Pergolas: An easy addition for a new year
I’m one of those people that is constantly changing, updating and tweaking my home. One space never stays the same for too long. It may be a small change like switching out pictures, or something larger like a new paint color or new furniture. In 2013, my husband and I have decided to be put some extra time and effort into our outdoor spaces. Because of their versatility and design options, one thing we are considering is adding a pergola to our existing outdoor living spaces.
Pergolas are a great add-on to an outdoor living space. The finishes can match the structures that are already there. At Archadeck Outdoor Living, our offices design custom pergolas that enhance a space without it looking like an afterthought (even though it may be).
My husband and I are thinking about a pergola to define our space. Our outdoor living area has a few different components and we are looking to make one part a little cozier. Pergolas are a great way to define a space as a separate area. Much like a porch (without the cost of a porch), a pergola frames out a section of the property. For us, we are looking for a cozy place to sit, read or have a drink. Look at this curved pergola for example. Although it is part of a larger structure, this is clearly a separate area. I’ve seen pictures of pergolas that are built over living and dining areas as well as outdoor kitchens.
One of my favorite aspects of pergolas is that they do provide some shade while still allowing for sun as well. For the most part, I enjoy the sun, but there are times that I want a reprieve but don’t necessarily want to go inside. Some homeowners that want more shade also purchase pergola covers to block more of the sun.
Pergolas can be as simple or ornate as the homeowner would like. Our pergola designers take the existing space into consideration and create a plan around it. Here are some examples of some different custom pergolas from our Archadeck offices:
This poolside pergola uses heavy timber to provide ample protection from the elements
This pergola is more ornate at the top and is finished in a dark brown stain
The owners of this pergola added a canopy in a bright yellow to shade the sun.
If you would like to learn more about pergolas and how they can enhance your outdoor space, please contact your local Archadeck office.
Creating Outdoor Great Rooms with Pergolas
One of the many benefits of adding an outdoor living structure to your property is that it increases the amount of livable space to your home. Outdoor rooms are becoming increasingly popular and are often used in multiples ways: a living room complete with couches, dining areas, outdoor kitchens, etc. The possibilities are endless when it comes to outdoor living spaces.
Pergolas can help define outdoor living spaces
You can define different spaces of your outdoor structures in numerous ways, but one of our favorites is the pergola. Seen here to the left, a pergola is shade structure that can be added to new or existing projects.
Pergolas make a dramatic addition to any outdoor living area, creating the feel of a true room at the fraction of the cost of a sunroom or screened porch. Pergola designs vary in size, shape and finish. 
A fan or triangle pergola may work better for your backyard than the more commonly used square or rectangle pergola. At Archadeck, we work with our clients to not only make sure their new pergola complements their home seamlessly but also that it works well with how they are going to use their space. If the space is going to be used for dining, do you need to include an overhead light? Do you need a fan to combat the summer heat? No problem, these are both easily incorporated to make your space work for you.
Some Archadeck clients are opting to include awnings or louvered roofs to their pergolas for increased shade and definition. A louvered roof gives the homeowner the ability to let sun stream into the space or close it off for a more porch-like feel if wanted. 
With numerous options to consider, pergolas offer a lot of versatility that other structures don’t.
If you’re interested in learning how a pergola or other structure can transform your yard, visit Archadeck.com for inspiration or contact your local Archadeck office.
Among outdoor structures the pergola rises to the top
This pergola has an arched roof that serves as a sitting area for this lovely garden
Sometimes it is the small things in your outdoor oasis that make the biggest statement. Take for example the pergola. Pergolas give you the capability of turning an outdoor space into an outdoor room for very little cost.
The pergola is among the fastest growing elements in backyard building. In addition to being able to provide a small intimate environment, pergolas provide loads of ambiance to your outdoor living area and landscape.
Gone forever are the days of two posts with a board across the top. Today’s pergolas come in a myriad of shapes, sizes, materials. Today’s pergolas often have all the electrical accoutrements that are available in outdoor areas such as patios and porches. These accoutrements include speakers, lighting, fans and much more.
