Category Archives: Paver patios & hardscapes

Archadeck Takes This Macon Backyard Beyond Builder-Grade

Archadeck Takes This Macon Backyard Beyond Builder-Grade

It’s not rocket science. Just exquisite and thoughtful planning and design. As wide as the rear sliding doors were, that is what the builder gave this family for their barbecue grill and a canvas outdoor chair. That was it.

Before,

Like many homeowners, these clients were faced with a small, builder-grade concrete pad as their sole outdoor living space. Archadeck of Central GA comes to the rescue and adds function and practicality.

A New Paver Patio And New Retaining Wall Addition

Wow … what a difference intelligent planning and great design make.

Macon patio builders
After – WOW!

To turn this dramatically sloped backyard into a safer and more functional outdoor area, we first raised the patio surface by installing a strong, sturdy and handsome retaining wall. Meticulously designed and built by the engineering construction team of Archadeck of Central Georgia, the elevated backyard foundation retaining wall addition and the connected paver patio were both constructed with Lowcountry Pavers Hardscape Products.

This stylish 3-piece paver configuration is perfectly suited for this elevated patio design. With a slight chamfer, these permeable pavers feature a smooth face and very contemporary lines to add a functional modern touch while also shedding water from the surface back into the earth.

paver patio with retaining wall

The accented stone wall beautifully complements the installation with a contrasting color variance – smoky gray at the base ascending to handsome values of earthen brown at the top.

More Outdoor Living Room And Better Aesthetics

Building an elevated paver patio and retaining wall that covers the entire rear footprint of a home with a sloped backyard can offer several benefits, especially when designed by the patio and retaining wall experts at Archadeck.

paver patio builder macon ga

Increased Usable Space. As this family soon learned, a sloped backyard can be challenging to use effectively. By constructing an elevated patio and retaining wall, we created a level, functional space for outdoor activities such as entertaining guests, dining, or simply relaxing. It effectively dramatically expands the usable area of this Macon property.

Improved Aesthetics. An elevated patio and retaining wall can enhance the overall appearance of your home and backyard. It adds depth and dimension to the landscape, making it more visually appealing, as well as exponentially more functional.

paver patio with retaining wall

Better Drainage. The retaining wall helps manage water runoff and prevents erosion on the sloped terrain, a huge consideration and big benefit. Proper drainage will protect this home’s foundation and prevent water-related issues in the basement or lower levels of the house.

Enhanced Stability. Building a sturdy retaining wall adds structural stability to the backyard sloped landscape. This can be particularly important if your home is situated on a hillside or if there’s a risk of soil erosion.

Versatility In Design. Elevated patios and retaining walls can be designed in various styles and materials to complement your home’s architecture and your personal preferences. This flexibility allows for creativity in landscaping and outdoor design.

Opportunity For Landscaping. The flat, elevated surface provided by the patio can be an excellent place for landscaping, too, such as adding flower beds, shrubs, trees, or even a small garden. This can further enhance the beauty of the outdoor living and entertaining space.

macon ga patio and hardscapes contractors

Increased Property Value. A well-designed elevated patio and retaining wall by Archadeck can significantly boost your property’s value. It adds curb appeal and makes your home more attractive to potential buyers in the future. Customized outdoor living spaces are in huge demand these days.

Easier Maintenance. Maintaining a flat patio area is generally easier compared to dealing with a sloped landscape.

Outdoor Entertainment Space. An elevated patio provides a great space for outdoor entertaining, barbecues, parties and group gatherings. It can become the focal point for hosting friends and family, especially during the warmer Macon, Georgia, months.

Accessibility. If you have mobility challenges or elderly family members, an elevated patio is more accessible and safer to navigate than a sloped backyard – much more accessible and much more safe.

Take The First Step And Transform Your Outdoors

Call us at 478-241-8406; or click right here to schedule a complimentary design consultation. Rest assured; you’ll be glad you did.

John Haugabook
John Haugabook of Archadeck of Cenral GA.

