No Stone Was Left Unturned In This Round Rock Outdoor Living Transformation!
Patio builders and pergola builders may come and go, but one thing is for certain. With an extensive and creatively-designed outdoor living space transformation like this, Archadeck of Austin proves we will be here for the long haul. Using our acclaimed expertise to create the ultimate in Round Rock patios and fire pit combos, we made the magic happen for this Round Rock family.
Before we began the project, the homeowners had an incredibly small and limited backyard. Sadly, it was not very versatile, leaving little if any room to even turn around. Additionally, the area lacked a sidewalk providing access to their front gate, too. Archadeck of Austin put on our thinking cap for this outdoor living space transformation.
Archadeck Comes To The Rescue With A Bigger, Better Design
First things first, our team began by adding a much larger patio space. Adjacent to the new patio and accesible via the new beautifully fashioned river rock pathway, we built a wood-burning fire pit for those evenings when the outdoor air is just a tad too chilly.
The crowning glory to this beautifully large patio is the majestic pergola, structured to evolve seamlessly off the rear roof of the home. To provide a more convenient and natural way to access the front gate leading to the backyard, a four-foot-wide concrete sidewalk was added as part of this transformational plan.
To accent and frame the new sidewalk, we removed a good portion of the side yard lawn and installed a heavy-duty weed block to prevent unwanted growth around the new pathway. Atop it, we installed two to three-inch Texas café river rock on either side of the sidewalk.
To ensure that the pathway down to the wood-burning stone fire pit would stay strong and in place, our team used a metal edge on the pathway downward. The area where the fire pit area is located measures a generous 12-feet in diameter.
The new main patio area adjacent to the rear of the home is new concrete with a flagstone overlay application. As for the beautiful pergola, it is handcrafted out of cedar with a TopGal polycarbonate cover for added protection.
Unlike fabric pergola shade covers, TopGal is excellent for more intense weather situations like rain and snow. Made from high-quality PVC they make an excellent choice for pergola roofing thanks to their affordability and high light transmission.
Archadeck Is Ready To Design & Build The Backyard Of Your Dreams
Get your wish list ready and contact us today to schedule your free outdoor living design consultation.
Profesionales de la construcción con experiencia en carpintería establecida
Somos Archadeck, una empresa líder en diseño y construcción para espacios exteriores como terrazas, porches, cabañas y estructuras de sombra de alta calidad.
Buscamos profesionales de la construcción con establecida experiencia en carpintería para trabajar en nuestros proyectos de remodelación y construcción residenciales. Los elegidos serán responsables de entregar el producto terminado de acuerdo con las especificaciones del contrato, las expectativas del cliente, las leyes de construcción y la empresa de Archadeck. Se requiere experiencia previa en carpintería con proyectos residenciales, al igual que probadas habilidades de comunicación interpersonal, excelentes habilidades de servicio al cliente, una sólida ética de trabajo y la capacidad de seguir nuestros procesos establecidos. Pagamos sorteos por proyecto semanalmente.
RESPONSABILIDADES DEL LIDER CONTRATADO:
- Coordinar a los integrantes del equipo para asegurarse de que comprendan y trabajen de acuerdo con los planos de construcción y los detalles especificados.
- Verificar los planos de construcción para garantizar que exista precisión de la información requerida.
- Verificar que los materiales entregados estén de acuerdo con las expectativas del proyecto e informar a la gerencia de la empresa sobre los artículos faltantes y la continuidad del trabajo.
- Establecer y seguir el horario establecido.
- Mantener ordenado el lugar de trabajo, limpiando a diario y asegurándose de que se utilicen las prácticas de seguridad.
- Mantener relaciones positivas con los clientes.
- Informar a la gerencia de la empresa sobre los problemas suscitados para su resolución.
- Cumplir con el acuerdo de subcontratista firmado.
CALIFICACIONES DEL LIDER:
- Poseer herramientas de trabajo propias.
- Tener su propio camión, o transporte confiable, y una licencia de conducir válida.
- Tener referencias de trabajo.
- Saber leer, comprender y construir según los planos de construcción establecidos.
- Tener una sólida ética de trabajo y una actitud positiva y amigable con los clientes y los funcionarios de la empresa.
- Mostrar siempre un aspecto limpio y ordenado.
- Ser capaz de comunicarse hábilmente.
- Estar dispuesto a aprender y seguir procesos establecidos.
Los solicitantes calificados pueden enviar su currículum a: jim.odom@archadeck.net y wvann@archadeck.net
Spacious South Austin Patio and Elevated Deck Create Multi-Faceted Outdoor Living Space
Today’s featured patio and deck project in South Austin illustrates the almost-unlimited scope of an Archadeck of Austin backyard makeover.
If you want to replace an older deck, porch or patio, your next outdoor living space can be completely fresh and new. Not just new materials, but a completely different design, too. Unless you specifically want to use the same footprint for your new structure(s), let’s think outside of that pre-existing box! At Archadeck we always have fresh design ideas to enhance your outdoor living lifestyle.
Replacing an Old Deck with a New Patio … and a New Deck, Too!
For these South Austin homeowners, we created a design that increased the size of their outdoor living space exponentially. We built a new patio more than twice the size of the old deck it replaced. Then we added a new deck on top of that. And we mean “on top of” quite literally – as in, overhead. The new elevated deck gives these homeowners a second-story spot for relaxing, at eye level with the treetops, something they didn’t have before.
Before 
After
Not only do the new patio and deck add more outdoor living space to the clients’ home, they contribute stunning aesthetics and additional function, too. All with low-maintenance materials for easy upkeep through the years ahead.
A Large South Austin Patio with Room for Everything, even an Outdoor Kitchen
We predict this gorgeous patio will be the scene of many outdoor gatherings of all kinds. From quiet dinners al fresco to great big parties, this multi-level patio can accommodate any occasion. The homeowners can use the different levels as different outdoor “rooms,” which is how you create an intimate space on such a large patio. This patio has two covered areas for comfortable sofas and chairs, a separate dining area, and an open area big enough for games! And there is more: an outdoor kitchen. We designed and built the stone structure for an outdoor kitchen, and we will add appliances and kitchen amenities at a later date.
Altogether the new patio space covers about 1300 sq. feet. We created the beautiful patio surface with a concrete epoxy quartz overlay to give it the look of Roman stone. We installed aluminum railings on the patio and wrapped the existing brick columns with Hardie wrap in a paneled design for an elegant touch. And while the new stone retaining wall serves an obvious function at the patio’s edge, it can also provide additional seating.
We installed a Synergy Wood ceiling in the covered area of the patio. The stain color our clients selected for their porch ceiling is called Colonial. The clients purchased the ceiling fans and sconces they wanted, and we installed those. We also installed recessed can lighting in the ceiling, and we added lights on the patio steps. These little patio lights will add ambiance while also increasing safety.
The patio also features a custom Texas star that we added toward the end of the project. Our clients saw a star like this on our website in images from another patio project we completed, and they just had to have it. It’s a splendid finishing touch for the new patio!
The Perfect Vantage Point: A Low-maintenance Elevated Deck
We designed and built a second-story AZEK deck to give these homeowners a separate outdoor living space accessible from the upper level of the home. The ornate, baroque railings set the space apart with flair. For access to the deck, we removed an upstairs window and installed a door and sidelight.
The new deck overhead supplies shade for a portion of the patio. We built the deck with an under-deck drainage system over a modified bitumen roof system to ensure the area underneath is dry space.
Did we leave anything out? What amenities would you add or subtract if this were your outdoor living space? We hope this patio and deck combination project provides inspiration for a backyard makeover at your home!
Let us create a custom solution to meet your outdoor living needs. Contact Archadeck of Austin to schedule your free design consultation.
Daniel Smith, Designer, Archadeck of Austin.
Archadeck Transforms Round Rock TX Covered Patio with Roof Addition
If you aren’t thrilled—or even satisfied—with your current outdoor living area, let’s change it! The project featured in these photos perfectly illustrates our point. When these clients in Round Rock, TX, called Archadeck of Austin, they had a patio and outdoor kitchen with a pergola overhead. While that sounds good, what they really wanted over their backyard patio was a solid roof. They also wanted to add another component to their existing outdoor kitchen.
It’s our philosophy that homeowners should not have to put up with an outdoor living space that isn’t meeting their needs. Your Archadeck of Austin professional design consultant can take a look at the structures you have now and design changes to improve aesthetics and functionality. Our goal is to take your outdoor living area from good (or just okay) to GREAT! Let’s dig in and determine what it is about your outdoor space that’s not working for you—and how we can change that. You spend lots of time on your backyard patio, deck or porch. Let us help you create your ideal outdoor space for leisure enjoyment!
