Patios & hardscapes – Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus

Archadeck of Columbus wants to know: Have you joined the hardscape revolution?

At Archadeck of Columbus, we have observed three types of homeowners:

Those who have a paver patio and enjoy it to the max, practically living outdoors
Those who have an old slab concrete patio and are considering a change to pavers
Those whose yard contains no pavers or slab; they are desperately in need of a paver patio

Which group are you in? Over the past several years we have seen homeowners spending more and more time outdoors on their patios. That trend is not going to wind down any time soon. The kind of custom-designed hardscape outdoor living environment we build will never go out of style. People just enjoy them too much!

Group One: You own a paver patio

If you have one, you know: the paver patio is a thing of beauty. The artful arrangement of smooth, cool stones beckons you outdoors. The effect is almost hypnotic. There is nowhere else you would rather relax — or entertain — than there. The patio is an extension of your home, and it may be your favorite part of the home.

Is your hardscape environment complete? Perhaps as you enjoy entertaining outdoors, you notice there is never enough seating. Have you thought about adding a seating wall? Archadeck of Columbus can rim the patio with a low wall and top it with round-edged stones comfortable for seating. Supplementing your chairs with a seating wall keeps the patio from looking cluttered with too much furniture. You won’t need to bring additional chairs outside; the seating wall is always there.

If you enjoy dining outdoors, it may be time to expand the paver patio to accommodate an outdoor kitchen. The chef and bartender in the family can enjoy more time with the guests without having to run back and forth into the house for food and beverages. Or, what about a fire pit or free-standing fireplace to take the chill off of cooler evenings? It may be time to elevate your outdoor living game, and it’s definitely time to begin planning for fall.

Would your patio look better with built-in stone planters, decorative pillars or lighting for safety or ambiance? We can easily add amenities to an existing patio to enhance your enjoyment of time spent outdoors.

Group Two: Your old concrete slab patio is (past) due for an upgrade

While a basic concrete slab patio is functional, it is uninspiring and usually too small. Are you still entertaining guests on the builder-grade patio that came with your home? If so, you are more than ready for a custom-designed hardscape to replace that slab. We can meet with you to nurture your vision of how a bigger and better patio would suit your family’s lifestyle. We can help you to stop seeing only what is there now and start seeing what could be there.

Take a look at the before and after. They are different angles but we promise, this is the same house!

We have designed a variety of hardscapes in the Columbus area and can work with you to select the materials and design elements that will work with your budget. Maybe you want to go “all out” with a stone fireplace and a full outdoor kitchen, or perhaps you would prefer to start small and add more space and amenities later (see above). With our phased building program, we can create a design for your long-term plan and then build it in stages as your budget permits.

Group Three: Your home has not experienced a patio

If your home is patio free, you don’t know what you’re missing! Or, if you’ve enjoyed socializing at a friend’s home with a hardscape outdoor living space, maybe you do know! Either way, you need to call us and get started as soon as you can. Don’t let another summer or fall pass without being able to enjoy relaxing, gardening or entertaining on your own paver patio.

Time spent outdoors with friends and family is precious, and an attractive and comfortable patio can help you enjoy it to the fullest. The stone or concrete pavers available today are amazingly beautiful and durable. It’s no surprise that pavers are the most popular choice for homeowners in the Columbus area who are considering a new patio or hardscape.

What’s more, Archadeck of Columbus can design a hardscape environment around the size and shape of your outdoor furnishings so all elements are coordinated and the end result exudes harmony. If you are having trouble picturing a hardscape design that would best complement your outdoor furniture, we can create an architectural rendering including the furniture to help you achieve your vision.

Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to learn more about creating the right hardscape outdoor living space for your family. You can reach us at (740) 879 – 3730, or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

The Unexpected Low-Maintenance Structure — The Columbus Patio

Low-maintenance is defined as requiring little work to keep in good condition. When most homeowners think about adding a low-maintenance outdoor living space, they often automatically imagine a composite or PVC deck. It is only natural that many of our clients assume that decking is the only material that comes in low-maintenance because we design and build many stunning TimberTech, AZEK and Fiberon decks here at Archadeck of Columbus. However, many clients are pleasantly surprised when they learn about another low-maintenance option we specialize in; patios.

