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.
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!

Columbus Patio Restoration ServicesPatios 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.

Columbus Hardscape Renovation and Restoration services

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.

London OH Patios and Hardscapes

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!

Dublin OH flagstone patio with half moon retaining wall

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) Unilock EnduraColor Il CampoProfessionally 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!

Archadeck of Columbus team
The Archadeck of Columbus team.

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.

 

Archadeck of Columbus breathes life into this new home in Westerville, OH, complete with all the trimmings

020Picture this: A table full of mouth-watering appetizers, the smoker in high gear emanating a to-die-for aroma and your family and friends laughing around this beautiful custom-built fire pit. You may be surprised to know that when Archadeck of Columbus first consulted on this project, the lot only contained a beautiful new construction home surrounded with barren earth.

Westerville OH outdoor living space designs

This project was a true test of building from the ground up. With not even a single blade of grass on the property, we enjoyed designing how the landscaping would complement the hardscape design and how the hardscape would complement the home.

Westerville OH fire pit builder

This multi-function living this hardscape patio is chock full of design elements that are as functional as they are cohesive to the overall design. From the retaining wall that provides extra seating room to the extra wide fire pit cap for resting your beverage, this space was designed to deftly host larger groups as well as host intimate gatherings. All can enjoy the perfect countryside setting with this delightful outdoor space nestled within this woodsy yard.Westerville OH terraced stone retaining wall

Maximizing curb appeal was a must. The landscaping included a unique stone wall using chunky limestone of varying size. The landscaping includes terraced beds and select tree plantings creating a serene yet elegant feel in this space.

Westerville OH Patio Builder

This Columbus hardscape patio and fire pit was designed and built using Unilock Beacon Hill flagstone pavers with a charcoal Holland stone border giving life to the true rustic nature. The hardscape includes two distinct outdoor living areas including the seating area and the versatile outdoor living area anchored with the custom built fire pit. The deep neutral tones of the hardscape create a rustic elegance for this space.

Westerville OH Covered Porch Builder

The design continues to the open porch on the back of the home. The porch provides a covered outdoor living area for those days where some sun protection is needed. A covered porch also provides a small amount of rain protection and keeps falling leaves out of sandwiches on the porch patio. Notice the complex roof attachment that was made to look easy through this design.Westerville OH Covered Porch Builder

We truly enjoyed starting fresh on this blank canvas of an outdoor space. With the freedom to design the patio, landscaping and open porch we were able to keep a cohesive theme throughout. If you’re looking to maximize your outdoor spaces give Archadeck of Columbus a call (740) 879 – 3730, or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net. We look forward to connecting with you.

Archadeck of Columbus team
The Archadeck of Columbus team.

Cover Story: Why Columbusites Love Porches

Rocking chair front porches of yesteryear
Rocking chair front porch of yesteryear.

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

http://columbus.archadeck.com/our-projects/columbus-screen-porches-and-sunrooms/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.

Delaware OH rustic screen porch with outdoor fireplace
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!

Interior of open porch in Columbus, OH
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.

Archadeck of ColumbusIf 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.

 

 

 

 

 

Our Hardscape and Softscape Project in London, OH, Merges New and Old Seamlessly!

London OH Retaining wallsThere is nothing more interesting than when Archadeck of Columbus gets the chance to work on a historic home in our local geography. It certainly does present some challenges in terms of keeping the integrity of the home while providing homeowners with all the practical elements and benefits that are all about today’s outdoor lifestyle. We recently worked on a project in London, OH, with a home built in 1865 on 7.5 acres that has steep history during the Civil War/Antebellum era.

London OH Hardscape project on historic home

The house has been restored numerous times throughout its lifespan, and luckily the previous owner did renovations to the home to code back in 2000 after investing almost $750K to restore it, including the home’s stunning original brick veneer. This home’s newest owners also wanted to do right to the structure to continue its legacy in the proper way and preserve its integrity, but also add plenty of energy that would enhance the exterior. They wanted a masterful intermingling of new and old.

