Rustic Screen Porches – Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wooden elements and rustic interior design details are the recipe to making your Columbus porch elegantly rustic

Archadeck of Columbus talks about the factors that influence todays rustic porch designs.

Many of us have strong memories of a porch from our childhood whether this was our porch, a family or friends’ porch or one at a cabin we visited. The memories probably include a rustic style room build with lots of natural wood. Rustic-style porches continue to be very popular today although they a re a bit more finished than they were in the past. I couldn’t help but chuckle when I stumbled across a Popular Science article from May 1980 that discusses the popularity of the rustic screened porch at that time and even detailed the use of rough hewn cross beams in their construction. We can easily design a porch for you full of the rustic flavor of today.

The key to building a porch with rustic elements comes down to the materials you choose to finish your space and the design details you use. Of these factors, wood is the most material influencing a rustic porch feel. Typically wood comes in smooth and rough hewn finishes. Choosing wood that has distinct graining and a rough appearance will make your space look more rustic. The interior ceiling details of your space also help to promote a certain aesthetic of ruggedness and outdoorsy charm. A ceiling finished with an exposed rafter system, or rough hewn tongue and groove bead board can deliver these results. The rafters in general can convey an old cabin style ambiance by choosing to use larger, beefier rafters with more masculinity than typical rafters. Timber frame is often used in settings with large structural members. A typical porch will use a 4 x 4 or 6 x 6, but by using 8 x 8’s you can create a grander appearance that is conducive to the qualities of a rustic space. In addition to bulkier rafters, and larger Timber framing additional members can also be used to enhance the rustic look with details such as a king truss.

Rustic kneewall on Columbus screen porch — Wooden knee walls are an interior design detail of cabin inspired porches.

Other interior options that scream with rustic influence include using unfinished wood and staining it in a rustic hue, or clear coating it to retain the wood’s natural splendor. When installing a knee wall, you may choose to use a wood finish as well for continuity of the area’s rustic appearance. Cedar is a top choice for posts which can also be upgraded to a choice cedar which gives you a knotty finish. One great thing about cedar is you don’t need to add anything for protection because cedar won’t rot like other woods.

Outdoor fireplaces have become a staple within the realm of rustic porch designs too. With this in mind, if you intend on including an outdoor fireplace within your porch you can elevate the rugged look by choosing materials that take their cues from nature. By using stone, slate and other natural looking hardscape materials you can continue the rustic theme of your space.

Columbus rustic open porch — The open rafter detail and rough hewn beams of this porch gives it a rustic feel and the warm wood tones the homeowners used further the charm.

Remembering the clearest path to a rustic porch involves the use of wood and materials that enhance that cabin feel will help you achieve your dreams of the ultimate porch. Archadeck of Columbus can take the memories of the familiar porch you from your childhood and add modern, rustic touches for a truly elegant cabin-in-the-woods style porch setting. Contact us today for a free consultation and start your journey to making your outdoor dreams a reality. (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

See more examples of porches and screened porches with rustic influences by visiting our covered porch gallery and screen porch gallery located on our website.

Should you use low-maintenance materials on your Columbus porch?

Archadeck of Columbus explores the realm of low-maintenance and wood products used in covered, and screened porch designs.

open porch Columbus vinyl low maintenance — This open porch in Columbus was built using vinyl low maintenance materials.

I get asked all the time by customers if it is best to build their new porch from natural wood or low-maintenance materials. Like any good question, the answer is… “it depends”. Let’s look at the porch from the inside out. Many customers ask if they should use synthetic decking boards for the floor of their porch. Our answer is that using synthetic decking on a screened-in porch is probably overkill. The primary enemies to wood preservation are sun, water, and heavy use. The worst offender is sun. Direct exposure to the sun causes the decking to expand and contract on a regular basis and also fades the decking unless if purchased a fade resistant decking. So if your porch flooring is covered by a roof and surrounded by screens, you likely don’t need to invest in synthetic flooring. From a cost standpoint, low-maintenance will increase your flooring costs 30-60%.

If you are building a covered porch that is not enclosed by windows or screens, the flooring may get more sun exposure and will get more exposure to rain and snow. In this scenario, other factors come into play. It might make sense to invest in synthetic flooring even though the sun exposure is dramatically minimized. The key factors in this decision become whether your porch flooring materials are connected to your deck and if you’re willing to do maintenance on your flooring. If your porch is attached to your deck that has synthetic flooring, you may want to use the same flooring in your porch for continuity.

Front Porch with Vinyl Rails and TimberTech Decking — On this front porch we used TimberTech composite decking and vinyl rails.

