This Lewis Center Backyard Gets A Makeover From Archadeck Of Columbus!

Lewis Center Backyard Gets A Makeover From Archadeck Of Columbus.

Archadeck of Columbus is known as the area’s local TimberTech deck and Unilock patio expert when it comes to custom design and construction. Our recent project in Lewis Center OH, pays homage to both of these disciplines.

lewis center timbertech deck covered patio and custom hardscape design
Before

When we met with the homeowners for their initial design consultation, they had a typical wooden deck addition off the back of their home.

As you can see from the before image to the right, the structure was the type of wooden deck that had served its useful life and was in need of replacement. Instead of just replacing the deck using wood and the exact same footprint, the clients wanted to amp up the design with subtle changes to the footprint and by switching to a lower maintenance material to ensure more years of enjoyment.  Archadeck of Columbus also integrated a roofed area for added versatility along with a custom hardscape to work in unison with the home’s large deck – truly a match made in heaven!

lewis center deck and porch combination

We began by changing the stairway design of the existing deck. The landing area was lowered to better facilitate the descent into the lower level hot tub deck. We also increased the size of the space itself by adding a covered porch/patio to the right of this area, a space the homeowners could enjoy no matter what the weather forecasts.

lewis center oh timbertech deck builders

Archadeck used low-maintenance TimberTech decking in the ever-popular Brown Oak color for the deck area.  We also updated the rail with a streamlined powder coated aluminum to give the updated deck a sleek look. TimberTech riser lights were integrated into the deck stairs to make getting to the hot tub easy and safe in the evening. Finishing off the deck, we added solid board wooden skirting which has been painted to match the exterior color of the home.

custom cedar privacy wall hoot tub deck area lewis center oh

Speaking of the hot tub area, for added privacy we installed a cedar privacy wall to create intimacy and seclusion while the spa is in use. The homeowner’s mounted their outdoor TV on the opposite covered porch side, so the privacy wall serves double duty!

covered patio off timbertech deck in lewis center oh

The covered patio area features a gable roof with enclosed rafters and a beautiful cedar interior tongue and groove ceiling. All the posts were meticulously wrapped in Paulownia wood. The paver patio below the roof was built using all Unilock hardscapes. The patio floor is Unilock’s Beacon Hill in the color Riverblend and we added a soldier’s course border using Copthorne pavers in the Basalt color.

lewis center oh covered patio porch builders

The clients are elated with their new and improved outdoor living space. They truly have the best of both worlds through the addition of a roofed structure and the use of low-maintenance materials on the updated deck. Archadeck knows that the area will bring them years of enjoyment.

lewis center outdoor living combinations

If you are interested in updating your existing deck, patio or porch space (or all of the above), contact us today! We can transform your existing area or design and build from scratch. Outdoor living is our passion and we take great pride in our many satisfied customers!

The Archadeck of Columbus Team
The Archadeck of Columbus Team.

Archadeck of Columbus Stands Out Among the Premier Deck Builders Columbus, OH, Has to Offer

Archadeck is the deck builder Columbus OH homeowners trust.

Archadeck of Columbus is the TimberTech deck builder AND the wooden deck builder you can trust to build the perfect custom deck for your home.

If you’ve begun to search online for a professional deck builder in the Columbus, OH, area, you have probably found plenty. In addition to searching for “deck builders in my area,” at Archadeck of Columbus we recommend asking friends, family and colleagues for recommendations. When asking for referrals, be sure to ask if they would use that same builder again! If they say yes, take the time to read other customers’ reviews on the builder’s website so you get more than one opinion.

archadeck of columbus is the deck builder you can trust

When you consider working with Archadeck of Columbus for your next custom deck project, be sure to check our testimonials. We are proud of the excellent feedback we have received over the years. Our customers, one after another, mention the excellent quality of our work as well as our courtesy and professionalism. Not every deck builder is a “custom deck builder,” and not everyone receives the consistently positive feedback we have received year after year.

Who are the custom deck builders Columbus, OH, homeowners trust?

No matter how you conduct your research, your search results for trusted custom deck builders in the Columbus OH area should include Archadeck of Columbus. Reading our testimonials will tell you we are trusted. Looking at our deck photo galleries will show you the expert level of custom work we do. Whether you are interested in a low-maintenance composite or vinyl deck, or a wood deck, you won’t find any cookie-cutter decks here!