Round Rock TX Covered Patio Design
It was outdoor renovation time at this Round Rock, TX, home. When we modify a client’s outdoor living structures, we’ll work with the existing components to the extent that we can. For example, in replacing the homeowners’ pergola with the roofed structure you see here, we were able to use the pergola’s cedar posts. Demolishing the entire pergola and posts to start from scratch was an option but wasn’t necessary. We saved time and money for the clients by using the posts they already had in place.
We did encounter a structural issue when designing this conversion from a pergola to a roofed structure, but as you know we love a challenge! With Archadeck of Austin’s extensive expertise as a covered patio and porch builder, these homeowners were in good hands. The problem: the pergola we replaced was shaped at an angle, not square. While that may have been alright for a pergola, a roof is much heavier and structural integrity is essential.
What did we do? We added a fifth post! Because one of the posts was not in position to support the squared-off roof design properly, we added another post in the correct spot. From a structural standpoint it was like filling in the missing piece to the puzzle. Then we bridged the gap between the old and new posts at that corner with two horizontal shelf-like pieces of wood. Now it’s a design element!
We used cedar for the ceiling of the new patio cover to match the posts and beams.
Round Rock TX Outdoor Kitchen Expansion
In addition to building a free-standing roof over this patio and outdoor kitchen, we also added a “leg” to the outdoor kitchen. The new portion creates an L-shape with a section designed specifically to hold the clients’ ceramic grill/smoker. We were able to use stone that matched the existing kitchen perfectly. No one will guess that the two segments of this outdoor kitchen were built at different times. Best of all, the addition completes the outdoor kitchen with a piece that was missing from the original design. It answers the question: What would it take to turn this outdoor kitchen from good to great by meeting the homeowners’ needs completely?
Is your outdoor living area missing a piece that would increase your enjoyment of leisure time outdoors at home? Don’t underestimate Archadeck of Austin’s ability to innovate! With our design skills and vast construction experience, we can do whatever it takes to create your ideal outdoor living space.
Call Archadeck of Austin today at 512-259-8282 or email us to schedule your free design consultation.
NW Austin Homeowners Love their Delightful Patio and Covered Pergola
When you have a covered outdoor space suitable for entertaining, you’re ready for anything! These NW Austin homeowners originally had a tiny covered area at their back door, with room for three or four chairs and a tiny table. It wasn’t enough! They seriously needed space to move around in—and space for actual tables where they could sit outdoors and enjoy a meal. Space where they could celebrate every occasion, large or small. That’s why they called Archadeck of Austin, the Austin patio builder, to design and build a patio and covered pergola combination.
NW Austin Patio Delights the Senses
When we design your outdoor living project, we collaborate with you to design a functional space that meets your needs and suits your tastes. Here you can see this NW Austin patio addition is a pleasing combination of colors and textures. Our clients chose this side-by-side combination of the lighter stonework for their seating wall and the darker flagstone pattern overlay for the patio. Not only do our eyes see the contrasting color patterns, we “see” the contrasting textures as well.
As you pull back from the scene, you’ll notice the additional contrast of the pergola’s dark cedar beams and posts. And that’s not all! The homeowners were in the process of adding festive string lighting for nighttime ambiance. As darkness falls, the playful illumination of this covered patio will sweetly beckon the homeowners and their guests outdoors. Two ceiling fans will wrap them in a gentle breeze. This outdoor living space offers plenty of versatility, day or night. From intimate family dinners to an all-out party on the patio, our clients now have the perfect outdoor setting for whatever they can dream up.
Details of this Patio and Pergola Combination
The patio’s size, extending a spacious 20′ out from the house, meets the clients’ first priority for a larger outdoor living space. The covered pergola fills their priority for a covered space they can use rain or shine. Speaking of sunshine, bring it on! Our clients chose to add a TopGal polycarbonate cover atop the pergola that will protect them from the sun’s heat and damaging UV rays. This is not just any ordinary sheet of plastic. TopGal is multiwall polycarbonate system that provides thermal insulation for the area by reducing solar heat gain.
The patio itself is concrete with the addition of a flagstone overlay, rich in texture and color variations. We constructed the seating wall with white limestone, and the smooth bench surface is made of Lueders limestone. We built the large custom pergola with cedar. Creature comforts for this covered patio include two ceiling fans and plenty of lighting with electrical outlets for additional creature comforts as needed.
Plenty of lighting? Our clients can adjust the outdoor lighting levels according to their needs and the mood they want to set. For ambiance, we installed subtle LED lighting all along the seating wall, just under the bench surface. The effect of this lighting at night is stunning. Then, the clients have the festive string lighting they added themselves. In addition, two of the pergola’s posts feature lanterns that illuminate the covered patio for dining. The two outermost posts have spotlights that illuminate the yard. And if they want more light, the ceiling fans include light fixtures as well. The only way the homeowners will be in the dark is if they choose to be!
Perfectly Versatile Covered Patio Design in NW Austin
The versatility in this patio comes from its size, its protective cover and the low seating wall that surrounds it on three sides. The seating wall adds coziness and a hint of privacy for relaxation and intimate gatherings. It also provides additional seating for larger get-togethers. On nights when they choose to stay indoors, the family can enjoy the ambiance of their patio’s illumination as they look outside from within the home. Call Archadeck of Austin today at 512-259-8282 or email us to schedule your free design consultation.
Archadeck of Austin Makes Complicated Leander TX Pergola Look So Easy
Sometimes even the simplest freestanding pergola turns out to be so much more complicated than meets the eye. This is one of those times. Our Leander, TX, clients wanted to add a large cedar pergola over their concrete patio. The patio fit neatly into one corner of the lot, and the pergola needed to fit neatly into the same corner. Simple, right?
Not so fast! Because of the property’s setback requirements, we needed to have a survey company mark the build lines prior to starting this project. The pergola had to fit within the footprint indicated by the surveyor, meaning we could not cross the lines marked by their stakes.
Ordinarily, Archadeck of Austin would have designed this Leander TX pergola as a rectangle. But the shape of the lot, the pour of the concrete and the setback lines intersecting in the corner of the site affected the pergola’s shape. The pergola design changed from a basic rectangle to … a trapezoid. Yes, a trapezoid. That’s a pergola you don’t see every day.
Can you tell this pergola is shaped like a trapezoid? Most people will never notice the unusual shape unless they peer down at it from above. It’s a beautiful all-cedar pergola, custom-designed for this client and for this property.
We have to admit, designing this custom pergola project was more of a challenge than usual. Not because of its size, although it is a large pergola with big beams and big posts. The challenges arose when we had to make design adjustments in the field—unusual with a “simple” pergola project.
You could say the art of this pergola is its appearance of simplicity. The structure we designed and built here was more complicated than it looks. The homeowners know it, and we know it. Now, you know it, too. At the end of the day, all that really matters here is the pergola’s beauty and the statement it makes. The big cedar pergola defines this “simple” outdoor living space and casts some shade, providing our clients with exactly what they wanted.
Whether your outdoor living project is going to be complex or simple, make sure it’s done right. Call Archadeck of Austin today at 512-259-8282 or email us to schedule your free design consultation.
Low-Maintenance Deck Replacement in The Hills of Lakeway, TX, Suggests Déjà Vu!
Replacing a deck at your Austin-area home doesn’t mean you have to make a lot of changes. Our clients in The Hills of Lakeway, TX, liked the deck they had. They liked the color, the size, the shape, and the way it hugged the back of their home. The deck was built with cedar, however, and what the homeowners did not like was the way their wood deck was starting to deteriorate. The deck was low to grade, exposed to moisture near the ground, and the wood was beginning to rot. It was time for a deck replacement.
Will a Low-Maintenance Deck Rot Like Wood?
Not likely! One of the reasons many homeowners choose low-maintenance decking today is for its moisture-resistant properties. Composite and synthetic decking is capped with polymers making it extremely resistant to moisture damage. You can tell by these products’ lengthy warranties that they’re made to last a very long time—without rotting. At Archadeck of Austin, we recommend synthetic (PVC) decking if your deck is low to grade.
Like many of our clients, these homeowners in The Hills of Lakeway wanted a new deck that would look great without a lot of upkeep. For their deck replacement, they selected AZEK low-maintenance decking from TimberTech’s Harvest Collection in Slate Gray.
Your Austin Deck Replacement: What to Keep, What to Change?
