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.
Austin Decks, Pergolas, Covered Patios, Porches, more 