Insights on Outdoor Living Trends

We understand the importance of custom components in a custom deck design. You should be able to select the specific amenities you want for your new deck. We won’t design your deck until we have met with you and viewed your property. Our deck design will be based on your preferences, the style of your home, and the specific characteristics of your lot. So, yes, Archadeck of Columbus is the custom deck builder Columbus OH homeowners trust.

How can I find TimberTech deck builders near me?

If you search online for “TimberTech deck builders near me,” you will find quite a few links to the TimberTech website! TimberTech even provides a place on their website to search by zip code and find deck builders in your area. There you will see that Archadeck of Columbus is a TimberTech Platinum Contractor.

Technically, TimberTech can’t endorse one deck builder over another, and they have a disclaimer on their website to that effect. However, they do advise homeowners that contractors who have registered with TimberTech are likely to have more experience with their materials. Working with composite and synthetic decking is not like working with wood. This distinction is important if you plan to add a low-maintenance deck to your home. You want to be sure your deck builder is familiar with best practices for installation of TimberTech capped composite and AZEK capped polymer boards.

Archadeck of Columbus has a special partnership with TimberTech, beyond what the distinction of “Platinum” contractor indicates. While TimberTech Platinum Contractors typically offer a 7-year labor warranty on projects built with TimberTech and AZEK materials, we go way beyond that. We provide a labor warranty that matches the TimberTech and AZEK manufacturer’s warranty. No other outdoor living builder in our area can match this amazing labor warranty. You can read more about this special labor warranty here: Archadeck and TimberTech/AZEK Partner for Best Deck Warranties.

How can I find wooden deck builders in my area?

If you are looking for a professional outdoor living contractor to build your wooden deck, you still need to be cautious. While most people know it takes specialized experience to build a low-maintenance composite deck, some homeowners think any ol’ deck contractor can build a wood deck. If you want the most basic deck with no frills and no warranties, you might feel comfortable with just anyone building it. But you shouldn’t.

Again we recommend you go beyond Googling “deck builders near me.” Ask acquaintances for referrals, and pay careful attention to the website of any firm you are considering. Check their references and testimonials. Take a wood deck project just as seriously as you would take a composite deck project. While a wood deck may be less expensive, you don’t want to accept lower quality work just because it’s a wood deck.

At Archadeck of Columbus, we call our company’s culture “the Archadeck difference.” We hold ourselves to higher standards regardless of whether we’re working with composite decking or wood. We are known for our attention to detail and our processes that keep quality control front-and-center. We also provide warranties on ALL of our decks, not just composites. Plus, we offer a completion guarantee. When you work with Archadeck, you never have to worry about your builder disappearing before you are completely satisfied.

Are you ready to move forward with a new deck, porch or patio? There is no charge for our design consultation, and videoconferencing is an option. Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to get started!

The Archadeck of Columbus Team
The Archadeck of Columbus Team.

Small porch delivers big impact for these New Albany, OH, homeowners

New Albany OH Porch Builders“Just the right size” means different things to different people, but Archadeck of Columbus believes all that really matters is what it means to you. Sometimes what you want is a table for two and a sweet, little deck to put it on. Add a roof to that deck, and you have a covered porch – with a table for two.

So often you see pictures of multi-level decks and expansive porches coupled with patios that seem to stretch on forever. On a big house, a super-sized outdoor living project fits the grand scale of the home and doesn’t look a bit out of place. Seeing so many pictures of these large projects may give you the impression that the best decks, porches and patios have to be that big. Not at all.

Today’s project illustrates how an outdoor living space doesn’t have to be big to have a big impact. These New Albany, OH, homeowners called Archadeck to design and build a covered porch just the right size for their bistro table and chairs.

Before
The area before we began the new porch project:

The house originally had a 3×3 sq. ft. landing outside the sliding glass doors. It had railings, pickets and steps leading down to a stone paver patio. It had many of the trappings of a tiny deck, but it was a little too small for the bistro table.

Archadeck of Columbus designed the perfect-size seating area and added a roof overhead to make it a porch. The new space is 10×10, in keeping with the scale of the home – and in compliance with their neighborhood’s HOA restrictions.

New Albany OH Porch Builder

One of the homeowners’ priorities was having a low-maintenance structure, so the materials we selected met that requirement. For the porch floor we used TimberTech composite decking in a combination of two colors, mocha and pecan. The white porch railings and the latticework under the deck are vinyl. The porch pickets are made of aluminum. For the rest of the structure, including the fascia and custom-wrapped columns, we used a newer material called Boral True Exterior. Finally, we used tongue-and-groove cedar for the interior ceiling of the covered porch and added vinyl siding to the upper outside end of the porch to match the home’s exterior.

