Tag Archives: Central GA decks

Is your Central GA deck an accident waiting to happen?

Pressure treated deck Central GA
There is no place like a home with a quality built deck.

Decks are a staple of outdoor living. It’s important to ensure your deck is structurally sound in order to take advantage of all the ways it can benefit your home and lifestyle. In a six-year period there were an estimated 179 deck failures which resulted in 1,122 injuries and 33 deaths. These grim statistics may come as a surprise to many Central GA homeowners, but deck safety is no accident. In observance of May being Deck Safety Awareness month, Archadeck of Central Georgia wants to ensure you or a member of your family doesn’t become a casualty as a result of an unsafe deck.

buckhead deck collapse
This local deck collapse made headlines.

When you look at the big picture of deck safety, there are no deck… accidents. An accident is something that occurs unexpectedly. Deck failures are a result of shoddy workmanship or creating a deck that will not hold the capacity which it will be subjected.  Archadeck of Central Georgia feels that deck failures are very preventable occurrences and not accidents at all. A good example of placing your safety on the line is hiring a cut rate builder to construct your deck. If you choose this route to save a few bucks, you are taking a chance that really isn’t worth the savings you gained. If a deck is built by a seasoned, reputable builder, it is built correctly meeting or exceeding building codes. Unfortunately, in the world of outdoor structures there are no police force for bad builders.

As part of Archadeck’s “Be Safer” deck safety program, Archadeck of Central GA was featured on NBC 41 WMGT to talk about the importance of making sure your Central GA deck is safe in time for the debut of the outdoor living season.

As a recap of this informative interview, here is a handy checklist of things homeowners can do to prevent having a deck safety issue:

Be safer with a deck inspection by Archadeck of Central GA
Be safer with a deck inspection by Archadeck of Central GA

1) Get your deck inspected by a professional. Archadeck of Central GA offers a free deck safety inspection for those who contact us. We also urge homeowners to be an active participant in the safety of their deck. Gain a sense of the basic components of your deck’s construction.

2) If you are adding-on or re-doing, make sure you use a qualified builder. If you choose Archadeck, remember that the builder will always have Archadeck clearly visible on their shirt. If you choose another builder make sure they have a contractor’s license. You can verify this by visiting the Georgia Professional Licensing website at https://secure.sos.state.ga.us/myverification/. It is also important to make sure your builder pulls all the necessary permits to build your deck. Check their references thoroughly! If a builder does not provide this up-front, ask for them. In many cases a cut rate builder will not offer references to avoid the homeowner learning the truth. That may be proof they have something to hide.

There is no better deck for safety than one built by Archadeck. We don’t believe in cutting any corners, especially where our clients are concerned. Let Archadeck of Central Georgia build your dream deck with maximum safety in mind. That’s what we do. Contact us today to schedule your deck safety inspection, and to schedule a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000 • email: centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

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

Please visit our website to view our wide selection of quality deck designs, including our wooden deck photo gallery, and our composite and PVC deck photo gallery.

Archadeck of Central Georgia emphasizes the power of choosing the right railing for your Macon, Warner-Robins deck

Wooden deck railing on multi level deck in Macon GA
Wooden deck railing on multi level deck in Macon, GA.

There is a large variety of deck railing options available to homeowners nowadays. Choosing the right railing for your deck can make it stand out from the crowd of average decks.  A unique style, material, pattern or color is a great way to add character and give your space an extra heaping of style.  With so many choices it can be difficult to choose the railing that will work best in your deck setting. There are no design rules you have to abide by when choosing your railing, but you can use other variables of your deck’s design to help make deciding a little easier. You can choose to match your railing to the floor of your deck, match the window trim color present on your home, or even match your deck’s railing to the color of the home itself. All of these options are aesthetically correct and making the right choice all comes down to your personal tastes and your budget.

Ipe deck in Fortsyth GA with wooden rail and metal pickets with basket motif and Ipe cap
Ipe deck in Fortsyth, GA with wooden rail and metal pickets with basket motif and Ipe rail cap.

