Columbus porch builder – Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus

This Lewis Center Backyard Gets A Makeover From Archadeck Of Columbus!

Lewis Center Backyard Gets A Makeover From Archadeck Of Columbus.

Archadeck of Columbus is known as the area’s local TimberTech deck and Unilock patio expert when it comes to custom design and construction. Our recent project in Lewis Center OH, pays homage to both of these disciplines.

lewis center timbertech deck covered patio and custom hardscape design

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.

lewis center oh timbertech deck builders

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.

custom cedar privacy wall hoot tub deck area lewis center oh

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!

covered patio off timbertech deck in lewis center oh

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.

lewis center oh covered patio porch builders

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.

lewis center outdoor living combinations

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!

To Start Off on the Right Foot, Share Your Budget with Your Archadeck Design Consultant

At Archadeck of Columbus, we want to take the mystery out of designing an outdoor living project that fits within your budget. Your budget is the primary factor in determining the size and complexity of your project – and the materials available to build it.

We understand it’s difficult for homeowners to shop for a Columbus deck builder when your primary concern is price. At Archadeck of Columbus, the question we often hear is, “How much is this going to set me back?”

“How much will I need to invest to get the outdoor living enjoyment my family is looking for?” In an ideal world – one in which cost is not the primary concern – this might be a constructive way to rephrase the question.

A Relationship of Trust is Essential to Archadeck’s Design-and-Build Process

In the real world, cost matters. We know that. You’re looking for an outdoor living project you can enjoy and afford. The reality is that we can better design the project you can afford if we know your budget.

Many homeowners hesitate to reveal their budget to a contractor. You’re likely speaking with someone you’ve just met. You’ve heard stories about contractors who have taken advantage of clients. You’re afraid if we know your budget, we’ll increase the price without expanding the scope of the project.

With Archadeck, the opposite is true. If your budget is higher than you initially disclose, that can give you the option of increasing the scope of your project. We won’t raise our rates if we find out your budget is higher than initially expressed.

How Your Budget Affects Our Price Quote

An outdoor living project includes many variables. If your budget is relatively low, we are going to create a design for you featuring the most affordable materials. If you have room in your budget for top-of-the-line low-maintenance decking, we can design a low-maintenance project for you. But only if that’s what you want.

Every project is different. Archadeck of Columbus custom designs each outdoor living project based on the client’s needs and preferences and the specifics of their property. We will ask lots of questions and spend the time it takes to understand your needs. We call this conversation “a comprehensive needs analysis,” and it helps us identify exactly what you’re looking for.

How would you describe the kind of outdoor living space you want? How do you intend to use your deck, porch, patio, 3-season room, or sunroom? And yes, your budget is a factor because it tells us what materials will be within reach for your project. Our design goal is to address your needs while staying within your budget.

When You Might Want to Consider Financing Your Outdoor Living Project

If you have your heart set on a deck or other project that’s significantly outside your budget, you may want to consider financing the project. Have you been comfortable financing other purchases such as a car, boat, or home appliance? If so, would you be comfortable financing your outdoor living project? Archadeck of Columbus refers potential clients to a finance company that we trust and recommend. This approach allows you to enjoy your ideal screened porch or three-season room while paying for it over time. We will never push you into financing. We simply let you know the option to finance is available.

Put “the Archadeck Difference” to Work for You

Regardless of your budget, Archadeck always brings our top-quality execution. We perform at the highest level of craftsmanship and professionalism, and our projects are built to last. Archadeck has earned an outstanding reputation nationally and in the Columbus, OH, area for our top-notch design and construction work.

For reviews of our work, please see the bottom half of our website’s home page as well as our web page devoted to reviews posted on Angie’s List. If you would like to speak with customers to ask specific questions about their experience with Archadeck of Columbus, we can provide contact information. One thing you will hear is that while some Archadeck projects cost more than another builder’s quote, the quality of our work is worth it. We back our top-quality work with two different warranties and a completion guarantee. No other Columbus, OH, outdoor living builder will offer these warranties.