New Albany OH Porch Builder
Interior ceiling detail:

By adding a porch to accompany their existing patio, these homeowners now have a combination outdoor living space. And it’s just the right size for them.

Archadeck of Columbus team
The Archadeck of Columbus team.

Your Archadeck of Columbus design consultant is ready to help you explore outdoor living options either large or small or somewhere in between. Contact us today at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

 

 

 

Our Newest Project in Galena, OH, Gives New Meaning to the Term “Dog Day Afternoon”

Columbus deck and patio combinationsArchadeck of Columbus just completed a backyard transformation in Vinmar Farms, a neighborhood located in Galena, Ohio. When we originally met with the homeowners they had recently purchased the home and their existing outdoor living space consisted of only an 8x 10 builder grade deck. Not only was the deck small it created a boxed in feeling of not being able to turn around in the space, and it offered no access to the backyard from the deck itself. In order to enter the backyard you had to do so from the main level of the home. Since the home included a walkout basement, not having access to the backyard from the deck was an issue they wanted to rectify.

Columbus deck and patio combinationsWhen we met with the homeowners to discuss upgrading their outdoor living space there was another prerequisite we needed to address. Aside from all the reasons associated with the size, flow and functionality of the existing space. The homeowners, being caring dog owners, wanted a space that would give their beloved canines, and themselves, an open space to spend time outdoors together and separate.

Galena OH Timbertech deck builderThe final design we came up with speaks to all their concerns through a new (much larger) low-maintenance deck, spacious Unilock patio and under-deck space that could provide a shady spot on those dog day afternoons. The entire space flows from one into another and offers access to the backyard AND walkout basement.

The deck is built in durable TimberTech Terrain in brown oak, this color is not only easy on the eyes, it also helps mask any dirt brought onto the deck by muddy paws. The deck also includes a white vinyl rail with a TimberTech rail cap which unifies the design. We used a three-board tread step approach to the stairs to make travel up and down into and from the deck into the yard easier for the homeowner’s aging dogs.

Galena OH Timbertech deck builder

Just a gentle walk below the deck is the stunning curvilinear paver patio which opens up the outdoor living space possibilities for man, and man’s best friend. The patio is built with Unilock Beacon Hill Flagstone pavers in platinum with a sailor course edge in Unilock Basalt Courtstone. The patio is finished off with a cropped rotary wall of Ledgestone which compliments the edge of the patio and adds a custom touch to the entrance into the walk-out basement.

Columbus deck and patio combinations

As you can see, the patio floor extends the length of the under-deck area to provide a shady spot for the homeowner’s dogs to relax on warm days. The homeowner’s plan to add low-profile outdoor furnishings to help make the under-deck area easily accessible for the dogs too.

Columbus deck and patio combinations

The entire space is built with pet-friendliness and extended outdoor living capabilities in mind. The homeowners are elated with their new backyard, as are their dogs. We look forward to revisiting this project in the months ahead and capture images of our four-legged clients enjoying the space too!

Columbus deck and patio combinations

If you are ready to extend your outdoor living possibilities, for all members of your family to enjoy, Archadeck of Columbus can help! We can address any special circumstances and expertly refine an outdoor living space to address those needs. Contact us today to learn more at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

Archadeck of Columbus team
The Archadeck of Columbus team.

 

 

 

 

The Unexpected Low-Maintenance Structure — The Columbus Patio

archadeck-of-columbus-2Low-maintenance is defined as requiring little work to keep in good condition. When most homeowners think about adding a low-maintenance outdoor living space, they often automatically imagine a composite or PVC deck. It is only natural that many of our clients assume that decking is the only material that comes in low-maintenance because we design and build many stunning TimberTech, AZEK and Fiberon decks here at Archadeck of Columbus. However, many clients are pleasantly surprised when they learn about another low-maintenance option we specialize in; patios.

Columbus paver patio with hardscape pillars retaining wall fire pit

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

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

They require very little attention on the part of the homeowner aside from just maintaining them with common sense practices to ensure their aesthetics; i.e.keeping leaves blown off the patio, cleaning up mud where the dog tracked it from the yard on a rainy day, etc.