In terms of choosing the railing material for your deck space, there are a lot of different options from a picket standpoint. With wood, for instance, you can choose a classic Chippendale pattern to spice things up a bit, which consists of pickets designed in a distinct pattern where one picket is square and the other is elongated. Archadeck of Central Georgia typically mixes a Chippendale pattern along with some straight railing so it is not overwhelming to the eye. There is also a baroque style railing that is lovely. There are many arched style railings as well as straights with basket and without.  Most of the metal railing pickets come in either black or white, which can add drama to your deck space through the contrast of your decking color and the trim on your home. Glass pickets are another option and are highly desired in locales that include scenic views such as lakehouse decks, and decks that overlook other outdoor living spaces such as pools. Glass railings can be used to deliver an unobstructed view, and to add contemporary modern style to your deck space.

Chippendale patterned wood railings mixed with straights on composite deck in Macon GA
Chippendale patterned wood railings mixed with straights on composite deck in Macon, GA.

If you are looking to carry the versatility of low maintenance into your deck railing, there are actually more composite railing choices than there are composite decking materials. All the reputable composite manufacturers offer composite railing options to match their flooring, as well as in traditional black and white colors. Even if you have a composite deck, it’s not necessary to also have a composite rail. Even wood railing will not hold water like that of a flat surface, so mixing mediums within your deck space when it comes to railing and decking material is alright. Composite railing with metal balusters is very popular right now, and is also a viable railing option.

Glass Railing on Lake Oconee lake deck by Archadeck of Central GA
Glass Railing on Lake Oconee lake deck by Archadeck of Central GA.

When you consider the railing color options the sky is the limit!  Wooden railings can have a sealer and stain applied in a rainbow of colors. There is also the option of using a solid white stain; we recommend the ones made by Cabot. If this is applied correctly stain and sealer can last up to seven years before your need to reapply. We can also leave your wooden pickets natural, this is a popular choice when homeowner’s have wooden decks. This option enables the matching of floor to railing. We generally seal the rail cap in this situation.

Archadeck of Central Georgia keeps a close eye on design trends in gauging what is hot and what’s not in deck design.  Black metal pickets in two different sizes used in unison with wooden railing are a trend we are seeing a lot of right now. This also helps keep costs down without sacrificing style. Chippendale pattern deck railing is always a best seller. Glass pickets are really hot around lakes and pools and are actually not as expensive as you may think. Composites are the dark horse of what customers are requesting in this region simply because they are more costly than other railing options.

If you are in the market for a new deck, or are interesting in learning more about redecking we can help. Choosing the right railing for your deck can make or break the aesthetics of your outdoor living space, contact Archadeck of Central Georgia today to learn more.
Call us 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

You can view many more railing options to serve as inspiration for your deck space by visiting our composite and vinyl deck photo gallery, our wooden deck photo gallery and our Ipe deck photo gallery located on our website.

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Archadeck of Central GA answers the question of how low can you go with this low to grade deck and pergola combination project

design for new deck pergola Macon GAOur feature story this week is a  newly completed deck and pergola project in Central Georgia that is anything but ordinary. This particular deck is what we refer to as ultra low grade. This means the deck itself sits less than one foot off the ground. The completed project includes a pressure-treated deck with standard pressure treated railings. The railing also includes a custom gate to ensure the homeowner’s small kids stay on the deck and their dog stays off. We also built a stunning pergola over the top of the deck for shade and beauty. The pergola is built in a traditional style with pressure treated wood as well. The pergola provides shape and dimension to the deck and makes the perfect place for the homeowners to hang a ceiling fan.

In scenarios such as this, we usually prefer to build a paver patio in lieu of a deck because of the close proximity of the structure to the ground. Sometimes building a deck this low to grade can present issues because the lack of required space below the decking boards required for ventilation. Many times this absence of space will cause the decking planks to cup. Often, moisture that occurs naturally in every landscape will cause the deck to stay wet on the bottom. This moisture is usually not an issue because there is generally enough space under the deck to allow adequate ventilation and air flow ensuring the decking boards dry out appropriately. In the case of ultra low-to-grade decks, the bottom is more likely to remain wet and swollen for long periods while the top of the same board will dry and shrink. This opposite action on the same board will cause it to cup.

