Columbus Patio Restoration Service Will Renew Your Hardscape to its Former Glory!

You know it is time to contact us when even your family pet is embarrassed by your patio.
You know it is time to contact us when even your family pet is embarrassed by your patio.

Do you have an existing patio or hardscape outdoor living space that was once the gem of your landscape and backyard? Has your hardscape began to appear dingy or faded? Have weeds, moss and grasses began to sprout out of your once pristine grout lines? At Archadeck of Columbus, we realize the toll Father Time and Mother Nature can take on your patio or hardscape. This is why we now offer a professional patio and hardscape restoration service. With this service we can renew the beauty of your patio or hardscape like shining a diamond in the rough!

Columbus Patio Restoration ServicesPatios and hardscapes ARE indeed considered low maintenance structures. They require very little attention on the part of the homeowner aside from just maintaining them with common sense practices to ensure their aesthetics; i.e.keeping leaves blown off the patio, cleaning up mud where the dog tracked it from the yard on a rainy day, etc. However, in order to keep your patio and/or hardscape looking and performing its best, professionals recommend intensive maintenance/patio restoration services and resealing every 2 -3 years.

Columbus Hardscape Renovation and Restoration services

If you wait longer than 2-3 years, you may notice the color fade slightly and organic matter such as mold, mildew and even moss will begin to grow on the hardscape itself. But just like waxing a car to restore and maintain your paint’s finish, restoring your hardscape will ensure the color and texture will be as vibrant as the day it was installed.

London OH Patios and Hardscapes

For over 15 years, Archadeck of Columbus has been designing and building custom outdoor living spaces including patio and hardscapes to the Columbus, OH, region. We deliver the service and community commitment of a local, family owned business backed by the strength of a company that’s built 100,000 incredible outdoor structures since 1980. Outdoor living structures is all we do, and we do it best. It only makes sense to trust your patio or hardscape installation and maintenance to the pros!

Dublin OH flagstone patio with half moon retaining wall

Archadeck of Columbus can keep your patio and hardscapes looking their best, year after year, with our Columbus Patio Restoration Service. As part of having your patio and/or hardscape outdoor spaces restored we will do the following:

1) Remove existing weeds & moss.

2) Unilock EnduraColor Il CampoProfessionally clean patio stones/pavers with a non-damaging pressure washer or cleaner.

3) Reapply new polymeric sand into all joints.

4) Sweep sand into joints with a broom for a cohesive finish.

5) Run vibrating plate compactor over entire area to ensure all joints are filled.

6) Remove excess sand.

7) Reseal with a matte or gloss-finish sealer.

8) In essence, this service makes your patio new all over again!

Archadeck of Columbus team
The Archadeck of Columbus team.

Contact us today to restore and rejuvenate your existing patio or hardscape outdoor living space. You can reach us at  (740) 879-3730 or via email @westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

 

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

http://columbus.archadeck.com/our-projects/columbus-screen-porches-and-sunrooms/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.

Archadeck of ColumbusIf 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.

 

 

 

 

 

Pardon our dust: Archadeck of Columbus aims to make construction a kinder experience

The path to creating your outdoor living dream is not just the sticks and stones that go into creating the space and how it is going to look — it is also about the process. Our goal at Archadeck of Columbus is for you to be happy with your project before, during and after, it’s that simple

proper_deck_sub_structure_lr
The path to outdoor living bliss is fraught with noise and dust!

Customers always ask us how much interference the construction of their project will cause. This covers all aspects of disruption from personally and in respect to their lawn. My answer to this question is with any type of construction, home improvement or remodeling project interference is inevitable. Depending on the type of project and the specifics involved in excavation will determine how much damage to your turf will occur. The amount of time a project takes to complete and the weather conditions also play a huge role in damage to the turf. In regards to personal disruptions during your project:  noise is something that is hard to avoid and will be a factor in having your project completed in a timely fashion. The type of equipment we have to use such as drills, power saws and hammers don’t have a quiet mode, we quite often wish they came with a volume control feature as well!

We go the extra mile to try to make the disruption minimal and we work around our client's schedules.
We go the extra mile to try to make the disruption minimal and we work around our client’s schedules.

One of the most important assets of working with a good company is that we recognize the disruption projects cause. We go the extra mile to try to make the disruption minimal and we work around our client’s schedules. We are also more conscious of homeowners that work from their homes. We realize that your home is your castle, and our crews exercise the utmost respect and are dedicated to taking care of every aspect of your home to make the construction process as minimall invasive as possible.

pergola incorporated into a privacy fence
Our goal is to deliver a breathtaking outdoor space with minimal interference during construction.