How to upgrade a small patio into a huge outdoor living oasis

This Warner Robins, GA paver patio builder wants to share with you our version of The Little Engine That Could – in a manner of speaking.

ARCHADECK OF CENTRAL GA TRANSFORMS A SMALL PAVER PATIO INTO AN OUTDOOR LIVING HARDSCAPE OASIS

The family that enjoyed their backyard with a simple teeny, tiny patio wanted more. They wanted a larger patio than the one they were currently living with. So, we tore up the existing space to upgrade and expand the outdoor living area with a new paver patio foundation. The original patio had steps that were not up to code, we solved that problem, too, by adding stunning new pavers to create a majestic-looking framework.

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The end result, as you can see above , is reminiscent of a variegated stone outdoor stage platform – perfect for outdoor fun and play.

In addition to the expanded patio which accommodates several seating and dining group areas, we walled in the outer perimeter with a stacked stone built-in semi-circular seating bench.

warner-robins-custom-hardscape-builder

At the farthest point of the circular shape, we built a highly customized fire pit that accented the look, feel, texture and tone of the paver patio.

This inspiration actually came from photos the family viewed online at Archadeck.com. Hence, we took that inspiration and replicated what they had in mind. Cool, huh?

As our conversation continued during their free design consultation, dad asked, “Can we please also add a grilling station? I’d love to finally retire my old and faithful Weber charcoal grill and have a gas line installed to make it more convenient to barbecue.”

Well, of course, we replied, “Yes. Absolutely. It would be our pleasure.

To make this patio upgrade a reality, we used our favorite line of patio pavers, Lowcountry Pavers. Serving the Southeast, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, Lowcountry Pavers provide us with unmatched quality and an outstanding warranty.

warner-robins-fire-pit-builders

Made with the highest level of craftsmanship imaginable, these are the highest quality concrete pavers money can buy.

Their paver selections include the pavers you see here as well as thin pavers, pool coping and retaining wall systems. In our humble opinion, no other pavers in the area match that quality and warranty.

It is also interesting to note that Lowcountry has a strong social conscience. When we purchase their pavers for patios, driveways, walkways, pools and firepits, they, in turn, help others. A portion of all sales go to The Curry Foundation and several local Lowcountry charities.

FROM UPGRADED PATIO TO FIRE PIT, SEATING AREA, GRILL STATION AND WOOD BURNING FIRE PIT, THIS SHOWCASE OF WARNER ROBINS PATIOS AND HARDSCAPES HAS IT ALL

When it comes to exceptional Warner Robins GA custom patios, there is simply no better choice than Archadeck. Our rave reviews from clients and the referrals they grace us with are a testament to that.

Are you ready to have the outdoor space you always imagined possible?  A Warner Robins patio with fire pit – or a Warner Robins, GA custom patio – Archadeck is here to make those dreams come true.

With a little inspiration, we will happily create the outdoor living space of your dreams. Contact Archadeck of Central GA to get started. We are your local custom patio design and build experts.

John Haugabook
John Haugabook of Archadeck of Cenral GA.

The best project for your budget

I won’t say that the relationship you have with your contractor before and during the building process for your new outdoor living space is more important than the end result, but it’s darned close. It’s critical that any builder you work with will listen and respond to your needs and your plans for how you want to use your Macon or Warner Robins deck or patio. They should also educate you about some design options and materials in a way that doesn’t make you feel pressured to out-spend your budget.

Warner Robins-concrete patio with brick surroundOn a recent patio project, we worked with the owner of a new home to create a patio to complement her existing Kathleen screened porch. We discussed the possibility of using pavers but we also made sure to make sure she knew that she had other options. Cement is an affordable option and was perfect for this Kathleen patio.

Our customer had a short wish list of requirements for the space and this design met them all. She has a place to stretch out on her lawn chair. It’s perfect for her portable fire pit and gas grill. There is ample room for several chairs and a table if she wants to eat outside with friends. And, several times a day, it gives her two active dogs a path in and out of the house, keeping them from wearing a trench in her grass.

