Category Archives: Dock Builder

Composite, Dock Builder, TimberTech composite decks

Our dock addition in Lake Wildwood makes lakefront living even sweeter

Waterfront living is something many Central GA residents only dream about. Whether it is a permanent home on the water, or a second home used for weekends and getaways, owning waterfront property is overflowing with benefits.  Having a dock or pier that allow extended enjoyment of these benefits makes it even sweeter.

Dock-Macon GA-Lake Wildwood

One of our most recent dock projects is located on Lake Wildwood in Macon. The neighborhood features an 186-acre lake, with easy access to swimming, boating and fishing. The lake is also stocked with bass and bream.  Since most of the homes within Lake Wildwood are built around the lake itself, having access to all the lake has to offer is key to enhancing the area’s enjoyment.

Dock Construction-Macon GA

The project consisted of building a new dock with access for parking the clients’ pontoon boat and installing cleats to tie the boat with a bumper all the way around.  It is typical for this neighborhood to lower the water level on the lake every 3-4 years. This allows residents a chance to repair or refurbish their docks as it only possible to work on the foundations of the docks when the water is down.  Archadeck of Central GA scheduled this project while the homeowners were out of town and able to get the project completed before the water level rose back up. As is the case with any dock project we do, it is crucial we have access to the footings. We do not have a way to drive new pylons.

LakeWildwood-Dock-Macon GA 2

The dock is built with TimberTech Terrain decking in brown oak. There are many advantages of using a low-maintenance material, such as TimberTech, for a dock addition.  These include durable decking for high-traffic areas, resistance to mold and mildew growth and moisture damage. This decking is also texturized to retain the look of natural wood, the texture also aids in slip resistance.

The clients are elated with their new dock! They especially love the custom built-in benches.  These were designed in a way to not obstruct the view but serve as an added safety measure to keep the children from falling off the end — not to mention a great seat for casting a line!

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

If you are interested in enhancing the ambiance and function of your lakefront or lakeside home, call us for a free consultation: (478) 745 – 2000  or email us at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net.

 

 

 

Deck engineer and construction, Decks, Dock Builder

You really won’t believe the transformation of this Macon GA deck

Voila!

Macon deck before and after

Although this picture is worth a thousand words, it’s fitting to tell the story anyway because it isn’t exactly what it seems. Looking at the old deck, you would think we demolished the entire deck, heaved it in the dumpster and quickly  started building the new deck. But, that’s not exactly how this story goes.

The original deck was at the home of a fellow contractor’s parents. The deck was in such bad shape that nobody would even walk on it which also presented problems in getting out to the back yard. The contractor wanted us to build a new deck for his parents.

At Archadeck, we treat our clients like they are our family members and one thing we feel strongly about is utilizing still functional parts of the decks substructure. Often the substructure is in good enough shape to utilize as the substructure on the new deck. In this case, the deck, stairs and posts could not be used. But, the joists were in suitable shape to be used. We utilized those joists and added some additional joists to get the deck up to code.

Making the old deck new again

redeck Macon GA

We added new posts, a new beam, added new decking, a new railing, a new set of steps in a better position and a new landing for the steps. Utilizing the old joists saved the client over $1,000 which he appreciated immensely especially since the deck was for his parents.

Stephen Denton Archadeck Augusta square lrIf you have an older deck that you want to bring back to life, give us a call and have us take a look at it. There are a number of techniques we can utilize to either reface, or in this case rebuild, your existing deck. When we enhance or reface an existing deck, we are not just limited to the existing size and shape. We often make changes adding only the necessary additional substructure to increase the size or make other desired enhancements. Give us a ring at (478) 745 – 2000. You might also want to take a look at the decks photo gallery on our Archadeck of Central GA website.

Dock Builder, Lakehouse decks, Screened porches

These Macon residents are lovin’ their Lake Sinclair outdoor living space additions

Lake Sinclair lakehouse deck and screened porch
This Lake Sinclair has become even more treasured by these Macon, GA residents since Archadeck of Central GA added a new screened porch and lakeside deck.

Many times, when you have a summer home, cabin, or lake house; the majority of the time you spend there is focused on the outdoors. The beauty and tranquility of the outdoors is what draws homeowners to owning this type of residence. That is exactly the case with the lakehouse on Lake Sinclair these Macon, GA residents own. The lakehouse is the family’s escape from work, schedules and obligations. It serves as a relaxing getaway spot from the fast pace of the everyday and a great location to spend quality time with their family.

The homeowner’s called Archadeck of Central Georgia to have us extend the outdoor living space at their Lake Sinclair lakehouse. The sun had become brutal on their lakeside enjoyment and nuisance insects like mosquitoes which were eating them alive.  Their existing space included a deck that was in bad shape and needed to be torn down to start afresh. This situation was remedied with a new screened porch addition along with a new deck addition.

