. Their purpose was to provide protection from animal and human intruders but still allow some light and ventilation into a building. Cloth screens came along and provided protection from dust and insects and allowed some light to enter. During the 1840s, Gilbert and Bennett Manufacturing Co. of Redding, Connecticut, invented affordable wire mesh window screens.

I myself can remember fishing trips I enjoyed in my youth and the way the fishing camp I frequented utilized a screened room as their bait station. The structure consisted of a wooden floor with simple framed posts with screened openings. The sole purpose of the porch was to keep bait safe from flies. Definitely not a place you would want to spend the night!

Columbus outdoor fireplace on porch — Another Columbus outdoor fireplace and screened porch combination.

Fast forward to the modern screened porches homeowners crave today. Yes, they keep out bugs, allergens, debris and rain. However, they have become an extension of our homes and an oasis for outdoor living. Modern screened porches are now designed to include many comforting and convenient amenities like fireplaces and televisions, much like you would find in any other room of your home. The screened porch is essentially a more relaxed, casual room addition to the rest of your home.

Anyone who has experienced one has to admit that a screened porch is a wonderful addition to any house. A screened porch offers the breezes, scents, sounds and sights of being outdoors – but without the bugs and the blazing sun. Rough and tumble has its own charm, but these days most homeowners enjoy relaxing under the ceiling fan while listening to their surround sound audio system.

Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to discuss our stunning porch and screened porch designs. Our consultation is completely free. You can reach us at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net. We look forward to your call.

Why a Columbus deck and patio combination is sure to make you the envy of the neighborhood

Would you like to have the kind of backyard that everyone flocks to during block parties? Uses as the compared standard to other backyards in the neighborhood? Or maybe the kind of outdoor living space that has friends and family making excuses to drop by just so they can enjoy your backyard?

plain-city-oh-patio-builder — This deck & patio combination in Plain City, OH, includes a cozy fire pit!

If you answered yes to any or all of the above, a deck and patio combination space from Archadeck of Columbus is just the ticket. When it comes to gaining the most benefit out of something, it stands to reason that combining two or more of what you like will bring you the most enjoyment. Examples of the power behind combinations are evident in many everyday things we take for granted. These include the successful pairing of a baked potato as a companion to a steak dinner, wine and cheese or a slice of apple pie topped with ice cream. The list of successful pairing goes on and on… Naturally, many of the things we enjoy have an accompaniment to make them even more decadent, so why should our outdoor living spaces be any different?

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

A deck that gently descends down into a patio space opens up a wealth of outdoor entertaining, dining and quality time opportunities. Not only is there plenty of room to spread out giving you freedom to get creative with outdoor furnishings and placement, the union delivers added functional square footage to your outdoor space. Combination projects, such as a deck and patio combination, are a great way to create more space for more versatility and enjoyment, and by combining one or more outdoor structures you can designate different areas for different purposes.

plain-city-oh-timbertech-deck-builder — TimberTech low-maintenance deck and paver patio combo in Plain City, OH,

Choosing a deck built from one of our high-quality, low-maintenance decking material options paired with a paver or stone patio will also provide double the low-maintenance qualities. This is because patio and hardscapes are considered low-maintenance in their own right. Paver patios, in particular, are becoming more popular with Columbus homeowners who are seeking low maintenance, durability, and stability in their outdoor living space. In fact, more than 200 million square feet of pavers have been installed throughout North America. You can read more details about the low-maintenance benefits of patios in our article titled ” The Unexpected Low-Maintenance Structure — The Columbus Patio ” on our blog.

Last but certainly not least there are cost advantages of deciding upon a deck and patio combination space. In some cases, making the decision to integrate a patio into your project design in lieu of opting for just an oversized deck can be more economical as some hardscape materials are budget-conscious this means more benefit for your buck, so to speak.

Contact us today to learn more about our award-winning deck and patio combination designs. You can reach us at Call (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

Sometimes 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!

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.

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.

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.

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

Archadeck 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.

When 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.

The 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

The Unexpected Low-Maintenance Structure — The Columbus Patio

Low-maintenance is defined as requiring little work to keep in good condition. When most homeowners think about adding a low-maintenance outdoor living space, they often automatically imagine a composite or PVC deck. It is only natural that many of our clients assume that decking is the only material that comes in low-maintenance because we design and build many stunning TimberTech, AZEK and Fiberon decks here at Archadeck of Columbus. However, many clients are pleasantly surprised when they learn about another low-maintenance option we specialize in; patios.

