It wasn’t so long ago that screened porches were built with utilitarian purposes in mind. Their job was to keep the bugs, and the rain, off of you. Historically, in rural areas and before air conditioning became commonplace, many people used a screened porch as a bunk room (sometimes referred to as a sleeping porch) on particularly sweltering summer nights.
Digging a little deeper into the archives, you will learn that the use of window screens started as soon as people began framing windows. References to window screens can be traced back to 1823. The earliest screens were made of wood, ceramic and stone. Their purpose was to provide protection from animal and human intruders but still allow some light and ventilation into a building. Cloth screens came along and provided protection from dust and insects and allowed some light to enter. During the 1840s, Gilbert and Bennett Manufacturing Co. of Redding, Connecticut, invented affordable wire mesh window screens.
I myself can remember fishing trips I enjoyed in my youth and the way the fishing camp I frequented utilized a screened room as their bait station. The structure consisted of a wooden floor with simple framed posts with screened openings. The sole purpose of the porch was to keep bait safe from flies. Definitely not a place you would want to spend the night!
Another Columbus outdoor fireplace and screened porch combination.
Fast forward to the modern screened porches homeowners crave today. Yes, they keep out bugs, allergens, debris and rain. However, they have become an extension of our homes and an oasis for outdoor living. Modern screened porches are now designed to include many comforting and convenient amenities like fireplaces and televisions, much like you would find in any other room of your home. The screened porch is essentially a more relaxed, casual room addition to the rest of your home.
Anyone who has experienced one has to admit that a screened porch is a wonderful addition to any house. A screened porch offers the breezes, scents, sounds and sights of being outdoors – but without the bugs and the blazing sun. Rough and tumble has its own charm, but these days most homeowners enjoy relaxing under the ceiling fan while listening to their surround sound audio system.
Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to discuss our stunning porch and screened porch designs. Our consultation is completely free. You can reach us at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net. We look forward to your call.
We’d all love to spend our summer days in the garden, reading a book by the pool or just taking in the fresh air with a cold ice tea on our patios. But often times we forget to think about the risks of spending too much time outdoors in the sun without proper protection. Numerous medical complications like Melanoma and Cataracts can occur when sun protection is disregarded.
Disregarding the sun’s damaging rays are nothing to take lightly. These serious complications have life threatening concerns that need immediate attention. Melanoma occurs when the pigment-producing cells that give color to skin become cancerous due to overexposure to sun or sunburn. Broad-spectrum sunscreen is used as a temporary protector against the sun but is frequently only applied once throughout the day which becomes inefficient over time if you plan to spend a full day outdoors.
The month of July is observed as National UV Safety Awareness month. Archadeck of Columbus wants to ensure you are worry free when it comes to spending time outdoors. Instead of spending your time indoors in fear of the damage UV rays may cause, invest in long-term protection for your backyard. Archadeck can help protect you and your family by adding a covered patio, screen porch or a 3 or 4-season room addition. Whether you enjoy gardening or sitting in the breeze to read a book these are perfect options to get you the ultimate protection while still enjoying the freedom of being outdoors.
Covered patios and screen porches offer a shaded more private area for you and your family to escape to during lunch when the heat is in full swing. Even with an existing hardscape patio, Archadeck can custom design a covered structure over the top to help provide proper UV protection. With a screen porch you get triple protection. Screen porches provide the benefit of sun protection but also becomes a defense against allegans such as pollen and mosquitoes and other nuisance insects.
Adding a 3-season or 4-season room is like taking a piece of the outdoors and bringing it inside. A 3-season room can be designed and built with an Eze-Breeze® window system. Eze-Breeze® allows your outdoor structure to quickly switch from glass windows to screen panels letting in the cool Columbus breeze. 4-season rooms are designed with HVAC systems to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. These additions protect you from direct sunlight while still being able to enjoy the panoramic views of your backyard garden and landscape with floor to ceiling windows.
It is fairly easy to forget to follow the standard recommendations for sun protection such as continuously adding a strong broad-spectrum sunscreen or wearing sunglasses throughout the day. That is why Archadeck of Columbus wants to help you and your family with long-term sun protection by adding a covered patio, screen porch or a 3-season or 4-season room onto your backyard.
The Archadeck of Columbus team.
Contact Archadeck of Columbus today at (740) 879-3730 or via email at westcolumbus@arcahdeck.net to get out of the sun by designing your custom outdoor structure. We would look forward to connecting with you!
It’s spring and a homeowner’s thoughts turn toward the yard: making it look beautiful and spending more time in it. But homeowners are also practical people. They know that soon the bugs will arrive and some days will bring rain– that’s when they consider adding a screened in porch or sunroom so they can enjoy more carefree time outside.
