All posts by admin

Return on investment for outdoor projects

Turn your tax refund into a home investment

May 3, 2014 admin

Each year Archadeck sees a spike in its web site traffic around April 15. This makes perfect sense. First, the weather is warming up and people are stepping into their yards and thinking how great it would be to have a new deck, patio, or porch. But secondly, homeowners are finishing up their tax returns and realizing that they may have some extra money to spend to make their own back yard the perfect space to spend free time relaxing and unwinding. In the past, getting a bonus or refund might have been a good indication that it was time for a family vacation. But, since the recession, homeowners are smarter and opt to create a great “staycation” environment in their own backyards.

Dreaming of a new wood deck isn’t just an idle fancy; it’s a smart investment too. Decks are one of the few home improvement projects that add real value to a property, in addition to making it a more enjoyable place to live and play. Regional data on home improvement project “cost vs value” show that the addition of a wood deck offers one of the best returns on investment on a home upgrade. You’ll have the benefit of using the deck as long as you stay in your house and feel good about having invested in the value of your home.

great return on investment for Central GA deck

In addition to adding value to your home in the short and long term, adding a deck makes a home more sellable. What could be more southern than having a deck with a couple rocking chairs and some sweet tea or lemonade? A beautiful deck has curb appeal that translates into less time on the market and a higher selling price.

If you have an existing deck that has seen better days, Archadeck can often help resurface it. Sometimes the deck only needs minor enhancements to bring it up to code and to make it look fresh and new. It will increase your enjoyment of the yard and will increase the salability of your property at a fraction of the cost of putting in a new deck.

Give Archadeck a call to discuss the dreams you have for your home and yard. Our free consultation will give you the facts, ideas and inspiration that will help you turn your tax refund check into a home investment you can relax on all summer long.

Call: (478) 745 – 2000
email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net
or visit our Archadeck of Central GA website

Railings

Railings Provide Safety, Elegance, Lighting and More To Any Deck Design

April 21, 2014 admin

When designing your outdoor deck and stairs, many homeowners think the railings need to be made with the same material as the deck. In fact, you have much greater flexibility. You can mix-and-match materials to create your own style.

There are a number of material options for railings based on cost, maintenance, and future additions. Materials range from the lesser expensive pressure-treated wood all the way up to the clean, modern look of low maintenance dark aluminum. Railing end caps may also include lighting for both safety and ambiance. The end caps can be flat, pyramid, or hidden, adding decoration to the end of the railings.

Many Central Georgia homeowners like the look of wood and choose it often. Pressure-treated wood can be painted any color, with white being the favorite color or simply left natural.

It is also common for homeowners to choose to mix and match other materials with wood. You may want a wood railing but with a composite rail cap to reduce maintenance and tie your railing into your deck.

Choosing a composite railing system allows you to match your composite deck in both texture and color. A composite railing system is more expensive than wood. However, the durability and minimum maintenance of composites save you money in future maintenance and save you time and energy in annual maintenance.

Another frequently considered railing option is aluminum. Aluminum railing systems have a strong, clean feel. Aluminum is durable, does not rust and has the lowest maintenance cost of all the railing materials. Aluminum railing is easily made decorative using metal baskets or baroque balusters.

If you want a decorative railing but don’t want the initial expense of all-aluminum, consider a wood or composite railing with baroque aluminum balusters. Mixing and matching wood or composite railings with dark aluminum baroque balusters makes a very decorative and stylish railing.

A less used material for a railing system is wrought iron. Wrought iron railing systems have a classic southern charm but homeowners do not choose them often. Iron rusts and maintenance is always a consideration. Wrought iron must be painted at the work site. A painted wrought iron railing system will last only a few years before having to be touched-up or painted again. The maintenance can be expensive and labor intensive.

With so many options, it can be difficult to choose a railing system. We want homeowners to be informed and receive the look and style they want in their rail system. We also want you to understand the cost of maintenance in the components you select. Archadeck of Central Georgia is experienced in helping homeowners choose the railing materials right for them. Homeowners choosing to combine materials find our experience especially helpful. Attractive railings designed to accent your deck will make it one that stands out from the others.

Central GA paver patios

Are Pavers a Good Material for Patios in Central GA?