Paver patios in particular, are becoming more popular with Columbus homeowners who are looking for low maintenance, durability, and stability in their outdoor living space. In fact, more than 200 million square feet of pavers have been installed throughout North America.

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

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.

Our custom paver patios work well as part of an outdoor living space combination, with a deck or porch, around a pool of to highlight your landscaped beds. Patios serve as the perfect space to complete your backyard retreat. Paver patios, when properly installed, are as reliable and stable as concrete patios. They last just as long as concrete patios and with only minimal maintenance requirements trumping the time you spend laboring over the constant cleaning, staining and maintenance of a wooden deck.

We take our building process very seriously and do not cut corners when it comes to building paver patios or any other hardscape structure. Since patios don’t require maintenance as often as other structures, low-maintenance does not mean NO maintenance. In order to keep your patio and/or hardscape looking and performing its best, professionals do recommend intensive maintenance/patio restoration services and resealing every 2 -3 years. Along with patio design and installation, we also offer a patio restoration service here at Archadeck of Columbus. Our professional team has you covered from every angle!

Contact us today to design your one-of-a-kind patio or hardscape! We will create a space for you that delivers the epitome of outdoor living at its best. You can reach us at Call (740) 879 – 3730, or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When Plan B stands for Beautiful!

Existing deck before Archadeck of Columbus began 3-season room addition.

Our clients had hoped to build their Dublin 3-season room on the structure of an existing deck that was in disrepair. This was certainly a great idea and a cost-savings tool that we use on many of our redecking and upgrade projects. Unfortunately, in this case, we found during our professional inspection that the foundation was not strong enough to use. And so we went with Plan B.

Dublin OH three season room — New three season room!

While it is always nice to save some money, pulling out an unsound foundation offers a few benefits. First, and most importantly, you are looking out for the safety of your family and everyone else who visits the new room. Second, it frequently gives you some additional longevity on your project, whether it is a Columbus screened porch, 3-season or sunroom. Replacing the foundation also gives you extra flexibility when it comes to deciding on the “footprint” of the project. You can expand or alter the shape from your original deck easily when starting from scratch.

Screened porches are the center of much of the social activity in this neighborhood, so when our customers were ready for an upgrade they had a good idea of what they wanted. Their ideal space was a 3-season room that has both screens and windows so that they can enjoy the space nearly every day of the year. They chose Jeld-Wen Low-E windows which are extremely energy efficient and will save them money in the long term. They also wanted hardwood flooring to give the room a rustic feel.

Interior of Dublin, OH, 3-season room showing king truss detail.

Archadeck enhanced the rustic theme with cedar wrap and trim, as well as exposed tongue & groove wood on the ceiling and interior walls. The decorative king truss is a thing of beauty. It’s a stunning visual focal point for the entire room. From the outside you will see vinyl siding installed to match the existing home with cedar trim that will weather beautifully over time. Deckorators made the balusters for the exterior railing.

This three season room and patio prove that plan B can stand for beautiful!

Because we were starting essentially with a clean slate, Archadeck of Columbus was also able to install a curved Unilock paver patio for eating or barbecuing. In one fell swoop this family traded one tired deck for a 3-season room-paver patio combination that will be the hot new place to visit and socialize in the neighborhood this spring, summer, and fall.

An outdoor living combination structure design will improve your home, your backyard and your lifestyle.

Archadeck of Columbus spotlights a recent project in Dublin, OH that features a cedar screen porch and paver patio extension and renovation. The new space functions as an outdoor living and dining room space, and so much more.

Dublin OH combination outdoor living structure — A beautiful screened porch and large paver patio makes up this wonderful outdoor combination in Dublin, OH.

Many times adding on a combination outdoor living area that consists of a few well planned outdoor structures can equal the same enjoyment as adding a few room additions to your home. Having multiple living and entertaining areas to work with will increase the time you spend outdoors and increase the degree of function your backyard provides.

Paver patio in Dublin, OH with cedar ledge — No details was spared in this combo. structure, we even constructed a ledge the homeowner later stained in cedar to match the screen porch. The ledge makes the perfect serving area with the ample dining room on the patio.