Since the homeowners liked so much about their original deck, design decisions for their deck replacement were easy! That’s the great thing about replacing a deck—you don’t have to make a lot of changes if you don’t want to. In this case, our clients wanted us to use the same footprint for their new deck’s scale and size. They chose a similar shade of gray, too, and they wanted similar benches along the sides of the new deck.
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- Before
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- Before
We laid the decking boards out in a picture-frame design. Since the decking is monochromatic, the picture-framing is not as noticeable here as it would be on a deck with contrasting board colors. Picture-framing gives the deck a smooth edge, which is especially significant at the location of the step down to the yard.
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- After
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- After
We also built the new benches with AZEK. We used low maintenance PVC for the deck skirting, too, so the mulch around the deck will never cause rotting in the future. The Hardie stucco-finish board we used on this project is a low maintenance material as well.
And the Rest of the Story …
The scope of this job included a side project in addition to the deck replacement. The clients had a little walkout/stoop at a doorway elsewhere on the home that was built with the same cedar boards as the original deck. Archadeck of Austin removed the cedar stoop and built a new one with concrete.
Has the time come to replace a deck at your home? Whether you are replacing a deck or interested in adding one for the first time, call Archadeck of Austin today at 512-259-8282 or email us to schedule your free design consultation.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
Archadeck of Austin Turns SW Austin Patio into Beautiful Retreat
More and more Austin TX homeowners are realizing that a simple patio is simply not enough of a backyard retreat. Sure, a patio is fine when outdoor conditions are perfect. When you’re facing fierce sunshine, wind-blown debris, flying insects or rain, however, a patio offers no real protection. What you need is a screened porch — and a covered pergola over a portion of your patio.
Just take a look at this beautiful, multifunctional protected space Archadeck of Austin created for these SW Austin clients!
Multifunctional Outdoor Living Space Becomes a Destination!
These homeowners wanted protection from direct sun with its brutal heat and burning UV rays. Now they have two places they can spend time outdoors in the shade: within their new screened porch and under their new covered pergola.
When they want to be outdoors, bug-free, they enjoy their screened porch. When they want to sit outside on the patio, they now have a covered pergola that protects them from rain as well as sun. When they want to bask in the sun on a cool day, they still have a portion of their flagstone patio that’s uncovered. The uncovered patio is also perfect for stargazing at night!
They now have the best of all worlds right here at their Southwest Austin TX home.
Screened Porch Builder Archadeck of Austin Has You Covered
The homeowners’ existing flagstone patio is attractive and in excellent condition, so it provided a perfect floor for their screened porch. We didn’t use the entire patio area for the porch, so there is still an open patio outside of the screened porch. You could say the screened porch has a patio!
Inside the spacious screened porch, the first thing you notice is the beautiful interior ceiling. To build it, we used handcrafted, prefinished tongue-and-groove ceiling boards from Synergy Wood in the burgundy color. We use Synergy Wood ceilings in many of our porches and they always look beautiful.
Archadeck of Austin is Austin’s Pergola Builder
This sturdy wood pergola anchors the opposite end of the flagstone patio. The original patio did not reach across the entire back of the home, but we were able to match the flagstone and we extended it. If you look closely, you can tell there is flat plastic cover atop the wood pergola. It’s not just any plastic sheeting, it’s Polygal, a special multi-wall polycarbonate sheet. Polygal filters out UV rays from the sun, so as a pergola cover it increases the amount of shade the pergola creates. It also provides protection from rain showers.
The pergola-covered patio area offers the homeowners a perfect place to dine outdoors. You can already see that their grill is nearby.
With a new screened porch, striking pergola, covered patio and open patio area, this Southwest Austin home truly has a backyard retreat that neighbors will envy. We designed the space to be more functional and beautiful, a place where the homeowners will enjoy spending plenty of time.
Is it time to expand your Austin patio and add a screened porch and pergola? Call Archadeck of Austin today at 512-259-8282 email us to schedule your free design consultation.
Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin
Patio, Pergola, Fire Pit Combination Transforms Liberty Hill, TX, Back Yard
A wise man once asked, When you have a big ol’ back yard, why be satisfied with a teeny-tiny, little patio? We like where he was going with that thought! And we would add, Especially here in Texas!
While it’s not entirely true that EVERYTHING’S bigger in Texas, Archadeck of Austin is doing our part to make it so, one patio at a time. The project we’re featuring today is a perfect example. The homeowners had a small patio at their back door. The door to the patio was also small, just a single door. The homeowners had big dreams of a better lifestyle that included a whole lot more patio enjoyment. To remedy the situation, they called Liberty Hill patio designer Archadeck of Austin.
Take a look before we began the project:
Our mission: increase the patio size, build a total shade pergola over most of the new patio area, add a fire pit, and install larger patio doors. Patio enjoyment would be theirs in no time.
Patio Builder Archadeck of Austin Makes Little Patios Bigger
Our first order of business was to increase the patio size. Hardscapes and patios are some of our specialties! For this project, we built the additional patio areas with concrete, and we added a nice stamped overlay finish. We kept the patio width the same on one side, but on the other side we extended the patio along the length of the house. We extended the middle section of the patio out into the yard, the perfect spot for a fire pit. We ended the middle section with a rounded shape where we nestled the round fire pit. The patio encircles the fire pit beautifully with room for family and guests to pull up chairs all the way around the entire circle.
The homeowners wanted a custom wood-burning fire pit, and for their fire pit materials, they selected white limestone with nicotine. The stone stands out nicely against the new, textured patio surface. It’s clear that we designed the rounded patio section and the fire pit to complement each other perfectly. The homeowners and their guests will spend many relaxing hours under the stars, mesmerized by the fire in their new fire pit.
Shaded Patios are the Standard in Liberty Hill, TX
The tiny, original concrete slab patio was covered by a roof, completely shaded, and that was the one thing about the original patio the homeowners liked. They definitely wanted the extended patio to be shaded, too – except the end that would be reserved for fire-gazing and star-gazing.
For shade, we designed a custom pergola made of cedar that does more than just provide shade. It transforms the concrete patio from “a place in the sun” into “the place to be.” The big, sturdy pergola, with ornamental cuts on the ends of the support beam and the rafters, makes a statement! It is boldly decorative, and it also provides shelter. The homeowners wanted complete shade as well as protection from inclement weather, so we added a polycarbonate sheet on top of the pergola to make the patio weatherproof.
Patio Windows Can Easily Become Patio Door
The homeowners wanted bigger patio doors, and they wanted those doors to offer a view of the back yard. Their original patio door gave them a view of a brick wall. Meanwhile, they had two nice-sized windows overlooking the patio and the back yard. Yes, these windows were occupying the space nature had surely intended for the placement of doors. Big doors that were also windows! The solution: remove the windows and install a pair of sliding glass doors.
Archadeck of Austin was up to this challenge. We removed the brick below the windows, removed the windows, and created a new door opening big enough for a set of sliding glass doors. Once we installed the new doors, we rebricked around them so you can’t even tell work has been done there. On the interior, we put in new drywall and headers above the doors. Our standards are high, and we do very good interior finish work when it’s called for. Inside and outside, the area surrounding the new doors looks impeccable and undisturbed. The homeowners have the bigger doors they wanted and a better view of the amazing new patio and the back yard.
Is There Anything Else We Can Do for You?
Clients are accustomed to seeing the “pretty” side of the work we do, but sometimes there’s another side, too. As part of this project, we also installed a drainage system for the yard. The homeowners had found that water running off of the house wasn’t draining well due to the slope and topography of the lot. We used a catch bucket and basin system to distribute any water from left to right to prevent rainwater from flooding the patio.
Now these Liberty Hill TX homeowners have a much bigger patio with plenty of shade and room for grilling and dining outdoors. After dinner, they’ll enjoy their new fire pit. They couldn’t be happier with their combination patio-pergola-fire pit outdoor living project.
Are you ready to transform your outdoor living area? We can custom design and build a covered patio, fire pit, or whatever it will take to improve your outdoor living space. Call Archadeck of Austin today at 512-259-8282 or email us to schedule your free design consultation.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
Northwest Austin Homeowners Are Thrilled with Screened Porch Vision Fulfilled!
Planning ahead can be quite rewarding and smart, too, when it comes to adding more than one outdoor living structure to your home. These savvy homeowners in Northwest Austin near Round Rock, TX, knew they would eventually add a screen porch to the back of their home. It was part of their vision for the home.
First, they added a patio outside their back door – a beautiful, half-moon-shaped, flagstone patio. They made certain the patio was designed to meet the structural requirements to support a future screened porch addition.
From Patio to Screened Porch + Patio = Hurray!
