Columbus OH patio ideas – Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus

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.

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.

It’s not a to-do list; it’s a dream-and-do list

May is National Home Improvement Month. At first blush, this doesn’t sound like much fun; in fact, it sounds a lot like work, but it has tremendous potential to change the way you look at and live in your home. What parts of your home do you enjoy the most? What would you like to change? What could you add or improve in your home that would make you want to spend more time in it? Home improvement isn’t just about fixing a sagging door or replacing shrubberies. It’s about reimagining your family’s home as you would love it to be.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry offers a terrific “Top 10” useful tips for preparing for a project for free on their website. The list is comprehensive and applicable to almost any project that involves a contracter: a wonderful resource. It’s in the format of a press release, but don’t let that throw you. The information in it is something every homeowner should know.

After you’ve spent some time thinking about what you’d like and doing a little research about various project options on the internet and elsewhere, don’t forget to take a few minutes to give some thought to what the potential Return on Investment (ROI) for the project is likely to be. Various industry groups do annual surveys that provide numbers on this subject, but I’d like to share a few from my line of business.

In the Columbus area, the average cost for a composite deck addition runs about $16,675 and improves the home’s value by about half of that. A Columbus wood deck has an even better ROI, returning about 67% of the cost immediately to your home’s bottom line. These numbers might not sound impressive, but they are higher than those for many other common projects like bathroom additions and roofing replacement. Remember: the real payoff is in the months and years you enjoy spending time with friends and family on your new Columbus patio or deck. The ROI is just a bonus you enjoy at home sale time.

If you’re thinking about adding an outdoor living space to your Columbus backyard, give us a call to see how we can make creating your dream backyard an enjoyable experience, start to finish. The consultation is completely free. Call (740) 879 – 3730, email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net or visit our website at columbus.archadeck.com. We look forward to connecting with you.

All of the “elements” of an award-winning design…

Design Excellence Award Winning Columbus Hardscape — And the winner is…

One of the favorite cliches of Oscar season is a famous actor or director telling the audience how special it is to be chosen for such a prestigious award by his peers. Cliche or not, that’s the kind of pride that we felt when Archadeck of West Columbus won the award for Excellence in Hardscapes and Patios in a recent competition that included companies from across the U.S. and Canada.

I believe one of the things that makes this particular Columbus curvilinear patio design special is that it has all of the elements in it. The extensive stonework across multiple levels covers the earth category. We see fire both in the warming conversational-friendly fire pit and the built-in grill area with granite counters. The open air porch invites cooling breezes all summer long. Where is the water? There is no water per se, but take a look at the overall design and you will see the curving, bending nature of the lines and circles that is inspired by the winding paths of the rivers that are such treasures to us here in central Ohio.

This is a project that will continue to grow more beautiful over the next few years. There are a number of landscaped areas within the design that will fill in over the long term. Those are intermingled with beds and planters that are well-suited to the use of annuals to create pops of color and interest. I can’t wait to see what furnishings the homeowner adds now that all the pieces have come together.

Here are a few of the kind words we received with our award:

“We are proud to present this award to Rob Mitchell and the entire Archadeck of West Columbus team,” stated Mike Reeder, VP of the Archadeck Outdoor Living Brand. “His level of expertise and design carried him through many challenges that the landscape provided and in the end, he was able to deliver to the homeowner what he had envisioned… beautifully.”

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.

Archadeck of Columbus explores the top 16 deck design trends in 2013 (part 2 of 3-part series on design trends)

As part two of our 3-part series exploring top design trends, Archadeck of Columbus explores the top 16 trends in decks among homeowners in our region, and all across the country.

TimberTech XLM Harvest Bronze deck with TimberTech Radiance Rail Columbus — The deck of your dreams is just a phone call away at Archadeck of Columbus!

Archadeck of Columbus is in what many would call an enviable position. We have the opportunity to meet with homeowners around Columbus throughout the year and get to hear what they like, what they are looking for and what type of things they are contracting us to build in their backyards. As 2013 will soon be drawing to a close, we would like to share some of the trends we’re seeing on the front line.

As part two of this 3-part series exploring top design trends, Archadeck of Columbus explores the top 16 trends we’ve seen in our market.

Top 16…

#1) The use of roofed structures on top of decks – Currently, we are seeing a high demand for roofed structures on decks. Roofed outdoor structures include covered porches, screened porches and even 3- and 4-season rooms. The trend toward these covered structures indicates that homeowners are entertaining more and investing in their home’s living space more via the outdoor room. Having a roofed structure adds both shade and comfort to a deck space.

