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.
This Austin patio cover features a custom stone outdoor fireplace and much more to soothe your senses, and your soul
Having an outdoor structure that functions as an outdoor living and gathering area opens up a whole new world of lifestyle possibilities. Being able to extend entertaining space from the interior of your home outdoors not only makes things run a little bit smoother when entertaining family and friends. It can also become a place that offers intimacy and refuge from a hard day. That is exactly the type of structure Archadeck of Austin built for these Austin, TX homeowners. This design incorporates a stunning covered patio which also contain an outdoor fireplace, a custom stone outdoor kitchen, stone benches and a stone surround that runs the entire perimeter of the structure that also serves as a hardscaped flower bed.
The mingling of the cedar interior roof, the Antique Leuder's stone and the stained concrete floor mingle together beautifully in this patio cover by Archadeck of Austin
The covered patio was designed in the spot where we removed an old sunroom. After removing the sunroom we extended the roof to accommodate the new covered patio. The patio floor is finished with stain and seal concrete to compliment the gorgeous custom stonework that was used throughout the entire structure. Some of the key areas where we used Leuders stone include the outdoor kitchen, the flower bed surround, the stone benches as well as the bench toppers and of course the mesmerizing multi-tiered outdoor fireplace. Within the interior of the patio cover we used a tongue and groove cedar ceiling to add some rustic flair to compliment the natural characteristics that are evident in the usage of the stone and concrete. We also stripped and stained the homeowners existing deck in order to match the hues found within the covered patio. The use of colors, textures and design lines throughout the patio make it truly breathtaking. The talented homeowners also finished the interior of the patio in expert style, with well-appointed patio furnishings and well blended accessories that tie the whole project together perfectly.
The unique design of this Austin, TX outdoor fireplace features custom multi-tiered ledges.
The focal point within the porch cover is undoubtedly the elegant multi tiered custom stone fireplace. The homeowners took a unique approach to the popular practice of utilizing a TV above an outdoor fireplace. Many homeowners opt to construct a recessed perimeter to house their TV, such as a flat screen, for permanent placement. These Austin, TX homeowners did not wish to keep their TV above the outdoor fireplace permanently, so we designed the fireplace using multi-tiered custom stone ledges with a customized pull out shelf on the fireplace’s mantle that is outfitted with a cable and electrical outlets. This shelf makes it easy to place the TV on the outdoor fireplace whenever they wish, and when the TV is not in use, the shelf can be pushed in and hidden and no one is none the wiser. This feature is an example of this structural convenience that is built into every inch of this outdoor structure. Archadeck of Austin also made certain to add plenty of outlets into the columns used on the patio cover, to add more convenience as well.
This image shows in detail all the beautiful stonework that went into building this breathtaking outdoor fireplace.
The expert stone work on this structure was achieved using select Antique Leuder’s stone, which is an upgrade from limestone. The use of this stone can be seen in the bench toppers, the outdoor kitchen, the stone benches under the roof cover and many other areas throughout this outdoor oasis. To create an essence of ambiance, Archadeck of Austin made sure to include outdoor lighting throughout the patio cover. The creative placement of a large amount of low voltage lighting around the entire perimeter adds to the “feel” of relaxation and refuge. Low voltage lighting was placed strategically within the stone benches, surrounding the open area we built to showcase a water feature, and we added recessed LED lights in the existing decks as well.
These Austin, TX homeowners are now sittin’ pretty in this breathtaking covered patio, that is full of amenities to refresh their senses and their soul. A multi-functional outdoor structure design such as this could not be accomplished without having a project manager to contact at any time which always plays a positive role in seeing a structure to fruition. Our expert project managers are a big bonus for going with us. To learn more about our stunning outdoor living designs, contact Archadeck of Austin today.
Jim Odom, Archadeck of Austin
(512) 259 – 8282
Austin@archadeck.net
An Austin Two-Level Concrete Patio Becomes a Dance Floor Complete with Outdoor Grill and Fire Pit
Archadeck of Austin begins the construction on this one of a kind patio.
Do you remember the dance scene in the Sound of Music where Georg and Maria dance on the outdoor patio to the folk tune? There are so many enchanting elements of that scene and one of them is certainly the fact that they are outside on a private patio.
These Austin owners commissioned a large double concrete patio for just that purpose – dancing. They love to entertain and both they and their friends love to dance. What better than an outdoor entertaining area made for both dancing and socializing?
This image shows the concrete beginning to be poured over a long line.
From a logistical perspective, there were some challenges. The homeowners have a utility easement that restricts them from building a normal structure and are limited to a low profile patio. With this in mind we were able to create a huge patio and then a second patio three feet higher which is closer to the home itself. This gives the patio a tiered effect, which enables the homeowners to create a grand entrance when leaving the back of the house by descending onto the semi-circle patio and then down to the lower patio to reach the dance floor and fire pit area.
This is the home before construction began on the multi-level, tiered patio.
The structure will also include a nine foot outdoor kitchen on one end, a custom fire pit and custom built-in bench seating to take a breather after dancing the night away. The fire pit can also inspire romantic evenings with a slow dance or two by the light of the fire. Archadeck of Austin was able to weave the customers personality and tastes into this design to give them an outdoor structure, that against all the odds and structural confines, will give them exactly what they wanted-a place to dance, and much, much more. The structure should be completed in about a month, and we can’t wait to share photos of the finished structure with you. These homeowners look forward to taking center stage for their first dance on this one-of-a-kind patio.
This design rendering by Archadeck of Austin shows the upcoming patio in all it's glory, with dance floor, retaining wall, kitchen area and fire pit.