We recently completed a project in Dublin, Ohio that included a custom screen porch addition and an extension of an existing hardscape patio. The area we added to the patio enables the space to function as two separate outdoor living areas. From the screened porch we also added a beautiful landing with a unique angled stairway that leads down into the patio. The increase in the size of the patio enables the homeowners to have two distinct areas for dining and entertaining and there is even ample enough space to comfortably facilitate two outdoor dining tables with chairs. Did someone say the perfect space for an outdoor dinner party this summer? Watch the video of the completed project and see the ultimate outdoor living space come to life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2vENYL0_X8

The screened porch has an open gable roof design that ties into the existing home perfectly. The interior of the screen porch was built using rustic, aromatic cedar. The ceiling boasts cedar exposed rafters, large 12 x 12 roof columns and elegant transoms over the windows that are usually only seen in interior building. We also included a 24 inch knee wall made of tongue and groove cedar. The king truss is visually interesting and also serves weight function requirements due to the 2nd story cantilever.

Dublin OH patio extension on combo. outdoor living structure — The newly extended paver patio is big on style and plenty of room for entertaining.

The extension on the patio included increasing the radius of the area, and replacement of patio materials. We used Unilock Beacon Hill flagstone pavers with a soldier course edge and tied in a gorgeous ribbon in complimentary hues. We also extended the existing hardscape retaining wall and built a bar ledge that the customer had stained to match the cedar used on the screen porch interior.

Creating the ultimate outdoor living environment like this one is possible in your backyard too. Contact Archadeck of Columbus to learn more about creating your own outdoor oasis today.Call for a free consultation: (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

See more inspiring ideas on structures you can incorporate into your ideal combination outdoor space by visiting our deck gallery, our patio and hardscape gallery and our screened porch gallery located on our website.

A design conversation with our own design expert sheds light on creating good overall space design for your outdoor living structure

Our own design and installation expert, Rob Mitchell, discusses the elements of creating a memorable outdoor structure, or combination of outdoor structures, in your backyard.

Patio, deck and fire pit combination in Dublin, OH — This patio, deck and fire pit combination in Dublin, OH shows the use of curves to achieve harmony, flow and beauty in the overall design.

Recently, our resident patio and hardscape expert shared some of his thoughts on the fundamentals of hardscape design. Rob Mitchell is our patio and hardscape expert and is truly a craftsman. He shared with me the basics that go into creating a magical outdoor space, and also the key elements that need that go into the recipe for aesthetic appeal, good function and convenience. In many instances our customers bring some of their own ideas to the table, Rob is able to take these ideas and translate them into the design in ways that are quite impressive. In design, every space is different, and should be treated as such. We like to see something develop and enjoy working with homeowners through the entire process.

Archadeck_Columbus_paver_patio_architectural_Rendering — No stone is left unturned when we prepare your architectural rendering.

How arc and tangent play a role in good design

The initial thing we try to do with the design of each outdoor structure is to create a grand entrance into the structure, or a grand entrance exiting the structure. This goes back to the old cliché’ that ” first impressions mean everything”. This could not be more true, the first impression sets the tone and expectation for the design in its entirety. We usually achieve this through the staircase that leads you into the structure itself. We use a great deal of arc and tangent design that incorporate the use of curved lines. Curved lines soften the back of your home, are more intriguing than straight lines, and offer more opportunities within the design to serve specific function. For instance, using curves and circles within the areas that you wish to designate for living and conversation areas versus dining areas. The decks from the past were squares and rectangles, using arc and tangent leaves more room for open creativity and lends the design to connect the curves with no flat spots so the design is seamless and continuous. Arc and tangent promote flow and harmony as you move from one structure to another, or from each area of designated function into another. Circles and curves are more relaxed and easier and more visually appealing to connect to.