Paver patios in particular, are becoming more popular with Columbus homeowners who are looking for low maintenance, durability, and stability in their outdoor living space. In fact, more than 200 million square feet of pavers have been installed throughout North America.

Columbus paver patio with retaining wall outdoor kitchen — Our patios are built with quality and beauty in mind for the long haul.

They require very little attention on the part of the homeowner aside from just maintaining them with common sense practices to ensure their aesthetics; i.e.keeping leaves blown off the patio, cleaning up mud where the dog tracked it from the yard on a rainy day, etc.

Our custom paver patios work well as part of an outdoor living space combination, with a deck or porch, around a pool of to highlight your landscaped beds. Patios serve as the perfect space to complete your backyard retreat. Paver patios, when properly installed, are as reliable and stable as concrete patios. They last just as long as concrete patios and with only minimal maintenance requirements trumping the time you spend laboring over the constant cleaning, staining and maintenance of a wooden deck.

We take our building process very seriously and do not cut corners when it comes to building paver patios or any other hardscape structure. Since patios don’t require maintenance as often as other structures, low-maintenance does not mean NO maintenance. In order to keep your patio and/or hardscape looking and performing its best, professionals do recommend intensive maintenance/patio restoration services and resealing every 2 -3 years. Along with patio design and installation, we also offer a patio restoration service here at Archadeck of Columbus. Our professional team has you covered from every angle!

Contact us today to design your one-of-a-kind patio or hardscape! We will create a space for you that delivers the epitome of outdoor living at its best. You can reach us at Call (740) 879 – 3730, or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

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

The 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…

Enjoy 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.

Save 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.

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.

Columbus Patio Restoration Service Will Renew Your Hardscape to its Former Glory!

You know it is time to contact us when even your family pet is embarrassed by your patio.

Do you have an existing patio or hardscape outdoor living space that was once the gem of your landscape and backyard? Has your hardscape began to appear dingy or faded? Have weeds, moss and grasses began to sprout out of your once pristine grout lines? At Archadeck of Columbus, we realize the toll Father Time and Mother Nature can take on your patio or hardscape. This is why we now offer a professional patio and hardscape restoration service. With this service we can renew the beauty of your patio or hardscape like shining a diamond in the rough!

Patios and hardscapes ARE indeed considered low maintenance structures. They require very little attention on the part of the homeowner aside from just maintaining them with common sense practices to ensure their aesthetics; i.e.keeping leaves blown off the patio, cleaning up mud where the dog tracked it from the yard on a rainy day, etc. However, in order to keep your patio and/or hardscape looking and performing its best, professionals recommend intensive maintenance/patio restoration services and resealing every 2 -3 years.

If you wait longer than 2-3 years, you may notice the color fade slightly and organic matter such as mold, mildew and even moss will begin to grow on the hardscape itself. But just like waxing a car to restore and maintain your paint’s finish, restoring your hardscape will ensure the color and texture will be as vibrant as the day it was installed.

For over 15 years, Archadeck of Columbus has been designing and building custom outdoor living spaces including patio and hardscapes to the Columbus, OH, region. We deliver the service and community commitment of a local, family owned business backed by the strength of a company that’s built 100,000 incredible outdoor structures since 1980. Outdoor living structures is all we do, and we do it best. It only makes sense to trust your patio or hardscape installation and maintenance to the pros!

Archadeck of Columbus can keep your patio and hardscapes looking their best, year after year, with our Columbus Patio Restoration Service. As part of having your patio and/or hardscape outdoor spaces restored we will do the following:

1) Remove existing weeds & moss.

2) Professionally clean patio stones/pavers with a non-damaging pressure washer or cleaner.

3) Reapply new polymeric sand into all joints.

4) Sweep sand into joints with a broom for a cohesive finish.

5) Run vibrating plate compactor over entire area to ensure all joints are filled.

6) Remove excess sand.

7) Reseal with a matte or gloss-finish sealer.

8) In essence, this service makes your patio new all over again!

Contact us today to restore and rejuvenate your existing patio or hardscape outdoor living space. You can reach us at (740) 879-3730 or via email @westcolumbus@archadeck.net.