Tag Archives: Central GA composite decks

AZEK, PVC and capstock decking, Synthetic decks, TimberTech composite decks

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

December 11, 2012 admin

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

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

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.

Free deck safety inspection, Professional outdoor structure builder

Archadeck of Central Georgia urges homeowners to use cooler months to have your deck inspected

December 3, 2012 admin

Central GA deck safety — Inconsistencies such as rail and post connections can create a safety hazard on your deck.

The cooler months provide the perfect opportunity to run a check on the safety and stability of your outdoor spaces. Since the late fall and winter are times when most of us are staying warm indoors, now is the perfect time to have a licensed professional perform a deck safety inspection. Making certain your deck is safe and in proper working order will mean you will be ready for the outdoor living season that will be here sooner than you think.

Within the last six years there were 179 nationwide reported deck failures that resulted in 33 deaths and 1,122 people being injured. These accidents are unfortunate because when it comes to deck safety, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is the reason we offer a free deck safety inspection. This program not only enables us to catch a problem before it worsens and puts the safety of your family at risk, it also provides peace of mind.

The North American Deck and Railing Association, (NADRA) urges homeowners to have their deck inspected by a licensed professional to ensure deck safety. “According to NADRA A professional inspection will examine every inch of your deck, provide information on your deck’s capacity limits, identify any dangerous problem areas and give you a map of what to keep your eye on in the future. If your deck is older, this might include a regular deck inspection schedule.” Some of the crucial areas a deck safety inspection should check for are ledger connections, posts and footings, post-to-beam connections, joists and joist connections, stairs, deck boards, handrail assemblies and guards and other miscellaneous aspects of your deck’s construction. It is also important to inspect structural supports and connections, such as post sizes, fastener types and specific design aspects as well as any visible indications of corrosion or weakness. Any inconsistencies in these areas can cause an unsafe deck that could lead to an accident or in a worst case scenario, a deck collapse.

Archadeck of Central GA is dedicated to deck safety. Even if your deck doesn’t look great that doesn’t mean you’re going to fall through the floor. If your deck is aged, or looking a little worse for wear, it is a good idea to have it checked. In many cases you may actually find that even if your deck is cosmetically lacking it can still be structurally sound. When we inspect it, we will inform you of what needs to be done in order to keep any problems from worsening and we can also make a list of anything that we find that needs to be fixed.

Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia today to schedule your free deck safety inspection and get the peace of mind in knowing your deck is safe and ready for the outdoor living season ahead. Call today (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

If you do not currently have a deck and are thinking of adding one in advance of the outdoor living season, you can view some of our beautiful deck designs by visiting our composite and vinyl deck gallery, wooden deck gallery and Ipe deck gallery located on our website. All of our outdoor structures are built beyond quality and structural standards.

Composite, Deck builder, Synthetic decks

Archadeck of Central Georgia urges buyers beware and don’t fall prey to decks gone bad

November 14, 2012 admin

bad composite decking — This photo is a good example of GeoDeck composite decking that has gone bad.

The term “decks gone bad” sounds like one of those crazy videos that you see advertised late at night when everyone but you is already asleep. Sadly, being in the business of outdoor living we can attest to the truth behind the term. Shoddy workmanship and inferior products can cause any well-meant deck to go bad. This is even true when it comes to composite decking. Many homeowners think that just because they are getting a composite deck that nothing can go awry. Unfortunately all composites are not created equal.

Manufacturing defects composite decking — In this photo the manufacturer defects and inconsistencies are evident in this piece of composite decking.

Composite decking materials have been evolving since their introduction onto the scene. Since their inception, every few years another composite product will come out that looks better, requires less maintenance, and holds up longer than the last. However, all composites aren’t the same. Composites as a whole are a manufactured product and there have been issues where the product was not made properly. In some cases the formulation for the composite was composed incorrectly. We have seen this happen with the recycled products in particular. In each instance where we have dealt with a composite deck that has gone bad, it was attributed to incorrect manufacturing and production issues. Although it is easy to identify bad product as soon as it begins to be used in the field, it is difficult to track down the people that have purchased and used the product in order to communicate the problems with the product to the customer.

crumbling composite decking — The GeoDeck composite used on this deck is crumbling.