Many of our clients start by asking around the neighborhood, collecting information about what kind of porch their friends have and who built it. More often than not, the neighbor hired a contractor who built a shell of a porch then took aluminum or fiberglass screening and stretched it around the outside and stapled in place. It was finished after trim was applied around the window openings. And everything was great, until…
Real life arrives.
Real life takes many forms. Often it looks like a playful child with a stick or a ball. Sometimes it’s an excitable pet or the occasional destructive storm. With that old-style construction, it seems like no time at all before the screen crimps or tears and needs to be replaced. Before that can be done, the trim has to come off. Ugh!
Archadeck clients have the same kids, pets and storms, but they have a much more convenient way to keep their screened porches looking sharp. We use a weatherproof, flexible fiberglass screening that isn’t easily crimped or destroyed. We also use framed fiberglass screen inserts. These inserts hold the screen in place with a rubber strip squeezed into a channel around the perimeter. Each insert screws into an opening on the porch for easy repair and replacement.
A local company makes our screened inserts and they come in six different colors. This makes it easy to match them to the colors on the house and porch. The screen itself is a patented product called Screen-eze® and is available in two strengths. Their top product is incredibly strong—try throwing a baseball at it! The second option is also very robust and can support a 10-foot wide panel. Screen-eze inserts come in standard sizes or we can build them on site to create the perfect size and look for the job. Custom projects take a little longer, but customers love the results.
In addition to installing screened inserts, Archadeck also installs screen doors—don’t ever buy a wood door for a screened porch. An aluminum door is sturdy and won’t warp. They will typically be made with an aluminum-framed screen insert for easy maintenance.
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to see how we can make creating your dream backyard an enjoyable experience, start to finish — how many builders can promise that? (740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
The year in review takes a bow as Archadeck of Columbus explores the top 10 design trends in screened and open porch designs; the final installment in our design trend series for 2013 and beyond.
An outdoor fireplace adds to the rustic charm of this wooden screened porch in Delaware, OH.
As we look back at the year in review, porches were hot! Screened porches and open porches were very popular in 2013. We see that trend continuing into the New Year as well. The number one reason homeowners love porches is because they are a functional and beautiful way to provide shade in your outdoor living space. The need for shade is a necessity in many cases, especially in yards facing South or West. In many cases, porches are a way to allocate a more permanent shade structure than the use of an awning or shade curtains in an outdoor living space.
As the final installment in our series on design trends, Archadeck of Columbus explores the top 10 design trends in screened and open porch designs…
#1) Paver flooring used in a screened porch setting – This is what as referred to as a “screened patio”. These spaces have all the function and appeal of a porch with the only difference being the grade of the structure and floor medium used. Paver and hardscape patios can be the foundation for 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.
#2) Wraps are very popular – Wrapping consists of covering areas such as posts with a more aesthetically pleasing wood. We often wrap areas that are visible in your screened porch with cedar or paulownia to give the space a rustic appeal. Custom trim is also widely requested.
The open rafter detail of this porch gives it a rustic feel and the warm wood tones the homeowners used further the charm.
#3) Cathedral ceilings are a must – Cathedral ceilings within screen porches interior are a hot commodity. The pitch of the roof dictates ceiling height and since our most utilized roof styles for screened porches in the Columbus area are the gable and hip, it sets the stage for a cathedral ceiling. Cathedral ceilings lend an open airy feel to your porch interior and create a sense that the space is larger than it actually is. Keep in mind, if conditions require, we can do a flat roof as well.
#4) Exposed rafters – Nothing adds character or style to a screened porch interior quite like exposed rafters. With the simple act of leaving the ceiling of your porch open (exposed), you create a panoramic focal point. In most cases, making the decision to enclose the rafters is more expensive than leaving them open because the additional trim that is required. In choosing an open rafter ceiling you will get a true original work of art in your space, and save a little green to boot!
#5) Ceiling finishes – We have a huge demand for tongue & groove products, including beaded materials. Among the most requested ceiling material for screened porches here in our region is cedar.
Another Columbus outdoor fireplace and screened porch combination.
#6) Fireplaces are hot! – Integrating an outdoor fireplace is hugely popular on our screened porch designs. Having an outdoor fireplace within your porch space helps create an atmosphere similar to an interior living room. Imagine being seated around the fire along with family and friends in a protected outdoor space that can be utilized throughout the year — magical. This type of magic can come with a hefty price tag depending on the type of outdoor fireplace you choose. Wood burning masonry models can cost $15,000 +, but gas inserts are also available which are a lot easier on the wallet.
