Category Archives: TimberTech composite decks

Archadeck Revisits Customers in Macon’s Stone Edge Subdivision

What does comprehensive service look like to you? At Archadeck of Central Georgia, we are deeply invested in the long-lasting happiness of our neighbors, and that’s why we often have repeat customers! This was exactly what happened when this customer approached us about redecking a deck we built for them back in the ’90s. Unfortunately, outdoor structures won’t last forever. Indeed, given long enough, even stone will degrade over time. However, age doesn’t necessarily spell the end for your deck. Archadeck is an industry expert in assessing older outdoor living structures and proceeding with necessary repairs and replacements. For example, deck surfaces will often degrade more quickly than their support structure, which means an outright deck replacement might not be necessary! Such a scenario was a reality for this customer. Let’s dig into the exciting refurbishment we delivered to them.

Macon GA Redecking

What does the Macon GA redecking process look like?

Aging, but well built, decks have been known to sustain their structural integrity despite the appearance of their flooring. Archadeck, a national expert in decking, has a long track record of installing additions with robust structural integrity, as this customer can attest to. So, what is redecking? This process involves removing the boards of your old deck, installing new decking, and making other adjustments if necessary. This process is more economical than installing a brand new deck, and modern materials ensure a dramatic increase in your deck’s longevity.

This deck was originally made of wood only. Wood was still an option for this Archadeck of Central GA return customer, but modern materials like TimberTech, a composite imitation wood, are far better at resisting damage from the elements, and they also maintain their appearance for substantially longer. As a replacement for their deck surface, this customer decided to go with TimberTech Pro Reserve Decking in the color Antique Leather. Even if you look closely, it’s incredibly hard to tell that this innovative material isn’t real wood!

TimberTech Pro Reserve Decking in the color Antique Leather

In combination with the TimberTech boards used for the deck’s flooring, we used pressure-treated wood to construct much of the stairs and replacement railing found on this project. This pairing of synthetic and genuine wood creates a gorgeous mesh of colors and further enhances the deck’s aesthetics. To improve the longevity of the rails, we added a composite cap to help defend the underlying wood from water and elemental exposure.

Macon GA deck builder

Your Macon GA deck builder cares about the fine details, that’s why we also resurfaced this customer’s small potting shelf off to the right of their deck. We are dedicated to ensuring you have the best outdoor living experience possible, and it’s our excellent service that keeps our customers coming back for more – even 20 years later!

You can learn more about redecking and our low-maintenance decking materials by visiting our website. You can also contact us to see if redecking is an option for you!

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

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.

 

 

 

A deck that could have belonged to southern rock royalty

Juliette-TimberTech deck stone skirtingFamilies grow and change over time.  The good news is that your outdoor living spaces can do the same.  We recently had the opportunity to do a makeover on a multi-level deck which we originally built in 1992.  We remembered working on this home because it was previously owned by the Allman Brothers.  The framing was still in good shape, but the floor and railings had weathered over the last 22 years and the needs of the family had changed so we came over to consult on an upgrade/makeover.

The original deck had several levels that stylishly connected the home to the swimming pool.  The kids were young the first go-around and getting them to and from the pool and having a good view of the water were the top design concerns at the time.  This year the clients wanted to create a more relaxed, living room-type space looking out at the pool and surrounding woods.  The house has log cabin construction that fits very naturally with the lot and we aimed to keep the refurbished deck consistent with that look.  To that end, we will stain the wood areas to match the home.

Juliet GA composite TimberTech deckWe built the lowest level up to match the height of the largest existing section.  This allows for plenty of space for eating and entertaining.  There are now two eating areas with great flow between them for mingling or just moving about.  Multiple deck levels are ideal for allowing either for multiple use or for breaking groups into different clusters: think teens at one table and adults at another.

The decks are surrounded by new, solid skirting with doors underneath, garnering the family ample, secure outdoor storage.  Composite materials have come a long way in recent years.  For this update the family selected TimberTech decking to build the floors and rail caps.  The railings are stained wood with black pickets and provide the necessary safety without compromising the view to the water and trees.

stunning TimberTech Pacific Teak deck Juliet GARumor has it the Cher once stayed at this home. We think she would love the new deck! When you are considering deck builders in Juliet, GA, we hope you will give Archadeck a call for a free consultation.  We’d love to talk with you about new construction or a refresh project like this one.

Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

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

AZEK vs. Fiberon vs. TimberTech for your Macon Warner Robins deck or porch?

Composite deck in Warner Robins
Avoiding splinters and low maintenance were the two major requirements in picking composite for this deck in Warner Robins.