Low to grade Deck Macon GAIn most situations we prefer a distance of 16″ below the deck. There are some PVC decking boards on the market that don’t require this However, in our experience the best way to prevent cupping is to use a pressure treated wax injected wooden decking boards. This wax is the same as pre-treating your deck so the deck will not require sealing  for a few years. However, the sun will degrade the wax over time and the deck will have to be sealed annually after that.”  In this project, as with many of our low-to grade-deck designs, the bottom of the deck will be protected because this area will never have contact with the sun and the wax will never be burnt off. The only other instance when Archadeck of Central GA recommends using this product is when the customer is interested in selling their home in the new few years. This product ensures the homeowner’s will not have to perform any additional maintenance prior to moving.

The homeowners are very happy with their finished deck and pergola. The low-to-grade design adds a unique character to the rear of the home. These clients are looking forward to the outdoor living season and the opportunity to spend cherished family time on their new deck in the years to follow.

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

If you have a unique deck design in mind and are uncertain of how your idea will look or function in your landscape, contact Archadeck of Central Georgia. Our expert design experience and realistic renderings can help you determine if the outdoor space you have in mind is the best fit for your existing home and landscape. Call us today for a free design consultation at (478) 745 – 2000 or email us at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Please visit our wood decks photo gallery and our composite and PVC decks photo gallery for more examples of our deck designs.

A little forward thinking on behalf of this Rivoli Rd., homeowner proves smooth sailing towards a new sunroom and deck addition by Archadeck of Central GA

Macon GA sunroom and deck
A design rendering to the left details the project while in the planning stages, as the image to the right shows the completed project.
Before project
This image depicts the existing deck and lanai before we broke ground on the new sunroom and deck addition.

Archadeck of Central Georgia just finished this beautiful deck and sunroom in the Rivoli Road area of Macon. These homeowners had been thinking of adding a sunroom to their deck for a number of years. They even planned to the extent that when upgrading their home’s existing HVAC, they built in the capacity for the new room they would be adding This decision made the sunroom addition run smoother because of the planning on the part of the homeowner.

The homeowners had a deck with a screened lanai over the top. The space was 10 years old and had met their outdoor living needs for awhile. But, they envisioned a space they could utilize year round. With their lanai, they were subjected to the weather at all times including the humidity and the pollen that go along with Macon summers! We demolished the existing deck and lanai to start from scratch.

The new space includes a sunroom with a brick wall around the bottom to match the original home’s skirting. The sunroom includes huge glass windows that use a four track system allowing the homeowners to take advantage of the view and the breeze. The 10 foot windows can be easily opened to expose 3/4 of the screen. The entire space is insulated including the two large insulated glass triangles which were placed in the gable end of the sunroom to maximize the sunlight that comes into the space.

Rivoli Rd in Macon GA sunroom interior
The sunroom’s interior features large easily functional windows and charming beadboard.

In the sunroom’s interior we finished the space using charming bead board on the interior walls and on the closed rafter ceiling. We also designed the door to swing out so as to not take up space within the sunroom. The homeowners are going to paint the interior walls the same color as their vinyl siding and they are also going to install a tile floor.

In addition to the stunning sunroom, we built a low maintenance deck attached to the space. We used Fiberon Pro-Tect decking  in gray on the new deck  which provides the perfect spot for the homeowners to grill. The existing home did not have gutters, nor did it need them in the past. In order to keep water from splashing on the new deck after it rains we installed gutters above the new deck space.

These Macon, GA homeowners are elated with their new space. This project proved the ease of transition that is possible when the homeowner plans ahead to factor in the vision of future outdoor space amendments. Much like our staged building program, certain structural amenities can be designed and engineered into your outdoor space ahead of time for future additions.

Sunroom and deck combination in Macon GA by Archadeck of Central GA
An outdoor living dream come true for these Macon, Ga., homeowners.
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

If you are looking for the perfect outdoor living space, or outdoor room to deliver years of enjoyment for you and your family contact Archadeck of Central GA. We can design an outdoor living space master plan that you can build in stages to accommodate your lifestyle and your budget. Call us for a free consultation today (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

You can see more examples of our beautiful low maintenance decks and our stunning sunrooms by visiting our composite and PVC deck gallery and our sunroom gallery, both are located on our website.

