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.
Archadeck of Austin showcases its award-winning deck design in Round Rock, Texas
You want the very best builder for your Austin-area outdoor living project. You also want a builder who will work with you, no matter how long it takes, to design and build the deck, porch or patio that is perfect for your home. Want more? How about a national award-winning deck designer and builder right here in Austin, TX?
Archadeck of Austin answers “Yes!” to all of the above. We are very proud to have received Archadeck Outdoor Living’s national Design Excellence Award in the deck category. We are also very proud of the award-winning project we designed and built – a unique deck, pergola and outdoor kitchen combination in the Forest Creek neighborhood of Round Rock, TX. Take a look at these photos and a 3-D rendering, and let us tell you why we’re so pleased with this special outdoor living space. The homeowners are pleased, too!
The winning project, completed in January, is an exquisite AZEK PVC deck with stone skirting, outdoor kitchen and oversized, freestanding pergola. The 12-foot kitchen counter accommodates a built-in propane grill, Big Green Egg smoker, in-counter cooler and built-in trash container. The deck also features flush-mounted low-voltage lighting.
Before:
The clients first contacted us for this project three years ago. They had a well-lived deck, and we agreed it was past time to replace it. Our initial design featured a concrete patio, roof extension and pergola. The homeowners took their time making a decision while they considered several builders and designs. Later we circled back to propose an alternate design, a deck with an outdoor kitchen and a large, non-conventional pergola that covered the entire deck. Bingo! Archadeck of Austin had the right design at the right time.
Despite this being a relatively low-risk deck, we faced several design challenges. First, the pergola took considerable thought because we wanted to use as few posts as possible. Fewer posts in the traffic areas allow maximum usable space for furniture without crowding. Then, cedar spans would not work with conventional dimensions, so we upsized all the structural elements and used a polycarbonate cover over the pergola to get the shade required.
The home had an original concrete patio off the back door for which we ripped framing boards for the structure. There was just enough space to get adequate framing down between the deck board and the patio.
Next, we had to completely close off the under-deck space because the clients had previous issues with animals nesting under the old deck. By surrounding the new deck with a stone skirt over concrete footings – nothing will get under this deck. However, the stone skirt itself presented two complications. The stone had to be ground flat to allow for the deck boards to die seamlessly into the stone and not look jagged. And we had to complete all the electrical wiring before we could install the decking.
Finally, the kitchen and the stone column bases also had to be constructed prior to the decking. All have concrete footings, so staging of construction was interesting.
The results are beautiful. The homeowners chose Azek Harvest cellular PVC decking in the new Autumn Chestnut color, and we laid the boards diagonally with a parting board for visual interest. The stone used for the deck skirting and the pergola’s column bases is white limestone, and the caps on the column bases are brown Lueders limestone. The same brown Lueders stone tops the 12-foot kitchen counters, tying it all together visually as one great outdoor room. Finishing off the space are three Aurora Phoenix flush-mount low-voltage sconce lights, the Pyxis Recessed Louvered Step Light and the Mercer transformer/timer. Archadeck of Austin installed electrical connections for two fans, three lights and six outlets for the homeowners’ convenience.
To be recognized for this project by Archadeck Outdoor Living at the national level as an award-winning deck builder means a great deal to the Archadeck of Austin team. The project was very well thought through, and we had a lot of fun building it. The structure itself was not complicated, but we packed in a lot of design considerations and features to make it a wonderful place for entertaining family and guests. We were able to integrate the new structure seamlessly with the existing home, which is what the homeowners were looking for all along.
Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin
If you are looking for a creative design for your new outdoor living space, and a hard-working team to bring it to life, contact Archadeck of Austin today at (512) 259-8282 or via email at jim.odom@archadeck.net to schedule a free design consultation.
