How To Solve An Outdoor Living Space Issue With A Wildfire And Wildland Urban Interface Code-Compliant Solution
When Archadeck of Austin Senior Designer, Jim Schallon, first visited this West Austin family home in the Tudor Times square neighborhood near the new Apple campus, one thing was apparent – very apparent.
The rear door of this home led to a wood deck at grade with concrete — which is not code because you have to have a landing outside of a door, which was not the case here.
To reach the deck platform, you had to step out of the door and onto the slab.\
Leave it to Archadeck to remedy that problem in the process of building an exceptional screened outdoor living room.
A New Build That Is 100% WUI Compatible
To appreciate the significance of how this new screened room goes above and beyond in many ways, it is necessary to understand what the Wildfire and the Wildland Urban Interface Code is and how it impacts the design and construction of outdoor living spaces located west of Mopac and east of 183, Southwest of the river, and southeast of IH35.
Why Is It Necessary To Enforce The WUI Code?
Fire departments across the country are increasingly being called upon to respond to WUI fires, including brush, grass, forest fires, or other outdoor fires. You may believe that you don’t have a WUI issue, and that WUI fires only occur in western states, but more than 60,000 communities in the United States are at risk for WUI fires.
The Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code is a set of regulations and guidelines developed to address the increased risk of wildfires in areas where homes and other structures are built near wildlands or forests. The code includes requirements for building design, construction materials, landscaping, and other factors that can reduce the risk of wildfire damage.
The WUI Code aims to ensure that structures located in high-risk areas are built and maintained in a way that minimizes the potential for ignition and reduces the spread of fire. This includes measures such as using fire-resistant materials, maintaining a defensible space around the structure, and incorporating features such as fire-resistant roofing, vents, and windows.
The impact of the WUI Code on outdoor structures can be significant, particularly for those located in high-risk areas. Structures that are built in compliance with the code are more likely to withstand wildfire events and reduce the risk of damage or destruction. However, compliance with the WUI Code may also result in increased building costs, particularly for materials and construction methods that are designed to resist fire.
Overall, the WUI Code is an important tool for reducing the risk of wildfire damage to outdoor structures in high-risk areas. By promoting fire-resistant design and construction practices, the code helps to protect homes, businesses, and other buildings located in or near wildlands from the devastating effects of wildfires.
How To Build An Outdoor Living Room Screened Structure That Is WUI Compliant
Being America’s #1 designer and builder of outdoor living spaces and structures, we can certify that this project is fully fire-prevention compliant. If you are within 150 feet of a WUI area, this is the perfect screened room build.
For starters, instead of a wood deck, our foundation for this West Austin screened room is concrete.
Instead of framing this West Austin screened room in wood, we used aluminum.
For the roof cover, we used Class A fire-rated shingles.
As for the exterior of the structure, the entire build is wrapped in Hardie Siding. Hardie siding, also known as James Hardie siding or fiber cement siding, is a type of exterior cladding material made from a combination of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. The resulting product is a durable, low-maintenance material that is resistant to fire, insects, and rot.
Hardie siding is known for its ability to mimic the look of traditional wood siding, while offering increased durability and resistance to the elements. It comes in a variety of colors and textures, including smooth, woodgrain, and stucco finishes, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of architectural styles.
Outdoor Living Room And Screened Rooms Structures That Are Always Up To Code
Excellence in all things in outdoor building is what Archadeck of Austin is all about. To explore how we can help you increase your leisure time outdoors, you are invited to call us at 512-886-8367. Even easier, to connect with us to schedule a complimentary design consultation, just click here. We look forward to hearing from you.
Archadeck of Austin to the Rescue With Bug-Free Outdoor Living Relaxation and Enjoyment
Among the fine homes nestled in the Northwest Austin Robinson Park subdivision, one family in particular was being bugged by flying insects. Big time.
They contacted Austin porch builder Archadeck as designing and creating custom covered outdoor living areas and screened porches is just one of their many specialties.
While meeting with this NW Austin screened porch builder, the homeowners stressed the importance of maximizing natural light so as to not darken the home once the screened porch was added. This design solution focused on keeping the screened porch addition open and airy enough so light would still flow freely into the home.
As you can see in the photos, the residence had inset walls at the back of the house on both the left and right side, initially making it an odd setup to try to achieve the objective of keeping the addition open, and well lit.