Columbus Monarch Composite Deck with Paver Patio

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

Hardscape steps, patio and custom fire pit by Archadeck of Columbus

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

Paver patio with rounded edges rounded step Columbus OH

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

Archadeck of Columbus team
The Archadeck of Columbus team.

 

 

Archadeck of Columbus will be at the Dispatch Home and Garden Show beginning this Saturday!

Archadeck of Columbus will be at the Columbus Dispatch Home & Garden Show at the Ohio Expo Center 2/22 thru 3/02. Come see us and let us help make your outdoor living dreams a reality this season!

The Columbus Dispatch home and garden show
Come see us!

If improving your existing outdoor living space or adding  a new one is something that has been on your mind, we know how you can learn more about both! Archadeck of Columbus will be at the Columbus Dispatch Home & Garden Show at the Ohio Expo Center.The show begins on February, 22nd and runs through March, 2nd. Spring is right around the corner and now is the time to start planning for your outdoor living space addition!

A look at our new booth for the Columbus Dispatch Home and Garden Show
A look at our new booth for the Columbus Dispatch Home and Garden Show.

Our new booth is filled with inspiring outdoor living space design ideas you can not only see, but touch and feel. We will be featuring a 10 x 20 booth in the Celeste Center where we will share a custom TimberTech deck design featuring their newest capstock product introduction, EarthWoods Evolution Legacy. We  will showcase white vinyl railings with black aluminum pickets in conjunction with this low-maintenance, high-aesthetic deck, which are very popular right now. Above the deck we also feature a white vinyl pergola integrated within four (4) Unilock hardscape pillars. Stepping down into another section of our display will bring you into our hardscape area which features Unilock Enduracolor pavers, a custom planting wall and fire pit. As our backdrop we are using cedar screening which will feature pictures of past projects to give homeowners ideas and inspiration for their own outdoor oasis!

Alternate view of our new booth for the Columbus Dispatch Home and Garden Show
Our booth will highlight a stunning deck and pergola combination,a Unilock patio and much more!

The home and garden show is an event designed for homeowners in all stages of remodeling, landscaping and decorating their homes. If you’re thinking of adding or amending your outdoor living space, or an outdoor room addition, this is the home show you can’t afford to miss. No matter what you have in mind for home improvements, you’ll find the right products and the best companies at Columbus Dispatch Home & Garden Show, one of the largest home shows in the region. Talk to the experts and find just the right designs at just the right price for your home improvement budget.

Spring is right around the corner
Spring is right around the corner and this is the home show you can’t afford to miss.

Come by and see us while at the home show, you won’t be disappointed. Whether you are a new homeowner, or someone who has lived in your home for years, anyone with an interest in updating, enhancing, or creating a new look or amenity for their home will enjoy the Home Show. We will be offering a special discount of $250 off of any project of $5,000 or more for this show only!

We will be located in the Celeste Center in booths #5023 – #5025, and our talented team of designers and builders will be on hand to answer all your questions and help you begin living your outdoor living dreams.

Hours for this event are as follows:

  • Saturdays – 10am – 8pm
  • Sundays – 10am – 6pm
  • Tuesday – 3pm – 8pm
  • Wed – Fri. – 12pm – 8pm
  • Closed Monday

The Ohio Expo Center (Ohio State Fairgrounds) is located at 717 E. 17th Ave. in Columbus.

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

Admission for the event is $12 at the door or $11 in advance . On Tuesday, Feb. 25, bring your home electric bill and get buy-one, get one free tickets at the door, courtesy of AEP Energy. On Wednesday, Feb 26, and Thursday Feb. 27, save $3 off two tickets at the door when you present your home electric bill, courtesy of AEP Energy. Friday, Feb. 28, is AAA Show Your Card and Save Day, when you can get $3 off on up to two tickets by showing your AAA card at the door.

To learn more about our fabulous outdoor living space designs anytime contact Archadeck of Columbus at  (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net We look forward to seeing you at the show!

Archadeck of Columbus brings back the appeal of an American icon — the front porch

Archadeck of Columbus explores the significance of the front porch and how this beloved outdoor addition is still in high demand today.

Front porch 2
This front porch reflects the age-old design of a true American original.

Remember back, not so long ago when the front porch served as a gathering place for families and neighbors? The idea of the front porch takes us back to a time when the world was a little more relaxed, time moved a little slower and people took pleasure in the simpler things in life. It wasn’t uncommon to enjoy a glass of ice cold lemonade over conversation and rock away the time on the front porch, or even enjoy a little front porch guitar on those sunny Columbus afternoons.

