Deck and Patio Installation Begins at Archadeck Headquarters
Several weeks ago, we announced that we at Archadeck Outdoor Living’s corporate office are getting a new outdoor living area. We are thrilled to let you know that after some weather delays, we officially broke ground today!
To recap, up until now, our corporate office has been of void of any outdoor living structures (we know, it’s sad considering what we do). This year, we decided to change that and designed this custom deck and patio combination project. A large pergola will cover part of deck for shade and built in benches and retaining walls will provide places to sit throughout the space.
Last week all of the patio material was delivered and trust me, it is a lot of pavers. Included in the material is the outdoor fireplace that will be installed on the project.
In preparation for the first phase of building, we had to file for building permits. After the county reviewed our plans and specifications, we were able to grid out the deck and patio on the property. 
Victor, our Director of Construction and Drafting who is spearheading the build for us, went outside with members of his team and sprayed a pink paint to illustrate where the building will take place. This allows the sub-contractors to envision the space and know exactly where to build. With the paint and permits in place, we were ready to build! Of course, Mother Nature had other plans for us. After a few days of rain, the ground needed to dry out a bit before we started digging. And finally today we were ready!
The first phase of the build is the patio and footings for the deck. This morning, bright and early, bulldozers started digging into our lawn to grade the area. Grading is the process of leveling out the ground. For us, the land that we are building the patio is uneven, sloping down to the road. The bulldozer cuts out the grass and dirt to level the area so that when the patio is built is it sturdy and level. It has been pretty interesting to see the difference in just a day, these guys are fast! Grading is also key for the drainage of the patio. Uneven surfaces hold water and puddle instead of properly draining and may cause future problems.
The footings for the structure will also be dug this week. Footings are the load bearing parts of an outdoor living structure. Before we start building the deck portion of the project, a county inspector will come out and test the ground and evaluate our footings. When they are all given the green light, we will be ready for to start the deck!
Everyone here is more than excited for an outdoor space at the office. On a beautiful day like today, it would be wonderful to have a nice spot to sit and hold a quick meeting while enjoying the sunshine. Our goal in designing the space was to create a combination project that not only features some our most commonly built structures, but also to create a space that is usable. By including the outdoor fireplace and outdoor kitchen, we are ensuring that it is used. The other offices that are part of the building are just as excited to have a space to enjoy the outdoors as well!
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.
Columbus Deck Builder Included in Extreme Makeover Home Edition
I’m a big fan of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I can’t get through one episode without a few tears streaming down my face, but it’s worth it. It is truly a feel-good show. As you can imagine, I was elated to hear that our Archadeck of Columbus office recently participated in the show’s Christmas build (aired on 12/16/2011).
The house was built for the Rhodes family. The Rhodes had recently opened their home up to their adult daughter who was recently diagnosed with brain tumor and her four kids, however, the house they had at the time was slowly falling apart and was WAY too small for seven people. That’s where the Extreme Makeover team comes in!
TimberTech Deck and Cedar Pergola for the Rhodes Family
Mike Reeder, the owner of Archadeck of Columbus, was asked to be a roof-top deck over a detached garage for the family. He installed a Timbertech deck with aluminum rails, stairs and a beautiful cedar pergola (if you haven’t seen this episode, it’s available online).
Here’s Mike’s memory of the day:
“I was asked to arrive on the 4th day of the build. I got there at 6am and left at 1am the next day, a full 19 hours. Upon arrival, you could feel the love. For the first four hours, we helped with the interior framing of the house. Despite being up all night, the framers were working to finish that step. And boy did they! In the one day I was there the framing was complete, electrical and drywall was installed and painting was started.
The rooftop deck that we built was great, the perfect getaway for the family to grill out and watch their beloved Ohio State football team.
The Extreme Makeover build was a great personal experience for me. It was amazing to see the amount of volunteers. They weren’t just construction workers, but people who just wanted to give back to this family and the community.”
Archadeck of Columbus Team at the Extreme Makeover Home Edition Build
We are so proud of Mike and his team for their work on the Rhodes home. Not only was it a wonderful project, but it went to a well deserving family. The only negative? He didn’t see Ty.
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.