This East Austin Outdoor Living Environment Defines Upscale Urban Elegance
Have you ever perused through your favorite home & garden magazine and come across that one outstanding outdoor living space that exemplifies everything you dream about? For these East Austin homeowners, that dream is now a reality thanks to Archadeck of Austin.
This property is located just one mile from the heart of downtown Austin. An area that is alive with renewal, energy and urban vibes. When we initially met with the homeowners they were only looking to design a sunken area to house their hot tub. After exploring this option, and the criteria and costs involved, the conversation broadened as the homeowners expressed their desire to unify the rear area of their home with the detached garage apartment that is just a stones throw from their back door. They were also keen on the idea of having a space that could function as an extension of the home. A place where they could open the doors and the outdoor living area would just naturally flow with no barriers. This is when the design ideas began to come to fruition…
We began perfecting their vision by transforming the area that was previously just a concrete patio. We expanded this area and installed an Ipe hardwood deck to join the backyard of the home with the detached garage/structure as one cohesive space. We then designed and built a versatile outdoor kitchen, gas-burning outdoor fire pit and one-of-a-kind custom vine wall. Each element in the design adds functionality and contemporary styling to the overall project. The vine wall in particular is ingenious as we used 2 x 2 metal tubing and cattle panels welded together, customized and powder coated as the final touch to deter rust.
The customers are over-the-moon about their new outdoor living environment and are looking forward to many years of enjoyment.
Contact Archadeck of Austin today to learn more about our innovative, unique outdoor living space designs. You can reach us at (515) 259-8282 or via email at jim.odom@archadeck.net
Austin covered spaces provide benefits beyond outdoor living enjoyment!
When you take into consideration the benefits that can be gained by making the decision to add a covered outdoor living space, such as a covered porch, or patio cover, to your backyard the first thing that comes to mind is probably increasing enjoyment. Enjoyment IS a major factor when designing a covered outdoor living space, however, the benefits do not end there. In honor of July being observed as National UV Safety Awareness month.
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. More than 1 million cases of skin cancer are found in the United States each year. Melanoma, the most deadly of skin cancers, only accounts for about 4 percent of all skin cancer cases, however, it causes about 79 percent of skin cancer deaths. Data indicates, in Texas, the odds of getting skin cancer are increased. One in three Texans will develop some form of skin cancer. Texas ranks third in the nation for malignant melanoma, the deadliest of all skin cancers according to the Texas Medical Association.
Since most of the melanoma and non-melanoma cases are directly related to sun-exposure, skin cancer prevention and awareness education could greatly reduce the number of those affected. This includes being cautious and limiting the amount of exposure you get on your uncovered outdoor living space.
Covered patio in Cedar Park, TX.
Archadeck of Austin specializes in both covered and uncovered outdoor living space designs. We can address your specific needs and desires in order to determine what type, or combination of, outdoor structure is the right “fit” for your lifestyle. For some homeowner’s, just having a deck, or patio, is not enough and their outdoor living space must meet specific needs. These can include sensitivity and concern from UV light, allergies and even dealing with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Some of our most popular protected structures include screened and covered porches, patio covers, pool pavilions, cabanas and even shade pergolas. With this in mind we want to take this opportunity to point out the health-conscience benefits of having a covered outdoor space on your property to utilize:
- Greatly enhances the look and curb appeal of your home and landscape
- Adds value to your home
- Is a comfortable way to enjoy the outdoors
- Is a great place for plants to thrive
- Provides emotional benefits of sunlight (increased Vitamin D and stress reduction) without harmful UV ray
- Can become a party room protected from sudden thunderstorms that pop from a clear blue sky
- Creates a room free from the irritants of seasonal allergies (screened rooms)
- Is a dining area with a clear barrier against pesky mosquitos and stinging insects (screened rooms)
- Is a pollen-free outdoor living room (screened rooms)
Austin Porch and Patio Covers:
This combination gives these Austin homeowners the best of both worlds, a deck with a screened porch to escape the mosquitoes and keep the outdoor living rolling.