#2) Combination of a deck with other structures such as a patio or porch -The great part combining your deck with a porch or patio, is that it is the perfect add-on to give you those multiple outdoor living areas that you really want. A patio can be added with a new or existing deck at any time. Adding a patio to your deck is a great way to spice it up and put that spark back into your outdoor entertaining as well enhance the beauty in your backyard. Adding a porch will extend the function of your outdoor space and provide shade and shelter from inclement weather. If considering a screened porch and deck combination, you will also gain protection from hungry insects too!

TimberTech evolutions Terrain Archadeck Columbus — TimberTech Evolutions Terrain is more affordable than other composites.

#3) The availability of more affordable composites for your deck – Up until recently, all high-quality composites came with a price tag to match. There has been a new addition to the composite line called TimberTech Terrain. Terrain is a wood and plastic capstock product that is similar in many ways to the popular Earthwood Evolutions line. The Terrain line features a thinner profile, similar to the TimberTech Reliaboard line, but with the same attributes that makes homeowner’s flock to the Earthwood Evolutions line at about 30% lower cost.

#4) More available decking board textures – New synthetic decking materials have a little more cleft in them which replicate more of a natural wood texture. Many decking companies are doing their best to make synthetics look far more like real wood than in years past.

#5) Contrasting color choices – Combining contrasting rails and decking add character and style to your deck. Even if you are considering a deck built with wood, you can stain your railing a different color to add contrast.

#6) The use of thin profile aluminum or cable railing – Thinner, lower profile railing will not impede visibility into your backyard or outdoor space.These include architectural rail such as Feeney Cable rail and many others. Not only will using less obtrusive railing open up the view, it gives your deck an upscale elegance with a contemporary feel. If using wooden decking, you can also get the same effect by using more upgraded pickets.

Granville OH TimberTech decks — This deck was built using TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions- beautiful.

#7) Integrating different colors within the deck itself – Today’s decks aren’t always one color. Archadeck of Columbus is constantly asked to integrate additional colors into homeowners’ decks through picture framing and parting boards. Additional colors are sometimes used to highlight a specific part of the deck, such as a dining or living area. By adding colors you can also accentuate the dimensions of your deck. By thinking outside the box when using colors, you can turn your outdoor living space into a one-of-kind work of art!

#8) More use of exotic woods such as Ipe and other Brazilian hardwoods – There is a growing trend among homeowners choosing to build their deck with Brazilian hardwoods such as Ipe. Ipe is simply beautiful. Along with the rich wood tone and natural streaking that sets this exotic hardwood apart from all others, it is also strong – so strong in fact, holes need to be pre-drilled prior to installation. Ipe looks the part, and performs the part. It requires less maintenance than other hardwoods and when left untreated will weather to an elegant dove-gray over time.

#9) Deck lighting is a big trend – Lighting adds safety and ambiance to your deck. We install a huge amount of LED lighting into deck risers and posts, rail posts and even integrate lighting into the floor of the deck. Deck lighting will extend the function of your deck into the evening hours and give your space a romantic feel that invites you to linger a while longer.

#10) Stairs – Stairs are now wider and more decorative than the minimum code of 3 feet. We also design stairs that are more aesthetically interesting like flared stairs or landing with integrated seating. The reason behind this is because homeowners want wider stairs to create more seating options. It also helps balance larger and more elaborate deck designs.

2nd story deck in Delaware County, OH with finished under deck space.

#11) Multiple stairs for traffic flow – Archadeck of Columbus thinks about the flow of your entire backyard, not just the simplest way to get from here to there. We place heavy consideration on exactly where your stairs should be placed to offer the most benefit, and many times we integrate more than one set of stairs to add function and harmony to your space.

#12) Under deck systems for elevated decks – More and more, homeowners are looking to utilize the “under deck” so their elevated decks become viable outdoor living spaces. By implementing an under deck rainwater carrying system such as Dry Snap, or outdoor ceiling systems like Inside Out into an elevated or 2nd story deck, you can create a under deck space that functions like a covered porch or patio.

#13) Balusters – Options for balusters are huge! In terms of distinction and design, balusters come with a myriad of design options. These include balusters topped with decorative finials, arches, baroque styles and even integrated lighting with the baluster itself Archadeck of Columbus uses a lot of Deckorators balusters because they are a high-quality product that offers many options to the homeowner.

#14) Lattice is out – and so is skirting – Skirting is sometimes requested, but we do not recommend it because it takes away from the view and surrounding landscaping. In addition, a skirted portion of your under deck space can inadvertently become the perfect spot for wildlife.

TimberTech deck in Hillard, OH — This wide set of stairs allows for easy traffic flow between the deck and patio. The stairs also include riser lights for visibility in the evening.

#15) We foresee the trend towards more electrical considerations – Homeowners are now asking for some hardwired plugs within their new deck. These outlets are installed for varied purposes including plugging in space heaters, laptop computers and even to operate holiday lighting along their deck railings. As technology advances, so does the increase in varied places available to utilize those technologies, including outdoor spaces.