So, Archadeck of Austin designed the porch addition with added ridge walls that extended the length of the structure and wall above the inset area to close it off to the ceiling.
This kept the inset area still feeling like a part of the room as the build team was able to construct a two-sided wall system – where one end was built with Hardie fiber cement siding and backerboard (outside) and the inside was also done with the Hardie to match the existing house façade.
At the exterior top of the addition, to give it a more polished and finished look, a shed roof was used instead of a gable roof due to the slope of the house and the inset area.
And being committed to excellence in the design and build, this Austin porch builder specialist noticed that the existing fireplace had some rot on it. To remedy the problem and add functionality and value to the new structure, the outer patio area was extended, removing the defective fire feature, replacing it with a new one and re-painting the entire chimney.
And being committed to excellence in the design and build, this Austin porch builder specialist noticed that the existing fireplace had some rot on it. To remedy the problem and add functionality and value to the new structure, the outer patio area was extended, removing the defective elements, replacing it with new and re-painting the entire chimney.
As for material specifications, the screened porch interior now has a cedar knee wall, tongue and groove, with a two by ten top cap.
And to address the concern of allowing more natural outdoor light into the new addition, as well as filtering it into the home, VELUX® skylights were an integral component of the new screened porch addition.
To create the illusion of custom ceramic tile, a concrete overlay process was used on the floor to complete the transformation.
So, if outdoor insects are starting to drive you buggy, do something about it. Allow Archadeck to provide a custom outdoor living solution so well designed and built that it will look like it was always there, with “light and airy” being the operative words.
Not only will you enable your family and friends to enjoy your great outdoors carefree and longer into the evening without annoying interruptions of shooing away bothersome bugs, you’ll be adding value to your home should you someday decide to sell.
Call Austin porch builder Archadeck today and discover how outdoor enclosures can shine a whole new light on outdoor living. Or better yet, talk to us online right now. We’re confident you will be glad that you did.
Want Your Pflugerville TX Screened Porch Done Right the First Time?
The owners of this Pflugerville, TX, home learned the hard way that if you want your outdoor living project done right, you call Archadeck of Austin. There’s no reason you can’t add a flat roof porch cover over the patio on the back of your home. You just have to make sure that flat roof can drain properly.
Screened Porch Needs a Good Roof
Our clients originally had someone else try to build a flat roof porch cover off of the back of their house. Unfortunately, they had done a poor job using a standard shingle, which was not sufficient for this type of flat roof to drain properly. To add insult to injury, the patio had no foundation, so the first porch roof wasn’t supported adequately.
This is where we say, “If you want your outdoor living project done correctly, call Archadeck of Austin.” That’s just as true for a Pflugerville porch as it is for a delightful NW Austin patio.
What these homeowners ultimately wanted was to convert this open porch to a screened porch. Their goal was to add more functionality to their back yard and to have a properly functional screened patio cover. This time, they wanted the work to be done right! This time, they called Archadeck of Austin.
Before we could start building a screened porch, we had to dig under the edges of the existing patio to install a footer system. Only when the patio had a reliable foundation could we set the posts that would support the new porch roof.
For the new flat roof we used a TPO roofing system. It’s completely watertight, so the homeowners will not have to deal with drainage issues. This roofing material is an upgrade from a modified bitumen roof, which is often used on a flat roof installation.
Screened Porch with Winning Details
By adding a footer system to the original concrete patio, we were able to use the existing concrete without having to replace it. We did add a texture coat surface to the patio. Then we built knee walls of sandstone and added the aluminum screen walls.
For ultimate protection, the homeowners chose solar screens that block solar heat. These screens are denser than traditional screens, and they also block UV rays. With solar screens the family will get more use of the screened porch during the hottest months.
The porch ceiling is tongue-and-groove cedar stained in a clear finish. On the porch exterior, we stained all the cedar to match the color of the house trim. This choice goes a long way toward ensuring the porch looks original to the home.
Does Your Screened Porch Need a Kitchen?
The clients originally wanted to include a kitchen in their new screened porch design. Then they decided against it, and then they changed their minds again. They wanted the outdoor kitchen after all. When we say they wanted to add more functionality to their back yard, an outdoor kitchen adds a LOT of functionality.