Warner Robins GA concrete patio with brick paver ribbonWe also gave her a great construction experience. We took down two sections of fence to allow access for the cement truck using a path that minimized potential damage to her lawn. When the truck was gone, the fence went back up– good as new. Anyone who wasn’t there that day would never know it had been moved. Archadeck made sure she knew when to expect our crew each day and our team cleaned up before leaving each night. We pride ourselves on disrupting our customers lives and homes as little as possible. We are also careful to be respectful of any surrounding neighbors.

We can’t promise that every aspect of every job will go perfectly, but we will always do everything in our power to get it right the first time and to fix it fast if we don’t. That includes each contact from our initial site visit to assess your property and discuss your project to the successful completion and walk through. Your satisfaction with both the project and the process are our top priority.

Stephen Denton Archadeck Augusta square lrArchadeck of Central Georgia is proud to have been serving Macon and Warner Robins homeowners for more than a dozen years. If you choose to work with us, you will benefit from our extensive knowledge of local building trends and traditions, as well as our rock-solid relationships with other local tradesmen. Check out our reviews and reputation in the community. We are happy to provide you with references for any kind of job you are considering. Call: (478) 745 – 2000. Email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net. Or visit our website for more great patio pictures in the Macon, Warner Robins and Central GA area.

Even concrete isn’t forever…so what’s next?

There is nothing that says permanent like a good, solid slab of concrete. But even well-laid concrete starts to crack and deteriorate over time. It also can leave much to be desired when it comes to aesthetics. You don’t often hear people bragging about how you should stop by and see what a beautiful rectangle of gray concrete they have in their yard. So, if you have an aging concrete patio in your backyard and you are ready for an upgrade, what’s the next step? Archadeck of Central GA just refurbished an old concrete patio and we literally gave it a lift.

beforePart of the problem with the original patio was that it had considerably settled over time to create a significant enough gap that you could see the aggregate underneath. Slab concrete requires more maintenance than the pavers we installed and it’s easy to see that the Belgard look is far superior. Belgard also has an industry-leading warranty on its materials, something concrete can’t offer.

For these Gray paver patio clients, the answer was Belgard Lafitt™ pavers from their natural collection. This engineered stone combines the look and feel of a patio with a similar strength and durability to the concrete that previously served the home for so long. The modular pavers can be laid out in a variety of patterns and the blocks from this line come from a color palette selection that includes Amaretto, Bella, Danville Blend, and Sable Blend. All of them fit in beautifully with natural earth and stone tones in the surrounding home environment.

Gray GA new paver patio Belgard WestonWe built Weston Wall blocks around the perimeter. Once we had that level where we wanted it and mortared into place, we put in a layer of aggregate and got everything tamped, leveled and prepared for the pavers. By the time the process was complete, we actually eliminated a whole step coming down from the house. The combination of the site preparation and the thickness of the pavers brought the patio up by that much.

We also added Fortress powder coated aluminum railings to create an attractive and safer access path between the patio and the house. Even though icy days are few and far between in Georgia, it’s never fun to take a spill on a concrete stairway. We replaced railroad ties that had been used as a transition from the old patio to the driveway with Weston stone as well. These last two details are the kind of finishing touches that really make a project stand head and shoulders above other makeover jobs.

Stephen Denton Archadeck Augusta square lrArchadeck of Central Georgia is proud to have been serving Macon and Warner Robins homeowners for more than a dozen years. If you choose to work with us, you will benefit from our extensive knowledge of local building trends and traditions, as well as our rock-solid relationships with other local tradesmen. Check out our reviews and reputation in the community. Call: (478) 745 – 2000. Email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net.

Is a Belgard paver patio right for you? Here are some considerations.

