Tag Archives: Central GA open porches

Planning a New Outdoor Living Space is A Great Way to Curb The Post Holiday Blues

Planning a New Outdoor Living Space is A Great Way to Curb The Post Holiday BluesThe holiday season is filled with excitement and fun. It is a time when families and friends come together to celebrate and festive decorations change our homes and landscapes.  The days and weeks leading up to the big day are often just as exciting as the day itself.  Once the holiday is over, however, the lack of excitement can leave you feeling down.

As the New Year quickly approaches, one way to curb the post-holiday blues is to look beyond the winter doldrums to warmer months ahead.  With this in mind, many Central Georgia homeowners may begin planning for the outdoor living season. These plans may involve a new addition to your landscape or outdoor living space.  Whether your aspirations include adding a new outdoor structure, or improving or adding to an existing structure,  winter is a good time to get the ball rolling before spring arrives.

Macon Open Porch Barrington Hall lr

Because of our mild Georgia climate, construction can begin as soon as your design is finalized and the contract is signed. In fact, the sooner we can start building, the more enjoyment you will get from your new outdoor living space. Once spring has arrived, the demand will increase and building timelines will become longer, this is why we recommend starting the design and building process with us as soon as possible. Using these winter months perfecting the design of your new space, ordering materials, and filing for permits is a perfect use of time.

Macon GA-sceen porch-metal Balusters

In fact, there are quite a few reasons why winter is the best time to begin a new Macon or Warner Robins-area outdoor living space  project:

  • Our custom deck, porch and outdoor room designs require close collaboration with you. This process can take a few rounds of going back and forth, making adjustments and getting the project just right.

Macon open porch design plan Archadeck

  • Securing building permits can take a long time as we are at the mercy of the building department. Starting this process now, means you don’t have to let the good spring weather pass you by while we are waiting for building permits to come in.

Hot tub-deck-Perry GA-design drawing 750

  • At Archadeck of Central GA, our spring and summer construction schedule fills fast. In fact, spring is our busiest time of year. If you start the process now, you beat the rush and are on the schedule for construction, or your project may even be completed,  when others are just starting their process.

Deck-composite-koi pond-warner robins

Despite the fact that all the pomp and circumstance has ended, all the presents have been opened and loved ones have headed home,  Archadeck of Central GA can ensure the weeks ahead are overflowing with excitement and anticipation.

Stephen Denton Archadeck Augusta square lr
Stephen Denton, owner Archadeck of Central GA.

Contact us today to schedule your design consultation to begin making the 2018 outdoor living season the best on record! Call us today at (478) 745 – 2000 or email us at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net.

 

 

If you like it then you better put a roof on it…

Archadeck of Central Georgia just completed this stunning covered porch addition in Warner Robins, just off Hwy. 96 in the Brantley Subdivision.  In their quest to add more shade and function to their existing raised concrete patio, the homeowners reached out to us for the best advice.

Open Porch-Warner Robins

Initially, they were considering the notion of adding a pergola over top the patio. However, since the footings were already poured, we offered the second option of a porch cover, since it would be more advantageous for delivering shade and protection from inclement weather.

Archadeck of Central Georgia used beefy columns for the addition to complement the architecture of the existing home. To compensate for the two 2nd story windows just above the addition, we designed an almost flat, shed roof. The roof is built using a modified bitumen rolled roof which we carefully matched to the home’s existing color shingle.  The result is a porch cover that appears to have always been part of the original home.

Warner Robins-Porch-Patio

Patio covers, such as this one, might just be the greatest thing to happen to outdoor living since patio furniture or the advent of the backyard grill! This addition is perfect for porch parties and backyard barbecues. By opting for a roof cover instead of a pergola, this family now can enjoy their patio safe from the elements and impervious to the changing seasons. Like the title says; if you like it then you better put a roof on it…

Stephen Denton Archadeck Augusta square lr
Stephen Denton, owner Archadeck of Central GA.

Contact us to learn more about all the ways we can improve your existing outdoor space, or create a new one from scratch. You can reach us by phone at (478) 745 – 2000 or via email at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net.

 

 

Archadeck of Central GA provides information to make the best interior ceiling choice for your anticipated porch addition

Macon GA screened porch with gable roof
Macon GA screened porch with exposed rafter detail.

Choosing the right ceiling to fit your own individual tastes and in keeping with the look you want to achieve within your porch is an important decision. There are many choices available when it comes to styles and finishes. As a customer of Archadeck of Central GA, we want you to be an informed customer. We want to provide the information to help you make the best decision for your specific needs and wants. In this article, we will explore the various interior porch ceiling options in an effort to educate homeowners providing information to make the best decision.