London OH patio builderOn a project of this scope, the homeowner’s needed a highly skilled  company with expertise in these areas for a large-scale outdoor additions complete with landscaping that would elegantly blend the new upgrades so they would complement the existing look and feel of the home. The homeowners didn’t necessarily want to have a historically accurate renovation, but rather have the improvements to the outdoor entertaining areas marry beautifully with what was already in place. This delicate balance was struck with the addition of a large paver patio, retaining/seating walls and fire pit along with extensive landscape installation to create a tasteful and practical outdoor living space that would complement this gracious home and property without overpowering its handsome simple lines.

London OH Patios and Hardscapes

The home originally had an existing deck off the back which was long overdue for an upgrade, so we tore it down to make way for a whole new look that was more in keeping with the historical nature of the brick building. Archadeck of Columbus added a hardscape outdoor living environment with stunning curved tiered steps lead from one area to the other in a dreamy way that tempers the hard lines and materials. The project also includes all the softscape foliage landscaping as well.

London OH outdoor fire pit builderThe hardscapes are built solely using Unilock and Belgard pavers due to their beauty and hard-wearing nature. The patio features Unilock pavers from the Camelot series in the Riverblend color with plenty of natural hues. All the vertical hardscapes were built using Belgard pavers from their Bel-air line in the Fossil Beige color. Both of these beautifully complement each other and have a seamless feel. The softscaping installation pairs well with all the stonework and adds plenty of color thanks to gorgeous specimens of Hydrangeas, Lavender, KnockOut Roses, new trees and evergreens for year round green.

London OH hardscape outdoor living environment
Just look at the vantage point the family now has to enjoy the view!

The family is beyond overjoyed at their new outdoor living environment, and you can see it looks heavenly. These homeowner’s are now in the process of adding a tranquil backyard pool to further their enjoyment and are currently in discussions with Archadeck of Columbus to design and build a paver pool surround,  pavilion and a pool house — they are so excited, and we are too!

Not only did we meet their challenge of merging old and new, but the property now boasts a multi-faceted and multi-functional outdoor living space that increases the livability of this stately 18th century home.

Archadeck of ColumbusGot a challenging project for us? Give Archadeck of Columbus a call today for a free consultation at (740) 879 – 3730. We look forward to your call. Please also visit our website at http://columbus.archadeck.com.

Pardon our dust: Archadeck of Columbus aims to make construction a kinder experience

The path to creating your outdoor living dream is not just the sticks and stones that go into creating the space and how it is going to look — it is also about the process. Our goal at Archadeck of Columbus is for you to be happy with your project before, during and after, it’s that simple

proper_deck_sub_structure_lr
The path to outdoor living bliss is fraught with noise and dust!

Customers always ask us how much interference the construction of their project will cause. This covers all aspects of disruption from personally and in respect to their lawn. My answer to this question is with any type of construction, home improvement or remodeling project interference is inevitable. Depending on the type of project and the specifics involved in excavation will determine how much damage to your turf will occur. The amount of time a project takes to complete and the weather conditions also play a huge role in damage to the turf. In regards to personal disruptions during your project:  noise is something that is hard to avoid and will be a factor in having your project completed in a timely fashion. The type of equipment we have to use such as drills, power saws and hammers don’t have a quiet mode, we quite often wish they came with a volume control feature as well!

We go the extra mile to try to make the disruption minimal and we work around our client's schedules.
We go the extra mile to try to make the disruption minimal and we work around our client’s schedules.

One of the most important assets of working with a good company is that we recognize the disruption projects cause. We go the extra mile to try to make the disruption minimal and we work around our client’s schedules. We are also more conscious of homeowners that work from their homes. We realize that your home is your castle, and our crews exercise the utmost respect and are dedicated to taking care of every aspect of your home to make the construction process as minimall invasive as possible.

pergola incorporated into a privacy fence
Our goal is to deliver a breathtaking outdoor space with minimal interference during construction.

