Tag Archives: Macon GA outdoor rooms

The Archadeck dream makeover contest is over but you can still live the dream in your Central GA backyard!

June 12, 2013 admin

: This elegant entry pergola was built as part of phased building project we completed which encompassed multiple outdoor living structure additions over an extended period of time.

Archadeck recently completed its Dream Home Makeover contest and some lucky Iowa homeowners took the prize. Just because the contest is over doesn’t mean you can’t still have your own dream backyard! Many of our clients plan their dream backyard and build it slowly over the course of a 2, 3 or even 4 year period. Being able to build the backyard of your dreams in phases as your lifestyle and budget permit is all part of our phased building program here at Archadeck of Central Georgia. Many times, our customers will come to us with a master plan in mind for their backyard. Other times, we will work together with the homeowners to create a master plan. No matter what type of outdoor living space we discuss building for our clients; we always ask them about their future building plans because if they have hopes for expanding their backyard space in the future we can incorporate the structural requirements for future additions into the outdoor space we are building for them. The cost to build scalable foundations to expand upon in the future is very minimal and it is only a small additional cost to build a deck with the footings to support a future roof or porch. Here are some of the stories and happy endings from multi-year phased building projects we have completed for our customers.

: This screened porch overlooks the tranquil Koi pond, just as the vision these homeowners had imagined.

Our first story involves a backyard dream come true that involves four outdoor living projects within a 6 year period. The homeowners came to us with an elaborate idea of what they had in mind for their backyard. Their vision included a deck, screened porch, koi pond with an adjoining creek with an entrance into the backyard that featured a pergola. Archadeck of Central Georgia went over their master plan and knew we would be able to complete their backyard vision over an extended period of time. We began the project by building the deck first, which down the road was converted easily into a screened porch because of the structural components we built into the deck from the beginning. The following year we completed a secondary portion to the deck and shortly thereafter we completed the remainder of the second deck. The screened porch was designed as a freestanding structure which sits above the lovely koi pond.

: This is the lovely deck Archadeck of Central GA built as one of the phases of this outdoor living dream come true!

: This greenhouse was also part of the master plan.

Our second focus project involves many different projects in one backyard and was built over a 3 year period. To add to the complexity of this project the homeowners were working on remodeling their house as well. We started this project with a rain deck built from aluminum LockDry. We then went onto build a greenhouse, and garden garage for them. Archadeck of Central Georgia also constructed a chicken coop pergola for these homeowners. The chicken coop pergola was designed with a closed in poured concrete area for the homeowner’s chickens and is probably the nicest chicken coop in the entire state of Georgia! The final stage of this project was to build an additional deck onto the side of the house for these customers.

: This custom chicken coop has to be the finest chicken abode in the state of GA!

: Notice how the deck is incorporated into the Koi pond- the ultimate relaxation spot.

These projects will give new insight into just a few of the benefits our phased building program can provide. Sometimes homeowners know they want a phased project, other times they know what they want but don’t know how they are going to bring their outdoor vision to life. Archadeck of Central GA can assist you in coming up with a master plan to obtaining the backyard of your dreams so it can evolve over time. The most important part of gaining direction over your backyard is to decide on the spaces you want it to include. We build a lot of decks for customers who intend to build a porch onto it afterwards. If there’s is even an idea of adding a porch, such as a screened porch later, keep in mind it is a minimal cost to build a stronger support system into the deck with that in mind up front. Waiting until later to add these supports will actually cost more. Another key item to keep in mind if you intend to add a hot tub to your outdoor space in the future is that they will require special footings for safety and structural integrity and often these cannot be added later on down the road. In the case of hot tubs the amendments must be added at the time of construction. Another space upgrade worth mentioning to us is the probability of adding an outdoor kitchen in the future, this way we can plan the necessary fundamentals into your outdoor space up front to save you a lot of headaches, and money in the future.

: Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

If you are ready to begin working towards fulfilling your outdoor dream backyard makeover, contact Archadeck of Central GA today to learn more about our phased building program that will make each outdoor transition easy and budget friendly.Call us today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

You can see more examples of successful backyard dream spaces completed via our phased building program by visiting our deck photo galleries and our outdoor living photo galleries located on our website.

Fiberon, Low maintenace decks, Sunrooms and outdoor rooms

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

April 19, 2013 admin

: A design rendering to the left details the project while in the planning stages, as the image to the right shows the completed 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.

: 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.

: An outdoor living dream come true for these Macon, Ga., homeowners.

: 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.

Paver patios & hardscapes

Archadeck of Central Georgia reveals the top 3 ways to perfect your patio

March 25, 2013 admin

: This paver patio and pergola addition is a great example of extending an inset rear patio and cultivating it into an outdoor oasis.

Many new or previously owned homes are built with a small concrete inset patio on the back. These consist of a rudimentary concrete floor that extends out six to eight feet and in some cases they may be covered. The dynamics of one of these boringly basic patios is they are not big enough to enable function. They are not large enough for a formal eating area or a formal seating area making them an area that lacks function or direction. In these situations Archadeck of Central Georgia can extend your patio insert out to make it more functional. Extending a “builder grade” generic patio like this can also open up a world of possibilities to further enhance this living space making outdoor living more advantageous and making the space more aesthetically appealing.

In general, homes that have this type of patio inset are usually built on a slab foundation. To make your patio more open to extension and enhancement we suggest pouring additional concrete to this area or adding a paver patio. We can make the area more spacious by adding more floor space of even adding a roof. Another option is to screen in the existing area as is and add more additional floor space outside the bounds of the patio. Once you make the decision to improve upon your inset patio, there are many options available to enhance the area and nurture it into the patio space of your dreams. Archadeck of Central GA has three suggestions to make your patio the perfect patio.

Creating a safe haven

: Adding a protected structure such as a screened patio is a perfect way to enhance your backyard patio.

Protected outdoor spaces such as screened patios and 3-season rooms offer a refuge from bothersome insects such as mosquitoes and the dangerous UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Central GA summers can be humid and hot to say the least. Turning your boring patio into a protected area can easily be accomplished with aluminum or traditional wooden structural reinforcements. One consideration is to choose a roof style that will work well with your existing home. Roof lines are important when adding a roofed structure because you want your roof line to work well with any existing windows, doors, dormers or other bump out features of your home. Adding another level of convenience is an option by choosing the addition of an Eze-Breeze window system. These systems turn your screened porch into a 3-season room with sliding vinyl window panels that give you the option of choosing how much or how little window to utilize. If you want to keep the feel of an open space and still gain protection from mosquitoes, then adding mosquito curtains to your covered patio design is also a viable option.

Is it a porch or is it a patio?

: This covered patio in Milledgeville, GA delivers aesthetics and function under one roof.

If you have a patio and you want to build it up to include a porch we can inspect your footings to ensure they are sound enough to hold a porch. If your home is built on a slab the thickness is generally 3.5″ to 4″ thick and footing would have to be built on top of the slab to create a porch. Many times with patio porches, homeowners choose to leave the floor concrete and use indoor/outdoor rugs to cover the floor. This is a great idea and can also be a means to pull color and texture into the space. If you aren’t really into that look then we can cover the concrete with pavers. We have access to the thinner pavers that are used to cover concrete patios for this very reason. We have had great results from this product. The biggest difference in choosing a concrete or paver patio versus a traditional wooden structure is the price point. Another factor is the distance of your front yard (or your driveway) to your back yard. Easy access to the rear of your home with a truck full of materials is a big deal. Having a way to easily get them where they need to be is a huge consideration.

A pergola will add panache to your patio

: This fan pergola in Jones County serves as much for shade as beauty atop this patio setting.

Pergolas are hands-down one of the most stylish outdoor structures on the market today. There is a lot more to a pergola than just a pretty face. Pergolas add shade and intimacy to your outdoor space. Archadeck of Central Georgia offers a host of unique pergola designs in a myriad of materials from rustic wood to ultra-low-maintenance vinyl. Flanking your patio with a triangular or fan pergola will add depth and personality to your patio. Adding a traditional four corner pergola will add elegance and timeless appeal to your patio. Using a pergola to partially cover your patio is a great way to put a new spin on your backyard by thinking out of the box while not breaking the bank.

If your patio needs a facelift to improve its form and function, contact Archadeck of Central Georgia today. Our expert design and quality construction can help make the improvements that will make a huge difference in how your family lives in your outdoor space! Call us today for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000

: Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

See more patio transformation ideas by visiting our patio and hardscape photo gallery, our screened porches photo gallery and our pergola and trellis photo gallery located on our website.

Archadeck of Central GA

Now is the time to invest in your Central Georgia outdoor space

November 1, 2012 admin

Forsyth GA screen porch design rendering Archadeck

If there is any point in the year where a homeowner can reap the most benefit from building their outdoor structure, it is now. Choosing to go ahead in the fall or winter with the outdoor living project you’ve been dreaming of ensures you can enjoy it on those “Indian Summer Days” during the cooler months as well as the very minute that spring begins. Whether early or late, your outdoor room will not only be enjoyable during the winter but it will also be ready to enjoy the Spring whenever it arrives.