Remember the pergola of the past that served as a decorative feature at the end of the pool? Pergolas today are used as hot tub covers, swing covers, garden area covers and patio covers.
Composite deck which uses the pergola to create a covered porch effect
Pergolas can be attached to other structures such as patio covers and even screen porches. On average we see a 50/50 split of stand alone pergolas versus attached. Modern pergolas are being built nowadays to promote the feeling of a room, and a vast majority of them have lighting so it can be used in the evening as well as the daytime.
These double pergolas promote intimacy and space definition around this hot tub deck
In order for the pergola to fully function like an outdoor room you want to be able to provide shade as well as protection from the elements. Companion products are the answer and continue to transform your yard by dressing up your pergola and giving it either more sun protection, more wind protection, or both. These are things like shade fabric that is built into the roof of the pergola, curtains made of weather resistant plastic, and drop down weighted blinds to add more shade or wind protection on one side and even awnings. Once you put an awning inside the pergola, you get protection from the wind, rain and a place to provide much-needed shade which is still much less expensive than building a room. The construction of the pergola itself can be made more conducive to providing protection from the elements by the space variance between the cross beams located atop the pergola as well. The closer the beams are set, the more protection your pergola will offer.
This poolside pergola uses heavy timber to provide ample protection from the elements
Popular materials for pergolas include unique materials, and material combinations. We are getting more requests for the beautiful rustic beauty of cedar, and redwood. We also use combinations of wood, PVC and even fiberglass columns. Most of the fancy rafter detailing which is hot right now comes from using wood because PVC and other synthetics don’t lend themselves to ornate detailing. One of the unique facets of the pergola’s design is that there are no set standards so your pergola can really become a creative piece that you can add your own personal touches and character into. From shape, size, function, location and materials the world is your oyster.
Contact Archadeck to design and build the pergola of your wildest dreams. When it comes to the design and functionality possibilities of the pergola, the choices are endless! You can find the Archadeck location nearest you by visiting our locations list located on our website.
If you are still yearning for examples of the pergolas beauty and uses, visit our pergola and trellis gallery located on our website.
Patios Covers that deliver function and style
Brick Columns, ceiling fans, and a stone retaining wall are just of the few gorgeous details of this porch cover by Archadeck of Fort Worth.
Imagine having that one spot in your landscape that you can retreat when the day has been long and you need to renew yourself. Imagine an area that offers shelter from the elements, the wind, and the sun, and a place that offers shelter from the storms of a stressful day. Having a special spot of your own is easy with a patio cover from Archadeck. A covered patio, also referred to as a patio cover can transport you to a place of relaxation and refreshment. Patio covers are also a good way to show off the beauty of your home and landscape, by introducing elements to compliment both. Patio covers can be constructed with a mixed medium of materials that include natural stone, tile, hardscape materials such as pavers, composite and PVC materials, hardwoods, brick and concrete. Planning a new patio cover by Archadeck can turn the blank canvas of your existing backyard and transform it into a masterpiece with beauty and quality that will make your structure a feast for the eyes as well as the senses.
At Archadeck we keep receiving more and more requests for patio covers. Many patio covers you see at the “do it yourself” big box stores are aluminum and lack the quality or beauty that Archadeck is renowned for. Now that being said, Archadeck patio covers not only talk the talk, in terms of aesthetic appeal, but they walk the walk as well with functionality, by broadening the spectrum of uses for your outdoor space.
" This is the life", with a patio cover by Archadeck of Fort Worth which encompasses an angled pergola, and custom fire pit into the design.
Patios in their own rite, are still a stunning and useful way to add livable outdoor space to any home or landscape. Patios can be used in conjunction with other outdoor structures such as decks, pergolas and much more. Is your patio able to be used on hot days when the sun is beaming down on you? Are you forced off the patio and indoors whenever the clouds thicken and the sky threatens rain? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then maybe a Patio cover is an ideal way to get more hours of enjoyment out of your patio. Maybe you are “on the fence” as to build a patio that is covered or uncovered. Archadeck wants to make your patio decision an easy one, with your comfort and lifestyle in mind.