Pavers-Macon-Seating wall lrDeciding that you want a new outdoor living space in your yard is the easy part. Trying to decide exactly what structure and what it should look like can be a little more of a challenge. Is your yard is better suited to a deck or patio?  Here is a quick guide. Take a look at the height differentiation from your back door to the ground.  As the height differentiation increases from grade to the base of the back door, then typically a deck is cheaper to build than patio. That’s why we offer 2 different types of uncovered outdoor spaces; patios for lower grade yards and decks for yards with more grade.

For homes built at ground level, the easiest, most economical choice may be a patio. Archadeck of Central GA may be able to re-surface your existing concrete patio and turn it into a paver patio.

If you’ve decided that a patio is right for your home, you can start thinking about what amenities you want to include. Would you like to have retaining walls for your landscaping or higher seating walls? Will you include built-in lighting? How about a fireplace or fire pit? You can easily create an attached space for a hot tub. If you enjoy cooking outside, you may want to consider including an outdoor kitchen or outdoor grill area in your plans.

Archadeck of Central Georgia uses the Belgard paver line. As the premiere manufacturer of pavers in the country, Belgard offers the perfect combination of quality, beauty, selection, and value. This provides several benefits? First, a professionally installed Belgard paver patio is very low maintenance. It will probably not need to be sealed and, in the unlikely event that a ground stone is broken, each can be replaced individually. The flexible joints shift without cracking and stay looking great over the long term.

Archadeck building a paver patioNote that it’s imperative to have a professional installation. A paver patio needs extensive site preparation: the ground must be leveled and topped with 4-6” of compacted gravel and an inch of sand for the base. It’s a lot of hot, heavy work, but it pays ample dividends in looks and longevity. If you just lay paver stones on the ground, you will be tremendously disappointed in short order. No one wants a patio that becomes a tripping hazard almost immediately.

When you start thinking about the look and feel you want for your Macon Warner Robins Belgard patio, you will want to take a look at Belgard’s  Lafitt® paver. It’s the most popular paver we install here in Central GA. Customers love the sophisticated look that calls to mind sitting outside a Mediterranean villa. It’s available in six color palettes and can be laid out in a variety of patterns.

Stephen Denton Archadeck Augusta square lrIf you are considering creating a great new outdoor living space for your Macon/Warner Robins area back yard, or if you want to give a fresh new look to your existing backyard space, give us a call for a free consultation. We will identify the best structures and materials to create the perfect outdoor living space just for you. Call: (478) 745 – 2000, mail: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net or visit our website at central-georgia.archadeck.com.

 

You’re never too young or too old

Hammock-patio-Macon lrYouth has a lot of things going for it, but there are some downsides too, even within the narrow topic of home ownership and improvement.  We recently completed a paver patio in the Barrington Hall community.  The couple is pretty young and doesn’t have any kids.  One of the great things about being in a position like this is that you can invite a bunch of friends over for a cookout at a moment’s notice: “We’re going to pick up some food to put on the grill.  Let’s meet up at our place at 6:30.”

Sounds great, right?  Of course early in your career you might not exactly own your dream home. But some aspects of your home can be just like that dream home you are striving toward. And eventually if you stay long enough you may turn your house into that dream home. This couple had a deck that was in pretty bad shape and had a pergola that provided minimal sun protection.  They wanted to renovate the space on a budget getting most of what they wanted without over investing for the neighborhood. During our meetings with them, we discussed what they need now, what their budget for the project was and what they think they might want down the road.

Pavers-Macon-Seating wall lrRather than a new deck we recommended Belgard pavers to create a low maintenance, durable patio. In some instances a paver patio can be the same cost as a pressure treated deck and there is little maintenance with pavers. And when it’s time to sell or when it’s time to add on again the patio will look as nice as the day it was installed. The low seating wall gives the area some visual definition and there is always room for one more friend to drop by.  Out of chairs?  No problem!  On the opposite side of the patio we installed posts for a hammock—this was high on their wish list.

