Build a Romantic Escape Right in your Backyard With Above-ground Pool Decks
Above ground pools are sure to bring hours of enjoyment for your family, but they aren’t known for looking pretty. A beautiful patio design could transform your above ground pool from an eyesore to a resort.
Add a Deck
Sure, that rickety white ladder allows you to climb inside your above ground pool, but does it make you feel like you’re enjoying a getaway? Adding a deck is how you spruce up your pool design and make it more functional. Pool decks make it easier to get into your above ground pool, they add space so you can sit poolside, and they hide the unsightly sides of the pool.
For a look that really stands out, consider adding multiple levels to your deck. This could be as simple as a landing a few steps off the ground, or you could have a level of the deck that overlooks your pool. Additionally, the finishing touches of your deck are important. Don’t skimp on the rails that surround your deck; they make your space feel private… just like you would feel at a high-dollar resort.
One thing is for sure… if you don’t do anything else to your above ground pool, adding a deck will instantly help it feel more like a vacation.
Add Greenery
Beautiful flowers, hedges, and succulent plants require minimal landscaping but offer maximum appeal. Pool decks are a great space to add some greenery. Flowers and plants in pots or planter boxes around the deck bring softness to the deck and the pool area. You can also plant hedges or flowers around the side of the above ground pool (where the deck doesn’t already cover) to draw your eye away from the pool siding. Highlight it with some mulch and anyone who visits your pool will feel like they’re in a top-dollar vacation destination.
Add Functional Furnishings
A resort lifestyle includes sitting by the pool, and you can enjoy that in your own backyard with functional furniture. Look for fabric that can withstand your climate and fabric designed to catch your eye. Try out the furniture before you buy it to make sure it’s comfortable. After all, you want it to be something you’ll be able to relax in.
Taking money you would invest in a vacation and investing it in your backyard is a great option to enjoy a lifestyle of luxury. Archadeck can help you find your solution to resort living… right in your own backyard.
Under Decking Creates More Outdoor Living Space
I was recently looking through some of our Archadeck Outdoor Living projects when I noticed a theme. A theme that was both useful and beautiful: under decking.
For those that are unfamiliar with under decking, it is a type of drainage system that is installed on the underside of a deck, creating a space below that is dry and usable as another outdoor living space. While some decks don’t need or wouldn’t benefit from under decking because they are too low to the ground, it’s perfect for raised decks.
So, how does under decking work? A sloped drainage system is added on the underside of the deck that catches water that falls between deck boards and leads it away from the structure to a gutter, leaving the space below dry. The bottom of the system can be finished in a variety of ways that look like any other type of ceiling.
Under decking creates more dry space that can be used in a variety of ways. The most common use is having a porch below. Many of our clients essentially have outdoor rooms below their decks that can be used as living rooms or dining rooms. Because the ceiling of the structure stays dry, lights and fans are often added to finish the space.
Some of our clients have also added enclosures of some type under their decks using under decking. Screened porches and sunrooms can be built under an existing or new deck to create more space.
Here are some great examples of under decking:
This deck in Columbus was built with under decking to create space for both a covered patio and screened porch below. Now the homeowners can use it to enjoy the sun and shade.
Here you can see the underside of an under decking system. It was finished with beadboard for an added detail.
Under decking was able to transform a dead spot in this backyard into a beautiful outdoor living room underneath a raised deck.
Notice how the area underneath the deck is dry while the rest is wet? This is how we test if the system has been installed correctly. The water is being successfully taken away from the covered portion of the project.
Enjoy Your Neighborhood from Your Front Porch
I have two rambunctious nephews that cannot sit still. They’re 5 and 3 and as you can imagine, full of energy. They live in a great neighborhood with a ton of young kids. Like clockwork, when everyone is home from school, the kids race outside to play. I was visiting them a little while ago and watched the outdoor antics all from my brother’s front porch.
My brother lives in a newer subdivision in South Carolina. There are five or six floor plans for people to choose from, but it’s the outside finishes which stops them from looking all the same. One of those finishes is the front porch. Some have just a simple stoop, others have a front porch that spans the width of the home and others have wrap around porches.
Front porches and porticos are a great way to add personality and function to your home. My brother’s porch was the perfect place sit back, catch up and still have a clear view of my nephews. Neighbors stopped by for a few minutes, chatted and went on their way. What can I say? Porches make great outdoor living spaces for spur of the moment visitors.
Growing up in Maine (yup, I just made the jump from South Carolina to Maine), our front porch was where we took off our muddy or wet shoes before we stomped our ways through the house. It was essential to my mom’s sanity. When it was raining or snowing, we would slip out of our boots and step right inside. We were safe from the elements and didn’t have to track dirt inside.