When they were ready to add their much-anticipated screened porch, the homeowners called Austin screened porch designer Archadeck of Austin to do the job. They wanted the new porch positioned on the flagstone patio but sized so it wouldn’t take up the entire patio surface.
By reserving some usable patio space outside the screened porch, they’ll still be able to sit out on the patio when conditions are right. When mosquitoes are biting, however, or when they need protection from direct sun or rain showers, they’ll enjoy the screened porch immensely.
Archadeck of Austin designed and built this beautiful screened porch to look completely original to the home – always one of our objectives! The porch features white trim and a white wood ceiling with skylights.
Many clients don’t realize that adding a shade structure onto the back of a home reduces the amount of natural light coming into the home. Most consider this a small sacrifice for the pleasure of having a screened porch! Adding skylights in the porch roof is a way to keep some of the natural light the home would otherwise lose. We designed this porch roof with an open gable at one end, another way to let in more natural light. The open gable also adds a feeling of spaciousness inside the porch.
The Perfect Screened Porch for Each Client: It’s in the Details
The clients requested two screen doors in the porch instead of just one. These custom fiberglass screen doors came from Coppa Woodworking in California. Additional details you may notice here are the ceiling fan and the string of festive lights inside the porch. We include electrical wiring on jobs that feature a roof so clients can enjoy some of their indoor comforts, outdoors. As you can see, no detail was overlooked!
A wise man once said, “the difference between something good and something great is attention to detail.” We agree! Careful craftsmanship and attention to detail are extremely important to us at Archadeck of Austin. These qualities shine through our work, in all the types of outdoor living structures we design and build.
Does your vision for your home include a new, updated or expanded outdoor living space? Is adding a screened porch on your to-do list? Archadeck of Austin can custom design a screened porch, open porch, or patio cover to keep you out of the sun. Call Archadeck of Austin today at 512-259-8282 or email us to schedule your free design consultation.
Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin
Under-Deck Project in Georgetown, TX, Demonstrates Dry Storage Space
Do you have an elevated deck with usable space beneath it … going unused? If you don’t need the space, that’s fine, but many Austin-area homeowners find it quite valuable. Some use the space under a deck as a covered porch or patio – and, of course, that depends on the height of your under-deck area. Others, like these Archadeck of Austin clients in Georgetown, TX, use it for outdoor storage. Who doesn’t need more storage space?
Archadeck of Austin designed and built this beautiful deck and covered pergola some time back. You could call this more recent project Phase II – installing an under-deck system to keep everything dry down below. The homeowners had been storing a few items under the deck already. Because rainwater drips down between decking boards, however, they had to be sure their items were covered or sealed up in bins.
An Under-deck Space That Stays Dry and Looks Good, Too
The first order of business was to seal off the under-deck space so it would stay dry. Decks are designed for drainage, which is why there is always a bit of space between decking boards. Without a way for water to drain off, the deck would pool with water whenever it rained. No one wants to slosh around on a wet deck!
To keep the space dry, we installed a pan system secured to the underside of the deck frame. The pan channels water as it runs through the deck and funnels it away through gutters. It’s an efficient way to create dry space below without hindering drainage above.
With an effective drainage system in place, we added walls around the under-deck storage area. We purposely designed plain walls that won’t attract attention. The homeowners’ lawn mower and other backyard items are safely tucked out of sight and secured with a padlock on the storage room door. Now they have ample outdoor storage space. With this type of enclosure, you are actually adding dry space to your home.
Two Benefits of an Under-deck Dry Space
Converting the space to dry storage and closing it off with walls serves two purposes for these Georgetown TX homeowners. First, their stored items stay dry. Second, the walls keep everything out of sight so the yard looks tidy regardless of what’s tucked up under the deck.
Notice we didn’t enclose all of the under-deck area. At a certain point each day, the deck provides shade over the area that is not closed off for storage. You don’t need the full trappings of a porch or patio to make good use of it. Just pull up a chair!
If you have usable, dry space under your deck, how would you like to use it?
If under-deck drainage is preventing you from using the space under your deck, let Archadeck of Austin design a dry porch, patio, or storage space under your deck. Call Archadeck of Austin today at 512-259-8282 or email us to schedule your free design consultation.
Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin
Soil Amendment Will Ensure New Sun City Deck in Georgetown, TX, Has a Long and Healthy Life
When premium deck builder Archadeck of Austin removes a deck that’s sick and replaces it with a healthy one, we feel satisfaction approaching that of a transplant surgeon. Of course, we don’t have to source our healthy decks from deck donors. We custom design and build each one from the ground up, including this deck replacement project in the Sun City community of Georgetown, Texas.
What’s unusual here is that the ground was part of the problem. It’s what made the first deck sick, so it was our job to ensure the new deck wouldn’t meet the same fate: mold, deterioration, and rot.
This Georgetown TX Deck Tells a Story We Don’t Want to Repeat
The clients’ original deck included two pergolas attached to a canopy with built-in benches. We had to remove the deck, benches and pergolas because they were deteriorating. The deck had been built so low-to-grade it had started sinking.
— Before: the existing deck was sinking due to rot.
When we took out the old deck, we found was it was rotting underneath. While pressure-treated pine is rated for ground contact, moisture can intervene and cause severe problems. This deck was in contact with the moist ground, hence our discovery of mold and degradation on the underside. In a case like this, a deck rots from the bottom up because the underside is not stained or sealed.
Design, Prep, Build. And Don’t Forget to Prep …
Knowing the ground under this deck stays moist, we took extra precautions to prevent the same damage from recurring. This illustrates one reason Archadeck of Austin has become such a trusted deck builder. We go the extra mile to make sure our projects last and look great as long as possible.
First, we excavated the soil under the deck’s location since we were building the new deck on the same moist spot where the prior deck had stood. Then we applied a 3″ gravel base before erecting the new deck. This system will allow more air flow under the deck and prevent the humidity level from rising enough for rot to occur.
Designing, Building Custom Decks and Pergolas for Austin and Georgetown TX Clients
We custom design every project we build because each client is unique and each home is unique. You could say it goes without saying, but not every deck contractor does this. For this Sun City project, we redesigned the space by installing a proper beam system across the posts supporting the pergolas.
Another example of the custom work we did here is the spacing of the slats atop the pergola closest to the home. The homeowner had commented that the previous pergola blocked the light coming into the home through the windows. We were able to customize the new pergola to remedy that situation.
As you may know, adjusting the spacing between slats across the top of a pergola will affect how much shade the structure casts. For this Georgetown TX deck, pergola and bench project, we spaced the slats at the front of the pergola (farthest from the house) 3” apart for adequate shade. Toward the back of the pergola (nearest the windows), we spaced the slats every 6″ apart. The homeowners will enjoy shade on the deck where they want shade and light inside the home where they want more light – thanks to the new customized design.
The Details: Materials Used for This Deck and Pergola Project
For the deck’s surface and benches, the clients selected low-maintenance capped PVC decking from TimberTech AZEK’s Vintage collection in their weathered teak color. We rebuilt the twin pergolas – including posts, beams, slats and trusses – with cedar and applied a solid-color custom stain on all of the wood surfaces. We were able to retain the original deck railings, and we didn’t need to modify the roof structure for this project.
Not only was the new deck prepped thoroughly, it’s also solid, sound, more useful and beautiful! Can you make out the triangle dinner bell hanging from the pergola’s beam? These Sun City homeowners can enjoy dining on their deck safely once again.
Whether you want a new deck, replacement deck, custom pergola or more, Archadeck of Austin is ready to design and build the outdoor living space that will make your home complete. Contact us today at 512-259-8282 or via email at jim.odom@archadeck.net to schedule a free design consultation.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
Covered Porch Addition in Pflugerville, TX, Shows Archadeck of Austin Does Whatever it Takes to Make Your Outdoor Living Dreams Come True
Looks can be deceiving, we all know that, and the saying certainly applies to this sweet covered porch addition we built for our clients in Pflugerville, Texas. The results are delightful and offer the homeowners a relaxing place to sit, lounge and dine outdoors. Their new porch gives them a space that’s protected from sun and rain and is illuminated for nighttime enjoyment. To say we made it look easy would be an understatement.
In a nutshell, this covered porch addition had a very complicated roof tie-in. To the uninitiated, it may not look like a big deal. Builders and remodelers, however, will immediately notice this was a complex job. The offset of the rooflines was the primary issue. We needed to tie together the new roof (the porch cover) with three connection points on the original roof to facilitate the addition of a roofed outdoor structure. Porch builder Archadeck of Austin was up to the task. We love a challenge!
Out With The Old …
- We demolished the home’s small, concrete patio.
- We removed the overhang above the back door.