Archadeck of Fort Worth and Archadeck of Austin are both heavy hitters when it comes to building patios, covered and uncovered. Here are some photos of both locations stunning work to serve as an inspiration when deciding what path to choose for your new patio. Archadeck can take your existing patio and add a cover to create an outdoor room great for entertaining, or just reading a good book. With a patio cover you can enjoy the beauty of a summer rain while having a glass of your favorite beverage without the worry of getting wet. How many living rooms can offer you that kind of versatility?
Austin concrete patio with pergola and patio cover
This patio cover by Archadeck of Austin serves as a triple threat with the clever and unique use of twin pergolas encompassing the central patio cover.
This detached patio cover by Archadeck of Austin has natural rustic detailing and includes a fully functioning outdoor kitchen and dining area, perfect for entertaining, or a simple dinner date for two.
This patio cover by Archadeck of Austin has all the comforts of home, enjoyable outdoors. A great place to watch the summer rain or maybe the football game on your TV which is mounted in your patio cover.
Another view of this patio cover by Archadeck of Austin shows just how much versatility this space offers. An outdoor bar and gully functioning outdoor kitchen are built right into the structure which showcases the beautiful spa area as well.
This patio cover in Southlake, TX by Archadeck of Fort Worth shows the attention that was paid to every detail of quality through the materials chosen and the design itself.
Archadeck is America’s premier builder of outdoor structures such as these. Imagine a patio that becomes an extension of not only your living space, but an extension of your personality and tastes as well. From dining and seating areas, to outdoor kitchens and ceiling fans, Archadeck can plan, design and build a patio cover that will leave you breathless.
Contact Archadeck to learn more 804.353.6999 • info@archadeck.net
How to Increase Home Value
In this market, it can seem impossible to sell your house. There are so many home improvement projects you can do to raise your home value, but which ones help the most? The last thing you need to do at this point is waste your time on projects that only garner a small amount of home value.
Remodeling Magazine has been conducting annual surveys of the most cost-effective home improvements since 1987. In 2007, the winner for a mid-range home was a wooden deck. Homeowners who had a 16 by 20 foot pressure treated deck installed recouped an average of 85.4 percent of cost of the project.
Similarly, patios, porches, and other outdoor areas have a high return on investment, as well. To explore these options and raise your home value, take a look at the Archadeck website.
Fighting Sun Damage
It’s the peak of summer now, and the sun hotter than ever. You can get a sunburn all year long, but did you know you don’t have to burn at all to develop skin cancer? Any type of sun exposure can lead to skin cancer and other types of skin damage.
Whether you’re trying to avoid early wrinkling, age spots, keratoses, skin cancer, or more, protection from the sun is key at this point. Anybody who has applied sunblock or sunscreen knows that they only work for a certain period of time. Having to reapply sunblock throughout the day can be a huge pain and get in the way of enjoying yourself.
Hats don’t always work either, since they only cover part of the face. So what can you do if you want to enjoy yourself in your backyard without worrying about your skin getting damaged? Archadeck has a number of appealing options that can protect you from the sun and make your outdoor living space welcoming and comfortable as well.
Between open porches, patios, gazebos, and pergolas, your choices are endless. Check out this slideshow to see examples of they various types.
New Website Launched!
Archadeck’s brand new website officially launched this weekend with a different look and more information. There are slideshows of pictures for decks, sunrooms, porches, and more, along with descriptions of services and locations. You can even follow Archadeck on Facebook now, using a link on the website.
Enter your zip code to find the closest location to you or follow the link to start your own Archadeck franchise-it’s that easy.
How to Combine a Patio and a Porch
When it comes to updating your backyard, you may think of just one project at a time. A porch OR a patio. A gazebo OR a deck. So how can you combine more than one of these elements without overdoing it?
Check out this project to see how multiple outdoor areas can be combined to give a cozy and relaxing feel to your backyard. The project features a screened porch, a stone patio, and a firepit, fully decorated with an outdoor dining area and spa.