April 3, 2014 admin

Are you considering an outdoor space this summer? Perhaps, you have one and want to add to it? If so, you will want to consider making that space work with your home. You don’t need to match the material with which your home is made. Perhaps you want a complimentary look to highlight both your home and your new outdoor space.

Patio Materials:

There are several material options available for creating a patio. In the past, concrete was one of the few options available. It was chosen for its durability and low cost. Homeowners are finding out that pavers and modular components used with pavers can provide many more features than concrete. Pavers have a lower cost of maintenance over time and add flexibility in extending patios or adding modular components to them like fireplaces.

When considering making any addition to your home, it’s important to think about the life span of the addition and also the short-term and long term maintenance. With patios, no matter how well the ground is prepared initially for pavers or concrete, further settling can sometimes result. Unlike concrete, pavers can be reused after the ground is prepared. Pavers can be removed individually and the ground can be leveled and compacted again. Once completed, the same pavers are placed again in the prepared area. Pavers that crack can be replaced individually, thereby reducing cost.

When concrete settles, it will crack depending on the amount of settling. The ground can’t be repaired under concrete unless the concrete is removed. When replaced, the new concrete will likely not look exactly like the existing concrete in the surrounding area.

If settling drainage is an issue with pavers, the ability to remove and fix ground issues is another advantage. When concrete has a drainage issue, it must be lived with or the concrete must be completely replaced in order to correct the issue.

In addition to considering long range issues with your new space, you also want to consider unavoidable construction disruption to your yard. If you choose concrete, concrete trucks are heavy and need to get right next to the work area to pour. Tire ruts can be created in lawns and at the work site. If the work site is away from a paved road or driveway, it may need to be pumped by a second truck to the work area (behind the house, on an inaccessible side of the yard, etc.) which can double the expense of the concrete. Likewise, if you choose pavers, trucks will need to deliver gravel and sand. The farther away from the work area these materials are dumped the more “wheelbarrow” labor you will incur. These are all considerations when planning to build.

Occasionally, homeowners who like the look of stone pavers will use stamped concrete to emulate a stone pattern or a paver pattern. While this does provide a cost advantage, it’s not always possible for a faux technique to look exactly like what it’s trying to emulate. In simpler terms, the only thing that will look exactly like a stone patio or a paver patio is a stone patio or paver patio.

The Size and Areas of Your Patio:

If the site where you want your patio is not level, you may think you are limited to a small area. If the site is too small, you may feel you may not get the function you are looking for in creating you outdoor area. That doesn’t have to be true, especially with pavers.

Designing a patio with different levels may add to the function of your outdoor space in ways you haven’t imagined. Creating a casual seating space for conversation and relaxation on one level and an eating area on another is just one example. Hardscapes can now serve several functions, similar to the different rooms in our homes.

In a multi-level space, again pavers shine. Being smaller and using pavers with various purposes, the color and design of a flat or multi-level patio will look artfully designed. Steps, walls, sitting walls, modular components like fireplaces, etc. will all have the same look and texture.

What are your choices if you want to build only one level of your outdoor space today? What choices do you have if you choose to expand an existing flat patio later? Pavers are a good choice in both situations. Pavers can be matched years later so that the color and texture are the same. When it comes to recognizing that it’s an addition, no one will be the wiser.

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.

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

Pool decks and patios

For your Macon and Warner Robins area pool deck, what material should you use? Wood? Ipe? Composite? Pavers?

March 28, 2014 admin

Are you looking at adding a pool to your Macon Warner Robins area home this summer? Or, do you have an existing pool and you’re thinking of updating the surround? There are several choices available when it comes to pool surrounds and these have varying prices, pros and cons. Here are a couple of the top options available.

Wood
Concrete
Pavers

Wood

If you have an above-ground pool or a pool where the grade differs significantly from one end of the pool to the other, then your only viable option is a wood deck. That being said, there are many different wood deck options for pools. These can be as simple as a surround for walking or can include attached structures such as a deck, pergola, or even pool-specific structures. Pool-specific structures can include an enclosed area for pool equipment, a changing area, or even an outdoor shower.