- We removed the soffit to allow for the installation of the roof rafters.
- We removed the existing single back door and window into the dining area.
- We removed a portion of the siding around the back door.
In With The New …
We poured a new, larger concrete patio.
- In place of the original overhang, we used 8 x 8 support posts and heavy beams that we could tie into the existing wall.
- We built ridge walls up so they would extend into the ceiling.
- For the roof tie-in, we built up the wall to carry the load of the beam that would tie into the roof.
- We installed the new roof in a way that gave us enough room for a high ceiling area over the porch.
- We built a new overhang and used the same type of shingles that are on the existing roof.
- We installed a new header over the back door and a new Therma-Tru double door system featuring energy-efficient Low-E glass.
- Once the new door was in, we replaced the siding with Hardieplank siding to seal the wall.
- We installed Hardieboard siding on the interior of the covered porch.
- We used Hardie wrap for the new beams, support posts, soffit and fascia.
- We installed a beautiful beadboard ceiling and painted it blue!
- We painted the support posts white to match the house and painted everything else to make it all look brand new.
- We installed electrical wiring in the new porch roof for a ceiling fan and outdoor lighting.
- We scored the new concrete patio in a 24″ tile pattern with a walnut-colored border and outside edge for contrast.
- We installed a ceiling fan and four can lights in the porch’s beadboard ceiling.
- We installed sconce light fixtures on the outside of the two support posts.
About That Beautiful, New Double Door System …
The new double door makes better use of the space than the original back door and dining room window did. Haven’t we all had situations where we needed to bring something larger than a single door into or out of the house? The new door also updates the look of the back of the house. In that regard, the design impact of this door replacement is huge!
The Therma-Tru double door system features Low-E glass and a low-rise threshold. The door’s energy-efficient Low-E glass helps reduce the loss of heat in cold weather by reflecting heat back into the home. In warm weather, the sun’s rays reflect off of the Low-E glass, helping to keep the home cool inside.
About that Blue Porch Ceiling …
Blue porch ceilings have an interesting history. The practice of painting a porch ceiling blue seems to have begun in the South, but these days you can find them in all regions of the country. Folklore mixes with facts when it comes to explanations for this phenomenon.
- In the Low Country of South Carolina, “haint blue” porch ceilings mimicking the color of water were used to keep out “haints” – meaning ghosts, apparitions or lost souls – because these spirits were unable to cross water.
- In Oregon, porch ceilings painted a shade called Aurora blue were associated with the Aurora Colony, a Christian communal society founded by emigrants, primarily German and Swiss, in the 1850s.
- In New England, the color of a blue sky was used on Victorian porch ceilings to reflect colors found in nature. On gray days, a blue ceiling reminded residents that they would see brighter days ahead.
- Finally, in some areas homeowners believed a blue porch ceiling would trick birds and insects into believing they had reached the sky, thereby discouraging them from building nests in the ceiling. In reality, these early blue paints were often made with milk and lye, and lye does repel insects. The milk paint faded and needed to be repainted each year, or every few years. A new coat of lye probably did keep insects away.
This is what we know: blue is considered a calming color and is associated with peace and relaxation. What better color to frame your new covered porch where you plan to spend countless hours relaxing and basking in nature’s glory?
Put Archadeck of Austin to the Test. No Challenge is Too Big!
Whether you want a covered patio or a big open patio with an outdoor kitchen – or some combination of these and more, Archadeck of Austin is here for you. We are ready to design and build the outdoor living space that will make your home complete. Contact us today at 512-259-8282 or via email at jim.odom@archadeck.net to schedule a free design consultation.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
Archadeck of Austin Saves the Day on this Southwest Austin Outdoor Kitchen Project
Beautiful patio cover and outdoor kitchen in SW Austin by Archadeck of Austin.
Good Job Gone Bad – And Then Made Great!
On a recent outdoor kitchen project in Southwest Austin, we found ourselves in an unusual situation and the basis of a cautionary tale to consumers. We gave an opportunity to a new, highly recommended, stone mason we found through Nextdoor.com. Unfortunately, the workmanship fell way short of our standards …well anyone’s standards. There is no need to go into details here. Suffice it to say, we released the mason and completed the job correctly – at considerable expense to us. We made it right – completely!
Archadeck of Austin has worked 20 years developing the outstanding reputation we maintain. In this specific case, we were recommended by partner BBQ Outfitters. Substandard quality would have reflected poorly us and them, and the homeowners would not have received the value that they deserve. We took a problem and turned it into a success. As built initially it was completely functional but a long way from right. Now it’s stunning.
When we met with the homeowners for the project’s design phase, they chose white limestone for the base of the kitchen, matching their home’s exterior. For the countertops, they selected buff Lueders limestone, which is sourced in Texas and always beautiful, especially for countertops. The project entailed a 24ft long outdoor kitchen with Artesian Grill, Kamado Joe smoker, Perlick ice maker and refrigerator, Blaze PRO power burner, sink, doors, drawers, trash chute, and storage access behind the kitchen – that’s a mouthful and needless to say a big investment. We think you will agree the kitchen is now beautiful and an excellent addition to the poolside retreat for the whole family.
Despite a rough patch in the building process, this Southwest Austin project turned out exceptionally well. It’s one we’ll show off when prospective clients want to know what kind of work we do. We do great work and stand behind it.
Taking a Leap of Faith – Cautionary Tale!
Consider this nightmare of a possibility … Suppose instead of finding a referral for Archadeck, they had seen one for these other guys and had hired them instead. Their outdoor kitchen would have been a mess and they would have been left out in the cold.
The clients were fortunate (or just very smart) to have hired a professional and reliable company like Archadeck of Austin. We took full responsibility for making sure the work was done correctly. When there was a problem, it was Archadeck that took the hit instead of the homeowners.
Archadeck of Austin will do that for you. As Dave Ramsey said, “Life is hard. Get a hard hat.” We wear the hard hat, and we deal with the hard stuff, so you don’t have to.
The moral of this story is that regardless of where you get a referral for work to be done at your home, you must still do your research. Look that company up online, check their reputation and their references. Having a referral doesn’t always mean you have a company that will take care of you. Choosing Archadeck does. If you’re interested in adding a custom outdoor living space to your home and want to work with a company that takes care of its customers, give us a call. If you want to add a patio, deck, outdoor fireplace or any other outdoor living structure, call 512-259-8282 or email us.
Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin
Sierra Arbor Estates Redecking Project Saves Clients’ Deck and Gazebo, Too!
Here’s a tip: if you don’t have your aging deck replaced, you may never know your gazebo is in danger of collapsing. In North Austin, TX, the Sierra Arbor Estates deck project you see pictured here illustrates that point.
Before — aging deck in need of a refresh!
After Archadeck of Austin redecked this space with AZEK low-maintenance decking.
You’ve heard the expression, “One thing leads to another,” right? Sometimes homeowners are very, very glad one thing led to another when Archadeck of Austin comes around to create (or recreate) an outdoor living space.
After Archadeck of Austin redecked and refreshed this space.
These clients wanted to replace their small deck that wraps around the side and back of their house, bordered by a charming stone wall. Made of wood, the deck had decayed. Time for a replacement.
Good fortune was on their side; the deck was a good candidate for redecking. Not all homeowners are aware that redecking is an option – and one that can save them money. Until we inspect your deck, we won’t know if redecking will work for your project, though.
Why is redecking possible? The sun’s UV rays cause a wooden deck’s surface to deteriorate over the years. Meanwhile, the deck’s substructure is protected from the sun and doesn’t suffer the same damage.
Before committing to redecking, Austin deck builder Archadeck of Austin will examine the support structure under your deck. If that structure is not compromised – if it’s still in good shape and can support a new deck surface for a good many years – we can use it again. That saves you some of the cost of materials and labor to build your new deck.
For their new deck surface, these homeowners chose AZEK synthetic decking boards in the popular weathered teak color from their Vintage Collection. With an AZEK deck, these homeowners will not have to worry about deterioration. These decking boards will resist splitting, cupping, splintering, blistering, peeling, flaking, cracking, rotting and structural damage from termites or fungal decay, and they are covered by an excellent manufacturer’s warranty.
So … about that gazebo we mentioned earlier. One end of this deck extends out to a gazebo in the back yard. We found that the gazebo hadn’t been built correctly. It was actually bowing, its support piers sinking into the ground because the concrete footers could not carry the weight of the gazebo. Honestly, this might have been a disaster in the making.
Archadeck of Austin to the rescue! We removed all the skirting and were able to pull out the original support posts and install a proper footing system under the gazebo. In that process we leveled the surface, so everything is level now.