Screened porch on Lake Sinclair by Archadeck of Central GA
The new screen porch provides a protected space free of insects and the hot summer sun.

The deck and porch are really large compared to the cabin style house. The lakehouse is small because this Macon family spends most of their time outside while there. We designed the screened porch to overlook the homeowner’s existing dock which provides a panoramic view of serene Lake Sinclair. The screened porch provides a protected outdoor space where the family can enjoy the benefits of the outdoors without the hot sun and pesky insects. The new deck was built using low-maintenance composite which will look and function like new for years to come.

The gable roof design on the elevated screen porch ties it into the existing home and looks original to the space. The gable also allows for a higher pitch that gives the airy feel of being outside on a porch rather than inside an enclosed area. The new deck adds extended space for grilling and outdoor living and is connected to the screened porch for ease of access in case the mosquitoes make an appearance.

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

This Macon, GA family couldn’t be more elated with their new lakehouse deck and screened porch combination.

To learn more about taking advantage of your property’s special features like a lakefront view or special backyard garden within your outdoor space, contact Archadeck of Central GA today. We can design a deck, porch or patio that is a pleasure to use from every angle at your primary residence, summer home or weekend getaway home.
Call us for a free consultation today(478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

See more examples of summer and weekend home outdoor living space additions by visiting our decks photo gallery and our screened porches photo gallery located on our website.

 

 

Dock Builder, Gazebos, Poolside outdoor spaces

A picturesque poolside gazebo and bridge in Monroe County, GA that provides 360 degrees of enjoyment

The project you see below is a project we built in Monroe County, right outside of Forsyth, GA. It consists of a custom-built gazebo and a backyard bridge to add storybook charm to this homeowner’s backyard.

Macon GA gazebo
The backyard bridge serves as the perfect transition from the pool apron into this stunning gazebo in Monroe County, GA.
Gazebo at the end of a dock in Forsyth GA
Gazebos offer an uncompromised view of water features, and landscapes.

The intended goal these Monroe County homeowners wanted to achieve was two-fold. The owner’s pool sits perpendicular in their back yard carving a long path to the free standing gazebo that sits at the very end. The bridge, gazebo and surrounding landscape paint a picturesque scene from all angles of the backyard.

The gazebo was built with pressure-treated wood framing and includes brick skirting and brick around the columns that matches the brick on the home. The pressure treated railing has a large Chippendale pattern design for added interest. The homeowners wanted a decorative cut on the end of the rafters so we used an Ogee pattern cut. On the exterior we used a solid white sealer instead of painting. We used Cabot’s solid white sealer which will not require further maintenance for 5-7 years since the surface is vertical. We recommend using a stain or sealer as opposed to painting on pressure treated wood for optimum results.

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

If you are looking for a way to enhance an existing spot in your landscape, or enhance the view along a creek or pond, a gazebo is the perfect answer. They deliver a 360 degree view of the area around them and provide a protected spot for gathering. Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to learn more about our gazebo and pergola designs. We can transform your backyard with a unique or traditional space, the results will be timeless. Call for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

See more charming gazebos by visiting our gazebo photo gallery located on our website. You can also see more examples of other shade structure options by visiting our pergola and trellis gallery also located on our website.

Deck builder, Dock Builder, Ipe decks and outdoor structures

Bring home an exotic beauty right here in Central Georgia with an outdoor structure built from stunning Ipe Brazilian hardwoods

Central Georgia Ipe Decks
This deck in Forsyth, GA was built using Ipe and features an elegant black metal custom rail.

Out of all the materials available nowadays to use in building your outdoor structure, Ipe is among the strongest and most beautiful. Ipe comes from South America and is classified as an exotic hardwood. Ipe’s, rich, dark tone varies from board to board giving it an exotic look. The real advantage to using Ipe is its density and strength which make it a solid material to use on decks, porches and other outdoor structures.

Ipe is dense enough that it sinks in water. Its density requires that it be pre-drilled in order to be fastened. When fastening an Ipe deck we use stainless steel screws called head coat screws, which are brown to blend seamlessly with the decking itself. The ends of the Ipe boards need to be treated when they are cut during installation to avoid cracking. If you are dealing with a contractor that is not familiar with working with ipe then you usually end up with split ends from not treating the ends of the boards. Ipe is so dense that it doesn’t absorb much water which results in a lack of the normal expansion and contraction that are seen with other wooden decks.

Ipe pool deck in Macon GA by Archadeck of Central GA
See the beautiful rich dark shades in an Ipe deck.