One important secret to our success is having crew members steeped with talent, trust and teamwork

Archadeck-of-Central-GA-CREWS-Copy
Archadeck of Central GA crew members from left to right, Jay on left, Zeke next to him, other son Jacob, Mike, and myself.

At Archadeck of Central GA, many factors go into the quality of our work and the way we do business. These include experience, training, knowledge and a great track record for customer satisfaction. Another factor that determines the quality of our work is our crew. Archadeck of Central Georgia employs only experienced crews that come with trust and work quality from working together as a team for many years. Our two lead carpenters have been working with us for over 12 years.

pouring the aggregate base
It is all about teamwork. Here two of our crew members work together pouring the aggregate base for a paver patio.

Combining trust and teamwork adds a lot of value for Archadeck of Central GA customers. The team enjoys working with each other, trusts each other, and has chosen to work together year after year after year. This speaks volumes about the way we do business. Our ethic and commitment to quality is evident in everything we do. Our crews operate as well-oiled machines.

Archadeck of Central GA and our crews

When I bought the business in 1999, three crews came along with the business. One of these crews did not work out immediately. They were taking too long to get the projects completed.
The remaining crews went on to do their own thing shortly after I purchased the business. So I was looking at being without a crew. I asked our bookkeeper (who had dealt with every construction crew in the area)  whom she felt the best two crews in town were. I was able to hire those two crews (Jay & Mike) and they have been with me for over twelve years now.

Our 1st crew consists of a father/son team that have worked together since the son was 9 years old. His son, Zeke would come out and help Jay, his Dad and learn valuable knowledge of the trade. That same son is all grown up now and will soon be starting his own crew. Jay’s other son Jason is also part of this crew. Jay can build practically anything in the back yard. He specializes in decks and porches and also builds our paver patios. Jay is very organized, keeps his work site super clean and is very fast.

Archadeck building a paver patio
Each of our crew members brings a special talent to the job site.

Our 2nd crew is managed by Mike who is excellent at building decks and porches. Mike is also talented with aluminum porches and aluminum work. For aluminum porches, pergolas, and anything that needs fabrication like welding, Mike is the man. Mike is also very people oriented and our customers love him.

The reality of being an outdoor structure builder is when you are trying to put together an experienced crew, the nature of the trade attracts people who can only work well in temporary type basis. Since construction is a temporary type work, finding the right people can be a hit or miss situation. There is a reason why people look for short time employment and it typically is because they have challenges in their lives. Many times in this trade you can hire someone who has some experience and you may get lucky and get them when they’re doing well. But you might also get unlucky and get them when they’re not doing well. Finding the right individuals to make up a good crew can become like playing a game of Russian roulette. Archadeck of Central GA is fortunate to have two fine-tuned crews. When you decide to use us to create your outdoor living space, you get the peace of mind in knowing you are getting a knowledgeable, experienced team that resembles a family unit.

Having this unified team is a benefit to our customers for several reasons.

Warner Robins GA composite deck
Results like this are achieved through a team that works together and trusts one another.
  •  We know each other and how each of us work. Lines of communication are open so the projects work very smoothly. There’s no learning curve
  •  These guys specialize in doing Archadeck construction and they know things like span charts, footing sizes, etc. so they don’t need to look them up.
  •  Because they’re used to working in people’s back yards, they understand they are not working on a work site where nobody’s living. They are clean cut, they clean up when done, and don’t throw trash.
  • Our crews have a proven track record because they’ve been doing this so long
  • Our crews are stable since they’ve been with us a long time. They’re not going to end up in jail and will not come to work under any influence.
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

If you foresee an outdoor living project in your future, we can ensure your project is completed with the utmost professionalism and quality. Our outdoor spaces embody quality and expert designs. Contact Archadeck of Central GA for a free consultation.

You can see more examples of our quality workmanship and professionalism by visiting our deck galleries, porch galleries and our hardscape and patio gallery located on our website.