Archadeck of Chester County provides these Kennett Square, PA homeowners with a little less deck and a lot more action
This photo shows how the details use of stone combined with outstanding design work perfectly together to create an outdoor oasis for these Kennett Square, PA homeowners.
It is time to turn the spotlight on another Archadeck location that is doing spectacular outdoor living designs that are not only beautiful but functional as well. This creation by Archadeck of Chester County includes a sunroom, deck, outdoor kitchen and a custom fire pit located on the lovely patio. It also includes a stone trimmed built-in spa, not to mention a gorgeous pergola for the icing on the proverbial cake. This combination of outdoor structures gives new meaning to the term “stay-cation” because with a outdoor living area as well-appointed as this, who needs to leave the comfort of their backyard home to renew and relax?
This view of the sunroom shows the intricate stonework and fluidity of the entire design
When Juan Cardona and the design team at Archadeck of Chester County met with these homeowners in Kennett Square, PA, which is known as the mushroom capital of the world, to create this masterpiece in outdoor design, they had an existing deck that was in dire need of replacing as well as an open deck at the rear of the home with an unsightly concrete slab patio under the deck. The homeowners wish was to create an outdoor area that incorporated a sunroom, less deck and a patio on the lower level. They also wanted to include a built-in cooking area, spa area, and a custom fireplace or fire pit to accommodate their desire to have room and suitable entertaining areas for larger gatherings down below as opposed to having an all-open deck on the second level. The obstacle that had to be overcome was the fact that their yard was on a rather severe slope. In order to deliver the outdoor oasis the homeowners desired, we would have to install some retaining walls to make it happen.
This design offers less deck and a lot more action
Archadeck of Chester County, PA teamed up with a professional stone mason and together, they quickly put together an integrated plan to totally re-build and re-structure the entire rear of the home. The extensive use of stone walls was used to match the overall look of the existing home, since the entire front of the home was already finished in stone. The suggestion of using stone within the new design offered a dramatic look that harmonized well with the existing property.
This image shows the details of the sunroom and pergola and how it harmonizes with the home and landscape.
The deck was constructed using low maintenance TimberTech XLM in Mountain Cedar which harmonizes perfectly with the old world appeal of the stone used throughout the project. Archadeck of Chester County used black Fortress iron railings on TimberTech posts for continuity and fluidity in the deck’s design. On the interior floor of the stunning sunroom they used IPE tongue and groove flooring. The exterior of the room was finished with a stone veneer to match the rest of the patio which includes stone retaining walls, an outdoor kitchen and a custom fire pit. The sunroom also includes Anderson windows. Under the sunroom there is a built-in custom spa also trimmed with stone. The finishing touch to the project was the addition of a maintenance-free pergola of AZEK composite that was painted to match the decking color. The whole design flows effortlessly from structure to structure and looks and feels original to the existing home, which requires perfection in the design and the execution of the design in order to achieve.
If you are ready to turn your backyard into an orchestrated oasis of beauty, style and relaxation, contact Archadeck today and you will be on your way to creating beautiful harmonies within your own little slice of heaven. Schedule a free design consultation or contact us by calling 804.353.6999 or emailing us at info@archadeck.netto locate an Archadeck near you to get started.
See more awe-inspiring images of before and after completed jobs by visiting our web site photo galleries
This image shows the progression of the construction from start to finish.
Archadeck and Eze Breeze enclosures give you a breath of fresh air without the headaches
TimberTech Screened porch with and Eze Breeze system and Pergola by Archadeck
We’ve all been there. We eagerly await going out on the screen porch for some morning coffee or to do our daily crossword puzzle or relax for a few minutes and grab the sports scores or weather before heading out for the day. Only some days, mother nature puts a damper on those plans. Maybe you live down south and are greeted with a yellow covering of dust all over everything. Maybe it rained last night and there’s a faint moistness to your fabric-covered chairs. Maybe it’s just too darn cold out there.
There is a way to “convert” your screen porch without having to sink a fortune into windows.
There is a company called Eze Breeze that has a convertible enclosure system allowing you to convert your screen porch into more of a multi-season room. These screens can add protection from temperature as well as the elements.
We have been using this system for homeowners who want to get access more time on their screened porch. Eze Breeze systems are easy on the eye and on your wallet in terms of adding more seasons that you can spend on your porch.