The hot new trends are destined to become timeless classics

Design statements can also be made through the use of colors and textures. Most of the time our customers allow us to pick the colors. In general, with patios and hardscapes, earth tones are very popular right now. We are seeing a trend towards the use of larger pavers with natural stone texture, similar to a rock texture on the top. One of the ways in which we like to add drama to our hardscape designs is to change direction in which we lay the materials for our patios. Often times, we will lay the pavers soldier course around the patio and have a 45 degree angle. This spices the design up a bit. We also like to use seating walls with lighting and banding. The use of retaining walls and planters blend especially well with a patio/deck combination structure because it adds height without creating a stark contrast. Thinking “outside the box” , by using arc and tangent when it comes to outdoor living designs offers more flow and harmony within the structure itself and makes it a joy to look at as well.

Columbus_paver_patio_plan — This paver patio design shows the way in which we use arc and tangent.

We are also building a large number of outdoor fire pits and fireplaces to partner with our deck and patio combinations. Letting Archadeck of Columbus design a custom feature such as this promotes continuity of the custom feel and we can pull accents from your home to make it a cohesive design. Rob said, ” if he won the lottery himself, he would build a deck/patio/outdoor fireplace combination in his own backyard.” This speaks volumes on the impact adding an outdoor fireplace or fire pit can make in your own backyard!

The only thing we would like to see people do more with is integrated patio lighting. Good lighting creates an ambiance, not necessarily in areas that it would perform function, but to create more mood. Adding light to areas such as risers in stairs, beneath seating walls, or even as a banding in the border of a patio will create mood. Unilock pavers actually offer a glowing luminescent paver to use in borders or as banding, it is not cheap, but the effect is well worth the cost.

If you are ready to design an outdoor space that fulfills your every want and need, contact Archadeck of Columbus to design your backyard masterpiece. (740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net

See more of our patio and hardscape designs and outdoor fireplace and fire pit designs by visiting our patio and hardscape gallery, and our outdoor fireplace and fire pit design gallery, both located on our website.

Double the enjoyment by adding a patio to your deck or porch

Archadeck of Columbus delivers the forecast in what is hot in outdoor living trends for this Spring. Deck and patio combinations, as well as porch and patio combinations seem to be at the top of the list.

Columbus_OH_large_paver_patio_with_screen_porch_and_deck — This photo shows how each of the structures,the custom deck, screened porch and patio by Archadeck of Columbus work together as one.

We are really excited about the outdoor living season this year. We recently took part in two fantastic home shows in the area and got tons of ideas on the outdoor living trends for this Spring. While at the show we had a great deal of interest in not only decks, but also adding a patio to your deck. The trend we see is that Columbus area homeowners are requesting the addition of a patio to go with their new AND existing decks and porches. It stands to reason that even when it comes to outdoor living structures the hot new idea is to double the fun.

The great part about adding a hardscape, such as a patio, to your deck or porch is that it is the perfect add-on to give you those multiple outdoor living areas that you really want. A patio can be added with a new, or existing, deck or porch at anytime. Adding a patio to your deck is a great way to spice it up and put that spark back into your outdoor entertaining as well enhance the beauty in your backyard.

Wouldn’t it be great to have your deck serve as your outdoor cooking or gathering location and have a beautiful patio adjacent to use for dining and conversation? Or even a deck that leads into a covered hardscape patio with a fully functional outdoor kitchen? The entertaining opportunities that open up to you when you think about a dual structure such as a deck and patio combination are endless. Having multiple living areas within your outdoor design can offer more room and expand the functionality of your design. We can design a project for you that will turn your backyard until the ultimate backyard oasis.

Paver Patio with Composite Deck — Synthetic Deck with Hot Tub and Paver Patio

Archadeck of Columbus also offers “phased building”. This means we can plan upgrades or additions to your current project to accommodate for later additions or enhancements. For instance, if you really want a deck for this season, but foresee the future facilitating a patio and deck combination, we can make all the necessary adjustments in advance so when your budget allows you to add the patio a little later the structural necessities needed to make the transition run smoothly are already put into place.

Contact Archadeck of Columbus to learn more about our deck/patio and porch/patio combinations, and to learn more about our phased building program. We are now scheduling projects for the Spring season to have the backyard of your dreams in time for warmer weather, don’t delay. (740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Do you want to enjoy your new deck in Spring or wait until Summer?