Another aspect of being young is that you never know when you might get a job opportunity in another city.  Rather than going “all in” on this project, our clients chose block styles–Holland Stone in Spice Blend and Weston Wall– that they can match later on if they want to extend the patio space.  They think they might want to add a barbecue bump out in the coming years, but don’t know how long they will be in Macon.  Always work with a builder who asks you about your needs today and tomorrow.  These plans were designed with longevity and flexibility in mind.  The patio looks finished, but can be easily extended.

Paver patio-Macon-Hammock lrOne thing you might notice from the pictures is that the yard is fenced.  We were able to pull down a section of the fence to bring in trucks to move the sand, rock, and the blocks.  When we left, we reinstalled the fence and the owners saved on labor because the crew didn’t have to move all the materials by wheel barrow.  This is a small detail, but can have a big impact on the final cost. Someone unfamiliar with carpentry and paver installation would not recognize this cost saving opportunity. Only companies like Archadeck that work with all aspects of outdoor living construction and design have the resources to offer this kind of service. We are happy to share our professional experience to homeowners of all ages to make their project as easy and rewarding as possible.

If you are considering creating a great new outdoor living space for your Macon / Warner Robins area back yard, or if you want to give a fresh new look to your existing backyard space, give us a call for a free consultation. Together we will work to identify the best structures and materials to create the perfect outdoor living space just for you.

Stephen Denton Owner, Archadeck of Central GA Stephen Denton
Owner, Archadeck of Central GA

Call: (478) 745 – 2000

Email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Visit the patio and hardscape photo gallery on our website for more great design ideas and inspiration.

Archadeck of Central GA discusses how using hardscapes can increase poolside pleasure!

macon-above ground pool-deckWarmer days are just around the corner and now is the time of year when many Central Georgia homeowners are starting to plan the addition of a new pool or planning to update their pool area. Archadeck of Central GA explores some of the choices for turning your poolside area into pure paradise!

The first element to consider is whether you have or will have an in ground or above ground pool. Above ground pools are generally less expensive to install, but they are not nearly as big as an in ground pool. If you decide to build a deck space to encompass the entire area around an above-ground pool, the costs can rapidly increase  making the combined cost of pool and deck more expensive than an in ground pool.

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The topography of your backyard may determine the type of pool you have as well. If the yard is sloped and grading is not financially feasible, then an above ground fiberglass pool may be the answer. A deck is typically the only way to provide usable space here.

macon-fiberglass pool-deckThese are important considerations when looking at the “big picture” with your anticipated outdoor living pool area.

When choosing an in ground pool, the most common construction for the space around is concrete. Usually a pool contractor will recommend using a product like Kool Deck. This is a thin coating that goes over the top of the surface of the concrete to keep it cool on your feet. The problem is that it doesn’t adhere to the cement well and will eventually come off. There are two problems with all concrete: it cracks and it cracks! When water  gets in these cracks it then gets underneath the Kool Deck. All it takes is a freeze to cause the Kool Deck to pop loose. Archadeck of Central GA offers a better alternative that will increase the beauty and function of your poolside area for years to come.

Take a look at this paver patio we built in Warner Robins. This poolside area also includes a custom-built fire pit to match the pavers, an open porch, and a full outdoor kitchen.

We recommend adding concrete pavers around your pool. They are frequently used for pool decks and are durable, versatile, affordable and tough. Pavers have many qualities making them the perfect choice around a pool. They are salt resistant, slip resistant, and chlorine will not affect their colors. The joints between pavers will take on moisture and leave the pavement cooler under foot.  However, like any colored material, the darker colors tend to retain more heat than lighter colors. Another advantage of using pavers is that even in the event of a paver breaking, it’s easily replaceable. There are tons of styles and colors of pavers to choose from expanding the choices of the look you wish to achieve. Adding pavers is easy to do when your pool is under construction. If you already have a concrete pool surround, we can install pavers atop the concrete. We can use thin pavers which cost less or the standard 2-3/4 inch paver.