Finally, we wrapped up this project by replacing about 15-20 feet of the clients’ wood fence, gates and hardware because the original fencing that bordered the yard had also seen better days.
These North Austin homeowners are happy now that peace and safety have been restored to their pleasant getaway-at-home.
Could you save money by having your older deck redecked instead of replaced completely? Let Archadeck of Austin take a look at your deck to determine if it is a candidate for redecking. Call us today at 512-259-8282 or email us to schedule your free design consultation.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
New and Improved Deck, Outdoor Kitchen Combination in Circle C Ranch, Southwest Austin, TX, Delights Homeowners in So Many Ways
Homeowners in the Circle C Ranch neighborhood of Austin, TX, have a fine appreciation for the design skills and craftsmanship of custom deck and patio builder Archadeck of Austin. We continue to create ultimate outdoor living spaces in this southwest Austin neighborhood, each time designing and building a unique structure that is perfect for the home it graces.
The project we’re looking at today is a deck replacement in Circle C Ranch. Based on the homeowners’ desires for their ideal deck, we needed to design an entirely new structure, so we demolished the old cedar deck and started afresh. The result is a larger deck built with low-maintenance AZEK decking boards and an updated railing system that allows a much clearer view of the pool and yard below.
How do we love this new deck? Let us count the ways:
More outdoor living space. Not only is the new deck larger than the previous one, but we also designed it to meet the patio, so the patio and deck now combine to create a larger, more cohesive space. The earlier deck was not level with the home’s concrete patio. The family had to step down from the patio to the deck and it wasn’t an easy step. By making this simple design change, deck builder Archadeck of Austin improved this family’s daily travels out to their deck, back yard and pool. File this significant improvement under “little things mean a lot.”
Low-maintenance lifestyle. The new deck will require less maintenance than the cedar deck it replaced. The clients chose the weathered teak color from AZEK’s Vintage Collection. It has a more realistic wood-like appearance than some synthetic or composite decking materials. AZEK provides a 30-year fade and stain warranty and a lifetime warranty covering splitting, cupping, splintering, blistering, peeling, flaking, cracking, rotting or structural damage from termites or fungal decay.
More interesting deck layout. The larger deck design here allowed us to be especially creative with our layout of the deck boards. This design features a 4-way diagonal deck surface with picture framing, parting boards and ribbon ends. While this design is more elaborate than some we have created, we pride ourselves in deck design and workmanship and never leave board ends visible in the midst of a deck. We make sure that in all of our decks, the board ends meet a parting board or picture framing for a neat, finished appearance.
Before
After
Striking, more modern railings. The old cedar railings represented the style of their day, but since that time railing designs have moved toward thinner pickets (also called balusters) for much-improved visibility. For this new deck, the homeowners chose powder-coated steel Fortress railings in the black sand color and matching decorative caps on the posts. Like the decking boards, the railing is virtually maintenance free.
An upgrade from a patio grill to an outdoor kitchen. The covered patio adjoining the deck offered plenty of space for an outdoor kitchen. In addition to a grill, refrigerator and storage, the outdoor kitchen provides counter space for food prep, which the clients did not have before. Behind the counter is a higher ledge that the homeowners can use for plants or other décor. In addition to adding the outdoor kitchen, we stained the concrete patio to refresh its appearance.
Better access to the pool and yard. We designed the deck with two stairways, giving the homeowners direct access to the pool and also to a part of the yard on the other side of the deck. They will get more usage out of that side of the yard now.
Hot tub closer to the pool. With the previous configuration, the family’s hot tub was accessible from the patio and deck but not from the pool. We relocated the spa closer to the pool for a more convenient location.
Regardless of how great your Austin deck is, at some point, it will need to be refreshed, redesigned and replaced. The amazing selection of deck materials available today promises you will love your new deck and wonder why you waited so long to replace it.
Is your deck due for an upgrade with new materials and a larger design? For a new deck and outdoor kitchen, or any other outdoor living solution, call Archadeck of Austin today at 512-259-8282 or email us to schedule your free design consultation.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
A Fortuitous Custom Outdoor Fireplace and Outdoor Kitchen in Driftwood, TX
How Archadeck of Austin built a custom outdoor fireplace and outdoor kitchen borne of a neighborly debacle…
Imagine you purchase your dream home in a beautiful community, and in the beginning, you aren’t so much concerned with encumbering yourselves with outdoor upgrades. Then, imagine your next-door neighbors decide to build an upgrade of their own – a bit closer to your back patio than you are comfortable with. This is where Archadeck of Austin becomes the lemonade makers in the proverbial, “when life hands you lemons,” plight. And make lemonade, we did!
Custom outdoor fireplace designs by Archadeck of Austin
We got to work with these Driftwood, Texas homeowners, who soon began to realize that what they at first saw as a neighborly misfortune was turning out to be a very happy accident! Together, we decided to build a gorgeous free-standing limestone fireplace, to match their existing home and patio. The outdoor fireplace is positioned to create a buffer between the neighbors’ outdoor entertaining spaces, but it is so much more! The robust wood burning fireplace will do its intended job, but it will also provide hours upon hours of outdoor enjoyment for these homeowners and their guests. There is hardly anything better than being able to utilize an outdoor space out-of-season, and this outdoor fireplace will accomplish that for these now very fortunate homeowners. Sipping wine or coffee or having dinner while sitting in front of dancing flames in crisp weather will no doubt become one of the homeowners’ favorite outdoor pastimes.
See custom outdoor kitchen builds by Archadeck of Austin
What better complement to the outdoor fireplace than a very roomy, uber-functional custom outdoor kitchen? These homeowners decided to go “whole-hog” and upgrade to a complete outdoor entertaining space for cooking, eating, and relaxing. This beautiful outdoor kitchen has all the amenities of indoor prep spaces! The limestone kitchen design features a large built-in grill, sink, storage, refrigerator, and tons of food prep and serving space. These homeowners will be able to host friends and family for dinner parties and cook-outs and enjoy relaxing private patio dinners of their own. Special occasions are made even better when you have such a unique and accommodating outdoor space to host them in.
As you can see Archadeck of Austin was able to bring resolution to a unique outdoor living situation, where privacy was a must. When called upon to answer a very specific need, we will always earnestly improvise a custom-tailored solution that won’t just answer the call but go well beyond it. These homeowners were faced with a situation that might have some folks ready to build a wall or a privacy fence – which solves the problem but takes away the open-air feel of the spacious back yard. If are looking to put an outdoor living problem to rights, call on Archadeck of Austin for innovative solutions.
If your Austin area home requires an innovative solution to any outdoor living problem, contact Archadeck of Austin today at (512) 259 – 8282 or via email us to schedule a free design consultation.
Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin
Homeowners Enjoy Fabulous View Again after Austin TX Redecking and Solar Screen Installation
Archadeck of Austin is a master of solutions, as these Steiner Ranch, TX, homeowners learned recently. We saved money for them by redecking instead of removing their old composite deck and building a new one from scratch, and we solved their glaring sun issue as well.
Redecking is the Austin TX Deck Resurfacing Option
If you have an older deck and you aren’t familiar with redecking, you will want to look closely at this project in Steiner Ranch, TX. Redecking is an option when you want to replace the deck’s surface boards—the portion that you see and walk on—if the deck’s substructure is still sound. Because the substructure isn’t exposed to the elements, it is usually in much better condition than the surface boards.
In the case of this Steiner Ranch home, the deck substructure was still in good shape, so redecking was possible. That’s always great news for a homeowner! Redecking offers significant cost savings over building an entirely new deck from scratch.
When Archadeck of Austin works on a redecking project, we always have to make certain the existing substructure meets current building codes. If the applicable building codes have changed since the deck was originally built, we need to make whatever modifications are necessary to comply with today’s codes.
If the original deck was wood, and the clients have chosen to redeck with a new surface of low-maintenance composite decking, we may have to add more joists to the substructure. When decking with composites, specific joist spacing requirements must be met—beyond the joist spacing requirements for a wood deck.
Additional Benefits of Redecking
Homeowners who opt for redecking are not always limited to keeping the size and shape of their original deck. Archadeck of Austin may be able to expand the square footage of a deck as part of a redecking project. Also, during the redecking process, you can usually make additional changes or add amenities that your original deck lacked. Examples would be adding built-in bench seating, upgrading or replacing the deck railing, adding a pergola or covered area for shade or even changing the direction and flow of the stairs. The Steiner Ranch project pictured here includes a pergola, which the previous deck did not have.