#7) Televisions – When it comes to electrical within your porch, Archadeck of Columbus always ensures our porches are wired for electrical. This includes outlets, cable, ceiling fans, lights and switches. We try to ensure no creature comfort has been overlooked. With those comforts in mind, having access to mount a flat screen TV within the porch interior is our most popular porch accoutrement and is requested by a vast majority of homeowners as the “must have” item for their porch.
Notice the overstuffed, comfy furniture used on this screened porch in Columbus, Ohio.
#8) Perimeter seating – This is especially the case with covered or screened patio designs. Many homeowners are requesting perimeter area seating with a patio, for instance, to use for dining and other recreational functions. The key to gaining the most function from your porch is to always consider what your main function of the room is going to be. This will ensure it is designed with that function in mind.
#9) Porch furniture – We are seeing the use of larger-scaled furniture than of those used in the past in finishing out porch designs. Loveseats, couple chairs, and tables are often used alongside coffee and end tables to give the porch the feel of the ultimate outdoor room. We always recommend homeowners have some idea of the type, and scale of the furniture they plan on using in their space in order for us to design the space accordingly with plenty of turn-around room.
#10) Totally custom – Each and every one of our porches is totally custom to what the homeowners want and need for their new space. The size, roof style, finishes, flooring, and ceiling treatment are done according to your specification.
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
If you are starting to think about adding a new open porch or screened porch to your Columbus area home for the New Year give Archadeck of Columbus a call for a free consultation. We can help you plan and design an outdoor space that suits your individual function with a cutting edge screened porch or porch addition.
(740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net
You can see more of our stunning porch designs by visiting our screened porch photo gallery, and our porches photo gallery, located on our website.
As part two of our 3-part series exploring top design trends, Archadeck of Columbus explores the top 16 trends in decks among homeowners in our region, and all across the country.
The deck of your dreams is just a phone call away at Archadeck of Columbus!
Archadeck of Columbus is in what many would call an enviable position. We have the opportunity to meet with homeowners around Columbus throughout the year and get to hear what they like, what they are looking for and what type of things they are contracting us to build in their backyards. As 2013 will soon be drawing to a close, we would like to share some of the trends we’re seeing on the front line.
As part two of this 3-part series exploring top design trends, Archadeck of Columbus explores the top 16 trends we’ve seen in our market.
Top 16…
#1) The use of roofed structures on top of decks – Currently, we are seeing a high demand for roofed structures on decks. Roofed outdoor structures include covered porches, screened porches and even 3- and 4-season rooms. The trend toward these covered structures indicates that homeowners are entertaining more and investing in their home’s living space more via the outdoor room. Having a roofed structure adds both shade and comfort to a deck space.
#2) Combination of a deck with other structures such as a patio or porch -The great part combining your deck with a porch or patio, 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 at any time. 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. Adding a porch will extend the function of your outdoor space and provide shade and shelter from inclement weather. If considering a screened porch and deck combination, you will also gain protection from hungry insects too!
TimberTech Evolutions Terrain is more affordable than other composites.
#3) The availability of more affordable composites for your deck – Up until recently, all high-quality composites came with a price tag to match. There has been a new addition to the composite line called TimberTech Terrain. Terrain is a wood and plastic capstock product that is similar in many ways to the popular Earthwood Evolutions line. The Terrain line features a thinner profile, similar to the TimberTech Reliaboard line, but with the same attributes that makes homeowner’s flock to the Earthwood Evolutions line at about 30% lower cost.
#4) More available decking board textures – New synthetic decking materials have a little more cleft in them which replicate more of a natural wood texture. Many decking companies are doing their best to make synthetics look far more like real wood than in years past.
#5) Contrasting color choices – Combining contrasting rails and decking add character and style to your deck. Even if you are considering a deck built with wood, you can stain your railing a different color to add contrast.
#6) The use of thin profile aluminum or cable railing – Thinner, lower profile railing will not impede visibility into your backyard or outdoor space.These include architectural rail such as Feeney Cable rail and many others. Not only will using less obtrusive railing open up the view, it gives your deck an upscale elegance with a contemporary feel. If using wooden decking, you can also get the same effect by using more upgraded pickets.
This deck was built using TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions- beautiful.
#7) Integrating different colors within the deck itself – Today’s decks aren’t always one color. Archadeck of Columbus is constantly asked to integrate additional colors into homeowners’ decks through picture framing and parting boards. Additional colors are sometimes used to highlight a specific part of the deck, such as a dining or living area. By adding colors you can also accentuate the dimensions of your deck. By thinking outside the box when using colors, you can turn your outdoor living space into a one-of-kind work of art!