Extending the time frame for use in your screened porch is not the only reason many homeowners are using the Eze Breeze system, other factors are influencing their decision as well. Let’s face it, sometimes you want the freedom of the screen but you don’t want the negative things that can still get through that screen. Screens keep out the insects and the harmful direct rays from the sun but pollen still comes through a screen, as does the wind, some the rain and the cold. Eze Breeze makes it possible to enjoy your porch without those negative factors getting in the way of your enjoyment. When the weather turns cold, you can also add the use of a space heater within your porch with Eze Breeze and turn your structure into a 3-season outdoor living room as well. The beauty is that anytime you want to take advantage of the favorable weather or an unobstructed view, this system can be slid out-of-the-way either horizontally or vertically, depending on which system you have, to get you back to the very reason you wanted a screened porch in the first place – to be closer to mother nature and take advantage of all that fresh air.
Our Archadeck location in Charlotte sums it up in this short clip about the Eze Breeze system :
Eze Breeze is strong and durable.
Eze Breeze enclosures are easy and affordable, here’s how they work- the system is made from 10-mil vinyl glazing that gives you the same clarity of glass. This innovative material is not susceptible to cracking or breaking and with many mishaps will return to its original shape within minutes. The enclosures can be installed either horizontally or vertically and the panels can be slid out-of-the-way to obtain a unobstructed view and take advantage of the “feel” of nature. Eze Breeze presents homeowners with a win/win answer to having your cake and eating it too!
Contact Archadeck to learn more about Eze Breeze enclosures and start maximizing your outdoor structures function and beauty. If you are interested in turning your outdoor structure into a safe haven from the elements, the insects and the pollen and don’t want the expense or building constrictions that are present with glass, contact Archadeck today 888.687.3325 or 804.353.6999 • info@archadeck.net
Archadeck of Des Moines makes a stay away from home a little more beautiful with this breathtaking courtyard pergola.
This Pergola built by Archadeck of Des Moines is breathtaking and truly unforgettable.
Archadeck is so proud to highlight the accomplishments and milestones of our many valued locations across the country. Today we turn that focus onto Archadeck of Central Iowa with the gorgeous pergola they completed for Holiday Inn & Suites in West Des Moines, Iowa. The pergola itself, in its classic white and crisp architecture goes a step further in its design with the magical radius angles. This project takes pergolas to a whole new level and the customers were so delighted they called Archadeck of Central Iowa back for a second helping of quality, beauty and design on another project.
This Pergola creates a courtyard perfect to soak in the afternoon sun.
The developer for the Holiday Inn & Suites in West Des Moines contacted Archadeck of Central Iowa and hired them to build a pergola in the courtyard area of their newly built hotel. This is not your average, run of the mill courtyard though. The wall of the hotel itself is curved and the hotel’s initial requirement is that the beams of the pergola be radiused as well, to stay in line with the design of the wall. After careful consideration and a lot of communication with the developer, Archadeck of Central Iowa decided that ultimately straight beams following the arc of the wall would be just as effective. The rafters coming off the wall give the impression of a true radius look that is more noticeable than the beam. They were able to deliver an unforgettable structure with creativity, ingenuity and a little magician-like creative design.
Pergola by Archadeck of Des Moines for Holiday Inn & Suites of West Des Moines
The developer has another hotel in the works to be built and have asked Archadeck to build another pergola on the upcoming hotel. The new hotel will have the same radius wall design as part of their courtyard feature as well.
Attention to every detail and quality craftsmanship creates lasting ties.
The details of the pergola itself are that it was constructed of durable vinyl with 10′ tapered round columns. It also has 2×8 beams, 2×6 rafters and 2×2 strings all with vinyl as well. Archadeck of Central Iowa created a memorable structure, and in doing so, forged a positive relationship with this well-known hotel chain. They are looking forward to working with them again and continue to create beautiful, quality built outdoor structures for commercial venues such as this one, and also in back yards all across Des Moines.
Harold Cross of Archadeck of Des Moines and Central Iowa
To learn more about commercial and residential outdoor structures by Archadeck of Des Moines you can contact them at (515) 266 – 8844 or email them at centraliowa@archadeck.net
Another job well done for Archadeck of Des Moines.