Our custom covered porches and patios are designed to protect you overhead without reducing your connection with nature. From simple front porches to complete outdoor entertainment areas, our porch and patio covers will transform your home from the outside in.
Austin Screened Porches and Patios:
A screened porch allows you to enjoy being outside without worrying about inclement weather, harmful UV rays, pollen or insects. You can relax while you take in the view and gentle breezes of your beautiful outdoor surroundings from the comfort of a protected space. Screened porches and patios can also be used in conjunction with other outdoor structures such as a deck, patio, or even incorporate an outdoor fireplace kitchen to add more “flavor” to the design!
Yes — This is a pergola!
Shade Pergolas:
A pergola offers much potential to providing shade depending on the distance between the cross beams that cover the upper portion of the pergola. The construction of the pergola can be made more conducive to providing shade through the spacing between the cross beams located atop the pergola and by using wider rafters in the pergola design. The closer the beams are set, or the wider the rafters, the more sun protection your pergola will offer. All of these factors are influenced by the intended placement of your pergola in correlation to the direction and amount of sunlight your location receives. Archadeck of Austin can build your pergola with increased sun protection in mind while keeping the original design of your pergola intact. This may include integration of a Polygal cover into the design, curtains or blinds as we have many options available which can be customized to bring the most shade and comfort to your pergola addition.
Poolside pergola addition in Bee Cave, TX.
If you are ready to enjoy the unbridled benefits of outdoor living while being smart about you and your family’s’ exposure to the sun. Contact Archadeck of Austin today at (515) 259-8282 or via email at jim.odom@archadeck.net to schedule a free design consultation. We can make sure your new outdoor structure is “made in the shade.”
Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin
A beefed-up deck design and gabled pergola make this SW Austin backyard a force to reckon with!
SW Austin multi-level deck with pergola.
When Archadeck of Austin initially met with these SW Austin, TX, homeowners their backyard consisted of a multi-level cedar deck that needed work. Where many builders might have suggested the exiting deck be demolished and a new one built in its place, we looked past the deck’s cosmetic flaws to reveal a vision of what the deck could become. With a little ingenuity, TLC and elbow-grease, we were able to transform the space into a huge asset as opposed to an eyesore.
We began by “beefing up” the existing cedar deck to make it structurally sound and safe. We then power-washed the structure bringing it back to the bare wood to reveal the beautiful grains of the cedar. After these steps we then began the addition of the gabled pergola.
The pergola is designed for versatility and engineered to ensure clearance of the top floor window of the existing home. The addition not only increases the aesthetics of the entire structure, it also serves as a refuge from inclement weather and sun. We also installed a Polygal cover for added protection. Archadeck of Austin installed the pergola cover in an ingenious manner that allows rainwater to drain into and through the existing gutters of the home. Multiwall sheets, often referred to by the brand name of Polygal, are a structured sheet product available in double and triple layered configurations and manufactured in various colors and degrees of transparency. Polygal allows sunlight in but provides protection from unwanted elements, such as rain.
Detail image of gabled roof on pergola.
To finish off the project we stained the entire structure in a dark cedar/walnut hue for cohesiveness. These SW Austin homeowners are elated with their new, old deck, that has added tons of enjoyment and satisfaction to the time they spend outdoors!
This project serves as a great example of our innovative design process. In certain scenarios, we can make your existing or aging outdoor structure like new again — or even better! Contact Archadeck of Austin today to learn more about revitalizing your backyard today! You can reach us at (515) 259-8282 to schedule a free design consultation today or via email at jim.odom@archadeck.net.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
Finding Outdoor Living Bliss in Lost Creek
This project takes us to Lost Creek, directly beside Barton Creek in Southwest Austin. These homeowner’s hold a special place in our hearts here at Archadeck of Austin as we have worked with much of their family on previous projects and as always, they are a joy to design and build for.