#8) More use of exotic woods such as Ipe and other Brazilian hardwoods – There is a growing trend among homeowners choosing to build their deck with Brazilian hardwoods such as Ipe. Ipe is simply beautiful. Along with the rich wood tone and natural streaking that sets this exotic hardwood apart from all others, it is also strong – so strong in fact, holes need to be pre-drilled prior to installation. Ipe looks the part, and performs the part. It requires less maintenance than other hardwoods and when left untreated will weather to an elegant dove-gray over time.
#9) Deck lighting is a big trend – Lighting adds safety and ambiance to your deck. We install a huge amount of LED lighting into deck risers and posts, rail posts and even integrate lighting into the floor of the deck. Deck lighting will extend the function of your deck into the evening hours and give your space a romantic feel that invites you to linger a while longer.
#10) Stairs – Stairs are now wider and more decorative than the minimum code of 3 feet. We also design stairs that are more aesthetically interesting like flared stairs or landing with integrated seating. The reason behind this is because homeowners want wider stairs to create more seating options. It also helps balance larger and more elaborate deck designs.
2nd story deck in Delaware County, OH with finished under deck space.
#11) Multiple stairs for traffic flow – Archadeck of Columbus thinks about the flow of your entire backyard, not just the simplest way to get from here to there. We place heavy consideration on exactly where your stairs should be placed to offer the most benefit, and many times we integrate more than one set of stairs to add function and harmony to your space.
#12) Under deck systems for elevated decks – More and more, homeowners are looking to utilize the “under deck” so their elevated decks become viable outdoor living spaces. By implementing an under deck rainwater carrying system such as Dry Snap, or outdoor ceiling systems like Inside Out into an elevated or 2nd story deck, you can create a under deck space that functions like a covered porch or patio.
#13) Balusters – Options for balusters are huge! In terms of distinction and design, balusters come with a myriad of design options. These include balusters topped with decorative finials, arches, baroque styles and even integrated lighting with the baluster itself Archadeck of Columbus uses a lot of Deckorators balusters because they are a high-quality product that offers many options to the homeowner.
#14) Lattice is out – and so is skirting – Skirting is sometimes requested, but we do not recommend it because it takes away from the view and surrounding landscaping. In addition, a skirted portion of your under deck space can inadvertently become the perfect spot for wildlife.
This wide set of stairs allows for easy traffic flow between the deck and patio. The stairs also include riser lights for visibility in the evening.
#15) We foresee the trend towards more electrical considerations – Homeowners are now asking for some hardwired plugs within their new deck. These outlets are installed for varied purposes including plugging in space heaters, laptop computers and even to operate holiday lighting along their deck railings. As technology advances, so does the increase in varied places available to utilize those technologies, including outdoor spaces.
#16) Gorgeous outdoor furnishings and accessories – Even though we don’t build it, we would be remiss at not mentioning the benefit eye-catching furnishings and accoutrements add to your completed outdoor living space. Just like the suit is said to make the man, outdoor furniture makes the deck. Finishing out your space with comfy couches and chairs featuring oversized pillows is hugely popular, as is using pillows and cushions covered with weather resistant Sunbrella fabrics. Many of today’s contemporary outdoor furniture designs also use streamlined design with deeper seating with less of an emphasis on a slender leg. Stacked resin furniture is wildly popular right now. The trend we see throughout outdoor furniture design is taking the comfort and easy feel of your living room into the exterior. Homeowner’s are leaning toward outdoor furniture that mimics the comfort and loftiness of their favorite couch or easy chair but with low-maintenance outdoor fabric choices.
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
If you are starting to think about adding a new outdoor space to your Columbus area home, give Archadeck of Columbus a call for a free consultation. We can help you plan and design an outdoor space that suits your individual function with a cutting edge deck, patio or porch addition.
(740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net
Take a look at our extensive deck photo galleries by visiting our website today!
Archadeck of Columbus discusses screening considerations for porches.
Archadeck of Columbus interior views of this stunning screened porch
Autumn is a time when many homeowners begin to think more about having a protected outdoor space to enjoy the beauty of the season and the milder temperatures. One of the most popular outdoor spaces to utilize the fresh fall air and still have protection from inclement weather is a screened porch. Screened porches have always been a beloved addition to the home and backyard. But there are many things to consider when thinking of building a screen porch. One of the most important of these considerations is the screen itself.
The screen of the screened porch is the lifeblood of the structure, it is the element that enables you to remain protected from insects, rain, and the dangers of the sun. Nowadays, screening options have evolved from the old-fashioned screened porch of yesteryear. There are more choices with higher quality benefits that not only aid in getting the most enjoyment out of your porch, but they also promote longevity of your space.