Read this before you finish your plans for your new Macon Warner Robins backyard pool addition

Ipe Deck at the pool in Warner Robins GA
This stunning Ipe deck in Warner Robins, GA makes the perfect spot to soak up the sun by the pool.

If you are considering a big enhancement to your backyard this year, planning properly can save you time and money. Adding a large scale backyard enhancement such as a pool or a pool with a patio/deck can be a daunting task. The key to the successful completion of each phase of your backyard endeavor depends heavily on good planning. I am often approached by homeowners and asked at which stage of their pool addition they should contact us to begin planning the deck, porch, or patio they anticipate adding in the near or distant future.. The answer is to contact us immediately upon making your decision to go ahead with a large-scale backyard enhancement. Many contractors don’t stress the importance of planning and having a detailed finished backyard vision going into a project.

Central GA poolside gazebo in Macon
This Central GA gazebo serves as a shady spot and impromptu covered porch with a custom bridge that leads to the homeowner’s backyard pool.

For example, what would a pool be without an accompanying outdoor space? This space could be a pool house, a cabana or covered porch. Even a waterfall or koi pond can benefit from an adjoining space such as a paver patio surround or retaining wall to place plants and flowers.

Contacting Archadeck of Central Georgia prior to breaking ground for your next outdoor project will ensure you have a master plan to guide you through the stages of enhancing your outdoor area.  A master guide is especially important if your addition involves something like relocating sprinkler heads. A little foresight into your anticipated project will save time and money later. Important considerations like electrical and plumbing can be planned or hidden. Hiding the pool pump/filter system and wiring as well as masking the noise that is generated by these pool pumps can be designed into your project early on so you won’t have headaches or surprises later.

outdoor kitchen-warner robins
This outdoor kitchen and hardscape patio opens the door for abundant poolside entertaining opportunities.

We can work along with your pool contractor to make sure the digging and needed utility lines are ready for future growth. We can build your deck, patio or cabana before, during or even after your pool is installed. Doing this planning prior beginning your project will mean a smoother construction with less turf or lifestyle distraction later.

Archadeck of Central GA can also help you plan for the backyard of your dreams on a budget. Our planning and project scope precision will enable you to build your project in stages over a period of months, or even years to give you the benefits of improving your backyard over a span that makes sense for you financially.

Pavilion Next to Pool in Macon GA
A poolside pavilion provides shade and room for a myriad of outdoor activities.
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

If you are planning the addition of a water feature and outdoor structure combination, such as a pool and pool house, contact Archadeck of Central GA today. We can sit down and map out the order and importance of each stage of your project to ensure your project runs smooth as silk. Call us for a free consultation today (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

You can get more visual ideas about poolside outdoor spaces by visiting our deck galleries and our shade structure galleries located on our website.

Archadeck of Central Georgia reminds homeowners that all they have to do is dream to enter our Dream Backyard Makeover Contest

Archadeck of Central GA Archadeck 2013 Dream Backyard contest

TimberTech deck Hawkinsville GA Archadeck
This TimberTech in Hawkins, GA is part of a stunning outdoor combination that includes a screened porch.

We are so excited to be offering a $70,000 Dream Backyard Makeover. The contest is already under way! In order to win, you must submit a picture of your yard and an overview of what your dream backyard makeover will include. One grand prize winner will receive an outdoor space valued at up to $70,000 co-sponsored by Archadeck,  TimberTech and  Belgard hardscapes. Here are some ideas to consider when deciding what your dream outdoor space will look like.

Color swatch for TimberTech earthwood evolutions
This color swatch from the TImberTech Earthwood Evolutions line details the many color choices from this particular series, which is just one of TimberTech’s product lines.

One great outdoor space combination includes a porch with an attached deck,  paver patio, and an outdoor kitchen. Imagine being able to grill, dine and enjoy the great outdoors any time you like in your own backyard.

If your dream backyard makeover entry includes a porch, you can include a screened porch or an open porch. Screened porches are great because they keep out bugs and keep out some of the water. Open porches have a roof but are open on the sides. This option is especially popular with an elevated porch since you may not need as much insect protection with an elevated porch.