Ask yourself what’s more expensive, a high-quality job done right, or having to hire a second company after you choose the lowest bidder and they botch the job?

If you’re ready to work with a high-quality company that gets it right the first time, Archadeck of Columbus can design and build an outdoor living space that meets your needs, within your budget. Call today at 740-879-3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

What a Difference a Front Porch Makes … Just Ask These Clintonville, OH, Homeowners!

If you are in need of a front porch makeover—or back porch, screened porch, side porch, any porch—take a look at this sweet front porch for some ideas. Columbus porch builder Archadeck of Columbus has elevated the fine art of porch!

Home showing entry before project. — Home showing entry before the project.

Originally they had a 4×4′ concrete stoop under a small awning. They did some porch-sitting here because, yes, even a small stoop can accommodate a couple of chairs. But now … Oh, my, this home is smiling!

Before we could tackle the front porch project, we assisted the homeowner with addressing structural issues in the basement. The walls were bowed in and the concrete pad leading to the front door was pulling away from the house. In order to proceed with the new front porch, we needed these structural issues to be resolved. We researched basement companies, and the homeowner hired one of them to make sure the foundation wall was in good shape.

For the floor of the new porch, the clients chose TimberTech Terrain decking in the silver maple color. You probably recognize TimberTech as a composite building product used on decks and chosen especially for its low-maintenance qualities. It works on porches, too! On an open porch like this, the building materials will be exposed to the elements, so the homeowners wanted a porch that would not need sanding, staining and sealing. TimberTech promises that, plus these boards will resist stains, scratches, fading, mold, mildew and moisture damage. It’s an especially durable product because each board in TimberTech’s Terrain product line is capped on all four sides with a protective polymer shell.

We wrapped the porch’s posts and beams with trim by Boral, a synthetic wood-grain wrap that is also more durable than wood. Boral is rated for ground contact so it won’t rot, and it also resists cracking and splitting. What’s more, Boral accepts stain and paint better than some materials.

The cedar tongue-and-groove porch ceiling is beautiful and, if you ever feel like staring straight up, a lot nicer to look at than the underside of a metal awning. We roofed the gabled porch cover to match the home’s roofing shingles. We want the porch to look original to the home, not like an afterthought.

Around the porch we installed cedar railings with black aluminum pickets. These railings define the sides of the porch and then they reach down the steps like open arms to welcome visitors. This cheerful, open porch is like a big smile of delight on the front of this home. The homeowners are in for many luxurious hours of porch-sitting over the years to come.

Whether you need to upgrade your porch or start from scratch with a new open porch or screened porch, contact us today at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

This Columbus Screened Porch Proves Neccessity is Indeed, the Mother of Invention!

This Columbus screened porch is one of our favorites to date! With its warm cedar siding exterior, and equally as warm rustic wooden touches on the porch’s interior — this porch screams coziness!

The popularity of screened porches spans decades and continues to increase as homeowners realize just how much benefit they can add to a home, outdoor living space and lifestyle. Screened porches have evolved past the days of flimsy screen and plain-Jane framing with very little character. As their popularity increases, their design and the elements that go into building a screened porch have become higher-quality and higher-aesthetic!Whether you are buying a car, hosting a dinner party or building an outdoor living space, the details matter, and they can make a big difference in the final outcome. From colors and texture to shape and space, choosing the right finishing touches can transform your outcome from fine, into exceeding all your expectations. Take, for example, the way Archadeck of Columbus added a custom wooden barrier in front of each opening for the screen in order for the homeowner’s dogs to look out without compromising the screen. And, the wider than average finish on the window seal area, we did this so the homeowners could use it as a convenient drink rail. They say that necessity is the Mother of invention, and these custom touches are proof!

For me, the finishes inside the porch are what makes me want to have a drink or read a book in the room. Screened porches are a unique type of space because they really are both indoors and outdoors. You are inside a structure, but outdoor-friendly materials have to be used because rain, pollen and some other outdoor elements can get inside. In this screened porch, the homeowners opted to use a cedar knee-wall as a continuation of the cedar used on the exterior of the addition. This cedar was left natural whereas the exterior was painted. I think you will agree, the warm tones also make the porch welcoming.

