Tag Archives: Macon GA deck and pergola combinations

Deck builder, Pergola builder/contractor

With Minimal Design Changes, A New Wooden Deck In Macon’s Historic District Rises To The Occasion

Reminiscent of the adage “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”, comes this tale of a new deck replacement in the charming confines of the historic district of Macon in Central Georgia.

Macon Deck Builders

Having served its originally intended purpose for more than 20 years, this revered wooden deck needed to be replaced for a multitude of reasons: among them structural integrity, the appearance, and outdated access functionality.

before
Before

The challenge was that working in the Historic District of Macon meant that any remodels have to abide by certain criteria. On this deck update replacement and upgrade project, we were able to rebuild and improve upon the deck. But – and it’s a big but – we could not amend the design in such a way that it would be visible from the street.

Macon custom deck builders
After.

So, we made minimal design changes that would stay within those guidelines but still deliver a magnificent outdoor structure that would function well, look great, and stand the test of time.

The Beauty And Durability Of Real Wood Cannot Be Denied

Emulating the structural design bones of its predecessor, this new multi-level backyard deck replacement was meticulously crafted out of premium pressure-treated pine.

With our credo of better building by design, and adhering to the strictest construction principles there are, we made doubly sure that the substructure was built extremely strong and brought the deck up to all the current codes.

Creating Better Access With This Next Generation Of Wood Decking

When compared to the Before images, you can see our team redesigned the stair area. Where there was one staircase, we modified the design to now include a landing with staircases flanking both left and right – a minimal visible change but a strategically sound one.

Macon custom deck builders

For greater aesthetic appeal with its resulting shadow patterns cast from the sun – and adding the function of partial shade – we also added the charming pressure-treated pine pergola overhead.

Staying true to the homeowner’s wishes, the entire project was built using pressure-treated pine.

Macon custom deck and pergola builders

Speaking of better access, a measure of privacy and protection was included in the redesign with the addition of two gates – one at each stairway base at ground level.

What’s In Your Outdoor Living Future For A Backyard Improvement?

As we all seem to be spending more quality time outdoors, adding quality structures to support and enhance your outdoor living may well be in order.

To help navigate you toward what spaces may best fulfill that need, please feel free to connect with us for a complimentary design consultation. You can do that right here.

John Haugabook
John Haugabook of Archadeck of Cenral GA.
Pergola builder/contractor

A Central Georgia pergola adds just the right amount of personality and panache to any outdoor space

Paver patio in Macon GA
This paver patio and pergola combination in Macon, GA is a good example of the shade a pergola can provide in a sunny spot.

Whether you call it a pergola, a trellis or even an arbor; this outdoor structure is so much more than just another pretty face. No one can deny the beauty and presence a pergola can add to a backyard space. A pergola addition can add definition to an area but can also provide much needed shade.  A well-designed and well-placed pergola addition can add just the right amount of shade to an adjacent interior space. One of the benefits of a pergola is a reduction in cooling costs to an adjacent room based on the degree of sun protection your pergola provides. Although it can reduce the direct sun, it often still allows light to the adjacent room.

Statham's landing pergola in Warner Robins GA
This pergola design in Statham’s Landing shows a fiberglass column and wood combination construction.

Typically the most common material used for pergola construction is wood. But, there are also a wide range of different materials that can be used including low maintenance materials. Our customers often prefer real wooden pergola construction either opting for pressure treated pine or rough hewn Cypress. One popular request is a cypress pergola with a wide spacing between the joists and lathes. This gives the pergola a more rustic appeal. If formal is more your taste, we can combine fiberglass columns along with wood for the top of your pergola.

In terms of coatings, if you use wood, we can use a solid sealer for a more formal look or a clear sealer to allow the natural graining of the wood to show through.  Another viable option, especially in commercial pergola construction, is the use of vinyl and aluminum. The only drawbacks to using these materials are the price point and certain size limitations.

Central GA side entrance pergola
This stunning Cypress pergola gives the side entrance to this Central GA tons of personality.

Typical pergola construction consists of beams, joists and lathes which comprise a three layered design. In some cases we install a second layer of joists to deliver a four layer design. We may also install a denser layer of lathe to give the pergola a more masculine look. The distance between the joists and lathe can make a huge difference in the design of your pergola and the shade value and the aesthetic you are seeking to achieve. In pressure treated pergola designs we always advise installing the lathes closer together because over time pressure treated wood can warp. Closer lathe placement will help overcome this problem. Rounding out your pergola design can include decorative cuts such as ogee ends, or a 45 degree cut. These details may seem small but they influence your completed pergola aesthetics immensely.

Never forget the direction of the sun in conjunction with your home and placement of your anticipated pergola design. The back of your house may receive too much sun making it unbearable to enjoy during certain times of the day. With this in mind, we can design a pergola to block a percentage of the sun. For more sun protection, we can add an extra layer atop your pergola to add more shade. One such option is using a sun screen. We’ve had tremendous success with sun shades by Phifer. We work in conjunction with Encore design and construction on all of our sun shade installations. One of the biggest benefits of having a pergola is being able to mount an outdoor-rated ceiling fan. Not only does the addition of the ceiling fan aid in air circulation within your pergola it also helps cool the space on those hot Georgia afternoons!

Pergola Macon
This pergola in North Macon makes a grand entrance complete with Roman columns and Corinthian caps. The structure above and around the columns is cypress.

 

Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to learn more about the perfect outdoor space and companion – the pergola. Call us today 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 see more inspiring images of pergolas in many backyard settings by visiting our pergola and trellis photo gallery and our patio and hardscapes photo gallery located on our website.