Columbus Oh hardscaping trends – Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus

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

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.

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.

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!

Each 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!

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.

Our most recent upcoming projects mark the shape of things to come for two Columbus area backyards

Archadeck of Columbus is thrilled to give you the chance to preview two upcoming outdoor living space projects. Both projects are outdoor living space combinations that integrate various functions into singular multi-faceted designs

Dublin OH TimberTech deck and open porch by Archadeck of Columbus — A peek into our upcoming outdoor living combination project in Dublin, OH.

Archadeck of Columbus is thrilled to give you the chance to preview two upcoming outdoor living projects we’re building in the Columbus area. Both projects are outdoor living space combinations that integrate various structures into singular, multifaceted designs. These projects serve as a great example of the unique qualities homeowners here in the Columbus area have a taste for. Take a peek at the shape of things to come in these Columbus area backyards…

Large, open, and worthy of lots of outdoor living

Our first upcoming project preview is located in Dublin, OH very close to the zoo. These homeowners had no existing outdoor living space and contacted Archadeck of Columbus to create a low-maintenance deck and covered porch to enliven their backyard enjoyment. The design includes a multi-level deck, open porch and extensive hardscape skirting.

This large multi-level deck is being built with low-maintenance TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions Terrain decking in Brown Oak. The stair treads and rail cap will be built using TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions in Tropical Walnut. The two neutral shades play off one another and add visual interest to the decking components in this project. Tan vinyl railings with round powder coated black balusters will finish off the details of this elegant deck which steps out on three different sides to lower levels. The deck itself encompasses an area of 1440 square feet. The large deck balances the long rectangular porch that will set in the middle of the space within its own level.

Dublin OH TimberTech Terrain deck in brown oak — This deck and open porch combination promises pure outdoor living bliss!

The open porch adds an air of charm to the outdoor living combination because it is reminiscent of the classic design of porches from another era. The porch is placed around the home’s existing bay window and will look original to the home once completed. The placement and design details make the porch appear as if it has always been there. The porch will have pressure treated pine rafters all wrapped in cedar. The six columns included in the design will have a recessed panel on the columns with each having skirts and collars. The ceiling will be finished in ply bead to further the country feel of the space. Finishing up the porch will be two ceiling fans, four down lights and for added enjoyment the interior will have speakers wired to all four corners. Adding sound to this already stunning outdoor oasis will enhance entertaining opportunities for these Dublin homeowners.

Since this backyard has a large amount of slope, the skirting including on this project is dramatic. At the lowest point the structure sits 6″ above ground and spans to 5′ in some parts. The skirting is being completed using cultured stone to match the front of the home. The cultured stone runs the entire perimeter of the backyard structure and encompasses 140 linear feet.

Here is a first look at this Arlington, OH outdoor living combination.

From weathered wood to stunning Ipe Brazilian hardwood

Our second upcoming project takes us to Upper Arlington, OH where the homeowners have a very old existing cedar deck that is just one step off of the ground. When the homeowner’s contacted us, their existing outdoor living space did not do the home or the surrounding landscape justice. Many times with aging decks of this nature, where time and weather have taken their toll, it is better to just clear the area and begin afresh. That is exactly what Archadeck of Columbus has in mind.

This image shows the space before we begin the project.

We are starting this backyard transformation by removing the old deck and railroad ties to make way for an Ipe deck and large pergola which connects the home to the deck space by way of a stunning natural Bluestone patio. The space will include an Ipe Brazilian hardwood deck which is covered with a large cedar pergola. The pergola is designed to include large structural elements including large beams and joists. The use of larger elements will give the pergola a “beefier” feel a really make a design statement as part of this outdoor living combination. From the deck we are building limestone walls that lead to the rear door of the existing home. The limestone walls are to be 6-inches wide and will harmonize beautifully with the wood used in the deck and pergola. Natural stone compliments wood when used together, and creates a space full of rustic natural elements. As part of this project we will have to contend with some existing irrigation and electrical which will require retro-fitting a lot of new wiring and irrigation lines.

Upcoming Arlington OH Outdoor living combo — Upcoming Arlington,OH outdoor living combination.

As you can see, the shape of things to come is an outdoor space that combines multiple functions with multiple elements. Designing the perfect outdoor space for you and staying on top of outdoor living and design trends is our business. We are seeing an increase in the number of combination projects Columbus area homeowners are seeking such as deck/porch combinations and deck/patio and pergola combination. Clients who build combination projects want to create an outdoor space that fits all their needs, and allows the effortless flow from one structure into another to offer maximum enjoyment in their backyards.