Archadeck of Columbus’ project standards make the construction process a kinder experience:

When loading and unloading materials we strive to establish a traffic flow that will create the least amount of impact and disturbance on your property. This includes using a one-way route around your house during the course of a job to minimize disruption of turf. We understand the need for heavy equipment and materials on your project and may even use wagons or wheel barrels to move materials to the area they need to be. We try to avoid the use of heavier excavation machinery and will only use smaller scale versions if the project absolutely depends on it, such as a mini Bobcat or skid steer.

Our climate can lend itself to some really wet seasons, but there is nothing that will keep us from building your project within a wet year. Don’t let the weather be a deterrent because the sales process will take some time and we do everything within our power to avoid disruptions caused by weather conditions. If the ground is thawing from freezing conditions or is very wet we have a heightened conscience about the conditions of our customer’s lawns and will put down plywood between the material and jobsite to minimize turf damage and avoid rutting.  In summary, during the time we have been in business we have only had to repair two (2) lawns due to damage incurred by inclement weather conditions during the construction process. By taking a proactive approach with these actions, 99% of yards will quickly recover in a month or so.

Sweeping Up
Daily cleanup is protocol on all our outdoor living space projects.

Our project standards are also visible on the inside of our projects. Daily cleanup is protocol. We carry 50 gallon trash cans so when there is waste we remove it daily to avoid an unsafe or unkempt looking jobsite. In addition, we also use caution tape during construction when it is unsafe to traverse an area under construction. Obviously, dust is an issue with many of our outdoor living structure additions. This is especially the case when we use a partner saw to cut concrete pavers during patio installations. In these “dusty” situations we often post a “pardon our dust” sign to help warn (and apologize) to neighbors that are adjacent to your project.

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

Keep in mind, the path to creating your outdoor living dream is not just the sticks and stones that go into creating the space and how it is going to look — it is also about the process. Our goal at Archadeck of Columbus is for you to be happy with your project before, during and after, it’s that simple. Our team members believe in treating you, your family and your home & landscape with respect and care from start to finish! Contact us today to learn more (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

 

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.

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

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!

Top 4 questions Columbus homeowners ask when considering a new paver patio or hardscape.

Archadeck of Columbus answers the top 4 questions asked by homeowners when planning a patio or hardscape addition.

Columbus paver patio with retaining wall outdoor kitchen
Our patios are built with quality and beauty in mind for the long haul.

The popularity of patios and hardscapes in the Columbus area continues to grow each season. With this growth, there are a number of questions potential hardscape owners ask Archadeck of Columbus. During our consultation with the client we are able to address any questions or concerns homeowners have about their patio or hardscape project.  In an effort to provide information for your upcoming outdoor living space project, we have picked the four most commonly asked questions and provided our answers below.

The top 4 questions people ask us when thinking of adding a patio or hardscape are:

1) Will the hardscape “settle”?

2) Will the hardscape get weeds?

3) Are hardscapes maintenance free?

4) What is the cost of a patio vs. a deck?

Pavestone flagstone patio Columbus OH
Under this stunning flagstone patio are many layers of intensive preparation to ensure the structural soundness of the patio over time.

The answer to these questions for the most part are no, no, no, and it depends. As far as any concern of a patio or hardscape settling over time or getting weeds, the answer is that it’s very unlikely if it’s done right.

Here are the details that go into the way we install a hardscape patio or outdoor space. When we build a patio or hardscape we use multiple layers to build the right foundation for your paver patio. When we excavate the are for the patio, we compact the base (dirt), then add the quarter size gravel 2″ at a time and compact after each 2″ layer.

Many companies will install all the gravel at once and compact only once. The first layer is a compacted soil base which is brought on by excavation of the proposed building site. We then install a layer of geo-textile material. We then add aggregate which consists of angular, quarter size stone which is added and compacted down two inches not just once, but three times. This is an element of patio construction that sets Archadeck of Columbus apart from other patio builders. We make sure the area is compacted in layers which is the main reason our designs maintain their integrity over time. We are certified Interlocking Concrete and Pavement Institute (ICPI) installers and build all of our hardscapes to meet and exceed all building codes set forth within.