The design of this porch cover began to take shape after the homeowners requested a remodel to their existing elevated, back deck. They wanted a larger space that would accommodate family and friends and also a measure of shade. As part of their goal to revamp the entire home, they started with the area that they planned to utilize the most frequent — the rear deck.
Before:
Upon inspection, we determined that the existing decking or the original space was in poor condition. Archadeck of Austin then removed the old deck and extended the footprint to better take in the scenic hilltop views. We used Fiberon Horizon low-maintenance decking in Tudor Brown. Horizon decking boards are capped (or covered) on all four sides with a patent-pending PermaTech® surface material. Four-side capping increases durability, enhances stain and fade resistance, and ensures a more polished appearance all around. Plus, Horizon boards feature two different wood grain patterns on the top and bottom for more design options and less on-the-job material waste. Horizon Decking also never needs sanding, staining or sealing which will allow these homeowners less worry of maintenance and more time for enjoyment in the new space!
After — WOW!
In addition to upgrading the deck, we also installed an aluminum Structall patio cover with a stucco embossed finish to add shade and protection from the weather. Traditional wood frame covers require more maintenance and their construction can be costly, drawn-out and inconvenient. Structural aluminum covers install quickly, are more durable, require less maintenance, and can be easily converted to a room enclosure later. Structall covers are attractive. Their continuous textured surface is available in stucco or cedar embossed finishes, These enamel finishes are baked onto the metal surface, making them virtually maintenance-free. Structall covers are also durable and engineered to last.
To gain the desired height of the patio cover, Archadeck of Austin redesigned the placement of the addition by raising the beam 1.5′ enabling it to sit higher on the home’s roof. The original placement meant the structure would come off the home’s soffits, however through ingenious design we were able to provide the height the clients preferred.
The finished project is everything, and more, these Lost Creek homeowners had imagined. Now they can spend limitless weekends and afternoons with their close-knit family, grilling outdoors with a stunning view of the world around them —life is Good.
If you are interested in making the most out of your outdoors with a new or improved outdoor living space, contact us today to discover how our custom, one-of-a-kind outdoor living designs can make it happen! You can reach us at ( 512) 259 – 8282 or email us at jim.odom@archadeck.net.
Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin
Have you thought about adding a roof to your Austin deck?
Beautiful details like recessed cans, ceiling fans and rich hardwood ceilings can encompass the interior of your screened or covered porch.
Are you tired of the hot Texas sun beating down on you the entire season while trying to enjoy your deck? If so, we have the answer to your woes. We can, in many cases, turn your existing deck into a haven of shade and comfort by adding a roof and making it into an open porch or screened porch. Covered decks are the savvy way to enhance your existing backyard. We will inspect your existing deck to see if it can accommodate the addition of a roof. Often times we can reinforce the foundation enough to support a roof.
Open and covered porch transformations are a great way to add beauty and enjoyment to your landscape, and can also function as an outdoor room. Screened porches give you all the benefits of an open porch, but with added protection from the insects. Both structures are a viable option as long as your deck can accommodate the added weight. We can evaluate your existing deck to see if it fits the bill, and can often offer reinforcement to the structural components within your deck to ensure strength and structural compatibility with adding a roof.
By adding a roof, your deck will get a whole new look and feel.
Your new porch can be equipped with finishing touches such as lighting, ceiling fans, or even an area reserved for that glorious flat screen TV. The beauty of having a screened or open porch design is that is no limit to the interior reveals that can be brought into the mix. We often use bead board ceilings, rustic beams and recessed lighting in many of our screen porch designs. How ornate or rustic you make your space is all up to you.
If you are considering “putting a lid” on the hot sun this season by adding a roof to your deck, contact Archadeck of Austin, we can open up a new world of backyard opportunities for you and your family this summer. Call for a free consultation: (512) 259 – 8282 Austin@archadeck.net
Austin Decks, Pergolas, Covered Patios, Porches, more 