A heaping helping of value

Avoiding any price increases in the new calendar year is an important consideration when thinking about the timing of your project. Labor prices are really low in this economy and are only predicted to go up as the economy improves. The same is true of raw materials that are used in building such as wood, concrete and even sand. Typically the market experiences an increase in the price of materials in the spring. This increase is driven up by the simple theory of supply and demand at the lumber yard. A good example of this is evident with the use of pressure treated lumber. The majority of outdoor living structures are built using pressure treated lumber and it is kept in inventory at the lumber yards only enough to meet demand. Lumber prices fluctuate and the price of pressure treated wood products won’t go down because they simply don’t make as much.

ipe deck - macon GA by Archadeck — Fall and winter is a time when prices for raw materials, such as wood are at their lowest prices of the year.

Crews that work in the cooler months are often more productive as well. The blistering temperatures of the Central Georgia summers can be dangerous and require more hydration breaks for carpenters and contractors. If you ask a carpenter which season he or she prefers to build in, they will always tell you the winter simply because of the milder temperatures and lack of humidity. There are no restrictions in our area from working in the cold because it never really gets too cold here in Georgia.

Another plus to fall and winter construction is it causes less trauma to your turf and landscape. It is actually better for your yard to build during the cooler months. This is in part due to turf grass and plant dormancy that naturally occurs in the winter. Although we take a lot of precautions to not cause damage to the yard while digging footings, delivery and foot traffic, a certain amount of damage is inevitable. Having the luxury of time to let your landscape heal over the winter will help it bounce back in the spring good as new.

round deck design drawing - hawkinsville - georgia — This Archadeck design rendering shows our Hawkinsville GA clients exactly what their project is going to look like at their home

Out of all the projects Archadeck of Central Georgia has built over the years not one single customer has ever said “I wish I had waited to build my outdoor structure”. A recent study conducted by Harvard Business School indicates the median waiting period of a homeowner thinking about building and actually getting started on a project is generally two years. The study also indicates that there is no advantage to waiting for two years to break ground on your project. The factor to remember is that a professionally built outdoor space adds value to your home. It is not like a car which depreciates significantly the minute you drive it off the lot. Outdoor living projects are an honest and tangible investment to your home which is like moving money from the bank to your backyard. And how often do you get to enjoy that money in the bank. Would you not rather be enjoying the sunset with your spouse while sitting on your new Archadeck outdoor living room. You can put your money back in the bank after you sell the house.

If uncertainty about how long you are planning on staying in your home is holding you back, don’t let that factor enter into your decision. If you are going to be in your house for at least two years, you will reap the return on your investment. This means that you will get your money back out of your investment and get the luxury of enjoying the space while you are still in your home. It is a win/win situation.

Now lets say your current deck or porch is in disrepair. Are you going to be able to sell your house without addressing the issue or discounting the price of your home? Why not upgrade or repair now and enjoy the space until you sell?

If you are ready to ensure your outdoor space is ready right on time for the outdoor living season, contact Archadeck of Central Georgia today. You will be glad you did. Call us for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

Don’t forget an outdoor structure also makes the perfect way to make that special someone’s holiday dreams come true. A gift that keeps giving year after year! Check out our outdoor fireplace and fire pit gallery, or our screened porch gallery located on our website for inspiration.

Dock Builder, Gazebos, Poolside outdoor spaces

A picturesque poolside gazebo and bridge in Monroe County, GA that provides 360 degrees of enjoyment

October 22, 2012 admin

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.

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.

Porch builder/contractor, Screened porches, Vinyl window for porches

The right vinyl window can make turning your screened porch into a 3- or 4-season room a breeze

June 4, 2012 admin Leave a comment

A 2-season room before decorating in Forsyth GA

Using the right vinyl windows can turn your screened porch into a 3- or 4-season room. Archadeck of Central Georgia installs vinyl window systems for new and existing screen porch transformations. A vinyl window system enables you to be better protected from the elements thus giving you the ability to use the room for more months during the year.

Vinyl window systems offer more protection from inclement weather, wind, rain, and even the cold with the addition of a space heater on your screened porch. But be careful, all vinyl window systems are not created equal. For a vinyl window system to function properly it needs to contain a window frame that is built to support the vinyl windows. We have found that the Eze-Breeze window system is the best, and we use this system exclusively.

Screened porch to sunroom conversion in N. Macon Ga — Screened porch to sunroom conversion in N. Macon GA

If you are considering a window system in your outdoor room it is crucial that you hire someone to professionally install the windows and that the windows themselves are good quality. In a vinyl window system the frame system is going to carry all the weight. If you are thinking of just using vinyl windows without a framing system it will lead to a multitude of headaches and problems on down the road. The Eze-Breeze window systems that we use include a supportive frame system that can carry the strength of the windows without putting stress on your outdoor structure itself.

Not only are Eze-Breeze systems strong, they come with a plethora of functional options to make your life easier. One of the options they offer is the sliding track system that allows you to operate the windows easily and engage the windows according to how much or how little you want to use at your leisure. This tracking system for the Eze-Breeze porch enclosures gives you the freedom of horizontal or vertical sliders that offer up to 75% ventilation.

PGT Fist shot for web — The Eze-Breeze window will revert back to its original shape within minutes of any mishap.

The vinyl used in the Eze-Breeze system is an innovative product that is strong, nearly invisible in its clarity, and isn’t susceptible to cracking or breaking. If the unforeseen happens, such as a baseball pop-fly that hits one of the windows the window actually takes the blow and pops back into place! If the vinyl is accidentally misshapen or distorted it will revert back to its original shape within minutes.

If you are ready to create a versatile room by bringing all the beauty of the outdoors in the room and leaving all the undesirables out, contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to learn more about our screened porches, outdoor rooms and vinyl windows systems for use in your porch enclosure. Contact us for a free consultation (478) 745 – 2000 centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

You can see more stunning transformations of screened porches into sunrooms and 3 & 4 season rooms by visiting our screened porch photo gallery and our sunroom gallery located on our website.

Deck builder, Porch builder/contractor

This Macon GA deck has both functionality and style

April 2, 2012 admin Leave a comment

Macon GA deck with screen porch — Screened porch and new deck, in Macon, GA., has everything the homeowners wanted in an outdoor living structure and more.

When these Macon, GA., homeowners contacted us they were looking for a way to add functional outdoor space to their home. Their first choice was to add a full sunroom, but after careful consideration and weighing all the options, they decided that adding a screened porch and extend their existing deck by adding another side. In most cases a screened porch addition is more economical than that of a sunroom.

A screen porch addition can add at least 3 seasons of enjoyment to your outdoor living enjoyment especially here in the south where our warm days can sometimes extend into the latter months of autumn. These Macon residents will be able to watch the seasons change from spring through fall from their new screened outdoor room. With a screened porch you are protected from the elements as well as from insects. This type of outdoor living structure gives you all the benefits of being outdoors. It also gives you the feeling of extended living space – sort of a backyard living room.

Deck Builder Macon GA Porch Builder Macon GA - Archadeck — Painstaking care was taken to match the existing home. Note the brick deck skirt and white railings to match the home.

When we installed the screen porch and the re-decking we added some structural support and added the new deck area. We were able to match the brick for the screen porch to the existing brick used on the home, we even had the brick manufacturer come to the home to ensure a proper blend that would match. This is an example of the painstaking lengths and care we take in each of our projects. The roof for the screen porch is situated between two gables on the back of the home. This was a challenge, which we were able to make fit beautifully in spite of the obstacle.

The homeowners chose to use TimberTech composite decking material throughout the entire design. The color is similar to the rich tropical hardwood look of Ipe. Because composite companies often change their colors every year or two, we always leave at least two boards under the deck to safeguard in case there is ever a problem. We used Cabot white stain to match the trim on the home and on the home’s siding. The railing is 6 x 6 posts also painted with the white Cabot sealer with composite rail caps to match the composite used on the floor of the re-decking, new deck area and the screen porch. We finished it up with pyramid post caps which add a little panache to the whole design.

To top it off we installed a dog friendly gate onto the deck which swings out to keep those muddy puppy paws off the deck. We also added a hatch underneath the deck on the brick for a storage area.

This design solution is an example of how Archadeck of Central Georgia was able to translate the customer’s intended functions into an outdoor living area design full of form, and style. Contact us for a free consultation. (478) 745 – 2000 centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

View more stunning imagery of inspiring screened porches and decks by visiting our screen porches gallery, as well as our deck galleries, located on our website.

Macon Warner Robins Decks, Patios, Porches, Pergolas, Gazebos and more