Archadeck of Columbus urges homeowners to schedule their outdoor structure endeavor now to ensure a spring ready completion.

Large_Columbus_deck_with_hot_tub_pergola_and_planter — Imagine this beauty ready and waiting for you to enjoy with the first blooms of spring.

Usually our phones start to ring off the hook around Groundhog day each year. Whether it’s only six more weeks to spring, or six more weeks of cold weather, that’s when many people start thinking about getting started on their new deck or porch or patio. No matter how you look at it the answer comes out to the same conclusion. Spring is just around the corner. With that sudden realization, whether it comes from a groundhog, or the first traces of dandelions sprouting under the snow, many homeowners are getting ready to get started on their spring projects.

Spa deck with privacy screen — A new deck or outdoor structure can be ready for you to enjoy this spring.

On average a typical deck project takes about a week to construct. But what takes time if you’re working with a reputable builder is getting your project scheduled. Reputable builders will have projects on the docket and may be 6 or 8 weeks out before they can start your project. Unfortunately, many homeowners wait until they are within the warmer months to begin planning their outdoor project, and this often means a longer wait time to start enjoying the benefits and living outdoors. Right now in early February when people sign, we are scheduling start dates in March for the structures to be ready in April. We serve our customers on a first come, first serves basis and if you wait too long, you won’t be able to enjoy your project this year in the prime months of the year.

Here in Columbus we build year-round and cold weather does not keep us from constructing your deck , screen porch or other structure. It’s so important to call early to avoid long wait times and to ensure you get to enjoy your structure this spring.

Being the early bird is vital in getting the outdoor structure you have dreamed about all winter ready in time for for those warm, sunny days. Contact Archadeck of Columbus to get started. Give us a call for a free consultation and come see us at the Central Ohio Home & Garden Show Sat Feb. 25 – Sun Mar. 4 located in the Celeste building booth #2306 & 2308. See you there!

(740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Do you know why Winter is actually the best time of year to build a new deck?

Archadeck of Columbus explains when is the most opportune time to build your new deck and why.

Many of our Columbus homeowners ask me when is the best time to build a new deck? Many of you may think that the best time to build a deck is the spring, but the truth is, the best time to consider building a new deck may be in the winter. The best way to explain the reasoning behind a winter deck construction is what i would refer to as the “give and take” of the project. Give and take refers to the use of pressure treated wood during the winter months. The give refers to the woods expansion, and the take refers to the woods contraction that is caused by the effects of varying outdoor temperatures on the wood itself.

Double low to grade deck in Columbus OH with fire pit

The first thing you have to remember when considering building any type of deck or other outdoor structure, whether the decking boards you choose are composite, PVC, vinyl, IPE or hardwoods the foundation of your structure will be constructed using pressure treated pine or another pressure treated wood. Wood curing is important to understand in relation to the wood’s natural tendency to “give and take”, and curing which occurs over the winter months offers many important benefits.

Pressure treated wood has a 50% moisture content when you initially build. This fresh lumber is sometimes referred to among builders as “green”. The winter has less humidity and thus the pressure treated wood will stabilize itself and dry more consistently and evenly when you build in the winter. On the other end of the spectrum a summer deck construction exposes the pressure treated wood to higher humidity conditions. In addition, when drying in the hot sun, pressure treated wood will undergo expansion and contraction which can cause cracking, warping and other damage to the wood itself. Due to the orientation of the sun during the winter months, the sun doesn’t beat down on your deck, and the pressure treated wood that holds the key to your project’s structural integrity will not undergo these negative effects.

timbertech deck and screen porch — TimberTech composite deck and screen porch by Archadeck of Columbus

Another benefit of building in winter is you will also experience less wait time and backlogs which are typical in spring and summer projects. Our typical waiting list is 8 weeks in the height of the season, during the winter you are likely going to cut that wait time in half. A winter project also causes less lifestyle interruption because homeowners typically spend less time outdoors and less time participating in outdoor activities during the colder months of the year. You will also experience less deterioration of the ground, and less turf damage during the winter months because of the dormancy period that Columbus landscapes experience through the cooler months.