Beyond functionality, front porches and porticos add personality to a home. Custom porch designs make sure to add to the beauty of the home while not making it look like an afterthought. The colors, trims and finishes should complement what is already there. Here are some examples of beautiful front porch designs from Archadeck Outdoor Living:
This homeowner in Rhode Island wanted a extra space on the front of your home. The porch and added gazebo were finished with the same roofing and trim that was on the house previously.
This front porch in Arlington, VA is a little different. It’s a low to grade, meaning the drop to the ground isn’t large, so it’s a more open porch design. Instead of stairs, it incorporates a ramp in the front. A fan was added to the ceiling to make the porch a comfortable place to sit and entertain family and friends.
This craftsman style home has unique finishes. When updating the front porch, Archadeck Outdoor Living paid special attention to the details so the porch didn’t look like an after thought. The same shingles line the outside of the project and the rail posts match the posts along the base of the home perfectly.
This front porch is located in Montgomery County, Maryland. It’s curved roof and matching lanterns create a beautiful space to welcome guests. The base of the front porch match the color of the home perfectly and the bright white gives it that special pop.
If you are interested in how a new front porch or portico can enhance the front of your home, please contact your local Archadeck Outdoor Living office.
Put a little holiday in your step with a new deck by Archadeck
This gallery contains 2 photos.
Archadeck focuses on the joy of the season with this “Christmas deck” by Archadeck of Greater Atlanta, which is truly a deck for all seasons packed with functionality and style. A deck like this can be yours with Archadeck.
Turn your outdoor space into one worthy of celebration with Archadeck
This covered porch by Archadeck is worthy of celebration in its own rite
Yes, the July 4th holiday has come and gone once again. As the nation celebrated its birthday, was your outdoor structure worthy of the celebration? Many of us had outdoor get-togethers and cookouts to celebrate the holiday, many of those celebrations were conducted in or on an outdoor structure that is a little worse for wear or is not as functional as you wished it could be.
Don’t let another holiday leave you feeling unfulfilled with your outdoor structures appearance or lack of functionality. Archadeck can transform your backyard into a space worthy of celebration with the help of our new design guide. The design guide covers all the major considerations that go into proper planning and design of an outdoor living space. The first of which asks the question of functionality. What do you want your outdoor space to be used for? Whether the answer to that question for you is entertaining, dining or just relaxing the design guide focuses on the form and function that would work best for you.
Screened porches such as this by Archadeck can keep out the bugs and the sun
Since outdoor structures are our specialty our design guide also asks the question of how “outdoorsy” you would like your outdoor space to feel. Many homeowners like the look of the outdoors and the feel of the outdoors but not the insects and the suns harmful rays that sometimes come along with it. One of Archadeck’s screened porch or covered porch designs might be a solid choice for this scenario. Our design guide outlines key considerations like this in a step-by-step manner outlined to ultimately bring you to the recommendation of what outdoor space would be perfect for you.
Many of us have a “wish list” that we carry around either in our minds or actually written out of ways to make your outdoor space better, or even creating the outdoor space of your dreams from scratch.The design guide shows you how to create the outdoor space you have been craving with an easy step-by-step process that defines key components focusing on your individual needs. With this design guide Archadeck can help you choose the outdoor structure, or structures that is best suited to you and your family and then goes a step further to set the wheels in motion to meet with one of our talented design consultants for a free consultation based on the areas covered in the design guide.
cover of our new online design guide
Archadeck is the leading designer and builder of affordable, functional and innovative outdoor spaces since 1980. Whatever your dream, we can build it. Whatever your need, we can build it. Whatever your want, we can build it. The sky is the limit when it comes to the uniqueness and functionality of our outdoor spaces. Our design guide puts you in the driver’s seat. Visit http://www.archadeck.com/guide/index.html to download your free design guide and learn what we mean when we talk about the Archadeck difference.
Don’t let your next outdoor event make you sigh and say ” I should’ve”. If you would like to talk with one of our talented and knowledgeable representatives you can contact Archadeck at 888-687-3325 or info@archadeck.net
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
It Can All Happen Under One Roof
Sunroom addition by Archadeck of Greenville/Spartanburg showcases the choice to use a gabled roof to continue design fluidity
I am sure each one of us would agree that a roof is a pretty important detail in any structure. It keeps us dry and out of the elements. It helps secure other structures that are attached to it. It becomes a component of the stability of a structure it is atop. All these explanations are “no brainers”. A roof is so much more than all of these. A roof can add character and presence to a structure. What type of roof you decide to put atop your structure can really determine how sound it is, and how attractive your structure ends up. That is why it is so important to pick the right roof for the right structure.
One important factor when you decide on the addition of a structure such as a covered patio, screened porch or sunroom is to choose a roof style that matches and fits with the existing architecture of your home. For instance if you have a hip roof, it is usually a good idea to carry that through when building your addition, this will keep the structural integrity of your home and the additional roof will flow into your existing roof. This “flow” is most crucial when the structure is going to be directly connected to your existing house.