The homeowners are thrilled with their new outdoor living space. To me, it’s a great example of how design can make all the difference. The combination of the screened porch with the rustic touches and the special attention to details so that every member of the family can enjoy the space makes all the difference.

Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to discuss our stunning porch and screened porch designs. Our consultation is completely free. You can reach us at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

Small porch delivers big impact for these New Albany, OH, homeowners

“Just the right size” means different things to different people, but Archadeck of Columbus believes all that really matters is what it means to you. Sometimes what you want is a table for two and a sweet, little deck to put it on. Add a roof to that deck, and you have a covered porch – with a table for two.

So often you see pictures of multi-level decks and expansive porches coupled with patios that seem to stretch on forever. On a big house, a super-sized outdoor living project fits the grand scale of the home and doesn’t look a bit out of place. Seeing so many pictures of these large projects may give you the impression that the best decks, porches and patios have to be that big. Not at all.

Today’s project illustrates how an outdoor living space doesn’t have to be big to have a big impact. These New Albany, OH, homeowners called Archadeck to design and build a covered porch just the right size for their bistro table and chairs.

The house originally had a 3×3 sq. ft. landing outside the sliding glass doors. It had railings, pickets and steps leading down to a stone paver patio. It had many of the trappings of a tiny deck, but it was a little too small for the bistro table.

Archadeck of Columbus designed the perfect-size seating area and added a roof overhead to make it a porch. The new space is 10×10, in keeping with the scale of the home – and in compliance with their neighborhood’s HOA restrictions.

One of the homeowners’ priorities was having a low-maintenance structure, so the materials we selected met that requirement. For the porch floor we used TimberTech composite decking in a combination of two colors, mocha and pecan. The white porch railings and the latticework under the deck are vinyl. The porch pickets are made of aluminum. For the rest of the structure, including the fascia and custom-wrapped columns, we used a newer material called Boral True Exterior. Finally, we used tongue-and-groove cedar for the interior ceiling of the covered porch and added vinyl siding to the upper outside end of the porch to match the home’s exterior.

New Albany OH Porch Builder — Interior ceiling detail:

By adding a porch to accompany their existing patio, these homeowners now have a combination outdoor living space. And it’s just the right size for them.

Your Archadeck of Columbus design consultant is ready to help you explore outdoor living options either large or small or somewhere in between. Contact us today at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

Can you incorporate your favorite getaway destination into your Columbus-area outdoor living space?

Somewhere on a traditional suburban street in Dublin, OH, there is a screened porch that transports the homeowners back to that sweet, intimate cabin in the woods where they spent so many nights in front of the fireplace.

Yes, it’s a screened porch. With a stone fireplace. In Dublin, Ohio. And they love it.

The clients asked Archadeck of Columbus to create a cozy, warm, cabin-like screened porch to take the place of an old wooden deck. So this Dublin outdoor living project falls into the category of deck-to-screened-porch conversions. Looking at it now, you won’t think, Oh, that used to be a deck. Instead you’ll think, I want a screened porch like that!

To begin the construction, we removed the original deck and built the new structure from the ground up. For the floorboards and stairs, the homeowners chose TimberTech Terrain composite decking boards in the brown oak color. These boards are low-maintenance, durable and texturized to display the beauty of real wood graining. The selection is both beautiful and practical because the material resists mold, mildew and moisture damage —great for a screened porch!

Looking up, you can see that the porch roof has a shallow pitch to avoid hitting the second-story windows overhead. We installed a standing seam metal roof that works well for this pitch and also has the advantage of being a “cool roof,” meaning it is light in color and won’t absorb heat from the sun.

Of course, the centerpiece of this project is the traditional wood-burning fireplace. While the appearance is that of aged brick, perhaps reclaimed from an older home, we actually built it with (new) concrete stones. It definitely contributes to that cabin-in-the-woods vibe we wanted to convey.