Your porch ceiling is the perfect spot to add style and flair. There are a many choices, styles, accoutrements, details and materials that can be used to finish your interior ceiling. Each one can be used to convey a feeling and a mood within your porch.

Rustic Shed Roof Screen Porch
Rustic shed roof screened porch by Archadeck of Central GA.

The first decision to make when it comes to an interior porch ceiling is whether you want a vaulted/cathedral or flat ceiling. Flat ceilings are generally standard 8′ or 9′ foot height, the same as that of an interior room in your home. Flat finished ceilings give your porch or screened porch an interior room feel. Flat ceilings are often used to create a more formal space. They can be enhanced by using hardwood finishes to achieve a rustic elegance. From a budgetary perspective, it is less expensive to do a sloped or cathedral ceiling. Installing a flat ceiling under a sloped roof requires more lumber and will add to the cost of your porch.

The height of a vaulted ceiling is dependent on how steep your roof pitch is. For example, vaulting a 20-by-20-foot room can create a vaulted or cathedral ceiling that’s 11 to 12 feet high at its peak. A porch that has a higher ceiling will appear and feel larger than it actually is. Cathedral ceilings give the room a sense of lightness and airiness. They also allow more room to use trim, moldings and architectural detailing.  An elevated ceiling also provides “architectural reveals.” which are effects caused by shadowing lines that can be induced through extra architectural details and lighting.

Beautiful rustic interior shot of open porch in Warner Robins GA
Open porch with dramatic cathedral ceiling in Warner Robins, GA.

If choosing a vaulted or cathedral ceiling, the question arises of whether to choose an exposed rafter or an enclosed rafter design. Enclosed rafters often communicate a more formal look. Certain amenities, such as recessed can lights require the use of closed rafters. The decision to leave the rafter exposed or to enclosed is a personal preference. When enclosing the rafters, the expense comes in when painting everything. There are ways to give the space a finished look without having to paint everything in the process. Exposed rafters are very popular among outdoor structures. This conveys a rustic earthy elegance to the structure and is actually less expensive than choosing to enclose the rafters. When leaving the rafters exposed the size of the rafter itself will greatly impact the look of your space. It is also a consideration as  larger rafters with more girth and presence reflect a  more masculine feel and also leave a bigger cavity within the ceiling itself.

Chippendale pattern on Perry GA deck rail reflects the homeowners Chippendale-backed swing
This lovely porch in Perry, GA feature an open rafter ceiling which is painted white.

Finishing out the interior ceiling is the next step. We are seeing a trend of finishing the space out using the same lumber as the rest of the structure. For an informal look we generally recommend using T-111, which is rough- sawn, grooved plywood. This option cost the same a bead board. Many homeowners like the rustic look of T-111 and choose a clear seal to keep the natural look intact. Bead board is also popular and gives a more formal look and is less expensive than using grooved planks.

Other amenities for porch interiors are only limited to the imagination, and your budget. These include wiring for speakers, ceiling fans, and various lighting elements. Our goal at Archadeck of Central GA is to provide you with a porch built with quality and beauty at the best value.

Archadeck blue ceiling
True blue Southern porch ceiling?

With our location here in GA, we cannot put together a post on interior ceiling finishes for porches and not mention the Southern tradition of painted blue porch ceilings. There are numerous theories as to why this practice started – from fooling spiders and wasps into thinking the ceiling is the sky, to blue being a harbinger of good luck, to the color extending daylight, to scaring away evil spirits and as an effort to discourage birds and bees from building their nests in the ceiling.

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

When considering any outdoor structure project including a new porch addition, you want to make sure you are using an experienced, licensed builder who has the knowledge, integrity and the design expertise to provide you with a porch that has your best interest in mind. Archadeck of Central Georgia has years of experience in perfecting the porch, and other outdoor structures, here in Central GA.  To learn more contact us at (478) 745 – 2000 Email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Please visit our extensive porch galleries, including our open porch, screened porch and front porch galleries located on our website for more examples of ceiling finishes for porches.

Archadeck of Central Georgia reminds homeowners that all they have to do is dream to enter our Dream Backyard Makeover Contest

Archadeck of Central GA Archadeck 2013 Dream Backyard contest

TimberTech deck Hawkinsville GA Archadeck
This TimberTech in Hawkins, GA is part of a stunning outdoor combination that includes a screened porch.

We are so excited to be offering a $70,000 Dream Backyard Makeover. The contest is already under way! In order to win, you must submit a picture of your yard and an overview of what your dream backyard makeover will include. One grand prize winner will receive an outdoor space valued at up to $70,000 co-sponsored by Archadeck,  TimberTech and  Belgard hardscapes. Here are some ideas to consider when deciding what your dream outdoor space will look like.