If you are interested in building an outdoor structure that speaks to your unique needs and wants, contact Archadeck of Austin. We specialize in quality, classic structures that include features within the design that make them as individual as you are, to ensure years of enjoyment for you and your family. Call us at (512) 259-8282 or email us at austin@archadeck.net
You can also see more beautiful and unique patios by visiting our photo galleries on our web site.
Archadeck of Austin Comes to the Rescue with Creativity to Solve a Unique Challenge
Recently Archadeck of Austin put in a patio complete with benches and topped it off with a flower bed with pedestal lights for this homeowner. Much to our dismay there was an electrical issue. The homeowner wanted separate switches inside the residence to control the two sets of lights we installed atop the pedestals and the two recessed lights we installed into the sides of the pedestals.
The recessed lights were low voltage, and the post lights were the large lights on the pedestals that lit up the patio. In the end we ended up with lights which were controlled by a wireless remote. This made the homeowner ecstatic, now she keeps the remote control handy in her home, and the receiving box was able to control two different sets of lights.
The unique challenge we faced with this job was to hide the wiring. The electrician that we worked with was very creative in coming up with the wireless solution. Our project manager on this job really outdid himself this time on making sure every t was crossed and every i dotted, to ensure the safety and happiness of the homeowner.
This is just one instance where Archadeck of Austin’s creativity and knowledge of the trade came in handy. We always try to go the extra mile for all our customers. If you are considering the addition of an outdoor improvement or new construction in your future, give us a call today to get the ball rolling.Call (512) 259-8282 or email us at
Austin@archadeck.net.
A fire pit can be used for a lot more than just fires.
Chilly nights are perfect for gathering around the fire with the ones you love. Whether entertaining friends or just having a family night around the fire making s’mores and memories, a fire pit is the perfect place to gather.
Austin fire pit
Fire pits add warmth and ambiance to any setting. They radiate a great deal more heat than an outdoor fireplace because the heat can radiate out in multiple directions. October through April in the Texas area, is the time frame you want to add a heated spot to your outdoor get together. The ambiance factor can be used year round by using a low fire in the fire pit for ambiance and it is perfect for roasting those marshmallows. A fire pit is also considerably cheaper to build than a fireplace. In most cases the cost can be up to 75% less than a fireplace. There are numerous design options and materials to choose from when considering the addition of a fire pit. Fire pits can even be equipped with gas and use beautiful glowing glass fire rocks which come in different colors. You can even install a gas star in your fire pit, you guessed it, the flame comes out in a star pattern. With all the versatility and choices of fire pits you can capture the effect and glow of the outdoor fire without sacrificing your budget.
This fire pit built by Archadeck of Austin is a great example of all the beauty and versatility available when planning your fire pit. This fire pit is unique in it’s shape and function. Not only can this fire pit be used for fire, it also has the capability of doubling in the off-season months as a water feature or planter. Incredible versatility was integrated in the design by choosing a corner location for additional seating. This fire pit is also outfitted with a sconce light. If you don’t want to turn up the heat you can always turn up the mood with this gorgeous fire pit.
Fire pit seating area
The fire pit was built atop a stained and scored concrete patio which is all the rage right now. We recommend a broom finish, to avoid slippage and it also allows the stain to appear bolder, resembling a matte finish instead of a shiny finish. The stain color was created to complement the color of the stone used in this project. The cap was done in sandstone, which has lots of veining. On the base and walls we used two different types of flagstone. We used 25% Oklahoma taupe and 75% autumn blend. Autumn blend looks great with sandstone. We tied it all together with a scored ribbon of one color that goes all the way around, we always use a scored ribbon in this manner.
This particular job also entailed an outside bar with a granite cap. On the other end we built a beautiful 12’ bench with an arch and built-in planter. This job came together like beautiful pieces of a puzzle. One feature flowed effortlessly into another to create ease of enjoyment and ambiance. Give Archadeck of Austin a call to plan and build your next outdoor structure. We can create an outdoor oasis in your backyard too.
Austin large outdoor fireplace on a tri-level deck
Guest post by Marc Mommsen
Austin outdoor flagstone fireplace with bench seating
Outdoor fireplaces are becoming more and more popular. You might think they are the fad of the moment but the homeowners who we’ve built outdoor fireplaces for tell me it’s the best investment they ever made. Sure there is some novelty. Your friends will be very interested, or even anxious, to share a meal, glass of wine, or a board game on the patio where your outdoor fireplace stands.
They’ll want to see if it throws heat or if the heat gets lost in the cooler air that spans the distance. They’ll want to see how clearly they can hear the crackle of the flames while socializing. Like an indoor fireplace, the amount of heat felt is easily adjusted by moving closer or farther away from the fireplace. And, like an indoor fireplace, the sound of the crackle of the fire can be heard more easily when other noises are reduced.
But the feature of the outdoor fireplace that needs to be experienced for full appreciation is the sense of “romance” that a crackling outdoor fireplace creates. Think about your first camping trip and the feeling of sitting around a fire and smelling the sweet aroma of burning firewood through the cool night breeze. Think about the first time you sat in front of a fireplace with a date. The magic is magnified with the romance of a burning fire in a fireplace.
The design decisions you will want to consider are the material, size, and adjacent area. Your outdoor fireplace needs to be built with a fire safe material – concrete, stone or brick. We can build using a combination of these materials to attain the design sense you are seeking. As you can see, this particular fireplace is a substantial size. That’s because this family wanted the fireplace to double as a privacy wall. You also want to consider the adjacent area. Do you want built-in seating? Do you want a built-in area for keeping logs? Do you want to build in room for cabinets to keep other fireplace items such as matches?
The great thing is you only need to have some ideas when we have our design consultation. We have a great deal of experience in designing and building and you have many ideas about what you want. Put together, this amounts to a great design and build that’s just the way you like it.
Flagstone outdoor fireplace in Austin, TX
Austin Decks, Pergolas, Covered Patios, Porches, more 