Tag Archives: Archadeck of Central GA

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.

AZEK vs. Fiberon, who will come out the winner?

fiberon-deck-river north-macon GA Warner Robins
This Fiberon deck in River North mimics the color of Ipe without the maintenance and it is easier to clean than other composites.

This Fiberon deck in River North mimics the color of Ipe without the maintenance and it is easier to clean than other composites. As an outdoor structure builder I use many synthetic decking brands. My customers always ask me which brand is best.  Each brand has its pro’s and con’s. Below is some information about 2 of the top brands we use.

AZEK vs. Fiberon

I drew a comparison on these brands because they’re both strong high-performance, low-maintenance brands that are attractive to boot. Here are some of the differences. Fiberon is a composite with a PVC wrap which means the thermal density is higher so it may retain more heat than AZEK does. In the hottest part of the day, both brands will retain heat, but AZEK cools off faster. AZEK is a full PVC product that does not contain any wood fibers. Wood fibers can cause a product to retain moisture and swell causing expansion and contraction. A good example of a structure that would be best suited to build from AZEK is a dock. Since Fiberon is a capped product it has exposed ends where the water from a dock or other structure can penetrate the ends and cause the decking boards to expand. This is only a concern if the material is going to be submerged or will be heavily exposed to water for long periods of time.

macon-azek-morado-acacia Archadeck Central GA
This deck was built using the beautiful Morado and Acacia colors in the Arbor collection by AZEK, just two of the many stunning colors they offer.

Each manufacturer has a wide variety of colors and patterns. Our local distributor carries the most popular color options. Fiberon popular colors include Ipe, Rosewood and Gray Birch. Among the most popular AZEK colors are Morado, Acacia, Cobre, and Tahoe (which is a gray). AZEK also comes in a white that is often used on rail caps.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

All of today’s composites simulate the undulation, streaking and graining of natural wood to some degree. The methodology behind achieving this true-to-life look of wood is different with each brand. The wood grain pattern apparent on AZEK is indented. The Fiberon pattern uses a raised pattern to achieve undulation and graining. Fiberon contains more streaking, which mimics the look of tropical hardwoods such as Ipe.

Though both AZEK and Fiberon are low-maintenance and stain resistant, Fiberon is often easier to keep clean. Cleaning AZEK requires more work to get down into the grooves where the dirt can gather. Fiberon also offers an economy-grade composite that is PVC on only one side and offers some of the same benefits of traditional Fiberon. This makes a great alternative to homeowners that are on a set budget but still want a quality low-maintenance decking product.

AZEK Morado deck
This deck was built using the Morado color in the Arbor collection by AZEK.

In closing, keep in mind there is no perfect decking that will be all things to all homeowners. Individual opinions and needs will determine which decking choice is right for you. Since most of the low-maintenance brands have very similar features and benefits, aesthetics are often the determining factor.

Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to learn more about Fiberon and AZEK and which choice is right for your new outdoor living structure. We offer many other decking choices such as hardwood and traditional pressure treated wood as well. Call us for a free consultation today (478) 745 – 2000 or email us at
centralgeorgia@archadeck.netStephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA.

See more examples of low-maintenance decks by visiting our composite, vinyl and PVC deck gallery located on our website.

This project in Macon, GA proves that a few changes can make a huge impact for homeowners facing mobility challenges

As an outdoor structure builder I meet with homeowners that are searching for outdoor spaces to fit their individual needs. These needs may encompass adding more space to a patio for dining, or making changes to their existing space to accommodate lifestyle and health changes. Many times I meet homeowners that have more specific needs, such as mobility challenges. My goal is to create the solution that provides the best for each individual customer. Many builders look at projects that involve accommodating mobility challenges as architectural or technical challenges. Archadeck of Central Georgia looks at finding solutions from a caring point of view in order make the form fit the function instead of the other way around.

macon - deck stairs
Design rendering for upcoming deck stair project in Macon, GA.