: Ipe Brazilian hardwood pool deck in Warner Robins

If you’re wondering whether it’s wide to use wood in a wet environment, it’s a great material for a wet environment. We all remember the pool decks of our childhood. But while those old wooden decks held the constant risk of splinters and other signs of aging wood, today’s wood decks are built using treated wood that better seals the wood to keep it from splintering. In addition to pressure-treated wood, exotic wood such as Ipe Brazilian hardwood makes for a great decking material as you see in the picture to the left. Ipe is a very dense exotic hardwood. It’s so dense that screw holes need to be pre-drilled. The upside is that Ipe lasts anywhere from 40 to 100 years). The more dense material makes it even more impervious to signs of wood aging such as cupping, warping, cracking, and splitting.

Synthetic, composite, and PVC for pool surrounds

Whether you have an above-ground pool or an in-ground pool, synthetic materials are a great choice for your pool deck and adjoining pool structures. Both composite and PVC fall in the category of synthetics. This decking can be warrantied for 25 years or longer thus giving you the ultimate peace of mind. Not only are they low maintenance (not requiring annual painting or staining) but they also have strong warranties on their performance characteristics. These warranties protect against things like blistering, peeling, flaking, cracking, splitting, cupping, rotting and more.

If you have an in-ground pool or a pool that is very low to the ground, you can still use composites such as TimberTech, Fiberon or AZEK. Fiberon and TimberTech composites only require 6 inches of space below for ventilation and airflow. AZEK’s PVC board is only required to not be touching the ground.

Concrete

is a very viable solution but will create a greater need for maintenance more quickly than other materials.” to “It is a very viable solution, but concrete coatings will create a greater need for maintenance quicker than other materials. See our blog at https://maconwarnerrobinsdecksandpatios.com/archives/2544 for details.

Paver patio

“We will be talking more about paver patios in our story for next week. Paver patios are a great option for a pool surround. They look great. They’re low maintenance. When properly installed, paver structures can last centuries even around a pool. Don’t believe me? Take a trip to Venice Italy? Look for next week’s story for more details on pavers patios verses concrete patios.”

Call: (478) 745 – 2000
Email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net
Visit the pool deck photo gallery on our website for more great design ideas and inspiration

Deck engineer and construction

What you need to know about inspecting your Central GA area deck

March 16, 2014 admin

A few months ago, a deck collapsed in New Albany IN. It was a terrifying incident and 24 people were badly injured. Fortunately, or unfortunately, it was all caught on tape. A family was gathering outside on a commercial deck for a family picture when the deck fell out from under them. Take a look at this terrifying video.

Last year we wrote a blog about deck safety. In our opinion, there are no deck accidents. There may be accidents waiting to happen due to shoddy construction. But, with solid construction from a licensed and professional builder, you can be ensured that the deck will not fail outside of Acts of God. At Archadeck of Central GA, we are part of a national franchise corporation that sets strict engineering requirements that meet or exceed all local code. We are a licensed builder. We always pull permits for our work and all of our work is inspected fully by local inspectors. We even offer 2 warranties because we are certain that you are getting the highest quality workmanship available. (Read more about our Archadeck of Central GA warranties here)

What if you already have a deck that was either built many years ago or even one that came with your house? There are 4 things to check to see if it’s time for a deck safety inspection.

If you stand on the deck, can you make the deck move side-to-side?
If you stand on the stairs, can you make the stairs move from side-to-side or do the stairs depress when stepping on them?
When you look under the deck, can you see fasteners or just nails? If you see just nails, call us right away!
Take a look at the deck footings. Are the deck supports just standing on top of concrete blocks not buried below grade?”

Even better, ask a knowledgeable licensed deck contractor to come out and inspect your deck. At Archadeck of Central GA, we’re happy to come out and look at your deck to see how many years it has left on it. If it’s in great shape and has many years on it, we’ll tell you that. If your deck is in need of repair or is a severe safety hazard, we will tell you that also.

Take a look at the TV interview we did last year about deck safety.

Give us a ring to schedule your free deck safety inspection.

(478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net
http://central-georgia.archadeck.com

Deck engineer and construction

Do you have that structural pillar that keeps the roof up but brings you down?

February 24, 2014 admin

Fort Valley GA-deck-steel beam Sometimes we look at particular architectural features of a space and wonder just what the designer/architect/builder was thinking. If you’ve ever had a great space with a structural beam stuck right smack dab in the middle of it, you know what we’re talking about. When these Fort Valley GA homeowners originally called us, they had an existing elevated second-story deck. The space under a deck over 8 feet off the ground can potentially become a covered patio. But in their case, their existing structure had a large column standing in the middle of the space. In addition, their deck which was made of pressure-treated wood was in really bad shape.