Columbus paver hardscape decorative retaining walls
No weeds, no settling, no problem!

Most installers don’t compact the base or aggregate correctly which leads to settling over time. In addition to the compaction and aggregate layers, Archadeck of Columbus also installs polymeric sand which acts similar to grout once it is activated with water. We compact the last time pavers are installed and the poly sand is installed in an attempt to fill the voids as a much as possible so the poly doesn’t settle. This also greatly reduces the chances of weed seeds sprouting through the cracks. Archadeck of Columbus also provides a five-year guarantee on all hardscape and patio foundations, so we stand behind each of our structures every step of the way.

To answer the question of whether a patio or hardscape outdoor structure is maintenance free, the answer is no because nothing is completely maintenance free. Patios are however very low maintenance. The only requirement we recommend is sealing the hardscape every couple of years for an extra measure of protection against the elements and everyday traffic. Using a sealer will add a slight gloss, or sheen to the hardscape itself, but most homeowners love this look!

Columbus OH paver patio with retaining wall and fire pit
The curved seating wall and fire pit is a great way to add vertical dimension to this patio in Columbus, OH.

When trying to compare the price of a deck addition versus a patio, the final number is influenced by the design of the structure itself. Generally speaking, a wooden deck will be a little more expensive to build because you need a higher skill set for installation. When dealing with very flat ground, a patio will be a little less expensive to build, however when you begin to add vertical elements to the patio’s design that take more time, the price tag will begin to go up.  In regards to the cost of a synthetic deck versus the cost of a patio, the price for the synthetic deck will almost always be significantly more. Once again, it is hard to gauge a precise cost analysis until you take the design or the space and all the “bells and whistles” within the design into consideration, so the answer is it all depends on your individual design.

To find out more about our quality hardscape outdoor living designs, including patios, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, contact Archadeck of Columbus today.  Call us for a free consultation(740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

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

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!

This in progress backyard project is destined to give these Columbus homeowners the backyard of their dreams right on time to enjoy the changing leaves of autumn

Archadeck of Columbus gives us a sneak peek into one of their curren in-progress projects which includes a stunning re-deck, expansion and hardscape addition in Columbus, OH.

Columbus OH redeck in TimberTech Brown Oak
Here is a peek into this stunning re-decking , expansion and addition project in Columbus, OH we are currently working on.

Upgrading an existing outdoor living space can take on many forms. Some homeowners call us and are interested in only re-decking an existing deck while others are interested in transforming an existing deck into a porch. There are endless possibilities when it comes to upgrading and expanding upon your existing outdoor space to enhance the time you spend outdoors with your family. Our recent outdoor living area upgrade consists of a re-deck and deck extension that includes an open porch and extended hardscape area to house the homeowner’s grill and smoker. When you dig a little deeper into the details of the project, it is evident that what the homeowners are getting is so much more than additional room for grilling.

When we met with these Columbus homeowners they had an existing linear rectangular deck with a permanent fabric awning that provided shade to the space. Their existing deck space did not allow for good traffic flow, or enough space with all their outdoor furnishings. The homeowner’s goal was to expand their existing deck space out from the house on a curve to make it more aesthetically appealing.

Archadeck of Columbus redecking experts
This is the detailed design rendering and custom plan prepared for this project.

Since the existing deck is low to the ground, our design will include a hardscape seating wall that follows the same curved pattern of the deck as requested by the homeowner. Our design encompasses re-surfacing the existing deck with TimberTech Evolutions Terrain in Brown Oak. Above the deck we plan to build an open porch addition that will provide more function, shade and beauty than that of the awning previously used to gain shade. As part of the expansion, Archadeck of Columbus will also add new footings to make sure the new area is structurally sound.  We are wrapping all exposed wood in Polonia for added appeal.  The homeowner also asked that we minimize the columns that are to support the roof of the open porch, to accommodate this request we plan to use engineered lumber so you will only see two visible posts supporting the roof of the porch.

A little look at the anticipated grill and smoker area, which will lie adjacent to the deck and porch area.
A little look at the anticipated grill and smoker area, which will lie adjacent to the deck and porch area.

What is difficult about this project is the presence of  second story windows right above the intended area for the porch roof. In order to overcome this obstacle Archadeck of Columbus will install a flat rubber membrane roof to facilitate the use of a low-pitched roof on the open porch. This rubber membrane roof will divert water away from the house and assist in keeping this area dry. Most rubber membranes are black, but we were able to locate one in white to fulfill another request of the homeowner. The end result will be cohesive and will match the exterior of the other amendments we are completing. On the interior porch ceiling we plan to use white ply bead as a continuation of the sleek white used elsewhere in the project.

