Archadeck Shows Off a Budget-Friendly Screened Room and Flagstone Patio in North Austin
These North Austin homeowners wanted a shaded outdoor space, protection from rain and protection from pesky insects. They also wanted an open patio to enjoy when the temperature is comfortable outdoors and bugs are not biting. Archadeck of Austin combined these features in a budget-friendly screened room and patio project – with retractable screens.
Aluminum Roof Adds Shade and Keeps Rain Away
To build the porch cover, we installed cedar posts and beams and added a roof made of Structall structural insulated panels covered with aluminum. This type of roof is simpler and less involved than our typical porch cover with rafters and roofing shingles. It accomplishes the purpose of providing a covered space with shade, making the area cooler. Shade is always a precious commodity around here! In addition to giving shade, the roof gives the homeowners protection from rain, allowing them to enjoy the sights and sounds of rain without getting wet. To divert water from the screened enclosure, we added gutters.
Screened Enclosure Keeps Bugs Out
Within the porch framework of beams and posts, we installed a retractable screened enclosure system. The specific screening system we used for this project is from Genius Retractable Screens. These screens roll up into a protective housing, which means when the screens are not in use, they are tucked out of the way. When the clients want to enjoy shade outdoors and don’t need protection from insects, their screened porch can easily become an open porch.
The homeowners requested a railing around the border of the screened enclosure even though railings are not required here since the patio is at grade. We built the railing with cedar to match the posts. We also stained all of the cedar – railing, posts and beams – with a redwood stain.
Enjoy Patio and Hardscapes When Temperatures are Right – Especially at Night
The homeowners selected beautiful natural flagstone in a mix of colors for their patio surface. Along the edge of the patio opposite the screened room, we built stone seating walls and incorporated patio lighting in the hardscapes. For the perfect finishing touch, the clients added overhead string lighting around the patio. Magical!
Contact Archadeck of Austin today to schedule your free design consultation and make your outdoors magical, too!
Archadeck of Austin Takes us on a Tour of Flagstone
Beautiful flagstone outdoor fireplace by Archadeck of austin
Here in the Austin area flagstone is quite popular. We have been using it in a variance of structures, from patios to pathways, flagstone has a rustic elegance about it that can’t be found in any other medium. Here at Archadeck of Austin each of our clients get their own design rendering. These design renderings are never used again, so the structure you get from us, is yours and yours alone. Since flagstone is 100% natural since it is cut from the earth, every piece of flagstone is different as well. No two flagstone projects will be the alike because no two pieces of flagstone are identical.
This outdoor bar has a unique design that looks great in flagstone
Deciding which flagstone to use can be a difficult decision because of all the different types, colors and patterns of flagstone there are to choose from. We want this daunting task of selecting the type and color to be a little easier for you and hopefully after you have reviewed this blog, you will have a little better idea of the basics of flagstone selections. When talking about natural stone such as flagstone there are words that are used to describe certain attributes of the stone itself such as undulation which are natural wavelike bends, curves and elevation differences you can see and feel throughout the stone. Veining refers to a pattern or natural markings that are visible in the stone. Swirling means any curving, twisting line or shape visible naturally within the stone.
The Oklahoma family of Flagstone
Oklahoma Buff Peach flagstone patio in Austin TX
Oklahoma buff peach is a very popular color. Customers choose this color frequently with its subtle pleasing tones. The variation in the tones of Oklahoma buff peach can vary from peach tones, taupe tones and even gray tones.The surface tends to be smoother and not have as much undulation as some of the other Oklahoma’s.
Oklahoma chocolate gold flagstone, notice the undulation in this photo
Other Oklahoma flagstones include the dazzling Chocolate gold, which has quite a bit of undulation and veining. The veining of this flagstone gives it a rich, robust feel. Variances in Oklahoma Chocolate gold can be deep browns, to gray and of course the gold hues as well.
Oklahoma taupe is another favorite of ours. It has a fair amount of undulation but a more neutral feel. It conveys variation of taupe, light gray and earthy browns. This color works well with a lot of different mediums.
Oklahoma silver mist
Then you have Oklahoma Silver mist. The name itself gives it away. It has a silvery-misty sort of look to it. Color varies from darker grays to light silver, and slight blue undertones.
The Arizona family of flagstone
The Arizona flagstones tend to be more of a sandstone type of stone. They have a Smoother surfacing with less undulation. Not as bumpy as your Oklahoma’s. They have a sandier , flatter look to them.
Arizona buckskin flagstone
Arizona buckskin is a good neutral flagstone. Neutral does not mean boring in the case of this flagstone though. When I look at this color I am reminded of a buckskin horse. This color can only be achieved through mother nature. It is rustic, yet elegant, tough yet soft. The natural pigment of the earth is apparent in the hue. It works well with many mediums.
Arizona rose flagstone
Then there is the beautiful Arizona Rose flagstone. Here in Texas and beyond this is a much coveted color. Arizona Rose is best described as a light brick-red, with natural pink variations and gray undertones. It reminds me of ethnic pottery or the color of the sky right before it disappears into the horizon on a hot Texas night. Even with the entwining of rose and pink variations, this is a great neutral color that will work well with gray all the way to dark brown. Any color where you have gray or brown undertones will only enhance the beauty of Arizona Rose flagstone.
The Mexican family of flagstone
Flagstone patio done in Mexican rosewood
Last but certainly not least we have the Mexican flagstones. This flagstone has a lot of variation in color and movement throughout the stone such as veining and swirling. It is a work of art in itself. As with any flagstone each piece is different, but the beautiful degree of variation in Mexican flagstone makes it a joy to look at.
Mexican Rosewood is probably the finest example of the Mexican flagstones. This color has the hints of terra-cotta you would expect from Mexican pottery, but with variations and swirls of peaches, reds and pinks. Truly original and truly lovely.
Whether you are ready to build your flagstone patio or are just in the decision stages, Archadeck of Austin can help plan, design and build the flagstone structure you’ve been yearning for. We have years of experience building with flagstone and our design staff can help you decide on the flagstone that is right for you. Contact us today to find out more. Call (512) 259-8282 or email us at austin@archadeck.net
Austin Decks, Pergolas, Covered Patios, Porches, more 