Sun protection is not something that should be taken lightly…

DrySnap rain deck
DrySnap rain deck by Archadeck of Columbus.

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.

 National UV Safety Awareness monthDisregarding 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.

Columbus Screened Porch BuilderThe 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.

Columbus OH covered patio for dining and entertaining

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.

Four_Season_Sunroom_with_Tile_Floor

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.

Open porch and hardscape patio

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.

Archadeck of Columbus team
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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With our staged building program everyone is a winner

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

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

Set the stage, dream the dream

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

When the architectural design solution is not as simple as it seems…

Our finished screened porch project in Delaware proves that screened porches aren’t “one size or style fits all”.

This is what the deck looked like before we converted it to a screened porch.
Delaware screened porch and patio underneath
Our screened porch project in Delaware is finished and the homeowners are elated!

Not so long ago we covered a project we were working on in Delaware where the homeowners wanted to convert their existing deck into a screened porch. At first glance, this request seemed simple enough. The obvious choice was to just place the screened porch where the deck was using a gable roof to match the home’s existing gable style jut outs which were on the back of the home. Sometimes when really looking at roof connections and house connections the design and construction isn’t as simple as it appears to be.

Stunning view from Delaware screened porch through structural details
The view and the design of this screen wall, are breathtaking. Can you imagine having your morning coffee looking into this each morning?

After looking at the roof connections, it became apparent that the drainage from the two adjoining gables would cause water to drain from those gables directly into the screened porch so we needed to find an architectural solution to overcome that obstacle. When other contractors would have told these Delaware homeowners the space wasn’t workable, we made it work with careful specifications and well thought out design.

The large elevated screen porch was placed in the location of the homeowners existing deck, which includes a walkout below and serves as a patio underneath the porch as well. The scope of the job was to remove the old deck and build a screened porch that encompassed an area of about 12 x 14. We had to design a porch 13′ in the air for the roof tie in we were looking for. Because the home was part of a condo association, we had to ensure every facet of the new structure matched the existing home, this included the trim, exterior finishes, and everything else that was included in the new space.

In matching the design to the existing home we wrapped the column supports with Pawlonia. We also used a kneewall with hardy plank for the exterior finish. On the interior, the customer chose PVC ply bead and an enclosed rafter system with a beadboard finish. We installed four Velux skylights that provided lots of can lights, low voltage lighting, and a stunning ceiling fan. The flooring is Trex in saddle and so are the wide stairs leading down to the patio below. We used white vinyl railing to compliment the landing and stairs. Underneath the porch we installed a underdeck drainage system called Dry Snap.

Delaware screened porch interior
To add even more light and a chance to enjoy the clouds as they roll through a blue sky, we installed 4 Velux skylights.

Archadeck of Columbus loves working with the client, the lot, the area we have to work with and any nuances or challenges we have to overcome to deliver you a finished product you are seeking.

Interior details of Delaware screen porch
Interior details of the finished porch.

The finished screened porch is a beautiful, functional use of the space allocated by the previous deck’s location. The porch looks as though it was original to the home and boasts some of the most amazing views into the backyard. These Delaware homeowners could not be more pleased.

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

Contact Archadeck of Columbus today if you have been told by other builders that the outdoor space you desire isn’t possible, we would like to hear your ideas and your vision. More often than not, we can make your dream a reality. Call for a free consultation: (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

You can see more stunning screened porches that double as works of art by visiting our screened porches photo gallery located on our website.


Our combination structure projects run as smooth as silk, down to last board and bloom

Archadeck of Columbus talks about our combination outdoor living design and our theory on how we ensure each project is done right, even down to the landscaping.

Open porch with outdoor fireplace
This outdoor space combines an open porch with an outdoor fireplace, it also houses an indoor kitchen and spa at the other end of the porch.

Designing the perfect outdoor space for you and staying on top of outdoor living and design trends is our business. We are seeing an increase in the number of combination projects Columbus area homeowners are seeking such as deck/patio combination or a screen porch/deck/patio combination. Clients who build combination projects want to create an outdoor space that fits all their needs, and allows the effortless flow from one structure into another to offer maximum enjoyment in their backyards.

In good building management of combination structures, the projects need to be built in a certain order for everything to run smoothly. We schedule everything in order, in house, so there won’t be installers at the same place at the same time falling over each other. This also means that there are no big delays in finishing one facet of the design and starting another. This enables us to finish the job the way it needs to be done. No delays due to bad planning is an element our customers really appreciate and value because multi-living outdoor structures mean that their outdoor living area is not just one part, but many working together as one. This is part of what makes us a truly outdoor living company.

Open porch with spa and kitchen
This image shows the other end of this combination structure.

When building multi-component backyard living areas, many companies outsource the whole project or parts of the project which can cause delays, multiple crews working at one time, or other scheduling and project management nightmares. That simply isn’t the case when you are working with us. We do it all “in house”, right down to your landscaping. This ensures your entire project is staged accordingly and the finished project will leave you astounded and transform your entire back yard starting with the decking boards right down to the flower blooms.

Quality is our top priority when making your outdoor oasis come to life. When you have the project management, the quality materials, the expert installers and expert designs all coming from the same source the projects run more smoothly and the designs are better integrated. Our multi-part projects are built seamlessly as one continuous flow of work.