This particular project in Macon, GA initially began as a ramp construction. The codes regarding ramp construction are very strict when it comes to the required length and elevation changes. After discussing the options with the homeowner we came up with a plan that was a nicer alternative to a ramp. A gentle set of stairs that gently ascend and descend turned out to be the perfect option for this homeowner. We were able to achieve the three key aspects that were crucial to this project. The design functions just as it needs to, looks the way the homeowners want it to and is in the right price range.

abaco decking - macon GA
Abaco decking features a grooved side which is perfect for added stability and traction.

When you are building with the specific needs of mobility challenges in mind, often times functional doesn’t mean it will look the part or be affordable. We were able to do use stairs with a shallower rise, longer tread and wider pass to take care of this homeowner’s needs. Seven to 7-1/2 inches is the standard vertical distance on the rise of most stairs. We were able to move that down to 4 inches to make the step easier for a homeowner to travel. By adding an additional board for the tread area of the stair you can increase the depth of the area from a traditional tread length of 10 inches up to 15.5 inches to add a roomier and safer tread. Our standard 4 foot wide stairs allow for easy traffic flow and are also a great benefit for mobility. With a nice 4 foot stair if you stumble you can still easily reach both sides of the rail. We can also add a grab rail on the railing that is specifically designed to steady you. This inclusion is required by code on commercial projects, but not on residential projects in our area.

Another added safeguard to our stair design is the area where the landing begins. This is typically 4 feet which allows space at the top of the stairs to be able to open and close the door. In many projects this is not always possible, but in special circumstances it can make a huge impact on the design. If a smaller landing presents issues, we can sometimes reverse the door swing to swing in rather than out to compensate for the lack of space available at the landing area.

When keeping mobility in mind, we always use decking which meets or exceeds the code for slip resistance. Some materials work better than others when choosing a stair that will aid in mobility. For this project we chose Abaco hardwood decking which is grooved on one side for less slippage and better traction. Abaco is a beautiful tropical hardwood decking that resists splintering, twisting and cracking. It is not only readily used for added traction is also a natural hardwood that requires less maintenance than standard pressure treated pine.

Our caring and personalized solutions to the homeowner’s needs are one of the things that makes Archadeck of Central GA unique. These Macon, GA homeowners are looking forward to their completed stairs and the way in which they will add greater freedom to their outdoor lifestyle and safety as well.Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

If you or someone in your family is facing special circumstances or mobility issues we can help. Archadeck of Central Georgia can design an outdoor space with their special needs in mind that will enable continued outdoor enjoyment for everyone in the family. Contact for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

To see more examples of outdoor spaces that utilize specific needs and function visit our Wooden deck gallery and composite and vinyl deck gallery located on our website, many of our designs use slip resistant decking that can aid in improving traction and safety in your outdoor space.

 

What the Archadeck difference means to Archadeck of Central GA

Warner Robins deck
Each of our structures comes with a guarantee of quality and craftsmanship.

You may have heard of “the Archadeck difference”. But what do these 3 words mean?

Archadeck is the 8th largest outdoor living company in the US, Canada and Japan. As a proud part of Archadeck I get the benefit of working with a large company with a headquarters engineering team that stays on top of engineering, architecture, building codes, new materials, and changes in the industry. With having superior warranties and work ethic, Archadeck offers a superb building process. Archadeck owners have the confidence of knowing we are backed by a corporate leader and get to offer the same customer service as that of a small, home town company. We run the kind of company where we get to know our clients on a level where we can give them a truly custom job.

Macon GA screened porch with fireplace
This Macon, GA screened porch is the perfect spot for friends and family to gather.

As a whole, the construction industry often does not have a good reputation. More than half the home-remodeling shows you see flipping through the channels are talking about a contractor that did something wrong, or ways to avoid repairs down the road. It is a constant repeat of the “don’t let this happen to you” theme. Archadeck of Central Georgia is indeed different. All our drawings are reviewed carefully by corporate headquarters. All of the lumber requirements, plans, sizes of joists, footings, posts and even the number of screws are reviewed carefully by our engineering department. No stone is left un-turned in providing the customer with the highest level of quality and materials on each project.