Archadeck of Columbus’ project standards make the construction process a kinder experience:

When loading and unloading materials we strive to establish a traffic flow that will create the least amount of impact and disturbance on your property. This includes using a one-way route around your house during the course of a job to minimize disruption of turf. We understand the need for heavy equipment and materials on your project and may even use wagons or wheel barrels to move materials to the area they need to be. We try to avoid the use of heavier excavation machinery and will only use smaller scale versions if the project absolutely depends on it, such as a mini Bobcat or skid steer.

Our climate can lend itself to some really wet seasons, but there is nothing that will keep us from building your project within a wet year. Don’t let the weather be a deterrent because the sales process will take some time and we do everything within our power to avoid disruptions caused by weather conditions. If the ground is thawing from freezing conditions or is very wet we have a heightened conscience about the conditions of our customer’s lawns and will put down plywood between the material and jobsite to minimize turf damage and avoid rutting.  In summary, during the time we have been in business we have only had to repair two (2) lawns due to damage incurred by inclement weather conditions during the construction process. By taking a proactive approach with these actions, 99% of yards will quickly recover in a month or so.

Sweeping Up
Daily cleanup is protocol on all our outdoor living space projects.

Our project standards are also visible on the inside of our projects. Daily cleanup is protocol. We carry 50 gallon trash cans so when there is waste we remove it daily to avoid an unsafe or unkempt looking jobsite. In addition, we also use caution tape during construction when it is unsafe to traverse an area under construction. Obviously, dust is an issue with many of our outdoor living structure additions. This is especially the case when we use a partner saw to cut concrete pavers during patio installations. In these “dusty” situations we often post a “pardon our dust” sign to help warn (and apologize) to neighbors that are adjacent to your project.

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

Keep in mind, the path to creating your outdoor living dream is not just the sticks and stones that go into creating the space and how it is going to look — it is also about the process. Our goal at Archadeck of Columbus is for you to be happy with your project before, during and after, it’s that simple. Our team members believe in treating you, your family and your home & landscape with respect and care from start to finish! Contact us today to learn more (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

 

Archadeck of Columbus named Unilock Authorized Contractor for the second consecutive year!

We are proud to announce that Archadeck of Columbus has been awarded the Unilock Authorized Contractor award for the second consecutive year!

unilock certified contractor Archadeck Columbus OhioEach year, Unilock awards a few select contractors the esteemed Authorized Contractor status. Here in Ohio and Western PA, only 125 contractors were chosen from a list of 3,000 Unilock dealers in the region. We are proud to announce that Archadeck of Columbus has been named an Authorized Contractor for the second consecutive year!

As part of being named an Authorized Contractor, we were also able to visit their plant that services the Ohio region. The visit was a very rewarding experience and we were able to see first-hand how their pavers are made. We were able to take a look at some of the new product line introductions and we are excited about working with their new products in 2014! Among the highlights of the visit was learning more about their Enduracolor line of pavers.

Enduracolor pavers are made from high-quality aggregate including quartz and granite.  The process involves making a standard paver first where the top layer is high-quality cement then adding a pigmenting layer containing minimal aggregate. The result is a paver that has a compression strength that is 10 times stronger than poured concrete and looks fantastic. The Enduracolor line is definitely the “beauty and the beast” of pavers, as they provide strength and the aesthetics homeowners are looking for to use in their hardscape and patio designs.

Avante Ashlar interlocking has random appearance Archadeck Cols
The Avante Ashlar paver features a random, interlocking appearance.

Unilock started selling the Enduracolor line last year with a couple of products. They have introduced even more products to the line this year.  The Enduracolor Plus line of products takes the concept a step further with  the addition of natural stone like quartz and granite. The Enduracolor Plus colors in their ultra-high-end “select” line and include Richcliff, Umbriano and Copthorne. These pavers come with a guarantee from Unilock that their color will never fade.

