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!

Columbus Screened Porch Builder

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!Columbus Screened Porch InteriorWhether 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!

Columbus Screened Porch Builder

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.

Columbus Porch Builder

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.

Archadeck of Columbus team
The Archadeck of Columbus team.

Our “Hybrid” Outdoor Room Addition in Dublin, OH, is Unique and Versatile

Hybrid CarWhen you think of the term “hybrid” the first thing that probably comes to mind is a plant, or maybe even one of the cutting edge hybrid cars that can operate on gas or electricity. The term hybrid is formally defined as “a thing made by combining two different elements; a mixture” and we can’t think of a better way to describe our recent outdoor room addition in Dublin, OH.

This four season room addition gets its interior design inspiration from the great outdoors with the rustic wood walls.
This four season room addition gets its interior design inspiration from the great outdoors with the rustic wood walls.

Typically, outdoor rooms can be classified in four different ways — all of which are composed as a roofed structure.

sunroom is a room addition in itself and consists of many windows. A sunroom is attached to the home and is conditioned, meaning heated and cooled, just like the other rooms within your house. Then there is a four season room, which is classified closely to a sunroom but is not considered a room addition or part of your home. A four season room can be attached or detached from the home and can be conditioned, but also has the capacity to be closed off when not in use. Third is the three season room. These structures can be designed attached or detached from the home. Three season porches/rooms are built with screen and in some cases windows and/or a convertible window panel system such as EZE Breeze system that enables use screen and/or panels for closure within the space. Last but certainly not least is a screened porch which consists of a roof and screened openings to protect from inclement weather, insects and debris.

Interior of 3-season room in Dublin OH
Interior of Dublin, OH, “hybrid” outdoor room.

Our recent outdoor room addition in Dublin, OH, doesn’t fall into the traditional categorization but instead combines elements of both a 3-season and 4-season room. With this in mind, we are referring to it as a “hybrid” outdoor room. There are many factor that make this room unique. The first aspect that is unique to this design is the use of Anderson casement windows. These windows are hinged on the side and the sash opens horizontally opposite the hinge. This type of window allows for full ventilation from top to bottom of the window opening and the extended sash can catch the breeze and direct it into the addition for better air flow. The second aspect is this room, though attached to the home, acts as a detached outdoor room as it is only accessible from the outside through a pair of elegant carriage doors.

No detail was overlooked when perfecting this project either. The interior of the room is finished in beautiful cedar, and on the exterior we installed coach lighting on either side of the painted redwood carriage doors. The shingles were meticulously chosen to match those on the existing home as was the brick skirting used on the room addition.

Dublin OH Hybrid Outdoor Room
Dublin, OH, Hybrid Outdoor Room.

This project not only includes the outdoor room addition, but also a low-maintenance deck to help transition the room to the back of the home. The deck serves as a place to enjoy the fire pit and grill out when the weather is right. The low-to grade design helps define the entire space and is built in TimberTech Legacy decking so maintenance is a breeze! The deck also includes lighting to increase function and ambiance in the evening.

The homeowners’ main objectives in building this addition was to be able to sit outside without the nuisance of bugs. We can attest to their happiness in the completed project as it serves as a backyard escape complete with lighting, ceiling fans and even a ceiling mounted TV.

Before After in Dublin OH
Before and after in Dublin, OH:

Our hybrid has really changed the look of the rear of this Dublin, OH, residence and has changed the way these homeowners live outdoors. The finished project is a winner in their book, as it combines all the elements they love into a hybrid outdoor living oasis!

Archadeck of Columbus team
The Archadeck of Columbus team.

If you are thinking about the addition of an outdoor room, or other unique outdoor living space, contact Archadeck of Columbus today at (740) 879-3730 or via email @westcolumbus@archadeck.net to design and build your project!

 

 

 

 

Sun protection is not something that should be taken lightly…

DrySnap rain deck
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.

 National UV Safety Awareness monthDisregarding 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.