At Archadeck of Central GA, we are the company that provides you with a structure or outdoor living space filled with craftsmanship and quality. We want lifetime customers. Our customers have moved and have called us to build outdoor living spaces at their new homes.

When you contact Archadeck of Central GA you get real people, not a computerized robot. We meet with you, one-on-one and go over your individual needs and wants carefully before we compose a specification sheet or drawing. Most companies send out a sales guy looking for commission. We aren’t that company, we are seasoned, caring builders who take pride in every project we do.

Perry GA Cypress pergola

I think it was Marcus Aurelius, the wise roman solider who said” A man’s worth is no greater than his ambitions.” With that being said, my goal is to improve the quality of people’s lives by creating living spaces worthy of truly living in their backyards. There is nothing greater than being in the company of the ones you love and having an outdoor space that provides a functional comfortable place for that to happen, this is my ambition.Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to learn what makes the Archadeck difference a true difference indeed; a difference you can see, feel and trust.

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

What is the Archadeck Difference?

When working with contractors, you really don’t know the difference between one contractor and another. You might connect better with one contractor or you might like one contractor better. Those are intangibles and they’re very important. You shouldn’t seal the deal without both of those. But are there tangibles that you can count on? Are there tangibles that are put in writing? With Archadeck there are. We call this the Archadeck Difference.

Watch the Archadeck Difference in action.

Archadeck of Central GA explores the differences in maintaining a pressure-treated deck with that of Ipe and composites

We cleaned and sealed this deck and railing in River North. Notice the solid white sealer on the railing.

Maintaining your outdoor living structure can be a big headache but it doesn’t have to be. The allure of an outdoor living space is relaxation. But in order to keep your outdoor space running smoothly and looking beautiful it will require some degree of maintenance. Some materials require more intensive maintenance than others. But keeping in time with your maintenance schedule is the difference between keeping your beloved outdoor structure looking like new and allowing it to look tired because of lack of maintenance. In fact, there are many low maintenance products available which maintain their like-new look without all the work.

All maintenance requirements are not created equal

Are you trying to decide between a pressure-treated, Ipe, or composite deck? Each material is characteristically beautiful in its own right, but the level of maintenance required on all three materials is quite different. Standard and premium grade pressure-treated decks require pressure or chemical washing followed by an application of a sealer which will protect the lumber from absorbing water. This is usually required on an annual basis or possibly more depending on the amount of exposure to the sun. Pressure-treated boards have the capacity to soak up a great deal of water. Humidity and moisture mixed together will cause the rapid expansion and contraction of the wood which will cause your deck to weather faster which is why it is so important to seal your pressure-treated deck. Vertical elements of your pressure-treated deck don’t require the level of maintenance that the floor, steps and rail cap will, this is because the water does not sit on the wood but runs off.

Georgia on my mind with this Central GA composite deck
These Central GA homeowners have Georgia on their mind when using this stunning composite deck.

With pressure-treated decks maintenance is the key to keeping the deck beautiful and structurally sound. If you miss a year or two it can ultimately cause irreversible damage. On the other hand, if you love the look of natural wood there is another option called Ipe. Ipe is a dense and exotic looking hardwood that requires less maintenance than other wood options for your deck.

Ipe pool deck in Warner Robins GA
Ipe is perfect for use around water features because of it;s density and resistant to water that would cause other wood mediums to degrade rapidly.

Ipe is a Brazilian hardwood that is literally harder than nails. Its density makes it desirable in outdoor structure settings. Ipe is so dense that it needs to be pre-drilled before the pieces can be connected. We recommend sealing an Ipe deck with a good sealer to retain the material’s dark, rich tone. If Ipe is left to weather it will age to a beautiful grey patina over time. The maintenance required for Ipe is not as tedious as that of pressure-treated wood. You can let Ipe go for a few seasons and then seal it and it will then look like new again.  Good quality sealers can be found by checking with Consumer Reports, but we also highly recommend Cabot stains and sealers, and Olympic also makes a good quality sealer as well.