Unilock EnduraColor Il Campo
This walkway was built using EnduraColor in Il Campo — beautiful!

In the Enduracolor line, the new color additions include from a khaki color all the way to darker brown which can be seen in their sycamore color paver. The trend to add darker pavers this year comes from the trend towards the use of darker colors within the market. The Enduracolor line includes Beacon Hill flagstone, Avante Ashlar, Il Campo and Thornbury.

Here at Archadeck of Columbus, we use a lot of the Beacon Hill series in our hardscape designs. Beacon Hill is popular with our clients and comes in three beautiful colors, River, Sierra and the new introduction of Sycamore. As an authorized contractor, Unilock backs up our warranty for two years in addition to the strong warranties we already have in place for our customers!

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

We are very proud, once again to be awarded as an authorized contractor. We will continue to provide the highest quality products to homeowners in building the patio, retaining wall or other hardscape structure of their dreams! Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to learn more. (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

See our beautiful hardscape and patio designs by visiting our hardscape and patio photo gallery located on our website.

Archadeck of Columbus discusses the benefits of a screened patio or covered patio addition; a new take on the traditional porch we all know and love

Archadeck of Columbus explores the realm of covered and screened patios including construction, benefits and costs.

Elevated screened patio
This elevated screened patio with adjoining patio below offers loads of low-maintenance qualities and aesthetic appeal.

In keeping with the endless outdoor living opportunities present with a screened porch addition, many homeowners are opting for less traditional screened porch designs. Most conventional methods of screen porch construction consist of being built on “top” of some kind of deck-like structure, be it wood or composite. However Archadeck of Columbus has built many screen porches and open porches over concrete pavers or hardscapes. These are generally referred to as screened patios, or covered patios with the only difference essentially being the grade of the structure and floor medium used.

Paver and hardscape patios can make 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. Screened or covered patio construction begins with planning the corner columns of the structure. Here we install a standard footer set in concrete to secure the columns and create a base from which the structure is built out. In this part of the country we typically install these footers at 3 feet in depth due to freeze lines. Once the footers are installed, they serve as the base from which the rest of the structure is built. This includes the walls, rafters, roof and remainder of the structure. In constructing some of our screened or covered patio designs from scratch we will often extend the paver or hardscape out past the covered portion. This will allow a good transition and add valuable outdoor living space too!

Columbus screened patio builder
This screened patio in Columbus, OH is built using a mix of dimensional pavers and rustic cedar interior trim.

Often the question may arise, how do we adhere the walls when knee walls are present in the design?  The answer is simple: we attach the walls to the pavers themselves with concrete fasteners. Another viable consideration is how do you combat the undulation of some pavers or hardscape mediums?  When choosing a paver the homeowner needs to keep in mind the different paver textures. Using a hardscape material with varied undulation is actually no different from the undulation or character of a decking board — because no two are exactly alike.

There are many reasons homeowners choose a screened patio or covered patio design. These include the low-maintenance qualities tied to using a hardscape floor. Pavers and hardscapes are easy to maintain and to clean. Hardscapes are also strikingly beautiful from an aesthetic standpoint, and homeowners like to tie their screened or covered patio into a new or existing patio space as well. The mixture of wood and stone is also appealing aesthetically to many homeowners.

Columbus OH screened patios
This screened patio in Columbus, OH opens onto a covered patio which increases valuable outdoor living space.

You can also add a porch over an existing patio—this is done by installing footers which requires removing sections of the existing patio, setting posts, back filling and reinstalling the pavers. Portions of the pavers or hardscape of your existing space will have to be removed but once the porch is done, you won’t be able to tell. Our renovations look original once completed.