paver patio pool patio hardscape  warner robinsHere are some options to increase your pool-side enjoyment. If you already have a space that’s just too small, you can add a patio or expand the space around your pool to add more outdoor living enjoyment. This may include adding a pergola or a porch roof for use as a poolside shade structure. An open porch is a great poolside option, and pergolas can be built to include sun screens or canopies atop. We can also build structures to mask the areas you don’t want people to see and keep those areas  “incognito” such as pool pumps and other mechanics that aid in operating your pool. Archadeck of Central GA can also design and build versatile benches or retaining walls using paver walls that are made to match your paver flooring so your finished space is cohesive. In addition to the many amenities that we offer to create your perfect poolside paradise, we can also design a tranquil outdoor shower, outdoor fire feature or even a custom pool house– the possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

perry-ga-pool house lrIf you are planning a new backyard pool addition or improving and existing pool area contact us to help design a poolside space that will make the most out of your outdoor living space! We can work and coordinate with your pool contractor.

Call Archadeck of Central GA today for a free quote • (478) 745 – 2000 •

email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

See more poolside ideas by visiting our patio and hardscape photo gallery, our porches photo gallery and our pergola and trellis photo gallery located on our website.

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

A revised design plan that includes a patio and screened porch opens up a world of outdoor living possibilities for these Macon, GA homeowners

Screened porch and lower patio in Macon GA
Our recently completed screened porch and patio addtion in Macon, GA gives this family the backyard space of their dreams.

I always love to watch the homeowner’s reaction when they realize that Archadeck of Central GA is able to make their vision of the backyard they dream about a reality. This aspect of my job is part of what makes it all worthwhile. In the case of these Macon, GA homeowners that is exactly what happened. They had an existing small deck which sat about 12′ above a raised patio that was about 3′ off the ground. The existing outdoor living space was too small to use it the way they wanted to because the sun beat down into all the time, making it cramped and unbearable under the Georgia sun. Their present deck was also in close proximity to a creek that ran through their backyard. Although soothing to listen to, the creek brought an exorbitant amount of mosquitoes into the backyard. When the homeowners contacted us they were ready for a change for the better. Since their previous home had a porch, and they really missed it, they made the decision to add one, they called us to make it happen.

Original deck in Macon
Here is the original deck before we began the project.

In  order to put together a design that would give the homeowners the most benefit, we had some specific lifestyle needs to consider. The homeowner’s share their home with their children’s family who frequent the home on a regular basis and stay for extended periods of time in the lower level of the home. With this in mind, we needed to design a space that provided separation as well providing a space that could be shared.

Archadeck of Central Georgia designed a space that made all parties involved happy. The project consisted of building a screened porch on the upper level that was much larger than their original space. We designed the porch with ample room for a seating area that would comfortably facilitate a table and 6 chairs, and is still roomy enough for both families to gather in harmony. The screen porch provides a shaded area to escape from the heat and gives the homeowners relief from the mosquitoes coming up from the creek. We installed tongue and groove flooring in the floor of the porch so when you are in the lower level of the updated space you will see the charming flooring used on the porch when you look up. The porch floor serves as the ceiling for the patio below.

Screened porch Macon GA
View of the new upper level screened porch addition from the backyard – majestic.

The lower portion of the space includes a patio with railing since it sits 3′ off the ground. We also poured a secondary patio adjacent to the initial patio space that leads out into the entry stair to the porch above. This patio is 16″ lower than the other patio which makes the perfect spot to hold the homeowner’s hot tub now located at the lowest end of this patio. The placement of the hot tub makes it easier to get in and out of. We placed the stairs up to the screened porch between the patios which connect to a landing large enough to hold a grill both families can utilize. Archadeck of Central GA only screened in the upper porch but built the patio screen ready if the homeowners ever decide they want to add it.  We also added ceiling fans, electrical outlets and flood lighting to both level of the project for added security and comfort.

Hot tub patio space in Macon GA
The new lower patio makes the perfect spot for the family’s hot tub.