Adjacent to the deck and open porch area, we are also building a small addition for the homeowner’s grill and smoker. This portion of the project will not be under roof. A grill surround that will include taking placing vertical paver dimensions into the grill surround will add to the charm and function of this unique space. This area will function much like that of an outdoor kitchen addition.

Adding to the distinct appearance of this addition is the beautiful hardscape seating wall. This area will contain small pillars against the seating wall as well as pillars above the seating wall. The finished seating wall will stand 19 inches and the post supporting the roof of the porch will come down into the seating wall. The anticipated seating wall will be wide enough to sit on and add valuable additional seating to this gorgeous backyard oasis. These Columbus homeowners are very excited about completion of this project and cannot wait to use their new and improved backyard in time for fall as the expected finish date is expected to be late summer to early fall.

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

If you are ready to upgrade or improve your backyard to make it more livable, and more beautiful contact Archadeck of Columbus. Our goal is to make your outdoor living dreams a reality. Call us for free consultation today (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

You can see more inspiring outdoor living transformations by visiting our decks photo gallery, our covered porches photo gallery and our outdoor living photo gallery located on our website.

Our upcoming covered porch and hardscape project in Dublin, OH is sure to become a backyard paradise

Archadeck of Columbus gives us a peak into an upcoming outdoor living combination project that includes a covered porch, outdoor kitchen and hardscape seating wall.

Archadeck of Columbus hardscapes and outdoor kitchen combinations
A first look into our upcoming covered porch, hardscape and outdoor kitchen project in Dublin, OH.

Archadeck of Columbus is excited to preview an upcoming outdoor living combination project that we are scheduled to begin in Dublin, Ohio. The homeowners have an existing patio which we plan to adjoin a gable roof open porch complete with a fully functional outdoor kitchen and seating wall into. Part of the design will include encompassing elements of existing walls into match their existing patio. The result of tying in these elements will deliver an outdoor combination living space that is eclectic, yet elegant.

Upcoming hardscape covered patio in Dublin, OH by Archadeck of Columbus
Notice how the hardscape seating wall will tie the entire space together promoting a cozy feel.

The new hardscape space will be completed using Unilock Beacon Hill pavers in Sierra, which will make a dramatic impact used in the new seating wall that skirts the perimeter of the porch space and will add valuable seating options to the outdoor kitchen portion of this design. The porch pillars will be wrapped in Polonia wood, adding clean lines to enliven the texture of the multiple hardscapes used throughout the design.  Archadeck of Columbus also plans to introduce outdoor lighting to the upcoming space for added safety, function and to promote ambiance.

Hardscape seating wall and outdoor kitchen design for project in Dublin, OH
This rendering shows the way the Brentwood stone will accentuate the additional hardscapes used in the project.

On the outdoor kitchen portion of this project we are using a specialty stone called Brentwood stone. This unique stone will be used as the countertop for the outdoor kitchen and on the pillar caps to gently frame the space with subtle accents of stone. Since it will be necessary to have the stone sized, the stone will be cut in Missouri and shipped directly to Archadeck of Columbus. As is the case when using any type of specialty stone, it is important to remember you first have to build the base, create a template and then build to those specifications.  If these steps are not done with precision and in a timely manner, this can delay installation of the stone or even delay completion of the entire project.

Design rendering for Dublin OH hardscape outdoor living space
Detailed design rendering prepared for upcoming Dublin, OH outdoor living space.

When planning our projects, we make every effort to ensure even the most minute details fall into place giving you a project that is finished on time. Part of this process includes creating a detailed design rendering of your anticipated outdoor space, a project scope and making sure all the materials including the specialized ones, are measured and ordered out in a timely manner. We make sure “no stone is left unturned”( no pun intended), in providing you with the outdoor living space of your dreams.

These Dublin homeowners are excited about starting their backyard makeover and cannot wait to start enjoying it!

If you are ready to set the wheels in motion to making your outdoor living  dreams a reality, contact Archadeck of Columbus for a free design consultation. We treat each of our customers as if they’re our only customers, each and every time. (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

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

Please visit our porches photo gallery and our outdoor living photo gallery located on our website to see more examples of outdoor kitchens designed within porch settings.