Which line is the best? AZEK? Fiberon? TimberTech? You probably guessed that the answer starts with… it depends. When synthetic woods first came out, they only had composite materials which combined wood fibers with plastic – hence the word composite. Some of the composite woods had problems based on the formulation and the materials that were used. Since then, the composites on the market today have the benefit of many years out on the market, product improvement, and enhanced designs.

Not only do low-maintenance composite products last longer but they are easier to clean. And, they provide a great warranty. TimberTech composite products are guaranteed against termites, checking, splitting, decay, rot and splintering for 25 years. Most synthetics are installed with a hidden fastener system to provide an outdoor space with a flawless finish.

TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions line of Capstock decking
TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions line of Capstock decking.

Fiberon’s Horizon line’s warranty indicates it will not check, splinter, de-laminate, rot or suffer structural damage from fungal decay when installed and maintained correctly. Fiberon also comes in a wide range of colors and various realistic wood finishes complete with graining and undulation which rivals the look of real wood!

Since then, the synthetic wood products have evolved to include a higher end solid PVC and then a composite with a PVC coating. Solid PVC products are a bit more expensive than traditional composite. Many synthetic manufacturers offer solid PVC products, but the first to do solid PVC was AZEK.  Solid PVC’s are stain, scratch and split resistant and are impervious to mold, mildew and damage associated with insects.

The greatest benefit is having the PVC on the outside. So, a capped product which consists of a composite core which is wrapped in a PVC coating, can really give you the best of composite and PVC all in one. TimberTech has an excellent capped product called TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions which comes in three distinct product colors; Tropical, Natural and Terrain.

macon-azek-morado-acacia Archadeck Central GA
This stunning pool deck in Macon GA, was built using a combination of AZEK Morado and AZEK Acacia.

When it comes to choosing the best material for your anticipated deck or porch addition, what is best for you is dependent on your needs, your personal taste and your budget. Traditional composites work great in a myriad of applications and provide low maintenance qualities with less investment. Higher end, solid PVC materials deliver optimum results in a low maintenance material and perform especially well around backyard locales exposed to constant moisture, such as pool decks, and even docks.

Keep in mind that all synthetic materials are in it for the “long haul” as they are going to last 25 – 30 years or more – warrantied. So making an informed decision is crucial, and that is where Archadeck of Central GA can help. We can meet with you to discuss the benefits of choosing TimberTech, Fiberon or AZEK for your intended outdoor living space needs. I will provide samples for you to see and feel to help narrow down your choices to make the daunting task of choosing a synthetic an enjoyable experience. I can help you with deciding what type of outdoor living structure is the best fit for you and your family. I can give you guidance for making your choice on the materials, and Archadeck of Central GA stands behind what we do with our own warranty.

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

Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia today to learn more about the many low maintenance outdoor living space material options available for your upcoming project. Call today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

To see more examples of the versatility and beauty of owning your own Central GA low maintenance deck or porch, visit our composite and PVC deck photo gallery and our porches photo gallery located on our website.

Archadeck of Central Georgia explores the differences and similarities in TimberTech XLM and Earthwood Evolutions decking

Archadeck Central GA round deck
This stunning rounded deck in Central Ga., was built with TimberTech decking and adds a worry -free, durable material to the already long list of positives in regards to this deck.

Many of our customers here are Archadeck of Central GA look for low-maintenance materials. Low-maintenance materials are available in decking boards, railing, trim, and many of the other building materials for decks, porches, pergolas and other outdoor structures. Of the low-maintenance materials, many customers are familiar with and request composite or synthetic decking. We work with a couple different brands including AZEK, Fiberon and TimberTech.

This week we are focusing on two of TimberTech’s heavy hitters; Earthwood Evolutions and TimberTech XLM. Each of these lines have a lot to offer when you are looking for a high-quality, low-maintenance decking materials.

TimberTech deck Hawkinsville GA Archadeck
This TimberTech deck by Archadeck of Central GA is located in beautiful Hawkinsville, GA.

TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions is what is referred to as a “capstock”composite decking material. This means that the boards have a composite core which is derived from plastic and wood fibers. This core is then wrapped, or capped, with a fully protected poly shell that protects the plank from everyday accidents endured by most decks.  This line comes with a 25-year stain and fade warranty. One drawback to this product is since it is softer than a solid PVC product it can scratch more easily. Over time, these scratches will fade and TimberTech also recommends using a Minwax product on any scratches since capstock is neither harder nor softer than wood. A general rule of thumb to consider when dealing with capstock is if an outside influence is capable of scratching a wood decking board, then it is also capable of scratching your wrapped synthetic product too.