The finished space fulfilled the homeowner’s vision of what they had in mind and they are elated with their new outdoor living areas. Their extended family were up visiting just this past week and were just as excited about getting a chance to try out the new space for the very first time. Another job well done!

If you have a master plan for your backyard Archadeck of Central GA can design and build the backyard of your dreams sooner than you ever imagined. Contact us today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

You can see more backyard transformations by visiting our porches photo gallery and our patio and hardscapes gallery located on our website.

Archadeck of Central Georgia reveals the top 3 ways to perfect your patio

Paver patio in Macon GA
This paver patio and pergola addition is a great example of extending an inset rear patio and cultivating it into an outdoor oasis.

Many new or previously owned homes are built with a small concrete inset patio on the back. These consist of a rudimentary concrete floor that extends out six to eight feet and in some cases they may be covered. The dynamics of one of these boringly basic patios is they are not big enough to enable function. They are not large enough for a formal eating area or a formal seating area making them an area that lacks function or direction. In these situations Archadeck of Central Georgia can extend your patio insert out to make it more functional. Extending a “builder grade” generic patio like this can also open up a world of possibilities to further enhance this living space making outdoor living more advantageous and making the space more aesthetically appealing.

In general, homes that have this type of patio inset are usually built on a slab foundation. To make your patio more open to extension and enhancement we suggest pouring additional concrete to this area or adding a paver patio. We can make the area more spacious by adding more floor space of even adding a roof. Another option is to screen in the existing area as is and add more additional floor space outside the bounds of the patio. Once you make the decision to improve upon your inset patio, there are many options available to enhance the area and nurture it into the patio space of your dreams. Archadeck of Central GA has three suggestions to make your patio the perfect patio.

Creating a safe haven 

Screen Porch Warner Robins with hip roof
Adding a protected structure such as a screened patio is a perfect way to enhance your backyard patio.

Protected outdoor spaces such as screened patios and 3-season rooms offer a refuge from bothersome insects such as mosquitoes and the dangerous UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Central GA summers can be humid and hot to say the least. Turning your boring patio into a protected area can easily be accomplished with aluminum or traditional wooden structural reinforcements. One consideration is to choose a roof style that will work well with your existing home. Roof lines are important when adding a roofed structure because you want your roof line to work well with any existing windows, doors, dormers or other bump out features of your home. Adding another level of convenience is an option by choosing the addition of an Eze-Breeze window system. These systems turn your screened porch into a 3-season room with sliding vinyl window panels that give you the option of choosing how much or how little window to utilize. If you want to keep the feel of an open space and still gain protection from mosquitoes, then adding mosquito curtains to your covered patio design is also a viable option.

Is it a porch or is it a patio?

milledgeville-porch
This covered patio in Milledgeville, GA delivers aesthetics and function under one roof.

If you have a patio and you want to build it up to include a porch we can inspect your footings to ensure they are sound enough to hold a porch. If your home is built on a slab the thickness is generally 3.5″ to 4″ thick and footing would have to be built on top of the slab to create a porch. Many times with patio porches, homeowners choose to leave the floor concrete and use indoor/outdoor rugs to cover the floor. This is a great idea and can also be a means to pull color and texture into the space. If you aren’t really into that look then we can cover the concrete with pavers. We have access to the thinner pavers that are used to cover concrete patios for this very reason. We have had great results from this product.  The biggest difference in choosing a concrete or paver patio versus a traditional wooden structure is the price point. Another factor is the distance of your front yard (or your driveway) to your back yard. Easy access to the rear of your home with a truck full of materials is a big deal. Having a way to easily get them where they need to be is a huge consideration.

A pergola will add panache to your patio

Fan pergola in  Jones County Macon GA
This fan pergola in Jones County serves as much for shade as beauty atop this patio setting.