Steiner Ranch Homeowners Add Beautiful New AZEK Deck Surface and Cedar Pergola
These clients’ new deck surface is made of AZEK decking boards in the mahogany color. AZEK is a low-maintenance synthetic (PVC) decking product that is extremely durable. Projects built with AZEK resist mold, mildew, stains and scratches. You also don’t have to worry about material defects, splinters, or damage from termites or rot with AZEK.
For their deck railing, the homeowners selected a Fortress railing in the sand black color. We built the privacy skirting under the deck with cedar, and we added a new large cedar pergola for partial shade. Because the pergola covers almost the entire deck, it also creates a protected, cozy feeling there.
The Perfect Solution: A Solar Blocking Screen System
Did we mention the clients have an absolutely fabulous view from their deck of the nearby golf course and lush treetops for miles? The problem was, this side of their home gets absolutely blasted by the sun. Archadeck of Austin installed a remote-controlled, solar-blocking retractable screen system. The tracks along the sides of the screen are designed to prevent the screen from blowing around on windy days.
Wow! This solar screen makes all the difference. Instead of staring into the sun in hopes of enjoying the view, the homeowners can simply enjoy the view. The feeling of relief and comfort is amazing when they remember how excruciating that sun could be. Take a look at how the screen works in this video featured on our YouTube channel:
Could redecking be the cost-effective solution for you? For information about redecking as well as solar-blocking retractable screen systems, contact Archadeck of Austin at (512) 259-8282 or via email at jim.odom@archadeck.net to schedule a free design consultation.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
1 Average-Sized Home + 1 LARGE Screened Porch = 1 Delightful Home, Just the Right Size in East Central Austin
These East Central Austin homeowners proved you don’t have to have a large home to add a large outdoor living space.
After purchasing this home of about 1,400 sq. ft., our clients completely renovated the home’s interior, with absolutely beautiful results. Finally, they were ready to add a multi-purpose outdoor living space. Instead of asking Archadeck of Austin to design a space that was proportional to their small home, they wanted something bigger. Specifically, they wanted a big, open and airy screened porch, so the one we designed for them is over 600 sq. ft. in area. If you’re doing the math, they increased the size of their usable space by almost 50%. Because of Austin’s mild climate, they truly will be able to use all of this space throughout most of the year.
The homeowners do a lot of work and entertaining at home, so they needed a larger space. They had a second reason for building this large porch: With all of the work they had done on the home’s interior to make it beautiful, they wanted the outside to be beautiful as well.
- Increase space
- Beautify exterior
Archadeck of Austin designed and built the perfect screened porch for this home. You can see how much room it has, enough for a spacious living area and a separate dining area, which could also serve as a home office when needed. It’s really the equivalent of two additional rooms. On the exterior, we matched the home’s original HardiePlank siding, so the addition blends seamlessly with the home and doesn’t look “added on.”
On the inside of the porch, we started with a concrete floor and added a textured concrete overlayment in a color called California Smoke, which is a gray blend. For additional contrast, we added a bit more of a darker shade. For the beautiful ceiling we used prefinished tongue-and-groove ceiling planks from Synergy Wood.
Finally, we installed four skylights to bring in as much natural light as possible. The clients were aware that adding a large porch can diminish the amount of natural light received in the home’s adjoining room, so they used skylights to minimize that impact—in addition to the huge screened window openings around three sides of the porch.
The clients love their expanded home! With all of the work completed now, all they have to do is enjoy it.
If you would like to learn more about expanding your home by creating the screened porch of dreams, contact Archadeck of Austin today at (512) 259-8282 or via email at jim.odom@archadeck.net to schedule a free design consultation.
Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin
Dog approves of NW Austin total patio makeover by Archadeck of Austin
When we took on this project in the NW Austin area off of 620 and Boulder Ave., we didn’t quite understand that all work had to be dog-approved. Luckily we got along well with the family pet, which loves the new bigger-and-better patio and pergola combination we designed and installed. On sunnier days, this pampered pooch probably make its way over to the side of the patio that’s covered by the pergola. We’re betting on that.
These NW Austin homeowners called patio builder Archadeck of Austin because they wanted to overhaul their patio and deck combination. The low-to-grade wood deck was not aging well and needed to be replaced. The covered patio wasn’t functioning as a patio at all, but more as a place to walk through on your way from the yard or deck to get into the house.
Before Archadeck of Austin began the project:
The new outdoor living space we designed for the family called for removing the low deck and extending the patio in its place. We also added a stone retaining wall that can be used for additional seating, and we built a big, beefy pergola to replace the smaller one they had on the deck.
As sometimes happens, when we demo’d the deck we came across hidden conditions the homeowners had not been aware of. The deck had included one wooden step up from the patio to the deck surface, and that step had rotted. The step had been built closely around the original posts holding up the roof over the patio, so the posts had been compromised. They were no longer sound enough to continue supporting the patio cover.
To remedy this problem, Archadeck of Austin replaced the four original posts with what are called star posts, technically load-bearing posts that are hollow on the inside. These new posts are specifically designed to carry loads. In this case, the load is the roof over the original portion of the patio. We put a new base around each star post and painted them to match the original color.
And … there was more. When we removed the deck we found that water had seeped into a gap where the deck met the house, and the house siding had rotted at that connecting point. Fortunately the homeowner had an extra piece of siding tucked away in the garage. We were able to remove the damaged portion of the siding and replace it with the extra piece. With the siding repaired, we painted the replacement piece of siding to match the house color.
So, back to the patio! We extended the patio across the area previously covered by the deck. The homeowners now have a large and truly functional patio. The patio surface is a resilient stained concrete, and we stained the original section of the patio, too, so it would all match. We built a stone retaining wall enclosing three sides of the patio, and that wall has a smooth stone top that also makes it the perfect seating wall if additional seating is needed outdoors.
The homeowners wanted a bigger pergola for more shade, and we accomplished that. The new cedar pergola looks extra beefy because we used 2x10s for the rafter system instead of the traditional 2×8″ boards we usually use for that purpose.
Finally, we installed a ceiling fan under the pergola and placed sconce lights on the pergola posts for safety and ambiance on the patio after dark.
The family dog is truly content with the wonderful new patio, and we believe is fully appreciative of the shade the large pergola will provide once warmer weather sets in.
If you would like to talk with us about enlarging your patio or building a combination outdoor living space, contact Archadeck of Austin today at (512) 259-8282 or via email at jim.odom@archadeck.net to schedule a free design consultation.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
Archadeck of Austin rescues Hayes County, TX, homeowners from unfortunate outdoor living space design
In these pictures you see an outdoor living project gone awry and the results after we accepted the task of making it right. Archadeck of Austin designs and builds porches, patios, decks, outdoor kitchens, pergolas and more — and we can design any combination of those structures. Sometimes we start from scratch. Sometimes we take what another builder did before us, like a patio, and make it bigger and better (much better). Or we take something old like a worn out deck, tear it down, and build a new deck-patio-outdoor-kitchen combination in its place.
And then there are times like this. To set the scene, we are in Hayes County, TX, southwest of Austin, outside the Travis County limits. Our clients purchased a new home with an outdoor living space that was nothing like they wanted. It was a brand new home, and obviously it suited them in many ways or they wouldn’t have purchased it. But the outdoor living space at this home was getting a negative approval rating from the homeowners starting on Day 1.
The home’s original outdoor living space consisted of a covered concrete porch/patio with a small cedar deck attached. It was all very plain and unappealing. The homeowners knew someone could do a better job of designing and building a more functional and enjoyable space for them. Enter Archadeck of Austin to the rescue.
The first problem was the covered porch/patio needed to be screened in. Insects were driving this young family crazy and they needed a no-bug zone.
Then, they wanted the small cedar deck extended to cover a larger expanse across the back of the house, and they needed a stairway directly from the deck down to the children’s play area in the yard.
It sounds simple enough, but it was actually a complex project. We took out the Hardie Board ceiling over the porch and replaced it with a beautiful tongue-and-groove ceiling by Synergy Wood. We removed part of the roof on one side and built a new roof extension that came out deeper toward the yard. Of course, you can’t tell a difference where we extended the roof; it all blends in and looks original, as it should.
We also had to demo some brick off the wall on the outside of the house in order to attach some of the new work directly to the original concrete substructure. Finally, we built soffits to match the original construction so that everything tied together. Once we had finished, framed and painted, we were able to install a wall of screen. Now the original porch/patio is a screened porch with a TV and seating area, and on the other side of that screen the family has a bigger deck with sheets of cedar lattice along the underside.
It feels like all is now right with the world, at least in this corner of Hayes County, TX. Our work is done here, and we have the Before and After pictures to prove it.