Keep in mind that Archadeck of Columbus can also build your outdoor structure combination in stages. Winter is the perfect time to start the first stage of your desired outdoor living project. If you are considering a deck and patio combination for example, you can take advantage of our staged building option and build the deck this winter and then we can add the patio later into the spring. With Archadeck of Columbus’ staged building the choice is yours. Contact us today to learn more, call us at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Multi-Level Decks and Deck and Patio Combinations Mean Multi-Levels of Unique Beauty and Added Function

Multi-level decks as well as deck and patio combinations are the growing trend in the Columbus, OH market. Archadeck of Columbus gives you some wonderful examples of the different combinations, with function and beauty in mind.

Columbus_low_to_grade_Timbertech_Composite_Deck_with_Patio_Columbus_Ohio — Low-to-grade composite deck with hardscape patio by Archadeck of Columbus

Here at Archadeck of Columbus the growing trend we continue to see among our customers is multi-level structures such as multi-level decks and decks that step down to patios and landscaping. Not only are these structures pleasing to the eye on multiple levels but they are built with multiple ways to enjoy your structure. Bi-leveled structures maintain room for a multitude of uses some of which would include separate dining, separate gathering areas and separate seating areas.

Most homeowners usually have a deck or patio only. By utilizing a combination of both of these structures you will not only have two distinct living areas, but you will also have multiple outdoor living areas which is unique. In today’s markets having the “unique” will enhance your investment in your outdoor living structure.

Low_to_grade_deck_in_Columbus_Ohio_with_firepit — Low-to-grade deck with fire pit by Archadeck of Columbus

A classic example, and one most homeowners can relate to, is the scenario of the backyard dinner party where the men and women usually end up congregating in separate spots on your single level deck or patio. The added space and separation a multi-level structure provides would give your male and female guests alike room to stretch out and enjoy their evening . You could even heat things up a little by adding a fire pit to create a distinct area. One level could make room for seating and dining and the other could be seating and the fire pit area.

Multi-Level_Cedar_Deck_with_low_to_grade_portion_and_Gazebo_Marysville_OH — This low to grade deck has a gazebo added to the lower level which allows cover from the elements

Another unique and aesthetically pleasing option is a gazebo or pergola added to one the levels in your your multi-level structure. Not only are these structures stunning to look at but they add shade to your space. Structures such as these would allow for shelter from the elements as well, so even if a summer shower comes to ruin your backyard barbecue your guests can move under the covered structure portion of your structure until the rain passes.

multi_level_low_to_grade_Floating_Bench_Flaired_Steps_Columbus_Delaware_County — This multi-level low to grade deck has flared steps and a floating bench

Multi-level structures are common in the Columbus area because of our terrain. The average home is about 30″ off the ground so it makes a perfect place to have two distinct areas. Low-to-grade decks are still a popular choice in this area as well. The beauty part of a low-to-grade deck is the option of not requiring a rail. Structures less than 30″ off the ground do not require a rail by code. advantages of not having a rail are the ability to see an un-obstructed view of landscaping, or hardscaping, or other focal point in your landscape, as well as the additional room you will have to add seating, furniture or planters. A clear uninhibited view is appreciated by many homeowners. If you have a relatively flat grade to your yard hardscapes such as patios are easier to construct.

Low_to_Grade_Deck_with_Landscaping_Westervile_Ohio_Columbus — Low-to-grade deck with exquisite landscaping

There are two things about being close to ground-level that we want to caution homeowners about. If the grade is extremely low the structure will require more posts to structure because you can’t use a beam construction. We use a true post and beam construction but with low to grade structures the posts are actually attached to joists which eliminate the beam. The second concern is the moisture and ventilation issue. Most communities require landscape fabric with gravel be put down to avoid grass and weed growth into the deck. This barrier also inhibits animals and helps keep it drier. Archadeck of Columbus recommends being no less than 16″ off the ground to alleviate structural costs and ventilation issues.

If you are considering a multi-level deck or deck and patio multi-level combination, or one of many other unique combinations, give Archadeck of Columbus a call to discuss what type of structure is best for you. We can schedule a free consultation to evaluate which grade would best suit your lot and design and construct the structure of your dreams.