The price of adding a screened patio or covered patio all depends on the elevation of your design and the hardscape flooring you choose to use within the design. You can have it built two ways, either low-to-grade, which is essentially on the ground or elevated. Elevated screened patios generally cost 20% more than a regular elevated screened porch. The increase reflects the construction dynamics involved which consist of layers of aggregate that are necessary in patio construction.  Low-to-grade designs usually cost approximately 10% more over standard screened porches built using wood. This increase may be non-existent or even a decrease when compared to screened porches built with higher-end solid PVC decking or its counterparts.  Just like a savory recipe, it is the ingredients that go into an outdoor living design that make the difference, and reflect the costs involved.

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

To find out more about our quality hardscape outdoor living designs, including patios, screened patio and covered patios, contact Archadeck of Columbus today.  Call us for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730 or drop us an email at westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Please visit our patio and hardscape photo gallery and our outdoor living photo gallery located on our website to see more of our fabulous Columbus area hardscape designs!

Top 4 questions Columbus homeowners ask when considering a new paver patio or hardscape.

Archadeck of Columbus answers the top 4 questions asked by homeowners when planning a patio or hardscape addition.

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

The popularity of patios and hardscapes in the Columbus area continues to grow each season. With this growth, there are a number of questions potential hardscape owners ask Archadeck of Columbus. During our consultation with the client we are able to address any questions or concerns homeowners have about their patio or hardscape project.  In an effort to provide information for your upcoming outdoor living space project, we have picked the four most commonly asked questions and provided our answers below.

The top 4 questions people ask us when thinking of adding a patio or hardscape are:

1) Will the hardscape “settle”?

2) Will the hardscape get weeds?

3) Are hardscapes maintenance free?

4) What is the cost of a patio vs. a deck?

Pavestone flagstone patio Columbus OH
Under this stunning flagstone patio are many layers of intensive preparation to ensure the structural soundness of the patio over time.

The answer to these questions for the most part are no, no, no, and it depends. As far as any concern of a patio or hardscape settling over time or getting weeds, the answer is that it’s very unlikely if it’s done right.

Here are the details that go into the way we install a hardscape patio or outdoor space. When we build a patio or hardscape we use multiple layers to build the right foundation for your paver patio. When we excavate the are for the patio, we compact the base (dirt), then add the quarter size gravel 2″ at a time and compact after each 2″ layer.

Many companies will install all the gravel at once and compact only once. The first layer is a compacted soil base which is brought on by excavation of the proposed building site. We then install a layer of geo-textile material. We then add aggregate which consists of angular, quarter size stone which is added and compacted down two inches not just once, but three times. This is an element of patio construction that sets Archadeck of Columbus apart from other patio builders. We make sure the area is compacted in layers which is the main reason our designs maintain their integrity over time. We are certified Interlocking Concrete and Pavement Institute (ICPI) installers and build all of our hardscapes to meet and exceed all building codes set forth within.

Columbus paver hardscape decorative retaining walls
No weeds, no settling, no problem!

Most installers don’t compact the base or aggregate correctly which leads to settling over time. In addition to the compaction and aggregate layers, Archadeck of Columbus also installs polymeric sand which acts similar to grout once it is activated with water. We compact the last time pavers are installed and the poly sand is installed in an attempt to fill the voids as a much as possible so the poly doesn’t settle. This also greatly reduces the chances of weed seeds sprouting through the cracks. Archadeck of Columbus also provides a five-year guarantee on all hardscape and patio foundations, so we stand behind each of our structures every step of the way.

To answer the question of whether a patio or hardscape outdoor structure is maintenance free, the answer is no because nothing is completely maintenance free. Patios are however very low maintenance. The only requirement we recommend is sealing the hardscape every couple of years for an extra measure of protection against the elements and everyday traffic. Using a sealer will add a slight gloss, or sheen to the hardscape itself, but most homeowners love this look!

Columbus OH paver patio with retaining wall and fire pit
The curved seating wall and fire pit is a great way to add vertical dimension to this patio in Columbus, OH.