Imagine the fabulous outdoor living possibilities with a Columbus hardscape patio design to enjoy this season and beyond

Archadeck of Columbus explores the reason it is hard not to fall in love with a patio, or hardscape structure for your Columbus backyard.

Archadeck of Columbus Design Contest winner 2012 patios hardscapes
Take a look at this stunning Archadeck of Columbus Design Contest winner 2012 patios hardscapes

Much more is involved in creating a beautiful paver patio than just carving out a niche in your landscape and filling it with sand and pavers. There is a common misconception among many homeowners that choosing a hardscape outdoor structure is a last resort after considering other more “traditional” outdoor spaces. This may be influenced by the shape of your lot, or even the elevation, neither of which are true. Today’s hardscapes offer an aesthetic you just don’t get with a deck or porch. Choosing a hardscape as a stand-alone outdoor space or as part of an outdoor living combination structure adds depth and texture to your backyard. Hardscapes are versatile and beautiful in their own rite and our hardscape designs begin as meticulously planned designs that contain as much thought and consideration as our other outdoor structures.

Patios are becoming a “must have” in Columbus backyards, and for good reason

You have to always take into consideration a patio is part of your yard whereas decks and porches are generally connected in some way to your existing home. Many patios are set at grade level and have no step down to the yard. This concept opens up a world of possibilities for many backyards that otherwise could not facilitate the addition of a deck or porch. A quality hardscape outdoor space can enable homeowners to open the back door and enter directly into their outdoor space with little or no transition.

Columbus patio design plan
Here is an example of our detailed hardscape patio design plan.

Patios are also considered low-maintenance which is often an overlooked benefit of owning a hardscape. Patios are easy to maintain and only require a quick sweep of leaves or debris to clean. If something happens to one paver, it can be removed and replaced without disrupting the structure around it.

Columbus paver patio hardscape design
Another Columbus paver patio hardscape design.

The most important consideration when choosing a hardscape patio or other hardscape outdoor space is function. Hardscape designs can offer abundant dining space, seating space and grilling space all working in unison to mimic the feel of a porch or other outdoor room. Some homeowners are choosing to replace old solid concrete slab patios and wood decks with pavers since they do not crack like the slabs do. Data indicates that patios are a solid investment.

Columbus OH paver patio with retaining wall and fire pit
The curved seating wall and firepit is a great way to add vertical dimension to this patio in Columbus, OH.

When we meet with homeowners considering a hardscape addition for a design consultation, we carefully mold a plan with their vision of the perfect hardscape patio. We then plan for the amount of space needed to accommodate those needs. Archadeck of Columbus prepares a detailed 3-dimesnonal rendering of your anticipated hardscape outdoor living space so you will be able to visualize every detail of the plan.

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

To find out more about our fabulous hardscape outdoor living designs, including patios, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, contact Archadeck of Columbus today.  Call us for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Please visit our patio and hardscape photo gallery and out outdoor fireplace and fire pit photo gallery located on our website for more hardscape ideas for your backyard!

Trending now – building a screened porch over your Columbus, OH patio.

Find out why the screened porch and patio combination in Columbus is taking off, and learn how you can design a unique outdoor living space for your backyard too!

Columbus OH Hardscape Patio with Adjacent Screened porch
Two of the most popular outdoor structures are showing up together in backyards all over the Columbus area!

A trend we’re seeing lately is homeowners adding a porch atop a patio. The traditional screened porch addition is often seen alongside a deck or patio. The screened porch and patio combination outdoor living space is popular because it mingles the look and tactile characteristics of stone or other hardscape mediums with the rustic appeal of the screened porch.

It’s often true that rooms built over paver or stone floors can be more costly to construct. The added cost comes into play when you factor in the additional aggregate needed to build up the base of the patio and the fact that hardscape materials are simply more expensive than wood floors. However, if your porch is built at low grade, you will not need the additional fill to build up the “platform” for the hardscape.

Gable roof Screen Porch with paved floor and adjacent patio
This gable roof screen porch incorporates patio elements into it’s design.

Another viable option when considering merging a patio and screened porch is to construct the patio with a screened porch adjacent to it. The patio and screened porch combination picks up where the deck and screened porch combination left off. There are several ways to incorporate these spaces but the bottom line is you may just prefer the upscale look a hardscape patio adds to your screened porch.