With the outdoor kitchen, this project included custom cypress cabinets, fridge, cooktop and hood. Amenities included those wonderful “soft touch” cabinet drawers that glide to close on their own. Cypress is a sturdy, marine grade material that’s perfect for use with an outdoor kitchen. We also built a full privacy wall for one section of the porch. And with the sandstone knee wall system, they also have stone bench seating inside the porch if they need it. When they don’t need to use the low stone walls for seating, they can be used for plants.
With the outdoor kitchen, this project included custom cypress cabinets, fridge, cooktop and hood. Amenities included those wonderful “soft touch” cabinet drawers that glide to close on their own. Cypress is a sturdy, marine grade material that’s perfect for use with an outdoor kitchen. We also built a full privacy wall for one section of the porch. And with the sandstone knee wall system, they also have stone bench seating inside the porch if they need it. When they don’t need to use the low stone walls for seating, they can be used for plants.
Life is good at this Pflugerville home with a top-quality screened porch, heat-blocking screens, a trouble-free porch roof and an amenity-rich outdoor kitchen.
Are you looking for the functionality that a screened porch and outdoor kitchen would bring to your back yard? Whether you are screening an existing patio or adding one for the first time, call Archadeck of Austin today at 512-259-8282 or email us to schedule your free design consultation.
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
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
New porch, patio and outdoor kitchen combo has Steiner Ranch family ready for Labor Day!
Make yours a combo! This combination screened porch, extended patio and outdoor kitchen project in the Steiner Ranch community of Austin, TX, has oodles of great features. Where do we begin?
These Steiner Ranch homeowners hired Archadeck of Austin to convert a covered patio into a screened porch with a patio extension. We extended the original patio outward from the home’s back door and also extended it across the back of the house, creating an “L” shape.
The new patio is made of poured concrete with a textured concrete overlay, and the textured surface is absolutely beautiful. To enhance it even more, we added a score pattern so that the surface actually looks like tile. Really! Then we added a flagstone patio two steps down for additional seating.
The lower patio is noteworthy because of the way we designed and built it for durability and longevity. Many contractors would simply build a wall around the defined patio area and fill it with decomposed granite for the patio base. Archadeck of Austin has seen too many of these patios gone bad. Using decomposed granite this way can cause cracking and sinking of the patio due to natural settling over time. Instead, we poured a solid concrete patio base and then installed the flagstone over it. This reduces the chances of the flagstone patio dropping, cracking, settling, etc.
Now, on to the screened porch. We built a 12×14-foot screened enclosure over the shorter part of the “L” shape on the upper patio extension. Remember, this is the part of the patio extension that looks like a tile floor. The porch has a stick-built gabled roof with a 2-inch screen system in clay to match the home’s existing windows. The ceiling of the porch is our favorite — the Synergy tongue-and-groove wood ceiling with rich, warm tones. We recommend this pre-finished wood ceiling for its beauty, and we use it whenever we can.
The new screened porch also included the installation of a full electrical package with ceiling fans and outlets for lighting or electronics. To make the space cozy when needed, we installed two heating units, one on either side of the porch.
For the grill-master/chef we installed an outdoor kitchen on the longer “L”-portion of the upper deck that was not screened in. The kitchen includes a good-sized counter space complete with electrical outlets, barbeque grill, cooktop, and storage areas. While these stainless steel components seem very practical, the presentation is also quite attractive.
The base of the kitchen area (also called the kitchen surround) is built with 4-, 6- and 8-inch chop block stone in the Santa Fe color. The countertop is made from smooth slabs of brown Lueders stone, a beautiful and durable stone. You can already picture the bartender standing here slicing limes while the family grill-master preps steaks and veggies for the grill.
We have this Steiner Ranch family ready to enjoy their cookouts, just in time for Labor Day! There’s a large dining table next to the kitchen area and room for additional diners to sit on the screened porch and out on the lower flagstone patio. Dining al fresco will become this family’s new favorite pastime.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
Where will you cook out? If you would like to learn more about creating a porch, patio and/or outdoor kitchen combination project of your dreams, contact Archadeck of Austin today at (512) 259-8282 or via email at jim.odom@archadeck.net to schedule a free design consultation.
This Brushy Creek backyard cleaned up beautifully with a little help from Archadeck of Austin!
The idea of creating a “new” outdoor living space is most often based on the idea of tearing down and starting anew. However, in many circumstances Archadeck of Austin can use an existing outdoor structure as the catalyst to extend upon, and improve a structure in order to create a “new and much improved” outdoor living space.