You can also see more breathtaking pergolas in their photo galleries by visiting http://central-iowa.archadeck.com/pickYourProject/PergolasAndTrellises.html
Archadeck’s new Design Guide puts you in the drivers seat
This beautiful tri-level pergola is an example of what your outdoor space could be
Archadeck is helping to make backyards in North America more beautiful and functional one home at a time. Archadeck Outdoor Living is inspiring homeowners with some great ideas thanks to our new Outdoor Living Design Guide. This design guide shares our expertise and knowledge and puts it right at your fingertips. It is now available for a free download online at http://www.archadeck.com/guide/index.html
cover of our new online design guide
This full-color design guide features outdoor living space photos, ideas, tips and hints to give you a starting point in planning your new outdoor space and make your backyard the best it can be. It takes you on a guided tour of where to begin in planning the backyard you have always dreamed of.
The first step begins with functionality and helps you determine exactly what you want to do in your outdoor space. For example, within the patio and hardscape portion you will be asked to answer questions like do you want to dine, entertain, garden or just relax in your outdoor space. As you answer the questions it will lead you into ways to incorporate nature into your outdoor space because after all that is what makes these spaces so special. Do you want sunshine streaming in? Or maybe an outdoor space free of insects?
A lakeside gazebo by Archadeck with the grace and beauty of the swan
The view from within your outdoor space is of utmost importance and Archadeck has made this another point of focus in our design guide as well. This guide also aids in deciding where to place your outdoor space by taking into consideration the direction your backyard faces all the way to your lot and soil conditions.
A well planned outdoor space can complement not only your home’s exterior but the interior as well. With this in mind we show you how to plan a structure that allows for easy transition from interior spaces into your outdoor space.
This wonderful tool puts you in the driver’s seat and puts you in a better position to meet with your Archadeck Design consultant by having a better idea of the outdoor space that will suit your wants and needs. For a sneak peek on how the design guide works visit http://bit.ly/dreamyards today. You can also call us at 888-687-3325 or email us at http://www.archadeck.com/ContactUs.html
Adding an Outdoor Structure Today Can Add to Your Homes Value Tomorrow
A pergola or gazebo can add character and value to your landscape and home
Homeowners make improvements to their homes for a myriad of reasons. Reasons include adding additional living space, remodeling to update a space or style, or upgrades to interior and exterior spaces just to name a few. Home improvements are classified as anything that makes a positive alteration to your home or your land. Today many homeowners are adding new decks and outdoor living structures to their list of improvements.
When an appraiser comes to appraise your home before you put your house on the market, he takes a lot of information into consideration before coming up with that magic number. Appraisers look at land size, square footage, age of the home, the numbers of rooms, the type of home it is, the condition and the quality of the home, and the comparable value of all the other homes around you. Any type of home improvement that adds livable space of any kind, whether it is heated or unheated square feet, does increase your home’s value.
a deck addition such as this eye catching composite deck can add value to your home
Building a deck for example, can greatly increase your home’s value. Some research shows that up to 75% of the deck cost can be recouped if the home is sold within a year of adding the new deck. Even if you don’t have a lot conducive to adding a deck, a patio is also a solid choice for sellers looking to re-vamp their backyard in preparation to put their house on the market.
Covered porches make an impression to appraisers and prospective buyers when selling your home
Any structure that adds character to your home or land will add value. Any structure that makes you stand out above the competition will add value, and also help get your house shown more often, and thus, sold quicker. You have to think in terms of relativity to the competition around you. Adding an outdoor structure such as covered porch, a gazebos or a pergola can add enough character to make your home stand out from all the rest. Think in terms of the potential buyer’s standpoint, they are going over the houses they have been shown and have to choose from in their price range and they come across yours by memory in their conversation…” yes, that was a nice home, lots of open space, well maintained interior, right amount of bedrooms and it had that beautiful backyard with that lovely covered porch, nice”. An addition such as this can often make such a positive impact on your home that the chips will become stacked in your favor.
Keep in mind as well that adding an outdoor space to your home is the most affordable way to expand your home’s value. Archadeck can help you decide on the right outdoor structure for you, from planning, to design, to construction. We can help you every step of the way. 888-OUR-DECK