Columbus OH Hardscape steps
By adding curved hardscape steps you can provide additional seating space within your patio.

There are many hidden benefits of choosing a patio as the perfect partner for your screened porch. Not only are hardscape mediums ultra-low maintenance, they also look the part and stay cool even when the temperatures soar high in the double digits.

If you would like to learn more about building a screened porch over your patio, or create a dual outdoor living space using both designs, contact Archadeck of Columbus today. We will be happy to discuss the many unique outdoor living options we have available to make your backyard a true original. Call us today for a free consultation(740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

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

You can view more screened porch and patio designs by visiting our screened porch photo gallery, and our patio and hardscape photo gallery located on our website.

With Archadeck of Columbus’ staged building program you can be a winner too!

As the time ticks away to enter our Archadeck Dream Backyard Makeover contest, we urge you to dream big. Our staged building program can also deliver the backyard of your dreams over time and according to your budget making you a winner no matter what the contest results say.

Dream backyard makeover by ArchadeckThe end of March is just a short time away and our Archadeck 2013 Dream Backyard Makeover contest is still going strong. Two more finalists have yet to be chosen for March so now is the time to enter. Unfortunately there will be a lot of people who enter the contest that will not win, but our advice is to dream big and keep those entries rolling in! When you visualize your dream backyard, think about all the use and functionality of the spaces you want before you submit your entry. For example you may want to start with the primary structure such as a deck or porch and allow your other areas to feed off this to further function and enjoyment of your dream space.

With our staged building program everyone is a winner

Many of our customers design their outdoor spaces using staged building.  Staged (or phased) building enables you to plan your dream backyard over time. With staged building we can develop a plan that encompasses an entire outdoor space to be built in stages as your budget and lifestyle allows. We assist in planning your perfect outdoor oasis and ensuring all the structural footwork is in place to facilitate future additions. Archadeck of Columbus met with a homeowner just last week that wanted to build multiple structures over time. We prepared a grand plan showcasing the project in its entirety. We then priced out different segments as a starting point to his dream backyard. Archadeck of Columbus can also work with your pool company, lighting company and your landscaper on the structural components we need to proceed with your grand backyard design. When the time comes and you want to explore what a staged building project might cost you can contact us. Our primary goal during our initial consultation is to understand your needs, wants, budget and priorities to come up with a plan for you.

Columbus OH Timbertech deck in Sandridge
This outdoor space incorporates many levels of function and beauty in it’s design. A good example of a dream backyard.

Set the stage, dream the dream

Being in the business of outdoor living, my wife Carol and I have mapped out our dream backyard. It will include a screened porch to deliver safety from inclement weather and insects. We would incorporate an adjacent deck flowing from the screened porch. Our ultimate outdoor dream includes a rustic inspired outdoor fireplace with a multi-level patio used in conjunction with the deck. We would use the deck or patio to house tables and chairs for dining and designate the lower level patio for relaxing and conversation. We even have a vision of that lower level including an exterior fire pit or custom water feature. Even though we haven’t built our outdoor oasis yet we would consider the orientation of the sun to our home. For example, our home faces south therefore we would want a roofed structure to provide shade.

Patio with sailor course edging adjacent to Deck Columbus Ohio
This patio and deck combination matches the exterior of this home beautifully and also includes a sailor course border for added contrast.

A dream is as personal as the one who dreams it. With that being said we hope our dream backyard inspires you to dream as big as we do. Our dream backyard space includes a porch,  however  if a porch is not your cup of tea then you may consider an open outdoor structure instead. With a myriad of hardscape textures and colors available it is easy to coordinate your decking to the pavers. Another viable option when planning your dream backyard is to create accents through the decking and pavers, and even matching the colors you use in these areas to the trim on your home. The possibilities are endless…

To learn more about making your outdoor dreams a reality through our stages building program contact Archadeck of Columbus. We can create a custom master multi-year plan that will enable you to get a new backyard each year until your goal is reached. Call for a free consultation today(740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Archadeck of Columbus has seen a huge amount of interest from the Archadeck 2013 Dream Backyard Makeover contest. Just to clarify the contest specifications it is important to follow the instructions when entering. Entries must include one picture of your existing backyard and a brief description of what your dream backyard would be by utilizing decking, pavers and outdoor lighting. You can enter the 2013 Dream Backyard Makeover contest here

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

Please visit our decks photo gallery and our patio and hardscape photo gallery located on our website for more dreamy backyard ideas.