The cultural significance of the front porch is still alive and well today. This article titled ” The Evolution of the American Front Porch” published in conjunction with the University of Virginia describes the historical significance. “In many ways, the front porch represented the American ideal of family. The porch, in essence, was an outdoor living room, where the family could retire after the activities of a long day. In the evenings, as the outdoor air provided a cool alternative to the stuffy indoor temperatures, the entire family would move to the front porch. The children might play in the front yard or the friendly confines of the neighborhood, while the parents rocked in their chairs, dismissing the arduous labors and tasks of the day into relaxation and comfort.”

Although homeowners today generally focus their outdoor living attention to the back of their homes, front porches are still in high demand. Not only do front porches serve a functional purpose of covering the area around the front door, but they also provide maximum curb appeal to a home. Archadeck of Columbus receives many requests for front porch additions. These requests stem from homeowners looking for a way to improve the beauty of the front of their home, and to provide a more suitable way to mark entry into the home. Like all porches we build, we always try to match or compliment the architecture and colors of your existing home. Our goal is to design a front porch addition that looks original to your home; like it has always been there.

Custom Front Porch with Tuscan Columns

On this front porch in Columbus, OH we brought  in different stone to match and compliment the home’s front facade. Even though the stones are different, they work together beautifully on this relaxed front porch design. Four columns add elegance to the curved roof design as well.

Columbus front porches

This front porch is a more updated version of the beloved “rocking chair front porch” of yesteryear. By using an open air design combined with square columns, Archadeck of Columbus transformed the curb appeal of this home. On older front porches we will often use vintage style wood from historical districts the way it was originally designed to be used to build the front porch.

Front Porch with Vinyl Rails and TimberTech Decking

This front porch was built using low-maintenance materials with a TimberTech composite floor and vinyl railings. Today’s porch material options far exceed the porches of the past as they are easier to maintain and built with longevity in mind. Many homeowners opt for closed gables in their front porch design because it gives the porch more protection from the elements.Columbus front porch
Keep in mind that a front porch doesn’t have to be large in order to make a huge impact on the front of your home. This front porch is built to accentuate the design of this home. Built using low-maintenance materials in colors that compliment the existing home while still providing plenty of room for a chair, it’s a resting place for the umbrella and room to kick off your shoes after a long day!

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

Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to inquire about putting together a front porch or portico design that will make you the envy of the neighborhood. We can help you create a grand entrance that is worthy of your home. Call today for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Please visit our portico and front porch photo gallery located on our website to see more inspiring examples of entrances worthy of a second glance.

Thanks to TimberTech for a great plant tour!

Powell OH TimberTech XLM Harvest Bronze with TimberTech Radiance rail
This deck in Powell, OH is built with TimberTech XLM Harvest Bronze with TimberTech Radiance rail

Last week we were graciously invited and hosted by TimberTech for a plant tour in their Wilmington OH plant location. During the visit, we had an extensive plant tour, learned about some new products that are already on the market and even got a sneak preview of a couple new items that are coming to market soon.

The plant tour

TimberTech has extensive product testing and research laboratories. These labs simulate weathering conditions including heat, sunlight, rain, and even moldy conditions. The TimberTech line of products are exposed to strength tests and pushed to their limit to ensure their products last and fulfill the promise of the 25 year warranty.

We then took to the plant tour and were able to see the raw materials in mass quantities. These included polyethylene and wood fiber. Different compositions are used depending on the particular boards. We then looked at various extrusion lines producing different boards.

We were also able to see the mass scale of the logistics and distribution operation. Rail cars make a direct stop right outside the back door and lots are stacked with thousands and thousands of completed boards. In addition to rail loading and unloading, there is a facility for tractor trailers which come and go all throughout the day. We were able to see the major plant expansion as TimberTech is consolidating manufacturing operations to this plant.

The TimberTech/AZEK combination

As you may or may not know, TimberTech and AZEK joined forces last year giving the combined company a more expansive line to surface nearly any outdoor living space. Both TimberTech and AZEK have strong and expansive lines of products within the low maintenance outdoor living materials markets. These include not only floor products but also railings and lighting.