Inside, the fireplace’s granite hearth is nestled amidst cedar and pine. The mantel is cedar, as are the screened room’s posts and beams, while the ceiling is tongue-and-groove pine that will be painted. Outside, you can see the cedar trim, posts and beams and cedar skirting with a small door to access a storage area under the porch. There are two outside storage doors, one on each side of the fireplace.

The overall effect is that of a cozy cabin in the woods, and the homeowners can visit their remote cabin getaway any time just by stepping from the house onto the screened porch. This fireplace will warm many a chilly Ohio evening.

If you have an out-of-the-ordinary escape destination in mind and want to incorporate it into the outdoor living space at your home, contact Archadeck of Columbus for a design consultation today. You can reach us at (740) 879 – 3730, or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

Say goodbye to the screened porches of yesteryear!

It wasn’t so long ago that screened porches were built with utilitarian purposes in mind. Their job was to keep the bugs, and the rain, off of you. Historically, in rural areas and before air conditioning became commonplace, many people used a screened porch as a bunk room (sometimes referred to as a sleeping porch) on particularly sweltering summer nights.

Digging a little deeper into the archives, you will learn that the use of window screens started as soon as people began framing windows. References to window screens can be traced back to 1823. The earliest screens were made of wood, ceramic and stone. Their purpose was to provide protection from animal and human intruders but still allow some light and ventilation into a building. Cloth screens came along and provided protection from dust and insects and allowed some light to enter. During the 1840s, Gilbert and Bennett Manufacturing Co. of Redding, Connecticut, invented affordable wire mesh window screens.

I myself can remember fishing trips I enjoyed in my youth and the way the fishing camp I frequented utilized a screened room as their bait station. The structure consisted of a wooden floor with simple framed posts with screened openings. The sole purpose of the porch was to keep bait safe from flies. Definitely not a place you would want to spend the night!

Columbus outdoor fireplace on porch — Another Columbus outdoor fireplace and screened porch combination.

Fast forward to the modern screened porches homeowners crave today. Yes, they keep out bugs, allergens, debris and rain. However, they have become an extension of our homes and an oasis for outdoor living. Modern screened porches are now designed to include many comforting and convenient amenities like fireplaces and televisions, much like you would find in any other room of your home. The screened porch is essentially a more relaxed, casual room addition to the rest of your home.

Anyone who has experienced one has to admit that a screened porch is a wonderful addition to any house. A screened porch offers the breezes, scents, sounds and sights of being outdoors – but without the bugs and the blazing sun. Rough and tumble has its own charm, but these days most homeowners enjoy relaxing under the ceiling fan while listening to their surround sound audio system.

Why wait for the Columbus outdoor living space you are yearning for?

The prospect of adding a custom outdoor living structure, or combination of structures, to your home and property just naturally sparks excitement. That is why I am often stumped when a customer has their preliminary plan in place and decides to “wait until spring” to begin their project. It is from my experience within the world of outdoor living that a common misconception among many homeowners is we don’t build in the fall and winter. In actuality, nothing could be farther from the truth.

When is the best time of year to embark on an outdoor living addition you may ask? The answer may be more surprising than you may think. Many homeowners are under the impression that outdoor structures such as decks, porches or patios are best to build during the warm weather months. The truth is that Archadeck of Columbus builds year-round and anytime that best suits your circumstances and budget is the right time to build. However, there are certain advantages to moving ahead with your project during the cooler months…

Enjoy your space sooner and be “sitting pretty” in time for spring

There are many advantages to building in the cooler months. Along with shorter lead times you will also get a space that is up and running in time to enjoy for the upcoming holidays, spring and the beginning of the outdoor living season.

Wood loves cooler weather

Since the humidity level is much lower during the fall and winter, any wood used during construction of your project will season quicker. Seasoning involves the drying out of wood making it ready to accept stain or paint better. When a project is built during the warmer, humid months the usual wait time to stain or paint is a few months.