Such is the case with the project we recently completed in the Brushy Creek area between Cedar Park and Round Rock, TX. Archadeck of Austin not only professionally washed and stained the home’s existing concrete patio, we also enclosed the area with screen transforming it into a desired outdoor destination.
During project in Brushy Creek, TX.
The homeowners had contacted Archadeck of Austin to inquire about creating a protected outdoor space that delivered shade, protection from insects and the elements, but most of all retained the view. Instead of demolishing their existing concrete and starting from scratch we were able to build and improve upon what they already had.
Starting at the base of the existing structure and building up we began by thoroughly cleaning the concrete patio. From there, we stained the concrete to increase the aesthetics. Archadeck then built openings to include screen which match the circumference and symmetry of the interior openings — this was the key to delivering the unobstructed views the homeowners requested.
On the new porch’s exterior we used HardiePlank siding to match the trim colors of the existing home. In addition to the beauty of this space in respect to originality of design and symmetry, Archadeck of Austin also finished the interior with a beadboard kneewall and rich Synergy Wood on the ceiling after removing the existing Hardie type ceiling which is very common on tract homes in this area. The finished project boasts interior recessed can lighting and a ceiling fan to promote carefree, protected outdoor living. The small concrete pad was added to the exterior entry of the porch from the backyard and is wide enough to grill from.
Archadeck of Austin also finished the interior with a beadboard kneewall and rich Synergy Wood on the ceiling.
This project is a perfect example of a low cost outdoor living enhancement that is high on the outdoor living return. We were able to enhance and build upon what was already existing in order to create a comfortable and versatile outdoor room for all to enjoy!
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
If you are ready to improve or expand upon your existing outdoor living space, Archadeck of Austin can help. Remember that a project doesn’t have to be large in to make a big impact on the way you live outdoors! Contact us today to schedule your free consultation at (515) 259-8282 or via email at jim.odom@archadeck.net.
Enjoy endless enjoyment, no matter what the weather, with an Austin covered outdoor living space!
As the Austin area’s premier outdoor living structure designer and builder we can create a space that is rainproof!
It’s no secret that the Austin area has experienced a wetter than usual 2016 thus far. Though Texas has always been a land of weather extremes—in 1927, an unnamed National Weather Service meteorologist famously said “Texas is a land of perennial drought, broken by the occasional devastating flood”—This summer’s most recent flooding comes just five years after the driest year on record in Texas, in which statewide rainfall was just 14.88 inches.
Our year to date rainfall for Austin sits at 34.2 inches according to the Current Results weather an science facts website. With this in mind, outdoor living and recreation for many, has been hampered by the wet weather. Archadeck of Austin wants you to know that doesn’t have to be the case. As the Austin area’s premier outdoor living structure designer and builder we can create a space that is rainproof!
Rainproof you ask? Yes, we can custom design and build a protected outdoor living space that will keep you dry in spite of what Mother Nature has in mind. We specialize in covered porches & patios, screened porches and custom outdoor rooms built to keep you enjoying the outdoor lifestyle, fresh air and views without the worry of inclement weather, insects or allergens. Take a look at a few of our outdoor room designs to give you an idea of what we can do for you:
Covered Porches & Patios:
Add value to your home and enhance your outdoor experience with a covered porch or patio from Archadeck of Austin. Our custom porch and patio covers are designed to protect you overhead without reducing your connection with the outdoors. From simple covered porches to complete outdoor entertainment areas, our porch and patio covers will transform your home from the outside in.
Screened Porches:
A screened porch provides a safe, private space for your family to enjoy the outdoors all year long. Whether you need screening for insect control, weather resistance, or something in between, we can customize the perfect screened porch to suit your needs.
Sunrooms:
Give your family a sunny disposition no matter what the weather and reduce your heating/cooling bills with a new custom sunroom. Dollar-for-dollar, a sunroom can be the best investment you make in your home. Sunrooms make a spectacular visual splash and a perfect gathering spot, yet they can be one of the most affordable rooms to construct. It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to add both natural light and value to your home. When it comes to designing a custom sunroom, our trained designers will visit your home, discuss your needs and wants and design a sunroom that’s perfect for you.
If you are ready to enjoy the unbridled benefits of outdoor living while keeping dry. Contact Archadeck of Austin today at (515) 259-8282 or via email at jim.odom@archadeck.net to schedule a free design consultation.
Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin
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
Archadeck of Austin Rewrites History Through a Screened Porch Addition on this South Austin Historic Home
Here at Archadeck of Austin, we have the opportunity to work on all styles of home. From ultra-contemporary to the traditional “old Texan style ranch.” However, it is always a treat to design an outdoor living space on a historic home. One of our most recent screened porch additions took us to the historic area of South Austin. Though working on a vintage era home can present its challenges, it is also a rewarding experience for our team.
The original home was built in 1907, and was relocated to South Austin from Taylor, TX. The home can be classified as a bungalow-style, post and beam home. The main objective our design team had to meet was that the new screened porch compliment or “gel” appropriately with the style and design of the old home. The homeowners are also avid bird lovers and enjoy sitting outside and watching the parrots that frequent this area. Having a protected area to view the birds and enjoy the outdoors was important to them and the driving factor they chose a screened porch over other outdoor structures.
Archadeck of Austin added a new chapter to the history of this 1907 home, with a new screened porch addition!
To stay in-keeping with the lines and style of the home, we built the new screened porch with materials that mimic the vintage charm of the existing home. These include the rustic cedar used on the exterior and stairs and the all-steel-roof that was custom-made to our specifications to appear original and the exterior siding that was matched, and painted along with entire rear of the home. To take the originality a step farther, we even retained the same height on the soffits of the addition so the new porch flows perfectly.
The interior of the screen porch is overflowing of antique-inspired character with an open rafter, tongue & groove cedar ceiling. Even the AZEK porch flooring the homeowner’s chose for the deck has retro appeal. The color they chose is called “slate gray” and delivers a relaxed washed hue that mimics the look of time-worn wood. In addition, the tongue and groove features eliminated the need to install screen under the porch, keeping the structure protected from insects and debris that could creep in from the outside.
If you are interested in enhancing the beauty and versatility at your home, whether vintage, new or in-between, contact us today to discover how our custom, one-of-a-kind outdoor living designs can add value and beauty to your backyard too! You can reach us at ( 512) 259 – 8282 or email us at jim.odom@archadeck.net.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
An Austin screened porch will keep the mosquitoes away and enable you to enjoy outdoor living bug free
Screen porches give you the pleasures of the outdoors without truly being outdoors.
We cannot ignore the mosquito problems facing Texas this season. This year has been the worst on record for West Nile virus cases on record for Texas. Mosquitoes have frightened us off our patios and decks and made us retreat indoors for fear of contracting West Nile Virus. I am certain many outdoor entertaining endeavors have been put on hold, and many barbecues cut short because of the mosquito. Archadeck of Austin has the perfect cure for your outdoor living mosquito induced blues; a screened porch addition to enhance your home and other outdoor living structures.
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.
According to a recent article by The Huffington Post Texas has recorded at least 510 cases of neuroinvasive West Nile, considered the most serious form of the illness because it affects the nervous system, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Having a screened porch to escape from the dangers of mosquitoes will not only enable you to continue to enjoy Texas outdoor living, but it will aid in reducing your risk of coming into contact with a mosquito that could be carrying West Nile Virus.
Screened porches give you the freedom and beauty of outdoor living without having to deal with the threat of bothersome insects, including mosquitoes. I guess you could call the screen porch another method of mosquito prevention because the presence of screen puts a barrier between you and the hungry bugs. Screen porches also provide protection from inclement weather such as wind, and rain.
This cozy screened porch in the Austin, TX area serves as a haven from insects, rain and wind.
A screen porch can be used in conjunction with a deck or patio as a focal point of an outdoor living structure combination, or can be added to your home to serve as an outdoor living room. Our screen porch designs offer plenty of functionality, from the inclusion of custom outdoor fireplaces, ceiling fans and other creature comforts. We can even construct a custom spot to mount an outdoor TV, just in time for football season. When it comes to the many benefits and inclusions a screened porch can add to your lifestyle, the world is your oyster.
Contact Archadeck of Austin to learn more about our screened porch designs and how they can ensure in keeping the bugs and rain out and the outdoor enjoyment in. Call for a free consultation (512) 259 – 8282 or email us at Austin@archadeck.net
Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin
To see more examples of bug free outdoor living at its best visit our screened porch photo gallery located on our website.
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 