AZEK vast pavers Columbus OH installed by ArchadeckAfter our plant tour, we watched a demonstration of the new AZEK Vast pavers. This line includes landscaping, permeable, and resurfacing pavers. The pavers are made up of 95% recycled materials. While the paver looks every bit like traditional pavers, they are anything but traditional in their makeup. The recycled materials make the paver lighter and less breakable at the same time. While concrete pavers chip and break, these pavers are strong, solid, and low maintenance. The installation system is based on locking in to a grid for easy installation.

We also had a sneak preview of some new products that are coming to market. We will be able to share more about those in an upcoming blog post.

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

If you’re considering adding a deck, patio, porch, or other outdoor living space to your yard, give us a call for a free consultation.

(740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Visit our Archadeck of Columbus website

Read more about TimberTech on their website.

Read more about AZEK Vast pavers

What’s the difference between composite decks and synthetic decks in Columbus?

Archadeck of Columbus explains the difference in composite and synthetic decking materials.

Granville OH TimberTech decks
This Granville, OH deck was built using TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions which is a capped PVC product – beautiful.

The scope of outdoor structure materials has broadened in recent years to reflect a constant evolution of new technology. These products are built with longevity, convenience and beauty in mind. You may have heard the terms “composite” and “synthetic” used when referring to these materials. Many homeowners think these products are one and the same which is not the case. Composites and synthetics do include some of the same characteristics and benefits but are actually quite different. Archadeck of Columbus is here to explain the differences in our quest to help homeowner better understand each product and place a face with the name.

Powell OH TimberTech XLM Harvest Bronze with TimberTech Radiance rail
This deck in Powell ,OH is built with TimberTech XLM Harvest Bronze with TimberTech Radiance rail

What is the difference between composite and synthetic?

Composite is a general term for the original form of low-maintenance decking. Some builders also use the technical term when referring to composites- which is wood plastic composites, or WPC. Composites came onto the scene in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Composites are made up of wood pulp that is combined with plastic which is often derived from recycled plastic. This combination of wood pulp and plastic is used to create this low-maintenance decking material. The wood plastic composite is a great product but is one that we rarely sell anymore. Even though WPC’s don’t require staining or painting, they do need to be kept clean in order to be keep them looking and functioning their best. A good comparison of what can happen to a wood composite deck is to look at what an ignored leaf can do to a concrete driveway if it is not removed promptly. This is the same thing that can happen with your WPC deck if it is not kept clean. Since we are dealing with products that are outside in the elements on a daily basis, composite needs to be checked for any debris or dirt on a regular basis. WPC is still a great product to use on or in your outdoor structure design, but the growing trend is leaning toward more homeowners choosing synthetic over composite nowadays.

Azek Brownstone
This deck was built with AZEK in brownstone from their harvest color collection.

Synthetic decking materials encompass products that contain PVC. This can be a product that is built using solid PVC or capped (wrapped) with PVC. PVC or (poly vinyl chloride) is a product that is free of any wood. These decking products, known as the second generation of decking materials, came onto the scene about a decade ago. Pro-cell was the original PVC manufactures which was later purchased by AZEK ,which specialized in PVC trim used around homes. PVC products deliver the ultimate in low maintenance characteristics, but are generally at the higher end price point. Cost for synthetics can vary depending on the color, pattern and amount of streaking and undulation present. In general, the formulation of synthetic is very expensive and especially the synthetics that contain emulated natural wood details. Among the leader in solid PVC decking is of course, AZEK, but Fiberon and many other manufacturers are offering solid PVC along with their capstock and WPC lines.

TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions Teak with Walnut Border
This deck uses two shades of the Earthwood Evolutions tropical line, Teak and Walnut, to add more visual interest to this stunning deck.

One of the newest synthetics is a composite wrapped in PVC. This product is often referred to as capstock decking. The advantages of both solid PVC and wrapped PVC products include reducing the amount of maintenance required by the homeowner, and more specifically a decrease in the amount of cleaning required to keep the deck looking new. Capped composites, or capstock include Trex Transcends and TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions. Most synthetic manufacturers stand behind their product with a 25 year warranty. Based on Archadeck of Columbus’ experience with these synthetic products, my belief is that many of these products will outlast their warranties by many years. The only downfall we have seen with PVC products is due to the elasticity of the material it will sometimes expand during the hotter days of the summer.

Multi_level_TimberTech_deck_with_outdoor_fireplace_Columbus_Archadeck
This TimberTech deck and outdoor fireplace by Archadeck of Columbus is the perfect spot for entertaining.