Pergolas are hands-down one of the most stylish outdoor structures on the market today. There is a lot more to a pergola than just a pretty face. Pergolas add shade and intimacy to your outdoor space. Archadeck of Central Georgia offers a host of unique pergola designs in a myriad of materials from rustic wood to ultra-low-maintenance vinyl. Flanking your patio with a triangular or fan pergola will add depth and personality to your patio. Adding a traditional four corner pergola will add elegance and timeless appeal to your patio. Using a pergola to partially cover your patio is a great way to put a new spin on your backyard by thinking out of the box while not breaking the bank.

If your patio needs a facelift to improve its form and function, contact Archadeck of Central Georgia today. Our expert design and quality construction can help make the improvements that will make a huge difference in how your family lives in your outdoor space! Call us today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

See more patio transformation ideas by visiting our patio and hardscape photo gallery, our screened porches photo gallery and our pergola and trellis photo gallery located on our website.

Building the perfect paver patio is more than just child’s play

Paver patio in Macon, GA
This paver patio in North Macon, GA is built to last for many years to come.

Nowadays, it seems that anything to do with improving your home or landscape can be done by being a do-it-yourselfer. Home improvement projects are idealized all over the media to make projects look easy, even for a novice. The truth is there are certain projects that need to be done by a professional in order to get the best result. One of those projects that are best left to a pro is installing a paver patio. To an amateur, at first glance, it may appear to be a simple task laying out pavers right? Properly installing a paver or hardscape patio is much more complicated than it seems. There is a great deal more to building one than laying some sand and pushing pavers into the ground.

Central GA patio builder macon warner robins
We pay close attention to every important construction detail of our paver patios.

Taking on a task of this magnitude requires knowledge and experience because each patio requires different measures to ensure it lasts and lives up to your expectations. The area you are considering for placement of your patio may need amending to build it up, or in some cases even removing a portion of the soil to make certain the patio is positioned and constructed properly. One common misconception about installing pavers is all you have to do is lay the pavers down on the ground and tamp them down and all is fine. The reality is it may be fine for a short period of time but the ground will move and shift causing the pavers to sink and rise resulting in uneven spaces, trip hazards, and a giant mess. Paver patios require a solid foundation just like building a home or other building requires.

pool paver patio-warner robins
The Belgard patio that surrounds The pool also includes a special paver made especially for the edges of pools. It delivers a smooth, eased edge to ease into the pool painlessly.

 

There is an art of precision in properly installing pavers. The Dutch perfected and modernized the art in the 1940 s with the Holland Stone Paver. If pavers are installed properly then they can last a lifetime. Take for example the renowned hardscape expertise and craftsmanship used in creating the Great Wall of China. Archadeck of Central Georgia uses the same process and principles used in one of the greatest wonders of the world, in our paver patio construction today.

Our first step is to begin with a solid base, or foundation, to work from. We achieve this by applying a 4 inch aggregate base with an additional inch of sand for the pavers to sit in on top of our foundation. These are compacted with a sled tamper to ensure no movement or settlement in the future. The solid base will ensure the patio will remain flat indefinitely and will keep it from being subjected to freezing, thawing and other soil conditions caused by the rain. The ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) sets the standards by which paver patios and walkways are constructed. Normally paver patios include a slight slope in order for water to run off. We can also use permeable pavers which allow the water to travel through the pavers. Many times permeable pavers are the perfect answer for yards that cannot be covered in concrete for rainwater runoff by building codes of that area. If you have an area where drainage is not possible, such as a pool or close proximity to a neighbor then these pavers are the perfect answer.

See our paver patio construction pictures below for what is involved in building a professional patio.

Preparing the site for a paver patio
Preparing the site for a paver patio

pouring the aggregate base
Pouring the aggregate base

Placement of pavers
Placement of pavers

Final compaction
Final compaction

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

With all the important basics and nuances that go into constructing a paver patio that will stand the test of time and deliver you years of outdoor living enjoyment, it makes sense to hire a professional paver builder to handle this type of project. Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to take care of the hard stuff, all you have to consider is the many different ways you will be able to enjoy your structure upon completion.
Call for a free consultation: (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

See more beautifully constructed paver patios by visiting our patio and hardscape gallery located on our website.