Columbus Screened Porch BuilderThe 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.

Columbus OH covered patio for dining and entertaining

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.

Four_Season_Sunroom_with_Tile_Floor

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.

Open porch and hardscape patio

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.

Archadeck of Columbus team
The Archadeck of Columbus team.

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!

Let Archadeck of Columbus help paint the picture of your $70,000 dream backyard for our contest – then enter to win!

Archadeck of Columbus helps consumers in the Columbus, OH area envision the perfect backyard for our 2013 Archadeck dream backyard makeover contest.

Open porch and hardscape patio
Let Archadeck of Columbus open the door to your outdoor living imagination

If you were given the chance to build the ultimate dream backyard in your backyard where would you begin? Archadeck of Columbus is proud to be part of the 2013 Archadeck dream backyard makeover contest where one lucky homeowner will win a dream backyard built by Archadeck and valued at up to $70,000. To enter, contestants have to submit a description of what their dream backyard would be. To help envision your dream backyard to enter the contest, here are some ideas for you.

Columbus Timbertech XLM Sandridge Colored Deck with Screen Porch and Patio Columbus, OH
This Columbus, OH backyard has it all, TimberTech double decks, a screened porch and hardscape patio.

Maybe your outdoor dream begins with a large porch. The porch can be screened, open or covered depending on how you want to live on your porch. Both covered and screened porches are great for adding living and dining areas to your outdoor space. With screened porches you get the added luxury of protection from insects and inclement weather. And, they can function much like an outdoor room. When you imagine your “dream porch” what type of roof does it have? Gable and hip roofs are among the most popular choices, but many times a shed roof can work great too. You roof style will depend highly on how the porch will connect to your home. Porches can be attached using either sidewall or roof tie-in connections and your roof style will be one key consideration in determining this. It is also possible to build a detached porch that functions much like a cabana, or pavilion. When envisioning your outdoor oasis it is also important to consider the orientation of the sun within your backyard. The location of the sun may mean a shaded structure such as a covered porch, or pergola would make the most sense and bring you the most enjoyment.

Columbus, OH deck with built in fireplace
This Columbus TimberTech deck includes built in seating, and a custom fire pit proving that the details make the difference.

Your dream porch could spill into a rustic hardscape patio, maybe even a patio with a fire pit and seating wall. Hardscape features like seating, columns, and retaining walls can balance your outdoor space and finish them out to give you a more custom look. You may even consider a hardscape patio that has a little elevation to it so that you may step down into your backyard from the patio. Remember that it always the little things that can turn a good design into a great one when it comes to outdoor living structures.

Columbus TT Teack with white vinyl pergola
This Columbus TimberTech deck features a vinyl pergola serving for added shade and maximum aesthetic appeal.

Custom amenities like ceiling fans, lighting, and even wiring your outdoor space with speakers will enable you to further your outdoor enjoyment. Decks are always a solid choice for enhancing your backyard bliss. Adding features like planters, benches or even an outdoor kitchen to your deck will enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your dream backyard. TimberTech has a deck designing page on their website that allows you to design your TimberTech deck by mixing  their vast selection of color combinations of decking and railing to come up with the perfect deck to suit any taste. Did I mention that TimberTech decking is low-maintenance? Another part of the dream backyard means never having to worry about painting or staining. With some of the industry’s best warranties, TimberTech allows you to concentrate on what makes outdoor living a dream come true!

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

I hope we have helped open the door to your imagination by showing you just a few of the possible outdoor living combinations that are possible with TimberTech, Belgard and Archadeck of Columbus. Enter the contest by visiting our Archadeck of Columbus Facebook page. Don’t delay, enter today.

Contact Archadeck of Columbus to learn more about our unique outdoor living designs. We can help bring your outdoor living dream to life from start to finish at  (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Imagine more outdoor living possibilities by visiting our composite and PVC deck gallery, our patio and hardscape gallery and our porch galleries located on our website.