The key to successfully sealing any wood deck is to do so when it is dry. Make sure the deck remains dry after application up to 48 hours if possible. You will want to check the forecast before starting your maintenance. A good rule of thumb to check to see if it is time to seal your wood deck is to sprinkle a little water on it, if the water beads up then it is not necessary to apply sealer. When the sprinkle test reveals that the water blends in with the deck within 15-20 seconds of application then it is time to treat your wood deck.

We replaced and sealed the flooring only on this deck. The railing is original with the original sealer

One of the lowest maintenance options is composite decking. Today’s composites come in a wide array of finishes, textures and tones that rival the look of real wood. Composite decks do not require sealing or annual maintenance to keep them looking new but they do need to be cleaned periodically to remove dirt and debris. Most brands only need soap and water cleanup to keep them looking new. Common sense practices come into play when talking about maintaining composites. Materials that stain such as ketchup, grease spillage from the grill and even wet leaves should be cleaned up immediately to avoid damage to the deck’s surface. Compare your reaction time when dealing with composites to that of any surface in the home. If you would rush to clean it up on an indoor hardwood floor, then you should take the same care for any outdoor flooring material. The end result will be a composite deck that stands the test of time and looks new for many years to come.

Forsyth GA Ipe deck
Ipe delivers beauty and strength ; the beauty and the beast of decking material.

If you are on the fence about what material to choose for your new deck, take the amount of time you are willing to spend on maintaining that deck to keep it performing and looking like new into consideration. Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to learn more about the material options that would best suit your needs, your wants and most of all your outdoor living lifestyle.

Call for a free consultation: (478) 745 – 2000
Email:centralgeorgia@archadeck.netStephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

To see more inspiring images of decks built with various medias, visit our wood deck gallery, our Ipe deck gallery and our composite deck gallery located on our website.

A hot tub deck in Centerville, GA quickly becomes the center of attention in this backyard

spa-deck- macon-GA
This spa deck in Macon, GA is a pristine example of a sunken hot tub deck. Note the clean design and dramatic view.

It is always good to hear from past customers especially when they are adding on to their project. One of our “in progress” projects we are working on is for a customer we built a beautiful deck for a few years back. They called us to add a portion to his existing deck in order to accommodate a hot tub. Hot tub decks are the ultimate spot for relaxation and comfort.

This customer needed additional space built onto their existing deck for their new hot tub. Adding a hot tub to an existing deck is not as easy as it seems. Hot tubs can hold in excess of 4,000 pounds of water. Water weighs approximately 8.35 pounds per gallon and an average hot tub can hold 600-700 gallons of water. When you add-on the weight associated with using a hot tub that can push the weight up to over 5,000 pounds depending on the number of people your hot tub can accommodate. Adding a hot tub to your deck requires substantial structural reinforcement underneath in order to safely operate the spa and keep your deck structurally sound. We always build the foundation and platform to bear the weight of the hot tub. We also always build the area to easily take on an 8′ x 8′ spa; this way if you change the hot tub out in the future the platform will still work.

Hot tub deck and outdoor fireplace combo.
This decks design incorporates the elements of water and fire with a spa flanked by a stunning outdoor fireplace located on the adjacent patio.

In this particular project the deck’s location and the home’s low to grade design gave us no other option than to place the hot tub on the top of the deck. We often build hot tub decks with the hot tub sunken which not only delivers a dramatic look, it is also recommended for homeowners using their spa for therapeutic reasons because it is easier to enter and exit the hot tub when it is sunken. Whether you choose to have the hot tub sunken or at bench height both will help address the individual functional issue of your space.

We often use bench height hot tub installations. When we do this we often build a bench directly next to the hot tub so the homeowner can simply swing over the bench and slide into the hot tub easily. We can also add the bench to the edge of the deck so the control panel is easily accessible when the hot tub needs maintenance. One dilemma with under deck installation is the difficulty in getting to the control panel and often times we construct a trap door to take care of this obstacle.

hot tub-deck-macon GA
This bench height hot tub deck in Macon, GA is even a hit with the family dog!