If your dream backyard makeover space includes a deck, remember a deck is not always just a deck. Decks can include bump out spaces designed especially for a grill or smoker. Our custom deck designs can also incorporate built-in bench seating or planters. Your deck will include TimberTech low maintenance timbers.  TimberTech comes in a wide array of colors and pattern options. TimberTech has decking to suit any taste, from streaking and veining that mimics the look of real wood to sophisticated patterning to give your dream deck a custom look. You can even use a combination of hues by adding a picture frame border or other patterning techniques to give your new space drama.

When you visualize your dream hardscape, here are some hardscape elements to consider including. You may want your hardscape patio to include retaining walls, a fire pit, and even an outdoor kitchen. Belgard is the leader among hardscapes. Their huge selection allows you to create a space that is as rustic, or as modern as you like.

Belgard patio and outdoor kitchen combination
This Belgard patio and outdoor kitchen combination is just taste of what the ideal hardscape space could include. Imagine all the possibilities in a space such as this.
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

Archadeck of Central Georgia urges you to dream big for this amazing one of a kind contest. Your idea of what would make the ideal backyard for you may just win you the ultimate outdoor space. To enter the contest, visit the Archadeck of Central Georgia Facebook page and hit “like”. Then click on the large blue button that says “Win a Backyard…” This brings you one step closer to becoming one of our lucky finalists and one step closer to making your backyard dream a reality!

You can learn more about all of our breathtaking outdoor spaces by contacting Archadeck of Central GA. You can also see more examples of outdoor living combinations that deliver maximum function and beauty by visiting our deck galleries, our porch galleries and our outdoor living galleries located on our website.

Archadeck of Central Georgia is off and running with the Archadeck 2013 Dream Backyard Makeover

Archadeck of Central GA Archadeck 2013 Dream Backyard contestHave you even peered into your backyard and imagined an outdoor oasis – a place that is alive with beauty, function and quality that would enable you to escape from the stresses of each day? Have you wanted a space that you can use to enhance the precious time you spend with family, with enough versatility to be that perfect intimate space to host a candlelit outdoor dinner for date night with your better half?  Archadeck of Central Georgia wants you to know the backyard of your dreams may be closer than your think. Our Dream Backyard Makeover contest can turn your backyard into the outdoor oasis you have envisioned.

We are proud to announce the opening of the Archadeck 2013 Dream Backyard Makeover contest. This is the first national contest in Archadeck’s history. Archadeck which is one of the nation’s largest builder networks specializing in custom-designed and custom-built outdoor living structures, has paired with two of our premium suppliers, TimberTech and Belgard to bring one lucky homeowner their dream backyard makeover worth up to $70,000.

Archadeck of Central Georgia is proud to be involved in this endeavor and we want to tell you about how the contest works…

The prizes for the contest are at three levels. The grand prize is a custom outdoor space with a value of up to $70,000! The 2nd prize is a deck renovation with a value up to $7,000, and the 3rd prize is a outdoor lighting package with a value of $3,000. Each of these will provide a lovely improvement to your backyard and further years of outdoor living enjoyment. Homeowners can enter the contest via Facebook by liking the Archadeck of Central Georgia Facebook page and clicking on the icon that reads “promotions”. Once inside the entry portion of the contest you will need to provide a photo of your existing outdoor space and supply a description in a maximum of 200 words to describe the ideal of your dream outdoor space.

The contest began on February 1st and submissions will be accepted through April 23 of this year, 2013. At that time, two finalists will be chosen for the months of February, March and April. From these six finalists Facebook users can then vote on their favorite to help us determine the winners. Voting will open on 4/23/13 and end on 4/30/13. In May the winners of all three levels will be announced.

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

You can learn more about this backyard dream come true that could happen to you by visiting our Archadeck of Central Georgia Facebook page today. To learn more about the beautiful, functional spaces we can design and build for you to set your dreams in motion, contact Archadeck of Central Georgia for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000 or email us at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net.

Top 11 building and design trends, as well as upgrades, for your outdoor space in 2013

hardscape builder macon GA warner robins
Screened porches as well as hardscape designs such as patios and outdoor fireplaces remain at the top of many homeowner wish lists as we look to 2013.