Increased productivity

Another plus to cooler weather construction is productivity. A crew that is working in the humid 95 degree weather, even in the shade, is less productive than one that is working outside during milder weather. Less heat means more stamina and less time lost to hydration breaks for the crew. This translates to the likelihood that a job that is completed sooner.

Save more in the long run

Prices for building materials generally increase during the early part of the 1st quarter. Moving ahead with your outdoor living project now instead of waiting will ensure you are locked into this year’s pricing modules. In addition, outdoor furnishings and accessories sometimes reflect deep discounts as retailers make way for holiday merchandise. Outfitting your new space may also mean a savings!

It’s not good to fool with Mother Nature

Since our average temperatures remain above freezing in Columbus for most of the winter, chances of inclement or freezing weather impacting your project are minimal. The advantages of fall and winter construction outweigh any deficiencies brought on by Mother Nature. As with any construction project there will be damage to the turf caused by foot traffic. In a fall/winter project the turf is more apt to recover quicker because it has the time to overwinter in time for spring taking in valuable nutrients present in precipitation. Some turfs are dormant during the winter and this will aid in quicker recovery as well.

If you are on the fence about deciding when your outdoor structure project, keep in mind that lead times during the outdoor living season can be in excess of 8-12 weeks. In the winter it may be 4-6 weeks at the most. This quick turn-around will ensure you get the full benefits of your outdoor space when you are ready, and with less impact on your lifestyle. Contact Archadeck of Columbus to schedule your free consultation today and get the ball rolling on your outdoor dreams. (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

Sun protection is not something that should be taken lightly…

DrySnap rain deck by Archadeck of Columbus.

We’d all love to spend our summer days in the garden, reading a book by the pool or just taking in the fresh air with a cold ice tea on our patios. But often times we forget to think about the risks of spending too much time outdoors in the sun without proper protection. Numerous medical complications like Melanoma and Cataracts can occur when sun protection is disregarded.

Disregarding the sun’s damaging rays are nothing to take lightly. These serious complications have life threatening concerns that need immediate attention. Melanoma occurs when the pigment-producing cells that give color to skin become cancerous due to overexposure to sun or sunburn. Broad-spectrum sunscreen is used as a temporary protector against the sun but is frequently only applied once throughout the day which becomes inefficient over time if you plan to spend a full day outdoors.

The month of July is observed as National UV Safety Awareness month. Archadeck of Columbus wants to ensure you are worry free when it comes to spending time outdoors. Instead of spending your time indoors in fear of the damage UV rays may cause, invest in long-term protection for your backyard. Archadeck can help protect you and your family by adding a covered patio, screen porch or a 3 or 4-season room addition. Whether you enjoy gardening or sitting in the breeze to read a book these are perfect options to get you the ultimate protection while still enjoying the freedom of being outdoors.

Covered patios and screen porches offer a shaded more private area for you and your family to escape to during lunch when the heat is in full swing. Even with an existing hardscape patio, Archadeck can custom design a covered structure over the top to help provide proper UV protection. With a screen porch you get triple protection. Screen porches provide the benefit of sun protection but also becomes a defense against allegans such as pollen and mosquitoes and other nuisance insects.

Adding a 3-season or 4-season room is like taking a piece of the outdoors and bringing it inside. A 3-season room can be designed and built with an Eze-Breeze® window system. Eze-Breeze® allows your outdoor structure to quickly switch from glass windows to screen panels letting in the cool Columbus breeze. 4-season rooms are designed with HVAC systems to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. These additions protect you from direct sunlight while still being able to enjoy the panoramic views of your backyard garden and landscape with floor to ceiling windows.

It is fairly easy to forget to follow the standard recommendations for sun protection such as continuously adding a strong broad-spectrum sunscreen or wearing sunglasses throughout the day. That is why Archadeck of Columbus wants to help you and your family with long-term sun protection by adding a covered patio, screen porch or a 3-season or 4-season room onto your backyard.

Contact Archadeck of Columbus today at (740) 879-3730 or via email at westcolumbus@arcahdeck.net to get out of the sun by designing your custom outdoor structure. We would look forward to connecting with you!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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