Beadboard ceiling in sunroom with track lighting
The same rules usually apply when you have a gabled roof. If you want to add pizazz and originality to your new addition with a gabled roof there are gable-end designs now available to add a custom look with a lot of flair.
The use of a gabled roof also lends space for higher ceilings which can be a canvas for arched windows, bead-board ceilings, the addition of ceiling fans and unique lighting choices. The design choices available to structures with high ceilings are endless nowadays.
Covered Patio by Archadeck of Austin showcases gable-end detailing
Whether you are anticipating the addition of a sunroom, patio or screened porch Archadeck can show you all the choices and design a roof and living area plan to fit with your home’s architecture beautifully. Give us a call and we can make your dream come to life under one roof.
Take a look at our website at Archadeck.com to see lots of pictures and learn more.
Made in the shade with a custom shaped TimberTech deck
At first glance, this two-story deck in Malvern PA looks like the perfect deck. But, what makes the perfect deck?
Deck - before
Above is the “before” deck that was re-architected, replaced and rebuilt by Archadeck of Chester County, PA. Even though this looks like the perfect deck, the owners had two problems and one issue with the deck. The problem with the deck was the damage done by their dog. The first issue was that the deck faces southwest so it is a scorching location in the afternoon and evening. They were simply not able to use the deck until after sunset. The second issue is that the deck had a boring shape. When rebuilding their deck, they wanted to fix not only the sun issue but also make their custom deck truly custom.
Here is the after picture from atop the deck:
Open porch over deck
Here is the after picture from the back:
Photo of new custom deck with open porch from afar
The design included both a custom deck structure as well as an octagonal covered porch. The hip roof helped achieve usable area during the afternoon and evening. The octagonal shape of the open porch added dimension to the back of the home as well as a large usable area for entertaining.
Close-up photo of open porch roof with skylights
You’ll notice that skylights were added to the roof to allow daytime light to flow onto the open porch and into the kitchen. The unique octagonal shape of the open porch created a duplicate octagonal area below on the patio area for extra entertaining and outside living.
With any custom structure, materials are incredibly important. Because of the dog, a more scratch-resistant TimberTech XLM decking material was used using hidden fasteners.
TimberTech XLM PVC Plank Colors Picture
TimberTech’s XLM decking is one of their premium decking planks. It is a cellular PVC decking plank that’s built to withstand tough scratches and mildew and it has very strong stain resistance. So, XLM is a wise choice if your deck will be a heavy traffic area, a heavy spill area, a heavy rain and tough weather area, a play area for kids, an area for your pets and an area that might see heavy spills. It’s also very slip resistant.
The TimberTech XLM comes in 5 colors – Mountain Cedar, River Rock, SandRidge, Desert Bronze, and Rustic Bark.
The railing is a combination of TimberTech Builder Board with an XLM cap and aluminum balusters. The columns are round, tapered, 10” Fiberglass. They are paintable so that the owner can match the trim on the house.
Here is another after photo of the job from afar:
Photo of custom deck and open porch from afar
The boards on this deck may have great weather proofing characteristics but Juan Cardona, the owner of Archadeck of Chester County wished the weather would have held off while they were building the deck. They started construction about 4 days after the first of the massive snow falls that hit this past winter. So they had to show up with a snow blower to clear away a path down to the yard and a 20’X40’ area near the deck so that the crew could set up their work site. Now the Archadeck crew has a new tool in their toolbox – a snow blower.
As you think about building the structure for your back yard, think about how you want to use your structure.
Here are some questions:
- Do you want to entertain a lot? If so, what times of day and how many people?
- Do you want a quiet spot to read? Do you want a romantic spot to steal away and enjoy a glass of wine with your spouse after long days at work?
- Do you want to have another spot on the deck for the kids to play or roast marshmallows while you are enjoying that glass of wine over on another portion of the deck?
- How does your dog or cat like to use the deck? Do they want shade or just the quickest way to chase down a bird in the yard?
- Do you want your deck elevated so you can watch the birds in your trees?
- Are you one of those people who can’t spend 5 minutes outside without getting an insect bit? If so, something screened might be the best fit.
Juan Cardona - Archadeck Chester County PA
If you have an idea of what type of structure will enhance your lifestyle, take a look at some of Juan’s projects here for some more aesthetic ideas:
- Deck Photo Gallery
- Wood Deck Photo Gallery
- Hardwood Deck Photo Gallery
- Deck Extras: Benches, Planters, Lattice Photo Gallery
- Pergolas and Trellises Photo Gallery
- Outdoor Rooms photo Gallery
- Porches Photo Gallery
- Screened Porches Photo Gallery
Or just give Juan and his office a call at: (610) 696 – 3340, read their blog, or check them out on FaceBook.
Do you have a lifestyle question that you’re looking for an outdoor living space to fit your lifestyle? Comment here and we’ll get back to you with some ideas!