Color swatch for TimberTech earthwood evolutions
This color swatch from the TImberTech Earthwood Evolutions line details the many color choices from this particular series, which is just one of TimberTech’s product lines.

One great outdoor space combination includes a porch with an attached deck,  paver patio, and an outdoor kitchen. Imagine being able to grill, dine and enjoy the great outdoors any time you like in your own backyard.

If your dream backyard makeover entry includes a porch, you can include a screened porch or an open porch. Screened porches are great because they keep out bugs and keep out some of the water. Open porches have a roof but are open on the sides. This option is especially popular with an elevated porch since you may not need as much insect protection with an elevated porch.

If your dream backyard makeover space includes a deck, remember a deck is not always just a deck. Decks can include bump out spaces designed especially for a grill or smoker. Our custom deck designs can also incorporate built-in bench seating or planters. Your deck will include TimberTech low maintenance timbers.  TimberTech comes in a wide array of colors and pattern options. TimberTech has decking to suit any taste, from streaking and veining that mimics the look of real wood to sophisticated patterning to give your dream deck a custom look. You can even use a combination of hues by adding a picture frame border or other patterning techniques to give your new space drama.

When you visualize your dream hardscape, here are some hardscape elements to consider including. You may want your hardscape patio to include retaining walls, a fire pit, and even an outdoor kitchen. Belgard is the leader among hardscapes. Their huge selection allows you to create a space that is as rustic, or as modern as you like.

Belgard patio and outdoor kitchen combination
This Belgard patio and outdoor kitchen combination is just taste of what the ideal hardscape space could include. Imagine all the possibilities in a space such as this.
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

Archadeck of Central Georgia urges you to dream big for this amazing one of a kind contest. Your idea of what would make the ideal backyard for you may just win you the ultimate outdoor space. To enter the contest, visit the Archadeck of Central Georgia Facebook page and hit “like”. Then click on the large blue button that says “Win a Backyard…” This brings you one step closer to becoming one of our lucky finalists and one step closer to making your backyard dream a reality!

You can learn more about all of our breathtaking outdoor spaces by contacting Archadeck of Central GA. You can also see more examples of outdoor living combinations that deliver maximum function and beauty by visiting our deck galleries, our porch galleries and our outdoor living galleries located on our website.

If insects and pollen are a problem, Archadeck of Central Georgia has you “covered” with an open porch

Macon porch builder Archadeck Central GA
There is nothing quite like the feeling of a covered porch on a summer afternoon.

 

macon-porch
This covered porch in Macon, GA is built at a height that is too difficult for many insects to travel. This means less mosquitoes and other insects when enjoying your covered porch.

There are many reasons why an open porch is a great choice as an outdoor living structure, but with all of its benefits, the open porch has one significant drawback – it does not offer insect protection. The level of insect protection you are seeking on your porch may end up being your deciding factor as to whether to go with an open porch or screened porch. However, if your heart is set on an open porch and your porch will be elevated at the second story level, the height serves as insect protection and that may be enough protection for you.

Companies are coming up with new and existing mosquito curtains to give open porch lovers more options. Mosquito Curtains of Atlanta is fairly new company that our customers seem to really like.  Each curtain is custom-made to your specifications and Mosquito curtains are highly effective in controlling mosquitoes. Another way to discourage insects on your open porch is by installing ceiling fans, the circulation of air that the fans provide prevent the insect the ability to land, and if they cannot land-they cannot bite.

Here in Georgia we are known for our beautiful trees and plants. Unfortunately, those trees and plants produce an inordinate amount of pollen which ends up covering every surface around. Our cars, windows, and yes, outdoor areas are covered with a film of yellowish-green at intervals throughout the spring and summer. Cleaning up the pollen can be a real headache. Open porches are one of the easiest outdoor structures to have when you are dealing with pollen because there are no screens to worry about cleaning and you can just use a leaf blower or hose to clean it off.

The aesthetics of an open porch offer a more formal look to your backyard because of the open columns that are readily used in their design. Architecturally, screen porches look more rustic while open porches look more elegant. Design elements such as bead board ceilings, open rafters and exposed beams look great in open porches. You can also still take advantage of features like recessed canned lighting, ceiling fans and electrical outlets on your covered porch.

milledgeville-porch
This open porch in Milledgeville, GA uses an "open rafter" detail that adds aesthetic appeal.

Whether you choose an open/covered porch or a screened porch, Archadeck of Central Georgia can create a space especially for you and your family that is sure to become your favorite room” in the house”.

Call for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000 email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net 

To see more open porch and covered porch designs visit our porch gallery located on our website.