The Earthwood Evolutions line includes realistic looking planks in an array of hues with streaking and shading that mimic the look of exotic hardwoods. The colors include Brick, Brownstone, Slate, Pacific Rosewood, Pacific Teak, and Pacific Walnut. Although all of the colors are available some are easily found in stock and some must be special ordered. The special ordered materials are going to be slightly higher in cost. Be sure to ask

Color swatch for TimberTech earthwood evolutions
Color swatches for TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions

xlm-colors
TimberTech XLM colors

TimberTech XLM is another popular synthetic decking board. It is made of solid PVC, which means it doesn’t contain any natural wood fibers. This makes it harder and denser than regular composites or capped composite. Along with added strength and durability, XLM is also backed by one of the strongest stain and fade warranties in the industry. TimberTech XLM decking has a flat-grain surface which aids in being slip resistant which is a huge plus when used next to pools and spas.  XLM colors include Mountain Cedar, River Rock, Sand Ridge, Rustic Bark, Harvest Bronze, Harbor Stone and Walnut Grove. This palette includes colors from white, to gray and many shades of brown offering enough diversity to suit any taste and match any color needs you may have.

Hawkinsville-GA round deck Archadeck
Another view of this stunning TimberTech rounded deck in Hawkinsville, Ga.

From a performance standpoint, the solid PVC attributes of XLM gives it the advantage. From a budgetary standpoint, XLM is heavier and a little more costly to ship from point A to point B than it’s lighter counterparts. To ensure you make the best decision for your individual needs and circumstances it is important to discuss your options with your outdoor structure professional.

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

If you are looking for a low-maintenance decking plank that delivers on its promises, TimberTech is definitely leading the pack. Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to learn more about this and other synthetic decking choices that will best suit your lifestyle. We can help you decide which product is the right fit for your outdoor living needs. Call us for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000.
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

You can see more example of synthetic decks including TimberTech and many others reputable brands by visiting our composite and PVC decking gallery located on our website.

This well-rounded deck in Hawkinsville, GA is curved for all the right reasons

There are many factors that go into choosing the best design for your new deck.  The design of your home, slope of your landscape and any natural assets that are present within your yard should inform the design you choose. One of the most important aspects of your deck will be its shape and how it serves to unify your backyard. Our featured project this week is a rounded deck in Hawkinsville, GA that takes its cues from the unique features of this historical property. We showed you the design rendering for this Hawkinsville rounded deck in a previous blog post. Now it’s time to see it completed.

round deck design drawing - hawkinsville - georgia
This artist rendering shows the beautiful curves of this rounded deck in Hawkinsville, GA.

This home was built in the 1800’s and has a unique area near the back door where an old well is located. The old well is now filled with soil and serves as a flower bed but still conveys a unique characteristic that is a distinct feature of the backyard. The well keeps the history of this home intact as a constant reminder of the home’s past. We came up with a rounded deck design to compliment the shape of the old well. The terrain also allowed us to make the deck low-to-grade which helps emphasize the curves of the deck. The deck sits less than 30″ off the ground and the low height means no railings were required. This feature also aids in opening up the view that would otherwise be obstructed by railing. The minimal use of rails allows maximum aesthetic appeal and also saves money on the deck. When you build a curved or rounded deck, the expense comes from putting the rails on it. Curved railing is quite expensive but is a necessity because you can’t bend wood or rail caps and make it look right when building a rounded deck.

Hawkinsville-GA round deck Archadeck
Notice the outdoor curtain on the trellis which can be closed for desired privacy.

A versatile trellis was also added to the deck to serve as the perfect spot to plant vines and plants. The trellis will also provide privacy blocking the view from neighbors and even while using the existing attached screened porch. The deck was also designed with ease of maintenance in mind with the use of composite materials. The TimberTech pacific walnut composite decking we used in the design will only require soap and water cleanup from time to time to stay looking like new. The new deck will never have to be stained or painted. TimberTech composite decking also resists mildew, insects, and warping which means never worrying about replacing decking boards due to rotting wood.

For this particular deck we specifically designed it so it would not have any splices in it. There are no boards butting into each other. It is not always possible to do this on each deck we build, but in the case of this deck we were able to. We finished out the deck with minimal railing interference. The railing is located right off the screened porch and leads down into the stairway. The railing is built using pressure treated pine with a TimberTech rail cap and features a convenient built-in bench seat for convenient added seating.

These Hawkinsville, GA homeowners are ecstatic with their new rounded deck. The new outdoor space has added more function to their backyard, and has even increased the time they spend on their screened porch. By choosing a well- rounded (no pun intended) design they were able to keep the integrity of the features that make their home one-of-a-kind intact.

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

If you are looking for an outdoor space that will enhance the distinct features of your home and still provide plenty of  outdoor enjoyment, contact Archadeck of Central Georgia today. Call for your free consultation (478) 745 – 2000 or email centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Visit our composite and vinyl (PVC) deck gallery located on our website to see more beautiful low-maintenance decks