Each of us starts off the New Year with aspirations and hopes of improving our lives in the upcoming year. These improvements can include freeing ourselves of bad habits and making changes to improve our health and appearance. Many homeowners begin making changes that will improve our lives and our lifestyle. Adding and upgrading areas in and around your home to get more enjoyment out of your home is at the top of many homeowners’ lists. With this in mind, Archadeck of Central Georgia has compiled a summary of what we see for hot building and design trends for 2013.

Building and design trends in outdoor living for 2013

Central Georgia Belgard hardscapes
This beautiful walkway was built usng Belgard hardscapes.
  1. We are continuing to watch the screened porch market grow. This is especially true when the screened porch becomes a room that can be utilized for 9 months out of the year or even longer with the inclusion of an outdoor fireplace. This is an inexpensive way to add a big living space to your backyard and home.
  2. Hardscapes will continue to be a growth area for us in 2013. Patios are becoming more and more popular in the Central GA market. We expect growth in the higher-end patio build and design market which includes outdoor fireplaces and outdoor kitchens. This is an ideal choice for a patio home with a flat yard or those homeowners who already have a concrete patio which is too small or does not provide adequate function.
  3. Among the top choices for hardscapes is Belgard’s Chattahoochee blend. This beautiful blend contains purples and browns. We continue to get requests for this color, in particular because it contains enough brown to hide dirt effectively.
  4. Multi-area outdoor spaces will continue to grow as well. Multi- area spaces and outdoor living combinations provide multiple uses for one space. People will continue to want to build more outdoor kitchens, and fire pits. These areas can be used on patios and decks to increase the length of usable time for the space.
  5. Fire pits continue to grow in popularity within our market. Not only is the fire pit a relatively inexpensive way to add ambiance and rustic beauty to your outdoor setting, but people really love them.
  6. Interest in composite and PVC (synthetic) decks will continue to grow in popularity in the New Year. Adding a synthetic deck make sense for less maintenance and maintaining your deck’s beauty and value over time.
    Screen Porch - Macon GA
    Screened porches continue to be one of the most requested outdoor spaces for 2013.
  7. AZEK PVC trim boards have started to become popular for people who also want a more finished look to their outdoor space. We can use these to wrap the deck, edge band, column posts and risers in white. Most houses have white windows and trim so the white PVC finishes match really nicely.
  8. A great way to add pizzazz to a deck without adding really expensive custom elements is to use a two-tone color design. This can be achieved with an outline, or even parting boards. This kind of design trend adds little additional cost to the homeowner and adds loads of personality to your deck.
  9. One thing we’ve seen is a great deal of repair work that has been put off with homeowner’s existing outdoor spaces because of the recent economy. The economy is improving and if you are thinking of selling your home, the needed repairs will have to be addressed in order to place your home on the market. Personally, I have seen a number of decks that need repair so we foresee a great deal of safety inspection and repair work in 2013.
  10. Beyond minor repairs, we anticipate there will be some re-decking without changing the size and shape of existing decks as well as adding new railing to many decks to improve the salability of homes. Re-decking can be a valuable way to add beauty and longevity to your deck, this is the case whether you are staying in your home or plan to sell in the near future. Deciding to upgrade to a synthetic will add value over time, and will leave you more time to enjoy your outdoor space without the worry of constant maintenance.
  11. With existing screened porches we are seeing the popularity of converting their screens to EZE Breeze windows. This is the case with many porch owners because it extends the amount of time you can enjoy your space. It also offers versatile function that can enable your porch to function as a three-season, or even a four-season room with minimal effort.
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA
Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

Whether you are considering a new outdoor structure addition this year, or are looking to upgrade an existing outdoor space to deliver more enjoyment and appeal, Archadeck of Central Georgia can transform your outdoor space into everything you always hoped it could be. Contact us today to learn more. Call today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000 centralgeorgia@archadeck.net Visit our deck gallery, our patio and hardscape gallery and our screened porch gallery located on our website to see more examples of trending outdoor structure designs for 2013. learn more. Call today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000 centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Visit our deck gallery, our patio and hardscape gallery and our screened porch gallery located on our website to see more examples of trending outdoor structure designs for 2013.