The view and the design of this screen wall, are breathtaking. Can you imagine having your morning coffee looking into this each morning?
The old-fashioned way of screening which you can purchase at your local hardware store, involves aluminum screen that is approximately 4 foot wide. This screen is stapled to the posts all around the perimeter of the openings on the porch; once the entire screen is stapled a piece of trim is then placed on top. Archadeck of Columbus doesn’t like, or use, this type of screen since aluminum creases easily and using it can lead to a wavy looking screen if it is not installed properly. More importantly, this type of screen can be affected by birds, branches, falling object and other screen hazards because of its flimsy nature.
All screens are not created equal
We offer our customers more options when it comes to screening their porch. One of these options is using aluminum framed screen inserts. These inserts consist of aluminum with fiberglass screen which we have made locally so we are able to ensure they are made to custom sizes which ensures a custom fit. Once we finish the shell of the screen porch, we get exact measurements for the screens and then custom order them. We also use a product called Tiger Screen which is made from really strong fiberglass screening. With Tiger Screen we custom build the screen on site.
Full View Screen Porch
When the perimeters of your screened porch openings require a span of larger areas, we also use Screen-Eze. This product allows us to screen in much larger areas such as 6-10 feet. Screen-Eze comes in wider spans, and is very strong which minimizes the need for additional posts. You get a cleaner, less interrupted view with this product.
It is important to have a professional builder with background and knowledge of screening options to help you make the right decision for your porch needs. Archadeck of Columbus factors in many details to make sure you get not only the look you want, but also a solid screen installation. Just for example, many homeowners have pets and these customer would benefit from using a knee-wall across the bottom of the screened porch to prevent animals from walking into or damaging the screen with their claws. Pet owners can also benefit from using Screen-Eze because with this product you can throw a baseball into the screen and it will revert back to its original shape within minutes.
This screen porch in Powell, OH by Archadeck of Columbus is picture perfect in every way.
If your porch is low to the ground, you may consider screening from floor to ceiling. This method of screen installation opens up the porch to deliver panoramic views and plenty of fresh air. If your porch is located in an area that receives a great deal of sun, we can install charcoal tinted screen that helps deflect the UV rays of the sun. These screens also help provide additional shade when the sun is setting low in the sky.
Last but certainly not least, always make sure there is screening under your porch to keep the bugs out. It is better to do this while the porch is under construction rather than an afterthought when the first mosquito finds its way into your safe haven! Archadeck of Columbus always installs screen on top of the framing and underneath the decking. We do not install it underneath the framing because debris will accumulate between the deck and floor boards. In order to keep your deck tidy and clean, our way ensures you can blow all the dirt out. If you place the screen under the joists, it makes blowing dirt away nearly impossible.
Notice the kneewall present in this screened porch.
If you already have an existing screened porch that has screen installed the old-fashioned way, Archadeck of Columbus can retro-fit your porch with one of our more advantageous screening options. If you are ready to begin a screened porch from scratch we would love to meet with you to discuss your needs and choose a screen porch design that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to schedule a free design consultation and be on your way to living the good life on your very own screened porch! Call us today at (740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
You can see more examples of our versatile screening styles and techniques by visiting our screened porch photo gallery and our 3 and 4 season room photo gallery located on our website.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
The 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.
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.
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
As an outdoor builder, there are so many facets of what we do every day. We consult with new clients. We create designs to translate their needs and wants into physical structures. We build those structures. While we’d love to think our designs and processes are some of the best in the country, or at least top ranking in our national franchise, it’s incredibly humbling to actually win.
Archadeck of Columbus Design Contest winner 2013 patios hardscapes
Last week we participated in Archadeck’s annual convention. We were able to share and gather ideas from Archadeck locations nationwide. Each year there are design awards in 4 different categories – deck designs, porch/enclosure designs, patio and hardscape designs and combination project designs. The combination projects include 2 structures such as a deck and patio combination project or a porch and deck combination project. The award winners are determined by votes from our corporate office and even more importantly from our peers.
We won 2nd place nationally in the patio and hardscapes design contest and 3rd place nationally in porch and enclosures design contest. These pictures are the projects that won the design awards.
Designing is such a rewarding part of our business. It’s not about the structures themselves. It’s about how those structures and outdoor spaces create a magical backyard space for our customers.
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
We’d love to provide a free consultation to you to discuss your ideas to enhance your outdoor living with a porch, hardscape, deck or other structures. Please give us a call at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.
Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus 