Tag Archives: North Macon GA pergola builder

A Pergola Is The Perfect Fit For THis North Macon Homeowners!

Have you ever looked at your existing backyard space, or lack of, and think “I wish” or “I should have”? Chances are likely that as a homeowner, you have desires, or even regret, about an aspect of your home or landscape that you would like to change or would have designed differently if given the chance.  This week’s feature story serves as the perfect example of an existing outdoor living space that just needed the custom elements that Archadeck is known for. 

North Macon Deck Buiiders

Archadeck of Central GA makes your backyard different by design!

Part of the reason Archadeck of Central GA has so many satisfied customers is the way we listen to our client’s needs and offer a customized solution that speaks to those needs. Case in point is our most recent project in North Macon. 

Before
Backyard area before Archadeck of Central GA began the project.

These clients reached out to Archadeck to recommend a custom shade solution for their existing backyard deck and patio space.  They knew that the area needed help, but was uncertain of exactly what they wanted. Their existing patio was unbearable to grill on or utilize in the afternoon due to its proximity to the afternoon sun. In addition, their existing wooden deck was in need of replacement. 

It all began with a pergola!

The homeowners had already started thinking about the possibility of adding a pergola over the patio as a way to beat the heat! After addressing the issues of their current space, Archadeck of Central GA offered a dual-phased solution which tackled the shade solution and bringing the existing deck into the 21st century. 

North Macon pergola and deck builders

Indeed, adding a new pergola served as the perfect fit for the patio to provide shade since the placement of the patio was almost due north.  Archadeck installed a stunning wooden pergola featuring beefy 8 x 8 posts and decorative ogee’ ends.

The pergola construction also features Belgard’s Weston Stone pavers. This enabled us to install the posts for the pergola deep into the ground.  We added the pavers to create a pedestal for the posts. 

A new low maintenance deck with an updated design

Along with the addition of the pergola over the patio for shade,  Archadeck also updated the backyard deck design for these homeowners. The new deck increased the size and functionality  of the space by increasing the seating area and more room to enjoy grilling outdoors. 

The new deck was built using super low-maintenance Fiberon Good Life decking in the color Bungalow.  An updated railing was installed on the deck using black aluminum square railing with a Fiberon rail cap. 

North Macon Fiberon deck builder

Additionally, we changed the stair configuration  allowing the new stairs to spill into the patio and still access the basement below allowing for a right or left traffic flow option.

Archadeck of Central GA has the solution for your backyard woes!

The new updated design, shade solution and low-maintenance deck addition exceeds everything the homeowner had envisioned for this space.  At Archadeck of Central GA we go above and beyond to deliver a custom area that is sure to heighten enjoyment for many years to come!

Are you ready to start living the good life in your backyard? As your trusted deck and porch builder since 1991, look to us to design and build the outdoor space you have always wanted! Get in touch with us by calling 478-745-2000 or via email at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net.

Stephen Denton Archadeck Augusta square lr
Stephen Denton, owner Archadeck of Central GA.

 

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.

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

Paver patio in Macon GA
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 

Screen Porch Warner Robins with hip roof
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?

milledgeville-porch
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

Fan pergola in  Jones County Macon GA
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
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.

Central GA hardscapes are strong in more ways than one

Paver patio in Macon, GA
This paver patio in North Macon, GA also provides shade with the beautiful pergola atop the structure.

The word hardscape in itself communicates strength and durability.  The hardscape is a strong choice in more ways than one. Not only is a professionally installed hardscape strong enough to drive a car on it, our hardscapes are built to withstand various and changing soil conditions as well as the effects of the elements. Requiring little to to maintenance, the pergola is a very strong choice for your outdoor living space.

This project in the Providence community in Macon GA is one example of the impact a quality hardscape can have on your backyard. The project includes a paver patio covered by a pergola. A deck would not have worked in this yard and because the homeowners wanted the least possible maintenance.  Hardscapes, in general require even less maintainance than composites or PVC.

Providence, GA paver patio and pergola
Here is another view of this paver patio and pergola project, in North Macon ( Providence), GA.

Building a home-made paver patio is generally not a good idea. Individual soil conditions vary greatly from yard to yard, Almost all home-made patios will inevitably move, sink, bulge and/or crack.  A professionally designed and built hardscape patio from Archadeck of Central Georgia is made to last. We dig down 4-6″  deep, apply a 4-6″ base of aggregate and make sure it is properly compacted before we even begin laying the pavers.

We use Belgard hardscaping materials almost exclusively. Belgard is a top quality hardscape that has a long history of successful applications on thousands of residential and commercial projects. Commonly used applications of Belgard hardscape materials include driveways, walkways and paver patios.

Using pavers allows a lot of design flexibility. We specialize in patterns, border-colors and multi-color designs. We can even incorporate a pathway to the driveway, garden area, or front of your house that matches and works in unison with the paver selection you choose.

The Belgard line has tremendous range in shapes, sizes and colors but right now earth tones and neutrals are popular. Earth tones are often highlighted with grays, blues and reds. The Cambridge cobble is a very popular color here in the Macon/Warner Robins and surrounding area. The Holland line is also popular and has a more traditional feel and style. Belgard also offers a line of outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and outdoor kitchens.

SPLCambridge008
Belgard's popular Cambridge Cobble offers a tailored, architectural look with gently rounded corners and a domed surface.

 

NFDHollandHighland
Belgard's Holland line is a solid choice for residential and commercial applications.

If  a paver patio is something you are planning in the near future, now is the perfect season to start. It is the best time of the year to build due to the heavy equipment used when constructing a paver patio. Spring is the optimum time for the turf to recover from stress, whereas other seasons make it less resilient due to weather and temperature conditions.

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

Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to learn more about our strong and beautiful patio and hardscape designs today. Call for a free consultation: (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net