When our customers ask if they should purchase their hot tub before they have the deck built, it is not a prerequisite. Our main concern is that we are aware of the shape of the hot tub you are intending to purchase, and we can begin building to suit that shape. Another heavily requested item for hot tub decks is the addition of a pergola over the hot tub. Pergolas look great when paired with hot tubs and offer added privacy and shade to the homeowners; a winning combination indeed.

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

If you are considering the addition of a hot tub to your deck, whether you intend to build a new deck or add a space large enough to place a hot tub, we can help. Our unique deck designs and expert craftsmanship will have you soaking up in style and safety. Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia today.
Call for a free consultation:
(478) 745 – 2000
Email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

See more stylish hot tub and pool decks by visiting our decks photo galleries located on our website.

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.

An AZEK synthetic deck is low maintenance and nice looking to boot

macon-azek-morado-acacia Archadeck Central GA
This deck was built using the beautiful Morado and Acacia colors in the Arbor collection by AZEK, just two of the many stunning colors they offer.

There have been many advances in composite/synthetic decking since it debuted on the market. For one, the category was previously classified as composite decking when the products within the category were all a “composite” of wood and plastic. Since then, the category was reclassified as “synthetic” products were introduced such as decking boards made of solid PVC. Now, the term “synthetics” captures composite and man made materials as well as the a new hybrid board.

Composite decking was the first synthetic material to hit the scene. It consists of a wood pulp blended with plastic for added strength and durability. Composite is readily used today and still provides a stronger and lower maintenance deck than that of pressure treated, and other woods commonly used in decking.

A new product called capstock is composite that is wrapped with a durable layer of vinyl PVC around a composite core. Many in the industry refer to it as a “composite hybrid”.

Chippendale patterned deck in Midgeville, GA
Intricately detailed features such as this Chippendale patterned deck in Milledgeville, GA respond beautifully with the use of capstock synthetic decking.

Synthetic decking has the highest level or performance. While composite provides protection from splitting, splintering, rotting, termites or fungal decay, synthetic PVC decking provides all of these protections and also provides protection from stains and fading.

At the top of the solid PVC list is AZEK decking. AZEK is a solid PVC which is stain and scratch resistant. This includes resistance to scratches made from patio furniture and pets. It will also stand up to the all-American cook out better than any synthetic on the market because it is resistant to spills like grease, ketchup and even red wine. AZEK is highly recommended for use around pools, spas and even on piers and docks because it is impervious to moisture as well as insects because it is constructed of solid PVC. This material is also split resistant and mold and mildew resistant as well. A deck built with AZEK is truly the deck that keeps on giving year after year.

AZEK Acacia from the Arbor Collection
AZEK Acacia from the Arbor Collection

Synthetic decking is not the perfect choice for everyone. One major objection is the initial cost vs. the cost of pressure treated southern yellow pine decking. However, if you are going to live with the deck or porch for more than 5 to 7 years the cost of paying someone to maintain the decking will be recouped. And afterwards you are saving money!

Once upon a time, synthetic decking had limited color choice options which was a drawback for homeowners. That is not the case with modern synthetics. In our area the two most popular colors are Acacia and Morado, which are both part of AZEK’s Arbor Collection. Each one of the AZEK colors has graining and undulation that mimics the look of real hardwoods beautifully. Acacia is a stunning, rich dark brown and Morado is a mid-tone that is similar to the look of antique walnut. We are also starting to see their new color Cobre come into the spotlight with its tan-brown appearance that we anticipate will be the next most requested AZEK color.

AZEK deck with white railing
AZEK deck with white railing

Choose a beautiful deck with longevity to give you more time to enjoy outdoor living at its best. Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to learn more about AZEK, and the many other high-quality synthetic decking choices we offer. We can ensure you will be enjoying your new deck rather than maintaining it.
Call for a free consultation: (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

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

 

See more stunning synthetic decks and view the many options we have available to suit your lifestyle and your wallet by visiting our composite and Vinyl (PVC) deck photo gallery located on our website.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Preparing the site for a paver patio
Preparing the site for a paver patio
pouring the aggregate base
Pouring the aggregate base
Placement of pavers
Placement of pavers
Final compaction
Final compaction
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

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

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