When material is ordered it is not improbable to receive material coming from different lots. When this happens sometimes just a few boards out of a particular order can be deemed bad. When this happens it can become a nightmare. The good thing about working with Archadeck of Central Georgia is if the unfortunate happens, we not only warranty our product, we are going to replace it. Although the manufacturer will not reimburse the contractor for the labor involved in replacement, we will always make things right. A good contractor will always stand behind their products and their work and will make whatever goes wrong on your project right as rain at all costs.

defective synthetic decking — This photo illustrates defective Epoch synthetic decking by Tamco.

The vast majority of inferior composite materials come from smaller, lesser known and new composite companies. A good rule of thumb is to talk with your contractor about which companies he/she has found to be the most reputable from their experience. We have worked with many composite companies and will only do business with those that have a long track record of positive results. Archadeck also has a good relationship with all the reputable composite companies which is very important in delivering peace of mind to our customers through the products we offer.

If you are planning a new composite deck addition, or maybe you are thinking of refurbishing an existing deck, contact Archadeck of Central Georgia. We can ensure a quality composite and the quality ethics and workmanship that go beyond your everyday contractor. We go the extra mile, for your safety, satisfaction and to protect your outdoor living investment. Call us today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Visit our composite and PVC deck gallery located on our website to see examples of quality composite paired with quality design and workmanship.

TimberTech composite decks

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

November 5, 2012 admin

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.

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.

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

AZEK, Composite, Deck builder, Fiberon, Low maintenace decks, PVC and capstock decking, Synthetic decks

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

October 1, 2012 admin

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.

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.net.

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

Archadeck of Central GA

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

September 25, 2012 admin

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.

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.

Composite, Ipe decks and outdoor structures

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

September 10, 2012 admin

deck - river north - macon GA by Archadeck — 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.

ipe deck - macon GA by Archadeck — 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.net

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.

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

August 13, 2012 admin

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.

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.

Deck builder, Low maintenace decks, PVC and capstock decking, Synthetic decks

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

August 6, 2012 admin

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.

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.

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

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.

Composite, Deck builder, Fiberon, Low maintenace decks, Synthetic decks

Fiberon composite decks in Central GA

July 25, 2012 admin

Fiberon Horizon deck in Macon GA — The realistic beauty of Fiberon is apparent in this close-up of a Fiberon deck we built in Macon, GA.

Using composite or engineered wood for decks is becoming more and more popular. Composites, unlike many wood mediums used in deck and outdoor structure construction, is impervious to many of the hazards that befall decks due to weather, wear, and tear. Composite decking is manufactured by many companies, and many offer a superior product. The front-runners of the industry include TimberTech, AZEK and Fiberon.

Today’s focus is on Fiberon composite decking. The Fiberon Horizon line of decking offers a 25-year stain and fade warranty. Fiberon decking boards use the newest technology called Perma-tech which means the composite is wrapped all the way around each board to make it impenetrable for insects including termites, mold and issues caused by inclement weather.

Macon Ga fiberon deck and pergola — This Fiberon deck in Macon, GA also includes a stunning pergola.

A deck built with Fiberon means less maintenance with only the need for soap and water cleanup. You’ll also never have to worry about staining or painting your Fiberon deck because the color will stay fresh and vivid.

Not only will Fiberon composites look new for years to come, they come in five beautiful colors which have natural wood grain patterns that mimic the real thing. The boards are available in 12-, 16- and 20-foot lengths and come in Ipe, Rosewood, Tudor Brown, Castle Gray and Greystone colors. The most popular among Central Georgia homeowners are Ipe and Rosewood. Another popular color choice is Tudor Brown, but is not currently stocked by our supplier but can possibly be special ordered.

No matter what color you choose for you composite deck you will get peace of mind knowing you have a quality product that uses the most cutting-edge technology to add to your outdoor living enjoyment. Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to learn more about Fiberon composite decking and the many other brands we offer to make your backyard the favorite room in the house.
Call for a free consultation:(478) 745 – 2000 or email us at:centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

See more beautiful composite decks by visiting our composite and vinyl deck gallery located on our website.

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