When we met with the homeowners for their initial design consultation, they had a typical wooden deck addition off the back of their home.
As you can see from the before image to the right, the structure was the type of wooden deck that had served its useful life and was in need of replacement. Instead of just replacing the deck using wood and the exact same footprint, the clients wanted to amp up the design with subtle changes to the footprint and by switching to a lower maintenance material to ensure more years of enjoyment. Archadeck of Columbus also integrated a roofed area for added versatility along with a custom hardscape to work in unison with the home’s large deck – truly a match made in heaven!
We began by changing the stairway design of the existing deck. The landing area was lowered to better facilitate the descent into the lower level hot tub deck. We also increased the size of the space itself by adding a covered porch/patio to the right of this area, a space the homeowners could enjoy no matter what the weather forecasts.
Archadeck used low-maintenance TimberTech decking in the ever-popular Brown Oak color for the deck area. We also updated the rail with a streamlined powder coated aluminum to give the updated deck a sleek look. TimberTech riser lights were integrated into the deck stairs to make getting to the hot tub easy and safe in the evening. Finishing off the deck, we added solid board wooden skirting which has been painted to match the exterior color of the home.
Speaking of the hot tub area, for added privacy we installed a cedar privacy wall to create intimacy and seclusion while the spa is in use. The homeowner’s mounted their outdoor TV on the opposite covered porch side, so the privacy wall serves double duty!
The covered patio area features a gable roof with enclosed rafters and a beautiful cedar interior tongue and groove ceiling. All the posts were meticulously wrapped in Paulownia wood. The paver patio below the roof was built using all Unilock hardscapes. The patio floor is Unilock’s Beacon Hill in the color Riverblend and we added a soldier’s course border using Copthorne pavers in the Basalt color.
The clients are elated with their new and improved outdoor living space. They truly have the best of both worlds through the addition of a roofed structure and the use of low-maintenance materials on the updated deck. Archadeck knows that the area will bring them years of enjoyment.
If you are interested in updating your existing deck, patio or porch space (or all of the above), contact us today! We can transform your existing area or design and build from scratch. Outdoor living is our passion and we take great pride in our many satisfied customers!
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
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.
Dublin, OH deck and open porch plan.
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.
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 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.
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
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 gives us a sneak peek into one of their curren in-progress projects which includes a stunning re-deck, expansion and hardscape addition in Columbus, OH.
Here is a peek into this stunning re-decking , expansion and addition project in Columbus, OH we are currently working on.
Upgrading an existing outdoor living space can take on many forms. Some homeowners call us and are interested in only re-decking an existing deck while others are interested in transforming an existing deck into a porch. There are endless possibilities when it comes to upgrading and expanding upon your existing outdoor space to enhance the time you spend outdoors with your family. Our recent outdoor living area upgrade consists of a re-deck and deck extension that includes an open porch and extended hardscape area to house the homeowner’s grill and smoker. When you dig a little deeper into the details of the project, it is evident that what the homeowners are getting is so much more than additional room for grilling.
When we met with these Columbus homeowners they had an existing linear rectangular deck with a permanent fabric awning that provided shade to the space. Their existing deck space did not allow for good traffic flow, or enough space with all their outdoor furnishings. The homeowner’s goal was to expand their existing deck space out from the house on a curve to make it more aesthetically appealing.
This is the detailed design rendering and custom plan prepared for this project.
Since the existing deck is low to the ground, our design will include a hardscape seating wall that follows the same curved pattern of the deck as requested by the homeowner. Our design encompasses re-surfacing the existing deck with TimberTech Evolutions Terrain in Brown Oak. Above the deck we plan to build an open porch addition that will provide more function, shade and beauty than that of the awning previously used to gain shade. As part of the expansion, Archadeck of Columbus will also add new footings to make sure the new area is structurally sound. We are wrapping all exposed wood in Polonia for added appeal. The homeowner also asked that we minimize the columns that are to support the roof of the open porch, to accommodate this request we plan to use engineered lumber so you will only see two visible posts supporting the roof of the porch.
A little look at the anticipated grill and smoker area, which will lie adjacent to the deck and porch area.
What is difficult about this project is the presence of second story windows right above the intended area for the porch roof. In order to overcome this obstacle Archadeck of Columbus will install a flat rubber membrane roof to facilitate the use of a low-pitched roof on the open porch. This rubber membrane roof will divert water away from the house and assist in keeping this area dry. Most rubber membranes are black, but we were able to locate one in white to fulfill another request of the homeowner. The end result will be cohesive and will match the exterior of the other amendments we are completing. On the interior porch ceiling we plan to use white ply bead as a continuation of the sleek white used elsewhere in the project.
Adjacent to the deck and open porch area, we are also building a small addition for the homeowner’s grill and smoker. This portion of the project will not be under roof. A grill surround that will include taking placing vertical paver dimensions into the grill surround will add to the charm and function of this unique space. This area will function much like that of an outdoor kitchen addition.
Adding to the distinct appearance of this addition is the beautiful hardscape seating wall. This area will contain small pillars against the seating wall as well as pillars above the seating wall. The finished seating wall will stand 19 inches and the post supporting the roof of the porch will come down into the seating wall. The anticipated seating wall will be wide enough to sit on and add valuable additional seating to this gorgeous backyard oasis. These Columbus homeowners are very excited about completion of this project and cannot wait to use their new and improved backyard in time for fall as the expected finish date is expected to be late summer to early fall.
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
If you are ready to upgrade or improve your backyard to make it more livable, and more beautiful contact Archadeck of Columbus. Our goal is to make your outdoor living dreams a reality. Call us for free consultation today (740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net
Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus 