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.
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.
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.
Archadeck of Columbus discusses their unmatched warranties which include a one year craftsmanship warranty and a five year structural warranty.
Let Archadeck of Columbus open the door to your outdoor living imagination and build you the highest quality outdoor space imaginable.
When you decide to find a builder to build your dream deck or porch addition, most reputable contractors will provide some type of warranty on their work. These warranties are typically placed on a structure once it is completed. These can include structural warranties, and warranties on the products and materials used in completing your outdoor space. Remember, in all building endeavors, a warranty is only as good as the company providing it and the degree in which they stand behind that warranty. With this in mind, it is important to make sure the builder warranties their work and stands behind the guarantee to ensure you receive a quality built structure to reduce or eliminate facing problems and heartaches in the future. This is where the old cliché, a guarantee is sometimes only as good as the paper it is written on comes into play.
When you choose Archadeck of Columbus to build your backyard dream, we offer our customers a very detailed 3-part warranty – structural, craftsmanship, and manufacturer warranty support. Our first warranty given upon completion includes a one year craftsmanship warranty and a five year structural warranty. This warranty is designed to ensure all the details of your structure are done properly such as cuts, sanding, fasteners, positioning and other pertinent details. The second warranty covers all aspects of supportive structures such as decks or porches, connections to your home, railings, stairs, walls and patio foundations.
It is possible that a branded component (one of the materials) has problems. Many manufacturers of the component materials offer warranties that typically cover only the product and not the labor for replacement. Archadeck negotiates with our vendors and in most cases we can negotiate for the vendor to pay us to replace the component if there is a problem.
We like to give homeowners several methods to communicate any craftsmanship warranty issues. We urge our clients to frequent the job site regularly so that we may discuss any issues and answer any questions they may have. Once a project is deemed completed, we ask the customer to do a walk-through prior to our departure so we make sure to fix anything that needs to be.
Our outdoor designs are backed by two distinct warranties.
Following completion and departure from your project we always schedule an additional walk-through one week to 10 days after to verify with the customer they are completely happy with the installation. This is something that is protocol for us at Archadeck of Columbus; it’s just how we operate. Our ultimate goal is the happiness of our customers and their ultimate satisfaction with our work. We feel very fortunate that we have rarely ever had structural issues with our work which is based on the quality level in which we build.
If you are ready to experience what true quality, professionalism and dedication is in an outdoor structure builder, contact Archadeck of Columbus. We strive to deliver the ultimate in outdoor living spaces from start to finish and beyond. Call us today for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
See more examples of our expert outdoor living designs that are built with integrity and quality in every inch by visiting our decks photo gallery and our porches photo gallery located on our website.
Archadeck of Columbus explains the importance and value associated with the National Guarantee Corportation (NGC).
Your outdoor living project is covered from every angle, start to finish.
In addition to providing our project warranty, Archadeck of Columbus offers another way to pass value to our customers. About 10 years ago, Archadeck, in conjunction with the local franchise owners, started a company called the National Guarantee Corporation. I myself am a current board member and shareholder with this corporation. The National Guarantee Corporation (NGC) is responsible for giving Archadeck the ability to extend unsurpassed warranties on to our customers. However, this is not one those warranties that the customer opts to pay for, this warranty comes automatically with the purchase of our services. The cost to our customers? None!
Being backed by The National Guarantee Corporation means the Archadeck office you signed your contract with will complete your project to fruition as outlined in your contract. In this day and age, if something happens where your local office cannot complete your job, the Archadeck corporate office in conjunction with the National Guarantee Corporation will then step in and see that your project is completed. For example, if a current owner were to fall gravely ill, gets hit by a bus, or becomes insolvent, then the National Guarantee Corporation will step in and see that your project is completed per the contract. This type of warranty is similar to a bond or insurance. Upon completion, the NGC will then cover any warranties therein for up to two years after completion of your structure. They will also carry the other Archadeck warranties if the office is no longer able to provide that service to its customers due to catastrophic circumstances.
Our contract checklist outlines all the value you are getting at no extra cost to you.
As a board member for the last five years, I am proud to say that we have only had small claims come before us but, we are a healthy business nationally that takes this very seriously. Even during the last economic downturn we proved to be a strong organization as is evident through the absence of any significant claims during the rough times. I always ask potential customers if being protected is important to them. I also go into detail about what our protection includes. Many times homeowners don’t think warranties such as these are available and would never imagine receiving them at no charge. But this is what we call “The Archadeck Difference”.
If you are thinking of adding an outdoor living space to your backyard, ask yourself if you value the peace of mind in knowing your dreams are protected. If the answer is yes, contact Archadeck of Columbus today for a free consultation(740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
You can see more inspirational images of past outdoor living projects by visiting our patio and hardscapes photo gallery and our outdoor living photo galleries located on our website. One look and you will realize our commitment to quality and service we strive to achieve.
Our design series on screened porches continues with an in-depth look at roof styles and the importance of choosing the correct connection to your home.
Are you looking for a backyard experience without the rain, bugs and dangers caused by the sun?A screened porch is the perfect solution. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells without the bugs, rain, and too much sun.
A lot of our customers look for our guidance on the type of screen porch roof and where to attach a new porch to their home. Consulting an experienced builder is the key to success in this area. Your existing home’s structure will often dictate where we can tie in and what type of roof will work best for your project. Existing roof lines, dormers, windows, existing skylights, bump out areas such as bay windows and many other factors are considered.
Selecting the right roof style
The three most common roof styles are gable, hip and shed. It is not always necessary to make your screened porch roof an exact match to the style of your existing home. Often different roof styles can be combined to complement one another. Shed roofs are usually not as complex as a gable or hip roof, and are the least expensive to build.
A hip roof has 3 or more sides that all slope downward from a common point
A gable roof is the most popular. It looks like a triangle with two sides sloping down from a center line
A shed roof is a flat roof that slopes in one direction from the home
This Arlington screened porch has a shed roof which unifies the modern lines of the existing home. It also features a unique spiral staircase.
This lovely screen porch features a hip roof.
A side wall connection and gable style roof adds to the charm of this screened porch.
Making the right connection
The next determination is where to attach the screened porch to your existing home. This can be achieved through a roof tie in or a sidewall connection. Indeed in most situations a roof-tie in connection is more expensive than a sidewall connection. Roof tie-in connections require greater experience and expertise to make the connection structurally sound and water tight. It is important to make sure your contractor is or employes a roofing specialist when hiring them to attach a structure to your home.
This screen porch was built with a gable roof and also includes crickets. Crickets are used to tie one roof line cohesively into another and also aid in diverting water away from the roof.
This sidewall connection includes a cantilever which aids in the support of the 2nd story overhang and deflects the weight from the roof tie-in, to the structural framing of the porch.
Because this home has a flat roof we used a shed roof with a roof connection.
This roof connection also connects to the wall on the other side.
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
Archadeck of Columbus is a national company. Our engineers design all the structural details of how each project is to be built whereas a lot of companies let the carpenters make the decision. In the field is where theory turns to practicality and having the right contractor can ensure the integrity of your new porch and your existing home. The goal is to have a cohesive design that looks original to your home. A successful project ends with a quality structure that harmonizes with all the elements of your home and landscape.
Contact Archadeck of Columbus to learn more about our custom screen porch designs and quality construction standards. Call us for a free consultation today (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net
See more screened porches that were built with originality and expert craftsmanship at their core by visiting our screened porch gallery located on our website.
As part two of our design series, Archadeck of Columbus discusses the ideal place on your house to attach your screened porch.
Placing your screened porch in the right spot is crucial to its function and aesthetics.
I know you have heard the phrase “location, location, location” in the world of real estate. Location is just as important in the addition of adding your new screened porch to your home and yard. When considering the addition of any outdoor structure to your home there are several factors to take into consideration. In essence about 95% of the screen porches we build are located on the back of the home; the remaining 5% are built as freestanding or detached structures or in locations other than the rear of the home.
Notice the bay window through the window of this lovely screen porch, and the location of the door that enters into the home. All were important factors in determining where to place this porch.
Where, oh where on my house should my new screened porch be?
The most important consideration in deciding the best location for your screen porch is to address the spatial and functional needs that are important in regards to your lifestyle. If you are going to use your space for dining, for instance, you may choose to create an area within close proximity to your interior (or in some cases) your outdoor kitchen. Functionality is important in choosing placement that is ideal for your individual needs, but structural influences will usually dictate the most realistic area your screened porch should be.
A good exercise is to go into your backyard with a tape measure and think about where you want your boundaries to be and where you want to begin the screened porch. We recommend centering your back door in the space as a good place to start to get a good idea of your desired starting and stopping points.
Structural influences such as doors and bump out swill dictate where your screened porch should begin and end. Utilities can also play a role in placement of your screened porch. Typically, when houses are built utilities like A/C units, water spigots, gas meters and vents are placed in the most inconvenient places in terms of adding on. In many cases we can work around the utilities or we can help to get them relocated.
By adding skylights to your screen porch you add an open, airy feel to the space and also let much-needed light into interior rooms in close proximity.
A consultation with a qualified and reputable builder is key when considering a screened porch addition because many times the design of your house and roof will dictate how and where the screened porch will tie into your home. If roof lines are an issue, a sidewall connection is the answer. A licensed professional will also consider the details that are often overlooked when considering the addition of a roofed structure such as loss of light within the home. Adding a screened porch can impact the amount of natural light that flows into your home. The roof for your new outdoor addition will likely affect the area within the home’s interior that is the closest in proximity to the new porch; this can many times be amended by the addition of skylights within your screen porch. We take all these factors into consideration when designing your new space because overlooking the smallest nuance can mean the difference in falling in love with your new outdoor space or leaving you with regret over the small things you should have considered before construction began.
If you are considering the addition of a combination outdoor structure that includes a screened porch and deck or patio combination then you need to consider additional factors such as harmony and flow and how each structure will function together. With combination structures the grade of your lot is also an important consideration. If you have a relatively flat area then consider adding a patio or deck. Patios are less expensive to build on a flat grade than a deck. If you have a steeper grade then the opposite is the case because a patio would require more aggregate and retaining walls.