When it comes to the components used in the exterior construction of your porch, this becomes a different story. Components such as railings, soffits, fascias, perimeter trim, roof beams and roof posts are generally not protected from the sun, or the elements. Predominately, as a builder we use wood to frame all of our projects. We do not use aluminum framing. We can however install vinyl sleeves over the exposed areas of the exterior wood framing elements which will deliver you a truly low-maintenance porch. Many homeowners opt to use iron railings, and even aluminum railings for their low-maintenance value and pleasing appearance.

low maintenance vinyl screen porch Columbus — Low maintenance vinyl screen porch Columbus, OH.

Any wood and/or wood trim on a vertical plane would need to be maintained on average of 5-10 years. Examples are roof posts, roof beams, trim, soffit and fascia’s. Covered and screen porches built from wood leave only a small number of components exposed to the sun. Many homeowners choose to remain with wood overall because the areas that are exposed are on a vertical plane and aren’t subjected to foot and hand traffic which will cause breakdown and wear over time.

Vinyl open porch Columbus — We used low-maintenance vinyl on this stunning open porch in Columbus, OH.

The answer to the million dollar question is no. You don’t have to use low-maintenance materials to still get low-maintenance value. The important thing is to choose what is best for your taste, lifestyle and budget. For example, if you never want to have to paint your porch then low-maintenance is worth the investment. You can also get the best of both worlds by combining wood with low-maintenance details that will not require maintenance until later down the road. The choice is yours.

If you are ready to start your journey toward building a new porch, screened porch or covered porch, contact Archadeck of Columbus to help make the trip a pleasant experience. We can help plan, design and custom build an outdoor space that lives up to all your maintenance and functional expectations. Call for a free consultation today (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

To see more examples of low-maintenance and wooden porches visit our covered porch, screened porch and porch galleries located on our website.

Columbus screen porch exterior choices by Archadeck of Columbus

As part three of our exclusive design series we explore the importance of choosing the right exterior finish for your covered outdoor space.

Columbus screen porch matches existing home perfectly — The exterior finish of this screened porch matches the existing home to a T.

I know that your screened porch inside is what you see on a regular basis. With that in mind, the exterior of your screened porch effects the view of your home as a whole. Our goal on each project we design is to create a space that looks and feels original to your home.

Columbus screened porch with stucco exterior — This screened porch exterior is finished in stucco in the same color and texture as the house and looks original to the existing home.

Making it all match…

How do our designs make it all come together? The first step is to take cues from your existing home. A good option is to have the exterior of your space stained or painted to match the color of your home. We can also match the fascia, trim, soffit and gutters to your homes existing hues.

9' walls with wrapped columns — The columns on this screened porch are painted to match the existing home.

Sometimes we try to match the colors used on your screen porch door to those of the windows and doors of your home. A good example of choosing a veneer which will tie your structure into your existing home from a design standpoint is through the knee wall portion of your porch. A knee wall runs the perimeter of your exterior space. Even a small scale knee wall takes up an area from 18 to 36 inches and can be a key area of your exterior finish focus. If your home is stucco, we would recommend finishing the knee wall with the same stucco on the outside finish. This is the same with a home that is vinyl, hardy plank or even brick, using the same materials as your home’s exterior on your knee wall will make the exterior cohesive with the exterior of your home. With brick and stone veneers sometimes it is difficult to get an exact match because specific colors of stone and brick are often discontinued. If this is the case we can match it to as close to the native veneer of your home as possible.

Columbus close end gable roof screen porch — This Columbus gable roof screened porch is a perfect example of a close end, finished design that adds continuity to the style of the porch and existing home.

Many homeowners are choosing to go with low-maintenance exterior finishes by using vinyl and PVC products on the trim, roof posts and roof beams. These elements offer ultra-convenience. Even small areas can be matched to keep the colors cohesive such as the aluminum framed screen inserts used in screen porch construction. If your home’s windows are trimmed in white we can special order the screen inserts in white as well.

Colors aren’t the only way to create a covered porch or screened porch that delivers a design in keeping with your home and architecture details. Taking advantage of shape, such as creating screen porch openings which match the shape of your home’s windows is another good way to pick up elements filled with originality and pulling them into your outdoor space. On a gable or gable-end roof design you may choose to keep this area open and screened or closed ended and finished to match the cues set forth through your home. It is all up to you.

Columbus contemporary screen porch exterior details — This contemporary style screened porch looks original to the house because the exterior is finished in the same style as the home. From color to roof style the space looks like it has always been there.

Columbus screened porch painted to match existing home — This exterior was painted to match the adjacent home, even down to the screened openings.