Ipe is real wood, so it does require maintenance. It ages at about 1/10th the rate a normal pressure-treated wood deck does. But since it is wood, it can absorb enough moisture to cause cupping, splitting and warping over a long period of time. In order to maintain the beauty and life of your Ipe outdoor structure, we recommend applying an oil or sealer twice during the first year of installation and repeat this on an annual basis to maintain the deep, rich color. If you do skip a few years, you can pressure wash it and apply sealer which will cause it to revert back to its original color. The cost on an Ipe outdoor structure project is comparable to composite, PVC and synthetic materials.

ipe-deck-warner robins GA by Archadeck of Central GA
Ipe pool deck in Warner Robins GA

You may have noticed Ipe wood used at commercial venues. It was used by some of the Walt Disney Parks as the primary material for many of their bridges and boardwalk constructions. It is also used at the New Jersey boardwalk. Ipe also works great on docks and outdoor structures in close proximity to water features such as pools and spas for its resiliency near water. Because of the life span, strength, and durability of Ipe, it’s a great choice for commercial as well as residential applications.

When we use Ipe on a deck railing, we will often use pressure-treated wood rails with Ipe caps. The combination works very well when the pressure-treated wood is stained with Cabot’s Jarrah brown stain that perfectly mimic the look of Ipe. On the Ipe itself we use natural Australian timber oil to keep it in tip-top shape from the beginning.

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

If you are ready to transform your backyard space by adding the tropical beauty of Ipe Brazilian hardwoods, contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to assist you in your outdoor structure choice that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Call for a free consultation:  (478) 745 – 2000 Email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

See more beautiful hardwood decks, including Ipe decks by visiting our wooden deck gallery located on our website.

Dock Builder, Gazebos

What is involved in building a dock at my lakeside Central GA home?

Dock on Houston Lake in Warrner Robins, GA by Archadeck of Central GA
This custom dock on Lake Houston, features a heavenly descending staircase from the backyard onto the dock.

Here in Central Georgia we are fortunate enough to have some of the most beautiful natural settings in the south. Adding to that beauty is the large number of Lakes we have access to in the area. Several lake communities call Central GA home including Eagle Springs Lake, Lake Oconee, Lake Sinclair, Lake Houston and Lake Tobesofkee. Many residents opt to make one of the lakes their home, whether as a primary residence or a weekend home. We have been commissioned to build several docks at lake-home communities here in Central GA.

Perry, GA Dock built by Archadeck of Central GA
The dock we built in Perry, GA features a unique octagonal shape for optimum views of the lake.

Right now Archadeck of Central GA is building a dock for some Eagle Springs residents in Warner Robins, GA.  By building a number of docks in the area we are familiar with the codes and requirements for constructing a dock in Georgia. The most important aspect of building a dock is the fact that in order to properly set the posts the water level of the lake needs to be down. This fluctuates with the varying amounts of rainfall. Since most lakes in the area are governed by Georgia Power, the amount of water that passes through the dam needed for the generation of electricity also influences the water levels. During certain times the water levels may be lowered when drawdowns are scheduled for maintenance of the dams and government mandated flow limits. You can find out the lake levels for those governed by GP by visiting http://lakes.southernco.com/. We also monitor the lake levels so that we can find an opportune time to begin construction on your dock, and schedule your project accordingly.

Waterside porch
A unique take on the typical waterside porch and dock, by Archadeck.

When homeowners decide they want a dock we try to work the construction around fluctuating lake levels, this is important in order to properly set the footings on a new dock. We typically use pressure treated framing materials and posts to build the dock, but you can use a composite material or Ipe as well. PVC is the composite we would recommend if considering using one because it withstands exposure to the water really well. Pressure treated wood will take a beating with the constant exposure to water and will need to be treated annually. Ipe is beautiful but is prone to cup, warp and split even though it ages 10 times slower than pressure treated pine. Inevitably in 10 years the Ipe will look the same as pressure treated does after one year. If you use wood in this close proximity to the water, it will require maintenance more frequently than a normal deck or porch would. When we build a dock we often build stairs descending down to the dock and we also make sure your dock is set at the right point off the water.

Dock and Gazebo in Fortsyth, GA
This dock in Forsyth, GA includes a gazebo, which gives the dock elegance along with a functional shade structure to cast a line on those hot GA days.

If time is of the essence and the lake levels are not where they need to be to ensure proper post installation you may choose to build a floating dock. These are constructed atop plastic pontoons which float on the water’s surface and are always at the same height. This would also make an easy project that you could enjoy while awaiting proper water levels to build a full-on dock. No matter what type of dock you choose to build, lakes that are controlled by Georgia Power have code requirements for building docks, boathouses, or any structure that is built on the lake itself. It is important to know what your county or individual governing body allows. If you know that GA power governs the lake you are on, you can consult your Shoreline Management Guidelines provided by Georgia Power Lakes to view the rules and regulations that could affect your dock construction. All docks require a permit, and we take care of that for you as part of your building package.

If you have a lakefront or lakeside home that would benefit from a dock , contact Archadeck of Central Georgia. We can plan, design, build and schedule your dock in accordance with water level shifts and give you a dock that is sound, and beautiful. What better way to enjoy living by one of Georgia’s most relaxing and beautiful assets. We can make everyday like a vacation for you and your family with a dock.

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

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