If you’re interested in reconfiguring your outdoor living space without having to tear it out and start over, contact Archadeck of Austin today at (512) 259-8282 or via email at jim.odom@archadeck.net to schedule a free design consultation.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
New deck in NW Austin gives new life to porch cover, thanks to Archadeck of Austin
To borrow from Forrest Gump, a deck replacement can be “like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
When this NW Austin homeowner hired Archadeck of Austin to replace her existing wood deck, she didn’t know that her porch cover was in need of shoring up. In the process of removing the old deck, we discovered that the porch cover was no longer structurally sound. The beam that was holding it up was not strong enough to support the roof load it was carrying. See a picture of the deck and porch cover before we began the project below:
Since being advised prior to ordering the materials that she should fix the porch at the same time as the deck we included the materials needed as part of the total work order.
We conferred with the homeowner about this issue because replacing that beam and adding new support posts were tasks not included in the scope of our project. The homeowner agreed that replacing the porch roof’s support structure — while we were already in the same spot building a new deck — was a good idea. This was definitely a safety issue.
Now the homeowner has a sweet new deck with a sturdy and well-supported porch cover. For the new deck construction, she selected low-maintenance AZEK composite decking in Mahogany. Notice the deck board at the end, the way it runs perpendicular to the other boards. This is called picture framing, a method Archadeck of Austin uses now on most of our composite and PVC decks.
Picture framing allows us to provide a nice, clean, finished edge around the deck perimeter. It creates an even edge for the fascia and deck boards so debris and dirt won’t accumulate between those components. That kind of debris accumulation can rot the substructure.
We had room to expand the depth of the deck by about four feet, which may not sound like a lot, but it does make the deck feel much more spacious. While a portion of the deck is covered for protection from sun and rain, a significant portion remains uncovered for those beautiful days when nothing will do but to sit out in the open.
To support the porch cover, we added a new Glulam beam along its front edge. If you’re not familiar with Glulam beams, let’s just say this beam is a workhorse. Technically, Glulam is glued laminated timber. It’s “pound for pound” stronger than steel and much stronger than regular, comparably-sized lumber. And the adhesives used in the lamination process are moisture resistant.
We supported the new overhead beam with pressure-treated wood framing, and we wrapped the new support posts with cedar. Instead of using lattice screen under the deck, we used Hardie skirt board for a cleaner, more streamlined appearance. We shifted the stairs away from the building to improve traffic flow to and from the deck.
The homeowner selected the Fortress rail system in the black sand color with 2″ posts because they allow more of the view of the sloping back yard. She plans to fill the hillside with landscaping, using only plant material native to Austin.
Are you thinking of replacing your aging deck or other outdoor living structures? If you want the job done professionally, contact Archadeck of Austin today at (512) 259-8282 or via email at jim.odom@archadeck.net to schedule a free design consultation.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
3 signs it’s time to kick your Round Rock, TX, builder-grade patio to the curb for something better
- You’ve purchased a brand new house — new construction — that came with a builder-grade patio.
- You’ve purchased an older home where the prior homeowner kept the original builder-grade patio.
- You’ve been living in your home for a while now, and you have it set up pretty much like you want it, except for the builder-grade patio.
You’re probably picking up on our theme here. If one of the above signs describes your situation, then you have a lot in common with our recent clients, who needed a reputable Round Rock patio builder. Wisely, they called Archadeck of Austin for a free design consultation. We have built many, many patios over the years, and each new client benefits from those years of experience.
Today’s featured outdoor living project is a patio extension, but it’s really more than just an increase in the patio’s size. When you increase the size of a patio (or a deck, for that matter) you increase its function exponentially. Suddenly you have a more livable outdoor living space that you can actually do something with. Decorate! Entertain! Cook out, eat out and just sit around relaxing with family and friends.
These homeowners wanted to increase their patio’s livability even more. Their dream project included a fire pit and an outdoor kitchen. At one point they were considering a deck addition instead of a bigger patio. As they explored options with their Archadeck designer, however, it became clear that extending the patio would be less expensive than adding a deck. And a patio would be the ideal setting for a fire pit and outdoor kitchen. That settled it.
When Archadeck of Austin builds patios, we dig trenches. Seeing the finished project, you wouldn’t know we’ve done that, but we add these trenches to give homeowners some extra peace of mind. We use a beam system under all of our concrete patios. First, we dig trenches about 12″ deep along the perimeter and some within the interior of the patio area. The perimeter and internal beams are reinforced with steel rebar to stabilize the patio. Having this reinforced beam system within the base of the concrete structure prevents the patio from moving and settling over time. While it’s still possible that the concrete will crack, as it often does, having that extra stability means ground movement will not cause structural damage to the patio.
We also dug a trench to run conduit for gas lines that would be needed for the fire pit and the outdoor kitchen. The trench specifically for this purpose must be 18″ deep.
For this patio, we used an overlayment process to create the beautifully textured surface you see here.
Once the trenches are dug and steel are in place, then we can pour concrete. For this patio, we used an overlayment process to create the beautifully textured surface you see here. We also added two sets of stairs, one by the kitchen leading to the side yard and the pictured stairs running to the rear yard. We also added two gates to the top of each , as they have grandchildren and pets to contain.
Now we come to this project’s special added features, which are very popular in Round Rock: the fire pit and the outdoor kitchen. These structures are made of white limestone. The outdoor kitchen includes a gas grill and a pedestal for the homeowners’ Big Green Egg style smoker. The 4′ fire pit has a regulator and starter. Notice how the back wall of the fire pit is built up so we didn’t need to run any railing across the backside of the fire pit. While practical, the stone wall also adds character to the project.
The finishing touch for this patio is a black metal railing system, by Fortress, that borders the patio’s edge. The railing helps define the area visually while also providing safety.
As you can see from the before and after pictures, these homeowners gained more than just a bigger space when they extended their builder-grade patio. They gained a multi-functional outdoor living area, with an emphasis on living. These clients are so pleased with the finished project that they have already referred Archadeck of Austin to two neighbors looking for a Round Rock patio builder specializing in outdoor kitchens and custom outdoor fire features. We love referrals!
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
If you have a builder-grade patio and want to learn more about the many benefits of expanding it into a more livable outdoor living space, contact Archadeck of Austin today at (512) 259-8282 or via email at jim.odom@archadeck.net to schedule a free design consultation.
North Cat Mountain, TX, homeowner enjoys the view from his new deck!
This might be one of the strangest ways we’ve heard of to get a new deck. When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade, right? This North Cat Mountain/Greenbelt area homeowner certainly made that statement true recently when his deck was destroyed in an accident.
This home featured a second-story wooden deck that wrapped around two sides of the house in an ‘L’ shape. The views from the deck are glorious. The home in North Cat Mountain, TX, overlooks the Greenbelt, a beautiful, wild, undeveloped area near Austin that didn’t get its name by accident.
Before Archadeck of Austin began the project:
One end of this large deck was supported by stone pillars at the edge of the home’s driveway. Maybe you can see where we’re going here, but we’ll finish the story. A neighbor’s car ran into one of the pillars, destroying not just the stone pillar itself but the deck it was supporting.
Image of damages:
The structural integrity of the entire deck was compromised. If this looks like a whole bag of lemons, our client soon found out he was getting lemonade. Although the homeowner didn’t have insurance pay for the entire project. They were able to achieve the upgrades and repairs needed by working with insurance and their own funds, which made it possible to improve the entire structure.
Finished project:
When Archadeck of Austin consulted with the homeowner about the design for the replacement deck, he didn’t want to make many changes. The layout of the original deck was pretty much just right. We built the new deck using cedar decking boards and applying a custom stain to the wood. We did change the configuration of the stairs leading up to the deck, and we updated the overall look of the deck by using a newer railing design. While the original deck railing was made entirely of wood, the new Fortress railing system features 3″ steel posts and railing with 2×6″ cedar railing caps stained the same color as the deck. The thinner metal pickets of the new railing system allow deck-sitters to see more of the incredible view of the Greenbelt.
View of Greenbelt from Cat Mountain Deck:
Additionally, Archadeck of Austin also rebuilt the masonry columns and replaced the supports within because they did not meet building code. Fortunately, this was within our project realm, as we are not just a deck builder, and have the ability to do things that competitors can not. The finishing touch to the project was staining the underside of the deck which serve as a covered patio.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
Has life handed you lemons lately? If your outdoor living structure needs to be replaced — for whatever reason! — contact Archadeck of Austin today at (512) 259-8282 or via email at jim.odom@archadeck.net to schedule a free design consultation.
Austin Decks, Pergolas, Covered Patios, Porches, more 