Think outside the box adds flair and pizzazz

Another viable option for keeping the originality of your design in focus is to compliment your homes color and architecture as opposed to replicating an exact match on the entire exterior. This can be achieved by adding new design elements such as fluted columns with extra trim which can be wrapped and finished in a complimentary color of your choice. With screen porches many homeowners like to go with a rustic, vintage cabin style design in all wood tones. Choosing a unique exterior for your screen porch design can add character and charm to your home, and many homeowners just don’t want everything to match. These one of a kind exterior finishes turn out wonderfully.

Columbus Timbertech XLM Sandridge Colored Deck with Screen Porch and Patio — This outdoor living combination includes a screened porch, twin decks and a stunning hardscape patio. Notice how the exterior finish compliments the entire backyard and the home.

While most of the screened porches we build are attached to the home, we build a small number of freestanding or detached porches. A good example would be a covered patio, or screened room that doubles as a poolside retreat. In these cases there is not as much need to match your home perfectly. We can pull out important elements to compliment your home and introduce new details in as well. Outdoor spaces such as these offer more design freedom than those that are in close proximity to your home in a side-by-side attached construction.

Open porch Columbus — Look closely at how the siding on the gable end of this covered porch matches that of the existing house.

Our goal is to deliver a space that delivers aesthetic and structural harmony by using compatible design elements. You never want your space to stick out like a sore thumb. You want a space to boost the appeal of your home and landscape and unify your surroundings.

If you foresee a covered porch, or screen porch in your horizon contact Archadeck of Columbus to help you choose the design that best suits your needs, your function and your lifestyle. Call for a free consultation today (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

You can see more inspiring covered porch and screen porch designs by visiting our covered porch and screen porch galleries located on our website.

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.

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

Using architectural reveals for your screened porch interior design

Interior of screened room in Powell, OH by Archadeck of Columbus — The interior of this screen porch displays design perfection in every detail

Have you ever been flipping through your favorite home and garden magazine and seen an image that makes you wish you could have something just like it? If you are a proactive homeowner that is always looking for ways to improve upon your home or landscape then the answer is most certainly yes. These Powell, OH homeowners recently turned their dream of having a screen porch into a reality.

It all began when we initially sat down and met to get an idea of what they were looking to build. They told us that what they wanted most was a unique structure and they even gave us some pictures they had clipped out to use as a starting point for their project which showed a very finished structure that had wrapped beams and lots of architectural reveals on the inside and outside. The pictures provided valuable insight into developing the concept of the screen porch’s design. (see picture of clipping below). With the homeowner’s requests in mind we were ready to begin the design process.

Unique and beautiful screen porch in Powell, OH by Archadeck of Columbus — This screen porch in Powell, OH by Archadeck of Columbus is picture perfect in every way.

The finished porch boasts an abundant 16′ x 16′ sq. feet of blissful outdoor living space which includes 9′ high walls which are higher than standard screen porch walls. High ceilings are becoming more and more popular and we like to build the walls of our outdoor structures to match the the walls inside the house on the adjoining room. Your outdoor room is truly an extension of your home.

In terms of trimming out this screen porch, we used “build-up” columns in the screen porches interior. In essence this means we actually build them up to make them appear larger and more finished. By having thicker columns in the middle, we were able to put sconce lights in the interior and these more robust columns add to the elegance of the entire room. When working with certain interior design aspects of an outdoor structure, bigger is usually better, it gives your finished room a richer feel.

Powell, OH screen porch Cedar tongue and groove ceiling detailing

We used Paulownia trim on the posts which comes ready to paint upon installation. On the floor the homeowners chose a pressure-treated pine floor laid on a diagonal pattern. Using pine adds a rustic, natural ambiance to a room like only real wood can, and choosing the diagonal patterning conveys a sense of creativity by steering away from the traditional pattern commonly seen in screen porches. These Powell, OH homeowners played on the rich lines and wood within the flooring and took it a step further by choosing an unfinished cedar tongue and groove ceiling. Also included were some little creature comforts and extras. These included a wall mount system for the homeowners TV, ceiling fans, and ample electrical outlets on those hearty posts.

Powell, Oh screen porch exterior by Archadeck of Columbus — This image shows the majesty of the porches exterior

Of course, the quality and sense of exclusivity was carried on to the exterior as well. We put architectural reveals on the outside with the use of additional trim that creates the appearance of a more layered look which shows shadow lines. We also installed siding on the exterior of the porch and painted it to make it look natural to the house. We used aluminum screen inserts and also placed white reveals around the screens to add character.

If you are looking for a builder that can deliver you a “picture-perfect” outdoor structure, contact Archadeck of Columbus to get started today call us at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net

To see more stunning Columbus area screen porches visit our screened porches photo gallery by visiting our website.

Columbus screen porch translating customer design ideas

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