#16) Gorgeous outdoor furnishings and accessories – Even though we don’t build it, we would be remiss at not mentioning the benefit eye-catching furnishings and accoutrements add to your completed outdoor living space. Just like the suit is said to make the man, outdoor furniture makes the deck. Finishing out your space with comfy couches and chairs featuring oversized pillows is hugely popular, as is using pillows and cushions covered with weather resistant Sunbrella fabrics. Many of today’s contemporary outdoor furniture designs also 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. 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.

If you are starting to think about adding a new outdoor space to your Columbus area home, give Archadeck of Columbus a call for a free consultation. We can help you plan and design an outdoor space that suits your individual function with a cutting edge deck, patio or porch addition.
(740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Take a look at our extensive deck photo galleries by visiting our website today!

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!

Archadeck of Columbus joins forces with Mr. Mulch to discuss what is hot in hardscapes

Archadeck of Columbus discusses the trending hardscape designs for Autumn 2013 as we enter into the season for tailgating, fire pits and renewed family time!

This beautiful Tiger Wood colored custom multi-level composite deck with an outdoor fireplace creates a comfortable outdoor living space. — This beautiful Tiger Wood colored custom multi-level composite deck in Columbus, OH with an outdoor fireplace creates a comfortable outdoor living space.

When it comes to keeping on trend with the latest hardscape designs no one around does a better job than Archadeck of Columbus! Recently, I was fortunate enough to talk with Jeff Ortman, the Director of Sale and Marketing for Mr. Mulch right here in Columbus, to find out what is hot in hardscapes right now. Mr. Mulch specializes in providing area residents a wide variety of items to help compliment their outdoor living needs and has worked along with Archadeck of Columbus on various projects throughout the years. Mr Mulch maintains a respected following in our region and are able to gauge the up-and-coming trends of our community through info from the vast number of residents they consult with on a day to day basis in regards to their various outdoor living accompaniment needs.

In my conversation with Jeff Ortman, he pointed out that most consumers aren’t shopping for just a hardscape patio per se; they are looking for ways to enhance the full outdoor living effect and are looking for ways to enhance the “outdoor room” experience. With this in mind, many Mr. Mulch customers are leaning toward outfitting their backyards with the upcoming football season in mind. Mr. Mulch has seen a dramatic increase in the popularity of backyard smokers – in particular the Big green Egg. Many homeowners are planning their backyard patio area to include these smokers by way of an island to make access to the smoker more convenient. Outdoor kitchens also remain a hot commodity as part of patio designs here in the Columbus area. As a whole, when you include an outdoor kitchen, smoker and backyard patio, homeowners can mimic the feel of tailgating in their own backyard. This is especially the case when you add in a big screen TV mounted to the patio on a Sunday afternoon with a handful of your closest football loving friends- score!

Columbus_screen_porch_divider_rail_patio_and_firepit — The fire pit and patio combination never goes out of style. Pictured here is a outdoor living combination of screen porch, spa deck, custom patio and fire pit.

Along with the popular backyard “tailgating” effect that is a growing trend among Columbus hardscape designs, Jeff indicated the continued popularity of patios designs featuring fire elements. The love of the outdoor fire pit and the outdoor fireplace remains steadfast among Columbia homeowners. Natural wood-burning fire pits and fireplaces seem to be the method of choice here in our area because of the classic ambiance natural wood creates – and wood costs less to burn. Imagine cuddled up around your custom fire pit by Archadeck of Columbus in your beautiful Amish-made Berlin Gardens Adirondack chairs from Mr. Mulch making s’mores with your family on a crisp autumn evening a delight.

With so many hardscape colors and styles to choose from, sometimes it can be hard to decide on the right hardscape for your dream patio or paver project. With this in mind, I asked Jeff his “most requested” colors and styles. He indicated that customers are leaning toward a more natural looking stone or classic style paver look. Among the most requested color, hands-down is coffee creek, and among the most requested brand is Unilock. Unilock is a good quality product with a good quality price point – who could ask for more?

Archadeck of Columbus wants to cordially thank the professionals over at Mr. Mulch for all that they do, and especially to Jeff Ortman for his help on keeping on trend with his clientele. We value our relationship with Mr. Mulch, and look forward to many happy returns in the future!

If you are thinking of adding an outdoor living space to your backyard, and are considering if a hardscape is the right choice for you and your family, contact Archadeck of Columbus. We can schedule a free design consultation to explore your options and help you make an informed decision that is the best choice aesthetically, functionally and according to your budget, call us today (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

For more inspiring examples of trending hardscape patio designs please visit our outdoor living photo gallery located on our website. Here you will find more images of Columbia area outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and outdoor fireplace designs!

Tag: Columbus OH patio ideas