Archadeck deck beam construction Central GA We were able to come up with a design plan that utilized the existing structure and accomplished all of their goals. The existing deck was 24′ wide which is why it needed more structural support than standard corner posts could provide. This can be accomplished in one of two ways. The first option is a center support column. This was the direction their builder originally took causing there to be an eyesore in the middle of their patio below. But, the innovative engineering option that Archadeck of Central GA designed had a long steel beam under the deck portion. Archadeck is part of a national franchise organization and employs an engineering/design team that is second to none. Our engineers created a solution utilizing a steel beam to support the wide deck.

In addition to the deck being wide, these homeowners also wanted AZEK on their new deck. We were able to resurface the existing structural components with their choice of AZEK PVC. The steel beam support was also engineered to support the increased weight of the new synthetic decking material which is a good bit heavier than pressure-treated wood.

Fiberon-Fort Valley-GA railing-lighting The next challenge was aesthetics. The deck resurfacing with AZEK was stunning. But, from below, we didn’t want the steel support beam to be an eyesore. To accomplish this, we wrapped all the beams in low maintenance PVC. This included white PVC on the posts/columns and the trim board. The white color created a beautiful contrast to the dark decking material and dark colored railing spindles. The homeowners had done their research and knew that they wanted a lighting package that would encompass lights both on the posts and integrated into the rail caps. The picture to the right shows the Fiberon lighting package and railing we used on this Fort Valley deck.

One of the things you’ll notice through reading this blog is that our proposed solution is not the one that’s designed to cost the most money. While we could have recommended demolishing this deck and starting from scratch, we were able to re-engineer the fully functional existing structural parts. Our goal is to create the best solution for you, your family, and for how you want to live.

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA 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.

Call: (478) 745 – 2000
Email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net
Visit the composite and PVC deck picture and photo gallery on our website for more great design ideas and inspiration

Paver patios & hardscapes, Poolside outdoor spaces, Professional outdoor structure builder

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

February 13, 2014 admin

macon-above ground pool-deck Warmer 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.

Forsyth-pool-deck lr

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-deck These 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 robins Here 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 lr If 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

Professional outdoor structure builder, Sunrooms and outdoor rooms

A happy ending for these homeowners in Warner Robins, GA thanks to our low-maintenance aluminum sunrooms!

February 3, 2014 admin

: Interior of aluminum sunroom in Warner Robins, GA.

This story doesn’t begin so happily. These Warner Robins, GA homeowners have a home that was originally built with aluminum screened porch, which is very common. Since the homeowners really desired more of a protected closed-in space than the screened porch provided, they hired an independent contractor to enclose the space. The kind of room the homeowner had in mind would include a ceiling fan. It would also keep out wind, insects and wildlife and still allow the same functionality of a screened porch. The room would also enable them to close it up during the winter.

: The sunroom before we began demolition. Notice the rot around the seals.

The independent contractor that the homeowners hired to build the room didn’t have a contractor’s license, nor did the contractor obtain a permit to complete the project. The end result left the homeowners with a space that wasn’t constructed properly including not using the appropriate pressure-treated material and the lack of a proper vapor barrier. Panes of glass were also used instead of real windows in some areas. The structure rotted away and the quality of the workmanship was inferior, the room began to fall apart at the seams in less than a year. The homeowners tried to contact the contractor that had built the room, but unfortunately found themselves at a dead end as the phone number he provided no longer worked and he was nowhere to be found.

: Proposed design rendering for new aluminum sunroom in Warner Robins.

The homeowner decided to have the space re-done, and have a legitimate company do the work and that’s when they contact us. After the initial consultation to go over their individual needs and concerns for the space, we came up with two proposed ways to build the sunroom for them. One way was rebuilding the room with the proper wooden and pressure-treated materials and the other rebuilding it out of aluminum. The aluminum was very attractive and meant the homeowner would never need to paint the space. Since the room also entailed a lot of glass, the aluminum made more sense economically and from a functional perspective.

: Newly completed aluminum sunroom.