When trying to compare the price of a deck addition versus a patio, the final number is influenced by the design of the structure itself. Generally speaking, a wooden deck will be a little more expensive to build because you need a higher skill set for installation. When dealing with very flat ground, a patio will be a little less expensive to build, however when you begin to add vertical elements to the patio’s design that take more time, the price tag will begin to go up.  In regards to the cost of a synthetic deck versus the cost of a patio, the price for the synthetic deck will almost always be significantly more. Once again, it is hard to gauge a precise cost analysis until you take the design or the space and all the “bells and whistles” within the design into consideration, so the answer is it all depends on your individual design.

To find out more about our quality hardscape outdoor living designs, including patios, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, contact Archadeck of Columbus today.  Call us for a free consultation(740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

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

Please visit our patio and hardscape photo gallery and our outdoor living photo gallery located on our website to see more of our fabulous Columbus area hardscape designs!

Trending now – building a screened porch over your Columbus, OH patio.

Find out why the screened porch and patio combination in Columbus is taking off, and learn how you can design a unique outdoor living space for your backyard too!

Columbus OH Hardscape Patio with Adjacent Screened porch
Two of the most popular outdoor structures are showing up together in backyards all over the Columbus area!

A trend we’re seeing lately is homeowners adding a porch atop a patio. The traditional screened porch addition is often seen alongside a deck or patio. The screened porch and patio combination outdoor living space is popular because it mingles the look and tactile characteristics of stone or other hardscape mediums with the rustic appeal of the screened porch.

It’s often true that rooms built over paver or stone floors can be more costly to construct. The added cost comes into play when you factor in the additional aggregate needed to build up the base of the patio and the fact that hardscape materials are simply more expensive than wood floors. However, if your porch is built at low grade, you will not need the additional fill to build up the “platform” for the hardscape.

Gable roof Screen Porch with paved floor and adjacent patio
This gable roof screen porch incorporates patio elements into it’s design.

Another viable option when considering merging a patio and screened porch is to construct the patio with a screened porch adjacent to it. The patio and screened porch combination picks up where the deck and screened porch combination left off. There are several ways to incorporate these spaces but the bottom line is you may just prefer the upscale look a hardscape patio adds to your screened porch.

Columbus OH Hardscape steps
By adding curved hardscape steps you can provide additional seating space within your patio.

There are many hidden benefits of choosing a patio as the perfect partner for your screened porch. Not only are hardscape mediums ultra-low maintenance, they also look the part and stay cool even when the temperatures soar high in the double digits.

If you would like to learn more about building a screened porch over your patio, or create a dual outdoor living space using both designs, contact Archadeck of Columbus today. We will be happy to discuss the many unique outdoor living options we have available to make your backyard a true original. Call us today for a free consultation(740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

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

You can view more screened porch and patio designs by visiting our screened porch photo gallery, and our patio and hardscape photo gallery located on our website.

Archadeck of Columbus helps you plan the perfect patio or hardscape from head to toe

Archadeck of Columbus helps you plan the perfect patio or hardscape this spring from start to finish and everything in-between.

Columbus OH covered patio for dining and entertaining
This covered paver patio in Columbus is a great example of planning for function and comfort in your outdoor space.

When it comes to getting the most enjoyment and functionality out of your patio or hardscape, the devil is in the details. To the surprise of many of our clients one of the most important things to consider when planning your design is what will actually go into your space in terms of furniture, grills, etc. The key is to treat your outdoor spaces with the same consideration when analyzing and “sizing up” your interior space. How often do you go into an empty house and not really think about your furnishings? When you purchased your home, the room sizes were predetermined so you had to fit within those constraints. If you’re adding a new outdoor space, you can determine how you want to live in your new space and thus how you want to furnish it. That will tell us what size your new space needs to be.

Columbus Monarch Composite Deck with Paver Patio
Planning the perfect patio includes furniture considerations, shape, size and placement to allow proper traffic flow.