In terms of price, composites are the least expensive and generally speaking a capped composite will be less expensive than a pure PVC product. TimberTech Twin Finish and Reliaboard are among some of the wood plastic composites that are available, but we recommend using a capped PVC product in most circumstances. The technology behind WPC has gotten better since their debut, but they still require lots of care and cleaning. Most all of the synthetic manufacturers are now in a stage of tweaking their color choices to offer a wider selection for homeowners to choose from. This includes more colors that contain streaking and undulation that mimics the beauty of natural wood. The technology behind making a stronger more resilient board is also improving.

Hopefully this information will quell any confusion about the differences between composite and synthetic. Our goal here at Archadeck of Columbus is to provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision when choosing the material that bests suits your needs and budget for your new outdoor structure.

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

If you are ready to create an outdoor living space that will provide more time for enjoyment and less time focusing on maintaining your space, contact Archadeck of Columbus. We can help you choose the best decking material for you! Contact us today for a free consultation (740) 879 – 3730- Email westcolumbus@archadeck.net

You can see more examples of composite and synthetic decks by visiting our decks photo gallery and our  composite and PVC decks photo gallery located on our website.

Our newest project in Columbus includes a low maintenance deck and Asian inspired gazebo that holds the space’s best kept secret

Archadeck of Columbus takes a peek inside a one of a kind custom gazebo and deck combination project we just completed.

Columbus OH gazebo and spa deck design rendering
This image depicts our initial design for this Columbus outdoor oasis.

Our most recent project is located in Columbus, OH and incorporates an outdoor living design that defines thinking out of the box. These homeowners contacted Archadeck of Columbus to explore building an extension onto their existing deck as well as a custom gazebo addition to house their hot tub. By making their deck space larger and building a specialized area set aside for the hot tub, the homeowners wanted to add functional space and a private place to enjoy the hot tub.

Upon meeting with the Columbus homeowners and becoming familiar with the aesthetics, function and investment objective that best suited their needs we then proceeded to

TimberTech synthetic deck to go with their gazebo hot tub
TimberTech synthetic deck to go with their gazebo hot tub

design their outdoor oasis.We began by extending their existing deck and re-decking the area with low maintenance TimberTech Earthwoods Evolutions decking. This same decking was also used in the floor of the custom gazebo addition. The homeowners chose to use the beautiful Walnut color flooring as it adds a deep, rich feel to the entire addition. The Earthwoods Evolutions line of decking from TimberTech works great on pool and spa decks because it is capped with a protected polymer shell. The plank is resistant to the elements and everyday accidents endured by most decks. Earthwood Evolutions’ 25-year Fade and Stain Warranty also gives homeowners total peace of mind.

spa-ing in style in Columbus
Spa-ing in style in Columbus

The spacious 15 x 15 custom gazebo includes a luxurious recessed hot tub. Opting to recess the spa not only increases ease of access when using the hot tub, it also gives the interior of the gazebo an open feel. The gazebo is built in a unique octagonal shape. We installed a 24″ knee wall on all angles (minus the door).

hot tub gazebo with buckeyes grill
What’s better than a hot tub gazebo? How about having a Buckeye grill cover on your adjacent grill!!

We kept the gazebo original to the home by matching the shingles we used to the ones on the home, and we also matched the exterior vinyl finish to the vinyl used on the home. Archadeck of Columbus took the custom look a step farther by wrapping the gazebos’ columns with beautiful Paulownia hardwood and installing lattice around the openings of the gazebo which have plantation shutters. The use of lattice on the gazebo gives the space an Asian feel that is ambiguous to the Zen inspired outdoor spaces readily seen in upscale home and garden magazines.

soaking oasis of spa gazebo

This outdoor living space clearly defines an area inspired by the principles of Zen, which involves a total state of focus that incorporate a total togetherness of body and mind. Zen is a way of being and a state of mind. From the open deck to the tranquil gazebo interior specially designed for relaxation and renewal, this project takes comfort to a whole new level.

hot tub gazebo interior with flat screen tv and fan
Don’t forget the flat screen TV in your ultimate soaking oasis!

If you are thinking of an outdoor living space addition to your backyard, but are looking for a unique design that reflects your individuality or special needs, contact Archadeck of Columbus today. We can design an outdoor living oasis especially for you that is truly one of a kind. 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 see more unique outdoor living space designs by visiting our gazebo photo gallery and our pool and spa deck photo gallery located on our website.