We began by providing a design rendering that showed what the project would look like once completed. The sunroom is built with aluminum framing and aluminum windows that slide left to right for added ease and functionality. The minimal space that is left over we filled with aluminum wall panels, also referred to as rigid insulation, with aluminum sheets on both sides. The progression of the project flowed quickly and easily. The project timeline consisted of framing the structure, framing out the windows, ordering the windows and awaiting their arrival. In order to maximize the amount of glass present in the space we opted to order custom windows. In total the project included one day of demolition of the previous space, one day to frame, and one day to install the windows. The end result is a seamless, quality-built structure that ran smoothly and encompasses everything the homeowner wanted.

: Another look at the finished interior of the new sunroom.

We receive a lot of requests for aluminum sunrooms here in the Central Georgia area but we choose to only install the aluminum wall portion as you see in this picture. This is because we have found too many problems with pre-fabricated aluminum roofs and choose not to include these.

Aluminum is a great material as it takes less time to build with, which means you will begin enjoying the benefits associated with your addition sooner. These outdoor rooms allow you to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors without the undesirable insects, dangerous UV rays and inclement weather.

The moral of this story is to make sure you hire a licensed professional when embarking on any outdoor room or outdoor structure project. At Archadeck of Central GA, we are the company that provides you with top notch craftsmanship and quality. We want happy, satisfied lifetime customers. Each of our projects is built to Archadeck’s stringent quality control standards to ensure it is everything you ever imagined it could be, and more!

: Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA.

If you would like to learn more about these versatile, low- maintenance aluminum outdoor rooms contact Archadeck of Central GA today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

You can see more of our quality outdoor room designs by visiting our sunroom photo gallery and our 3 and 4-season photo gallery located on our website.

Outdoor rooms builder/contractor, Porch builder/contractor, Porches, Screened porches

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

January 31, 2014 admin

: 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 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.

: 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.

: 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.

: 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

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 GA, Outdoor rooms builder/contractor, Porch builder/contractor, Porches

Archadeck of Central Georgia builds an open porch in Warner Robins GA that opens up a world of outdoor living possibilities for these homeowners

January 7, 2014 admin

: Here is a peek at this lovely poolside open porch addition in Warner Robins!

Take a look at our recently completed project in Warner Robins GA. Our assignment was to come up with a roofed outdoor design to convert a patio into a covered patio/open porch. The homeowners had a raised concrete patio with brick skirting. The homeowners shared their need for relief from the hot sun that constantly beat down on the patio. They wanted a refuge from the heat and a place to cool off and relax after a swim in their backyard pool which is a few short steps away. They wanted a shaded area on the patio so they could utilize the space for what it was meant for.

: Overcoming the obstacle of the home’s interior cathedral ceiling made for a stunning finished porch interior– breathtaking!

Several other builders looked at the project and each informed the homeowner that the design they had in mind just wasn’t possible. The biggest issue was the way the design and structure would attach to the back of the house. The home’s interior had a 2-story cathedral ceiling so there were no floor joists to connect to. In order to accommodate their desire for a covered porch space, we had to design a dual roof tie-in to make the structure fit. We used a combination shed and gable roof. We had to do some really unique things to make the structure sound. These included adding collar ties and using some innovative corner posts to support the roof. We then shared the drawings with the local inspector to have the design blessed before we began. We also contacted the county to make sure the footings were inspected properly. Many contractors would not have gone the extra mile to ensure approval of the design. Archadeck of Central GA always takes extra measures to ensure our projects will be approved by inspectors when we’re finished.

The guttering feeds down into two rain barrels enabling the homeowners to use the water collected for other purposes within the landscape — the new addition is built with an eye on recycling natural resources with less of an impact on the environment!

: Before

: After.

The project integrates the wrought iron railing and large columns that were already part of the existing patio. The completed structure is very large and quite dramatic. It adds loads of beauty and appeal to the home, the pool and the landscape. These Warner Robins homeowners are elated with their new outdoor oasis and cannot wait to test it out once the hot Georgia afternoon sun reaches its fevered pitch. The new covered patio/porch has opened up a host of outdoor living possibilities.

: Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

If you have an outdoor oasis in mind for your backyard and have been told the design you have in mind is not possible, contact Archadeck of Central Georgia. Our innovative backyard living designs go the extra mile in terms of beauty, enjoyment and possibilities. (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Please visit our porches photo gallery and our patio and hardscapes photo gallery located on our website for more unique examples of our unique outdoor room designs.

Macon Warner Robins Decks, Patios, Porches, Pergolas, Gazebos and more