This outdoor living combination includes a screened porch, twin decks and a stunning hardscape patio. Notice how the structures, and the existing home harmonize as one.
No matter where you decide as the most advantageous location for your new screened porch it will likely become your favorite room in the house, and the space you gravitate to during the outdoor living season. With fall in the air now is the best time to begin your screened porch addition. You may even get to enjoy some of the colors of autumn from your new screened porch before the arrival of winter.
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
Contact Archadeck of Columbus to help you decide on the perfect porch, or outdoor living combination as well as the perfect way to tie it all together. Call for a free consultation: ( 740) 879 – 3730 Email:westcolumbus@archadeck.net
You can get more ideas for the perfect placement of your screened porch by visiting our screened porch gallery located on our website.
Archadeck of Columbus had their best month ever in March 2012, indicating the time is now to start that outdoor oasis you have been dreaming of.
This deck, screened porch and covered patio combination in Columbus, OH is a joy for the entire family to love.
The pulse of the nation’s economy is picking up. All around us we are starting to see the beginning of growth in residential and commercial building. Here at Archadeck of Columbus, we actually had our best month ever in March, 2012. Right now we have five crews out in the field and we are already booking projects into June and July. If the early spring is any indication of how the season will round out, we are thrilled and so pleased that the economy in Columbus is rebounding.
Currently, we are seeing a high demand for roofed structures. Roofed outdoor structures include covered porches and patios, screened porches, sunrooms, 3- and 4-season rooms and even detached covered porches, pavilions, and gazebos. The swing toward these covered structures indicates that homeowners are entertaining more and investing in their home’s living space via the outdoor room.
In addition to roofed structures, homeowners are also adding patios to their porches, decks, pergolas and sunrooms. These multifunctional outdoor living spaces create the ultimate outdoor living combination. Electing to invest in your home not only adds value to your home, it allows you to add value to you lifestyle and time spent with family.
Screened porch and deck combination in Columbus, OH leaves these homeowners sitting pretty.
Our customers are telling us that they are wanting to make investments outside of the banks and Wall Street. We have turned the corner and customers are investing in their family as well as their family’s home. After all, it is the most important place in our lives and the lives of the ones we love, the most and well-deserved of the investment.
If you are ready to take the plunge and create the ultimate place to enjoy a “stay-cation” for you and your family this season, just contact Archadeck of Columbus to learn more. Don’t wait. Call now to get your project scheduled . Call for a free consultation: (740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
If you are looking for inspiration, check out our outdoor living photo galleries, such as the screened porch gallery, and covered porch and patio galleries, located on our website.
Archadeck of Columbus delivers an update on this project in Arlington that mimics the feel of an urban oasis complete with an outdoor fireplace and spiral stairway to breathe in the spectacular views.
The stunning outdoor fireplace within the screen porch uses mixed medias for a breathtaking design.
Not too long ago, we highlighted this project as a “coming soon” story while the screen porch was still under construction. Take a look.
We have since completed this stunning multifunctional outdoor structure and we want to share the grand finale with you. This new screened porch is in Arlington, OH. We removed a deck that was built in 2002 to accommodate the homeowner’s wish for a larger area that includes a screen porch to better suit their lifestyle.
The screened porch boasts an abundant 16 x 22 feet of useful space which includes a shed porch as well. The homeowners used their own home’s unique blend of contemporary Frank Lloyd Wright inspired design that includes large soffits with flat rubber roofs to pave the way for the outdoor room’s distinctive flair. The flooring is TimberTech’s XLM Walnut Grove flooring. We also used Screen Eze for the porch screen which is a durable and tough screen and can be used for extremely wide openings. The finished ceiling is done in Paulownia tongue and groove and we also used the same roof columns to make it look 12″ x 12″ . To add to the zen effect that the structure and the house provide, we also added a spiral staircase exiting down to the existing deck that is on the docket for replacement by us for later this year. Since the rear of the house is situated on a ravine, the spiral staircase provides a dramatic effect.
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Last but certainly not least, we also constructed a beautiful custom outdoor fireplace to the screened porch to finish out this outdoor masterpiece. The fireplace is built with split stack style cultured stone on the veneer and topped off with a limestone mantle. The design includes a Rumford style firebox which is 36″ and is a taller firebox which projects more heat.
This image shows the grandeur of this screened porch in Arlington from the exterior.
The design’s coup de grâce is the exterior wall finished in tile and the Feeney aluminum railing system with Feeney cable rails. The clean lines, paired with the contemporary furnishings the homeowners chose makes this outdoor structure the very definition of zen in outdoor design.
Find out more about our specialized outdoor room designs by contacting Archadeck of Columbus. We can design a screened porch, or outdoor oasis that reflects your personal style, and function in every inch.
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
Call for a free consultation: (740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net or visit our website to view more stunning images of screened porches, and outdoor rooms, sure to leave you inspired.
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.
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.
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