To learn more about our outdoor combination designs, including the design details that helps bring it all to life, contact Archadeck of Columbus today. Call for a free consultation: (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

See more multifaceted outdoor combination structures by visiting our many photo galleries, located on our website. There are so many wonderful and functional combinations it will be hard for you to choose!

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.

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!

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

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

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.

Archadeck of Columbus shares the top color trends in acheiving a fabulous hardscape design

Archadeck of Columbus discusses the color trends in hardscapes.

Columbus OH patios an hardscapes builder — This CAD design rendering showcases some of the hottest trends in hardscape designs.

As an outdoor structure design and build company, we pay close attention to the color trends in all aspects of outdoor living spaces. Hardscapes in particular are ever becoming a more popular choice. Whether your vision of a hardscape is a retaining wall to border your landscape, or a patio, a path or seating wall, choosing the right color is important to your overall satisfaction with your new outdoor space.

Patio with sailor course edging adjacent to Deck Columbus Ohio — This patio and deck combination matches the exterior of this home beautifully and also includes a sailor course border for added contrast.

Among the many color trends we are seeing in hardscapes are homeowner’s choosing colors that closely match their home. Choosing a color to closely match the exterior of your home is more easily achieved through stain and stamp style applications. Pavers have a lot more variations within each color because they are blends, which can be a little trickier to getting an exact match. Earth tones are being used more readily, which encompass a neutral base and allows for easier color matching options.

Contrasting colors are also popular with hardscape designs. One way to incorporate contrast through color is by adding a border to your hardscape. Soldier course and sailor course borders are popular. A soldier course involves the brick, or paver, used as a border or edging standing up, whereas a sailor course lies down flush with the patio. With borders, like a sailor course, darker ribbons around the edges of your hardscape not only add a stunning contrast, but they also serve as an outline to indicate where the edge of the patio ends. Texture is just as important as color and is also a great medium used to add contrast. Right now the old Chicago style street banding is being requested frequently. This style involves changing the color in the banding to deliver a vintage look. We are seeing a lot more variations in banding by using red bricks too. You may also consider using two different color pavers, with different textures to add contrast to your design. A good example of this approach is using a standard brick with a soldier course in tumbled brick, or using a traditional clay paver with an embossed finish. Choosing a hardscape professional that is inclined to “think outside the box” will help you achieve a unique contrast within your hardscape structure.

In order to get a beautiful, on trend hardscape you don’t always have to use contrast. You can still achieve a stunning effect by playing up the darker and lighter tones of the same hardscape material. When using pavers, the same pallet will hold different degrees of dark and light pavers within the same color base, and when installed to play up these difference you can create a breathtaking finished project.

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.

Along with color, texture and contrast there are still a myriad of ways to bring out the individuality in your hardscape. A great way to add vertical interest to areas like retaining and seating walls and built-in grills is to use different kinds of curving. If you have a slightly raised bed outside your patio there are curving products that can add dimension and elevation to the patio. Among my personal favorite of growing trends are multi-level outdoor spaces that include fire features, seating walls and even pillars. Pillars add drama and vertical dimension and can even include lights in them to shine down on the face of the pillar. We often see coach lights used on top with different bands which can be used at both ends of a seating wall or to define an entrance into the backyard or a walkway leading to a patio. Curving can even be used on the front of your home to add flair; this can be achieved through concrete steps, or even adding a new paver walkway that leads to your entry. Hardscapes in the front of your home will also add a tremendous amount of curb appeal.

Throughout 2012, and continuing into 2013 multiple living spaces remain big. This includes combinations of hardscape spaces and deck or paver spaces. As we look into the New Year we anticipate the popularity of solar paver lights to increase. These pavers have replaceable batteries and can last for up to 100,000 hours. Unilock offers a solar paver, as well as a line of glowing pavers that charge during the day and glow at night giving the appearance of “glowing in the dark”. These unique additions to the Unilock line of quality products are great for creating ambiance.

Let Archadeck of Columbus keep you up to date on the latest trends in outdoor living designs. We specialize in creating a space for you that provides function and beauty beyond your wildest dreams. Contact us today for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

See more inspiring photos of beautiful hardscapes by visiting our patio and hardscape photo gallery and our outdoor living photo galleries located on our website.

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