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.

Decks, Free deck safety inspection

Is your Central GA deck an accident waiting to happen?

May 30, 2013 admin

: 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.

: 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

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

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.

Decks

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

May 27, 2013 admin

: 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 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.

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.

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

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.

Dock Builder, Lakehouse decks, Screened porches

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

May 17, 2013 admin

: 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.

: 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

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.

Fiberon, Lakehouse decks

Archadeck of Central Georgia perfects the lakehouse deck with this low-maintenance beauty in Beaver Glen

May 8, 2013 admin

: This Beaver Glen lake house deck delivers form, beauty and function in one outdoor living space.

Take a look at this picture. Then, close your eyes and imagine the smell of the air, the feeling of the sun, and the sound of the breeze. Now take a look at the picture just below and ask yourself if that is where you had imaged being? You can see how the right design can change the way you perceive the experience. Why squander your backyard experience because of a poorly designed outdoor living space?”

: Existing deck before we began the project.

The story of this Warner Robins homeowner’s lake house deck began when they contacted Archadeck of Central Georgia to provide a quote for a larger deck. Their existing deck was not only small; it also only provided access to the deck via their bedroom which had become an imposition when entertaining guests outdoors. The Beaver Dam residents wanted a larger deck that would afford them a sitting area as well as an area to grill and dine outside. A top priority for the homeowners also included a deck that could be accessed from the home’s interior living room for all to easily enjoy.

The old deck had been built with two steps down from the door of the bedroom entrance which needed amending. An important design prerequisite included the homeowners’ wish for no stairs to ascend from the deck onto the ground. This was intended to address two reasons; 1) the sloping ground below would make adding stairs difficult 2) for security reasons.

: Archadeck of Central GA proposed Warner Robins lake house deck in Beaver Glen

Archadeck of Central GA went to work on designing a plan that would cover all the bases of a deck that provided the living space the homeowner’s yearned for to enjoy their breathtaking view. With some design changes from the homeowners we developed a new plan together. Then we took down the entirety of the existing deck and started afresh in building the new, larger deck of their dreams.

After completing the deck we removed the existing window within the living room/den area of the home and replacing it with a double door which provides easy access to the new deck. The new double doors happen to be perfectly in line with the home’s front door revealing a clear view of the lake from the moment you enter the home. Upon removal of the old deck we noted it had not been flashed properly so we replaced the damage siding for the homeowner as well. We built the new deck using Fiberon Pro-Tect decking which offers all the low-maintenance benefits and quality at an affordable price to keep costs down. The color we used is Gray Birch from the Pro-Tect line which looks elegant paired with the Fortress Iron black metal pickets we used.

: Tranquil lakefront views abound from this new Warner Robins deck.

The finished project delivers a large, quality built, low-maintenance deck that provides incredible views to the lake. The new deck also guarantees convenient access and traffic flow from the main living area onto the deck making entertaining and everyday use effortless to say the least. These Beaver Glen homeowners are elated with their new deck and the difference it has made to the way they live in their home!

: Stephen Denton, owner of Archadeck of Central GA

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.
Call us for a free consultation today (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

See more Central GA decks that enhance the view by visiting our decks photo gallery, including our composite and PVC deck photo gallery and our wooden deck photo gallery located on our website.

Archadeck of Central GA

With outdoor kitchens, it starts with men’s favorite outdoor apparatus – the outdoor grill

April 29, 2013 admin

Outdoor kitchens really revolve around the grill. The grill is the centerpiece of the outdoor kitchen because all food prep, cooking, and serving are dictated by the primary outdoor kitchen activity which is grilling. Finally mens favorite outdoor tool becomes the center of attention. The size of the bar, design of the bar, and placement of the kitchen revolve around the cooking apparatus. It has to be in a spot where the cook will enjoy cooking. It’s a great idea to have an overhang on the outside of the bar to allow people to congregate and interact with the outdoor chef.

The next steps in planning an outdoor kitchen are to determine other amenities and to determine materials. First let me say that outdoor kitchens are not for everyone. Although they’re very pretty and very functional; a lot of money can be wasted if the outdoor kitchen. People are often surprised by the cost of the outdoor kitchen. They can run anywhere from $10,000 – $30,000. This sounds like a lot but in comparison, an indoor kitchen remodel can easily be between $50,000 – $100,000. This sounds like a lot but in comparison, a kitchen remodel can easily be between $50 – 100,000. Indeed there are non-permanent grill/sink/refrigerator combos that can be purchased at big box stores. But, these won’t feel like an outdoor kitchen.

Determining the other amenities is the next step in planning your outdoor kitchen. Options include a refrigerator, warming bins, drawer components, griddles or smokers, and possibly a sink. A refrigerator is a no brainer. It can be used to hold refreshments as well as items for cooking.

Next you’ll want to think about powering your outdoor kitchen. Do you want to have a functioning sink for food prep or rinsing? You may need to run water and sewer to the sink. Do you want a grill or other components that run on gas? You may need to run the gas line to the outdoor kitchen unit. Your kitchen will most likely have outlets to plug in blenders, lamps, or even laptops. This requires running electricity from the house. There are some ways to make this less expensive and we work creatively with our customers to create the space that’s right for them.

Finally, decisions need to be made about materials. The kitchen surround can be brick, paver, stone, or even wood. Then there’s the countertop. Like inside the home, you may use granite or quartz. There are good alternatives for outdoors that are less expensive but customers are often surprised that the countertop can be one of the most expensive elements of the outdoor kitchen.

From a construction perspective, this seemingly relatively small area can take a lot of hands to build. There may be up to 5 crews that are involved in building the outdoor kitchen. These include the framer, mason, plumber, countertop guy, electrician and the appliance guy.

If you’re considering adding an outdoor kitchen to your backyard, it can bring a whole new space to your home allowing hours of family enjoyment and entertaining possibilities. Although the project is certainly a bit more complex than it looks, there are ways we can help keep the price down. Give us a call for a free consultation about building an outdoor kitchen at your home. Call our office at (478) 745 – 2000 or drop us an email at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net.

For more pictures, please see our outdoor kitchen photo gallery on our website.

Deck builder, Pergola builder/contractor

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

April 22, 2013 admin

Our 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.

In 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

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.

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.

Pergola builder/contractor

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

April 8, 2013 admin

: 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.

: 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.

: 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!

: 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

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.

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.

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