Archadeck of Columbus gives you an insider’s view of one homeowner’s master plan to the evolution of their dream backyard

Archadeck of Columbus highlights the master plan of a present clients phased building master plan. The project is underway now and we are giving you exclusive access into this Columbus, OH dream backyard project.

Columbus open patio outdoor fireplace deck
This ultimate Columbus, OH dream backyard is the master plan of one homeowner’s staged building project currently underway.

Our last story provided insight into our phased building program. Phased or staged building begins with a master plan to your ultimate backyard which can be built in phases, or over years, to accommodate your budget and your lifestyle. Phased building allows you to feel like you have a new backyard during each stage of your backyard extension. Take a look at this master plan and and the phased plan to achieve this dream space. This particular project is the epitome of a dream backyard space.

Phase one

Phase one begins closest to the house with the deck and pergola. It is always a good idea to begin your master plan working outward from your home. The primary reason for starting closest to your home is to ensure less lifestyle interruption. It also ensures that all primary structures are tied into your home structurally as you build out from the initial phase. There is less room to overcome unforeseen obstacles that may arise when you begin a job working from the outside back to your home.

Columbus dream backyard with deck patio outdoor stove
This dream backyard begins with a stunning low maintenance deck and pergola combination.

On the low-maintenance composite deck you will see a picture frame border with decorative inlays. To define the dining area on the new deck we are integrating a secondary color inlay for definition and contrast. The deck will include built-ins for added convenience such as a bench with storage underneath. Little touches like this that add convenience to your outdoor living space and will enhance your enjoyment for years to come. The skirting around the base of the deck includes the lines needed for the future pool addition underneath. Preparing the space for future development will ensure there is no reason to tear the skirting out when the conduit and plumbing are installed for the pool. The first phase also involves planning ahead for the intended landscaping design.  It is important to have a design plan drawn up along with our master plan to ensure we are able to integrate the inline landscaping along with your design. Archadeck of Columbus will work in unison with your landscaper and your pool or spa installer to ensure every detail is accounted for and to facilitate each phase of your project. We also work with your electrician and plumber to get all your lines placed in advance to avoid retrofitting in the future. Laying the foundations for the additional phases of your master plan is an important part of the first phase of your project.

Completing the pergola is also an important part of the initial phase. The pergola in this project attaches to the existing home and will provide shade to the deck. The pergola also adds beauty and character to the deck and rear of the home. This pergola will serve as much for function as aesthetics as part of the completed master plan.

Phase two

Phase two includes the addition of a backyard pool and the paver patio surround. This includes the patio area which will become part of the poolside pavilion. This phase is set to take place during this calendar year. The hardscape spaces will include two distinct rounded patio areas. One of the patios will serve as a spot for a large dining table or lounge chairs and the other rounded patio will serve as outdoor entertaining space. The patio construction will include running conduit underneath for the pool as well.

Since the Conduit and lines for the pool are already ran under the deck and patio areas installing the pool will not disturb these completed areas during this, the second phase of the project. We anticipate the pool installation to run smoothly because of the prior preparations during this phase and phase one of the project.

Phase three

This phase is to include the covered patio next to the new pool and the execution of the homeowner’s landscape design. The covered patio is to be built using a hip roof to match the roof of the existing home. The roof will be supported by round fiberglass columns. The design also allows the interior of the pavilion an open, airy cathedral ceiling. The completed covered patio will also boast large exposed cedar beams along with a cedar tongue and groove ceiling. These features will add a rustic flair to the covered patio design. Abundant lighting and ceiling fans are included in the finished interior space. The preparations to accommodate the electrical plan for the covered patio were planned as part of our previous phases so this portion of the phase will run smooth as silk.

The final chapter

The final phase of the master plan to this dream backyard includes an outdoor kitchen and outdoor fireplace within the covered patio completed in the previous phase. The outdoor kitchen area will give the homeowners a bar area that can also serve for additional seating and food preparation. A bar element within your outdoor kitchen allows the person preparing the food and the ones dining to share the same space instead of having separate spaces. It has always been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home and in this outdoor kitchen design the same rings true. Delivering two functions in one space enhances the whole experience.

the ultimate columbus dream backyard
The final phase of this project will include the addition of the outdoor kitchen and fireplace within the covered patio completed in phase three of the project.

The outdoor fireplace will provide a perfect spot for relaxing as well as entertaining. Nothing says relaxation quite like the crackle of a fire! Since the fireplace is under the chimney and there is an existing gas line to the chimney the homeowner plans to incorporate the gas into the chimney during the final phase of the project.

To be continued….

Like with many of our completed phased building projects, there is usually room for additional outdoor living space in the future. These homeowners may decide at a later date to add a pergola over one of the circular paver patios, or even an area to facilitate a spa. Once their space is complete they can enjoy all the outdoor living opportunities to come.

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

If you have a vision of your dream backyard but you’re not ready to complete it all at one time, our phased building program is the perfect answer. We can bring the backyard of your dreams to life one beautiful stage at a time. Contact Archadeck of Columbus to learn more about our innovative approach to outdoor structure building. Call now for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

For more inspiration on creating your ultimate backyard visit our decks photo gallery and our outdoor living photo gallery located on our website.

From Shabby Chic to Rustic Chic- Authentic materials give you the individual character you crave

Archadeck of Columbus discusses the popularity of rustic wooden outdoor structures.

Columbus OH knotty wood screened porch
Notice the rustic character of the knotty wood used in the interior of this screen porch in Columbus, Ohio.