Columbus cedar pergola and hardscape duo
Columbus cedar pergola and hardscape duo
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus

To learn more about our outdoor combination designs, including the landscaping that helps bring it all to life, contact Archadeck of Columbus today. Call for a free consultation: (740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net

See more multi-faceted outdoor combination structures by visiting our many photo galleries, located on our website. There are so many wonderful and functional combinations it will be hard for you to choose!

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.

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.

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

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
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

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

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
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.

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, after overwintering has seasoned it perfection

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
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.

Columbus deck built with treated pine
Columbus deck built with treated pine
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus

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

Interior designs for Columbus sunrooms and room additions

Archadeck of Columbus explores the interior design options and considerations in screen porches, 3 and 4 season rooms and sunroom additions and how they can harmonize so effortlessly with your existing home.

Columbus OH rustic sunroom with exterior grade door
Columbus OH rustic sunroom with exterior grade door

Wouldn’t you love to have that room addition you have always dreamed of? A place to relax, read a book, take a nap or even a room where you can watch the sun fade into the horizon. Nowadays room additions don’t have to be “plain Jane” sheet rock with four walls and no pizzazz. Room additions can come under the guise of many other titles, like sunrooms, 3 and 4 season rooms and even screened porches. Any room that is attached to your existing home that serves to improve your way of life can be a room addition. That being said we are going to explore the interior design options that can be incorporated into various room additions.

When we refer to the term interior design, this does not mean you have to be a licensed interior designer with an association like ASID ( American Society of Interior Designers) in order to turn your room addition into a work of art. The first vital observation to make is to what extent you will be able to trim out your structure and what medium would be appropriate for your structure. This depends solely on what type of structure you choose to build. For example, a screen porch interior can be trimmed out with a myriad of beautiful interior details, but since a screen porch is subject to temperature variance and inherit moisture your interior design choices may be a little more limited than that of a sunroom, which is insulated. By adding insulation, windows and the HVAC you are in essence dealing with an interior room addition that just so happens to take its inspiration from the outside world around you from the beauty of nature and gives us the ability to coexist with that beauty from within an insulated, temperature controlled structure. A sunroom , also referred to as a 4 season room, addition to your home will come with endless interior design possibilities because having insulation and a consistent temperature free from the exposure of possible moisture will give you the ability to explore more options in flooring, ceilings, trim, wall finishes and even furniture and accessories.

Archadeck screened porch
This screened porches interior design gets its inspiration from nature.

Within a screen porch we are seeing many interior choices that reflect the rustic look. Rustic design options include exposed beams, rich deep wood tones used in the floors, bead board or ply bead ceilings, and even the addition of stone fireplaces within the structure. A good analogy is to compare the interior design options that are popularly used in today’s screened porches is a design that mimics a wilderness lodge full of earthy tones and hues that create a natural appeal for such a structure. Making sure your interior design choices are weather-worthy is crucial to the life and required maintenance of your screen porch here in Ohio where the winters  can be quite brutal.

Four_Season_Sunroom_with_Tile_Floor
This four season sunroom has a beautiful tile floor.

Once you move into the realm of the 3 season room addition more interior design choices will begin to unfold especially if you choose to build a structure that offers the option of convertibility by changing out the screens for windows when the weather changes such as an Eze Breeze convertible system. In doing this you will expand your choices for suitable design choices . More flooring, wall and finish options are within your grasp. The addition of windows to your 3 season room can open up a world of interior design possibilities.

Notice how this sunroom flows effortlessly to and from the existing homes interior through these stunning french doors.
Notice how this sunroom flows effortlessly to and from the existing homes interior through these stunning french doors.

A sunroom is the coup de grace of room additions. Sunrooms offer an extension of your interior living area that offers a bird’s-eye view of the outside. Sunrooms are insulated, heated, and cooled to keep the room and you at a constant comfortable temperature no matter whether there is snow on the ground or 100 degree temperatures outside. By choosing a sunroom addition you open all the choices in interior designs. With a 4 season room there is no danger of freezing temperatures causing flooring choices such as tile to crack. You also have the ability to trim your 4 season room with interior grade hardwoods without or without rugs used atop, wall-to wall carpeting, and even the popular laminate floors seen readily in today’s homes such as the popular Pergo  laminate flooring. By adding the simple element of insulation to your room addition you have opened the door to endless wall finish options as well. Without insulation wall finish options such as crown moldings, faux finishing and even wallpaper aren’t possible because without insulation  putting drywall  in your room addition is not possible because of the presence of moisture.

This sunroom has track lighting and ceiling fans for added appeal and convenience
This sunroom has track lighting and ceiling fans for added appeal and convenience

No matter what type of room addition you are thinking of, it is important to also consider the way the structure harmonizes with your existing home. Taking into consideration door swings, and traffic flow as you move from the addition into your existing homes interior is important to get the most enjoyment out of your room addition. Taking the functionality of your structure into view is also crucial, for example if you intend to use your structure as an extended room for dining and entertaining close proximity to your homes kitchen would be a necessity for utmost enjoyment. Imagine taking your morning coffee and danish on a sunroom alive with the first morning light, the whole experience can turn from mundane to moving just by your surroundings.

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

Archadeck of Columbus can plan, design and build the perfect room addition for your home. We make certain that our room additions are cohesive to your existing homes character and style down to even the smallest elements, matching carpet, ceilings , flooring and even paint to ensure your room addition will look original to your home. Contact us today to learn more (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Visit our screened porches gallery for more images of  sunrooms and 3 and 4 season rooms visit our outdoor rooms gallery for design inspirations