During our consultation we always ask what primary function your space will serve. For example, will your space be used primarily for dining or seating? If your answer is dining, then we take into consideration how many chairs you will need and the size of your table. If you are considering using a round table which is typically four feet in diameter and includes four chairs that are typically two and a half feet deep, we can help you decide your best use of space. One crucial factor that is often missed is allowing ample pull-out room for your chairs. Having enough room to easily sit back and relax in your chairs is a necessity if you want to get the most enjoyment from your space. Another key consideration is the type of chairs you intend to use in your patio. Rockers, swivels and stationary chairs all have different dimensions. Knowing ahead of time what furnishings you intend to use will allow us to ensure your space delivers proper traffic flow. The goal is to have a space that is large enough to travel to and around your table easily. This is especially important with dining because tripping could cause an accident or a spill.

Columbus paver patio rounded edges rounded retaining wall bench
Consider the big picture and how you wish your space to function in the years to come when planning your patio or hardscape endeavor.

A very popular table size is four feet in diameter. In order to obtain a comfortable proportion you will need a space that is 8 and a half feet. You have to consider the space that the chairs occupy when being occupied and the space they occupy when you and your guests are sitting away from the table during conversation or after meals. A typical case scenario is when your table is occupied and all are sitting away from the table. Then, you s till need room to move around those chairs. Once you add up all these measurements, this totals an area of approximately 14 square feet. There’s a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to space planning.

Columbus OH hardscape patios and paths
This hardscape patio and path in Columbus, OH is a good example of mixing hardscape mediums in one design.

Once you have decided upon the perfect size furnishings to use for your new space, you’ll need to think about texture choices. A scored concrete or paver patio contains undulation which is part of the beauty of the hardscape itself. These undulations and grooves also mean your chairs will not sit perfectly flat as they did in the showroom when you made your purchase. Some hardscape materials offer a more level surface than others. If leveled area for seating and dining is a must then we can mix mediums in your hardscape design. Mixing mediums will allow for a mix of smooth hardscape in your functional space and rough textured hardscapes throughout the remainder of your patio. Not only will this solve the dilemma of rocking furniture, it also looks great and helps delineate your space.  The joints of your paver patio will also influence steadiness of your furnishings. The distance of the pavers to each other will help hold furnishings level. In essence a smaller joint promotes a steadier surface for tables and chairs.

Paver patio with rounded edges rounded step Columbus OH
Paver patio with rounded edges and steps in Columbus OH

We cannot forget the importance of choosing outdoor furnishings that match the appeal of your patio. Many of today’s contemporary outdoor furniture designs use streamlined design with deeper seating with less of an emphasis on a slender leg. Stacked resin furniture is wildly popular right now. The trend we see throughout outdoor furniture design is taking the comfort and easy feel of your living room into the exterior. The term outdoor room is widely used in patio and hardscape designs for this very reason. Homeowner’s are leaning toward outdoor furniture that mimics the comfort and loftiness of their favorite couch or easy chair but with low-maintenance outdoor fabric choices.

Cedar deck and patio in Columbus, OH
This deck and patio combination by Archadeck of Columbus exemplifies good landscape planning.

Last but certainly never least, don’t forget the patio landscaping. This stage of planning a patio or hardscape addition is often an afterthought. Many times homeowners only landscape the area around the perimeter of the patio after completion. The foundation of a patio extends by about one foot to support the outside perimeter. It needs to have a landscaping plan even if it only includes mulch beds or planting beds. This is also a service Archadeck of Columbus can provide enabling you to build it into your contract. Landscaping choices should also reflect shade configurations that will affect your completed patio or hardscape and be planned accordingly.

If your outdoor living season aspirations include a patio or hardscape addition, we can help from head to toe. We can assist you in choosing the correct size space all the way building and landscaping your space. Contact Archadeck of Columbus today for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

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

See more examples of stunning patios and hardscapes by visiting our patio and hardscape photo gallery and our outdoor living photo gallery located on our website.