Thumb through any home and garden magazine and you will see the allure of vintage inspired rustic wood. It is evident through the deliberate efforts to make new furniture look old. It is also evident through the continued use of reclaimed materials in home building and furniture design.  Reclaimed materials are given a new lease on life in a design world where everything old is new again! It is clear that the older wood appears, the more appealing it becomes. The appeal of “rustic chic” extends into the realm of outdoor living designs as well. Homeowner’s want their new deck to look old, and some are making the choice to use wood in lieu of materials that display no imperfections.

Columbus OH Cedar porch and deck combination
Cedar is among the most commonly requested wood for exterior applications.

Design trends come and go, but the attributes associated with wood have never gone out of style. Wood is coveted for its rustic appearance and its natural flaws. Streaking, veining, knots and even worm holes are all appealing aesthetics of wood.  Many times the more knotted the wood is, the more people want it. Knots create more of a visual sense of the natural state of the wood. The more rustic the wood appears, the more character the wood has. When you look up the definition for the term “rustic” it reads made of the rough limbs of trees. This explanation defines rustic and speaks volumes about the characteristics homeowners are looking for when they make the choice to use wood.

Delaware OH rustic screen porch with outdoor fireplace
An outdoor fireplace adds to the rustic charm of this wooden screened porch in Deleware, OH.

The imperfection of the tree adds to the character of the wood

Many times clients will call and tell me there wood has some checking. Checking is a natural part of wood’s aging. Checking can safely be as much as six inches long. Wood is natural and porous and therefore it is expected to expand and contract. This is why clients choose wood. These are the elements that give the wood character. By the function of wood aging you get some rustic appeal like checking.

Knottiness in wood also delivers a rustic appearance. Clear wood which is made from the innermost part of the tree is less likely to contain knots, but is a lot more expensive. Different grades of wood will display different degrees of knottiness. The knots should not be of concern because they are part of the timber, are tight and will not fall out.

rustic timbers Columbus screened porch design
Rustic timbers help enliven this open porch design.

The very nature of certain types of wood lends itself to a rustic appearance. Cedar and pine are commonly used in outdoor structure design. Pine is more yellow where cedar is more gold. Pine is a softer wood than cedar and will expand and contract more than cedar. Cedar naturally contains oils that won’t allow for as much expansion and contraction as pine. Ipe’, even though it is a dense hardwood will weather to a rustic grey patina if left alone.

Columbus Rustic porch interiors
A king truss, and heavy wood graining add to the cabin allure of this screened porch.

The popularity of wood with more character has come full circle. Thirty years ago, redwood was the most popular choice for decks. It was a status symbol to own a redwood deck. Over the years mahogany and cypress have both had some popularity. Cedar has been popular for many years and today is still our most commonly requested wood in outdoor designs. So you see everything old is new again.

If you are looking for a way to incorporate naturally beautiful wood like cedar into your outdoor living space, Archadeck of Columbus can get the job done. Our diverse selection of exterior materials can turn your boring space into rustic chic. Contact us today for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

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

You can see more examples of outdoor spaces with character and charm by visiting our extensive wooden deck gallery, and our porch galleries located on our website.

Let the sun shine through with an open porch design in your backyard

Archadeck of Columbus turns the spotlight on a versatile combination of outdoor structures in Columbus which includes a rustic open porch, and patio with separate seating area. The perfect match for the outdoor living season.

Interior of open porch in Columbus, OH
This photo shows the lovely interior of this open porch we recently completed in Columbus, OH.

Open porches take us back to a time when you spent the summer afternoon sipping lemonade while rocking away the time on the porch in the company of friends and family. Open porches sure have changed and evolved. Once upon a time an open porch was only a front of the house, or back of the house thing. Today’s open porch designs include detached, open gables, intricate ceilings, and many other “goodies” hidden inside.  Open porches now include many different convenient amenities such as outdoor kitchens, lighting, ceiling fans, fireplaces and even televisions.

open porch design Columbus OH Archadeck
Notice the stunning keystone centerpiece within the open rafter end. This adds character and rustic appeal to the appearance of the porch.

This open porch we recently completed has an open gable roof to allow lots of sunshine to enter the area. The gable includes a stunning decorative element called a keystone centerpiece. The homeowner wanted to use a minimal number of columns so they could utilize the open area more efficiently; therefore we used four columns in the porch’s construction. In doing so we had to engineer the size of the beams to take care of the abundant span on this 17 x 21 area.

Along with the keystone used on the rafter, we also used a keystone on the king truss. The large king truss serves two purposes; aesthetic appeal and the ever important structural support. We were also able to hang the ceiling fan from the king truss to provide further visual interest, and more function.

Since the homeowners specifically asked for intricate details and plenty of lighting in their new open porch, we wrapped everything in rustic cedar. The rustic touches can also be seen in the use of the large 4 X 6 rafters we used. We included lots of lighting including skylights, and lighting on the ridge beams as well.

The king truss adds loads of structural support and beauty.
The king truss adds loads of structural support and beauty.

The beauty and function doesn’t end with the open porch. We also built a patio below with a separate seating area, built with unilock pavers. This multi-structure outdoor area serves all the purposes the homeowners desired and then some. These Columbus, OH homeowners are looking forward to many lazy afternoons on their new open porch, from lemonades to entertaining, the world is the limit.

Contact Archadeck of Columbus to design your outdoor oasis, open porch, or combination structure for you to enjoy the season. Let the sunshine in! Call for a free consultation: (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net

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

See more stunning open and covered porch designs by visiting our covered porch and front porch photo galleries located on our website.