A Lakeway TX Two-Level Deck Becomes An Exceptional Double-Decker Porch That Dreams Are Made Of

Amazing outdoor living improvements and transformations are at the very core of our Archadeck Outdoor Living business. Here is a perfect example.
Originally, this area was a two-level deck above grade with stone columns underneath. The issue was everything had originally been built 24″ on center with a wood surface, surrounded by water-retaining plants and natural vegetation, so weather-induced rot was becoming an issue that needed to be addressed.


Furthermore, the lower deck was too narrow and the upper deck had a cantilever off the house and was already 2 feet over the lower deck. These original structural issues needed to be addressed and Archadeck of Austin answered the call.


Rebuilding Outdoor Living Spaces With Thoughtful Care And Precision For The Long Term
The lower deck originally was built years ago spanning 8 feet, and we made it 10 feet which is the same as the upper deck projection now. Design, appearance, and function are now in perfect balance. That 2-foot bump out made a tremendous difference, as you can see.

Our outdoor porch construction team also removed the soffit on the cantilever on the second-floor elevation and the bottom of the ceiling on the second-story room addition This was done so we could get inside and see how the joists were connected to the house to make sure the structural specifications were met.
The original builder had used engineered floor joists instead of regular floor joists. That enabled us to connect to the cantilever on the second floor.
Now For The Design And Construction Details
The concrete-filled stone columns had a beamed system that runs across them, so we had to saw-cut them down 12″ deeper to run the cantilevered beam across the top of the columns. They are now perfectly engineered and able to handle the load.
The interior ceiling is Tongue and Groove Synergy Wood®.
We then painted the upper deck floor system to match the posts, as the homeowner requested that everything match to complement and accentuate the new color used in the AZEK material we used, called French White Oak, from the TimberTech Advanced PVC Landmark Collection.
If you wish to embrace sunny, warm hues with on-trend tan and blond colors ranging from golden sandy tones to airy whitewashed wood looks, this low-maintenance decking line is the ultimate. Its neutral blonds are ideal for a Scandi-chic look, especially when paired with dark, rich tones for contrast, but can work just as well for mid-century modern and contemporary homes.
This decking reminiscent of crosscut hardwoods in design, exudes the bold, character-rich texture of popular hardwoods like white oak and walnut without the rigorous maintenance of wood.
This capped polymer decking features proprietary materials technology that delivers sophisticated, real wood aesthetics you’ll never have to sand, stain, or seal.
Furthermore, it has a 50-year Fade + Stain Limited Warranty, remains barefoot friendly, and features recycled content material fabrication.
Why Low Maintenance Decking Material Is A Wise Choice
In two words: Super Durability. Made of high-performance and recycled polymers (and absolutely no wood fibers), TimberTech Advanced PVC decking is highly resistant to moisture damage like mold and mildew, and it won’t splinter, crack, cup, peel, or rot.
And as sustainability is now more important than ever, it is made here in the USA from approximately 60% recycled material, including post-construction scraps like vinyl siding and trim. TimberTech Advanced PVC decking is a tremendous outdoor living space sustainable construction option. Plus, it’s fully recyclable at the end of its useful life.
Splinter Free And Barefoot Friendly For Carefree Leisure Living
Better for bare feet and paws, TimberTech Advanced PVC decking won’t splinter and stays up to 30° cooler to the touch with 40% better traction, wet or dry, than competitive products. The bonus is that you will be able to enjoy a richly hued deck for decades with protective capping that resists UV rays and staining. Now that’s low-maintenance outdoor living.
Finishing Touches That Make A Big Difference
To complete this multifaceted backyard renovation, we stained the posts and beams, as well as the deck substructure using a solid color stain to match the new decking.
To protect it all from any mishap, we also installed a custom iron/steel rail and an Ipe wood rail cap to add an elegant flair defining the structure.
We also redesigned the gate by installing a 6-foot section, and it is bolted to the top of the deck with a new four-foot gate that now swings outward for greater utility. It latches into a post on the striker side and is hinged on the post on the opposite side.
What’s Your Dream Outdoor Living Combination Space?
There are porches – and then there are PORCHES.
For divine inspiration, please visit our Porch Photo Gallery right here as a thoughtful prelude to your complimentary design consultation.
To schedule your complimentary design consultation, call us at 512-886-8367, or click right here for your convenience.

Archadeck of Austin reaps multiple design awards at annual event
Each year a nationwide group of Archadeck offices come together to share their best practices, ideas, new products and to review outstanding leadership in design. This year, like others, the locally owned and operated Austin location performed very well. We are very proud to have scooped up on four of twelve design awards, plus a distinguished Customer Satisfaction Award which reconfirmed Austin’s place as the 2nd best producing Archadeck location in North America.
Archadeck of Austin prides itself in being “all about design and customer experience”. Here are some of the ‘Best of Show’.
Decks
Austin won second place for this project outside the Craig O’s restaurant in Lakeway, TX. This deck uses TimberTech Earthwoods Evolutions composite decking in walnut designed in quadrants of diagonal board placement converging to the center. The deck is designed for 100 lb/sf commercial loads and has a massive concrete footing hidden behind an attractive cedar skirt. A powder coated Fortress railing system surrounds the deck and is capped in the same composite. Stairs descend down to the parking lot and play area. Patrons will enjoy many meals overlooking the serene hills East of Lakeway atop this deck.
If you are curious, the following deck from outside Boston won 1st place…
Porch Enclosures
First place went to our friends at Archadeck of Ft. Worth for a fabulous pool-side cabana. The Austin entry took third place, under some tight competition, with our pool-side cabana constructed in Round Rock, TX. Both of these projects are indicative of a growing trend to move the living room outside complete with integrated kitchens, outdoor fireplaces, television; everything you need to entertain outdoors.
Hardscapes
Demonstrating the diversity of Archadeck’s designs, the Austin hardscape project took the 3rd place award vs. a really unique and innovative project outside Denver that took home 1st place. The Austin hardscape project is located in the Steiner Ranch community of Austin and includes a covered tile patio up top for visiting, lunch or even coffee. The project includes stone steps that lead down to a stained concrete lower patio perfect for every facet of entertaining. The project also includes integrated lighting so it looks spectacular day and night.
Combination Award
This new award category reflects the fact that great projects are rarely one-dimensional. Every year the very best projects combine multiple elements into a cohesive design that may include a shade structure, decking. masonry, and other elements to provide the homeowners with a complete backyard with multiple uses and gain the maximum added value to their home. We are excited that our project constructed in Riverplace took the spotlight for #1. The project was designed by our own Mark Mommsen, whom was also the winner of #1 design representative. The project brings together a very unique stand-alone roof structure with Permacast columns which are mounted on an elevated Tigerwood deck beside the pool and outdoor fireplace with stone benches on the opposite side of the pool. All this is designed to face the canyon/green belt and golf course located behind the residence.
If the customer isn’t happy, nobody’s happy!
As the owner of Archadeck of Austin, I’m very pleased to say we won the coveted Customer Satisfaction Award. To win this award there can be no, and I mean ‘zero’ negative responses in post-construction surveys. Last year we built 133 residential projects. We are not perfect and are always improving, but to have absolutely no negative responses is a testament to our desire for excellence in customer service. We were also recently added to the Angie’s List Honor Roll and we strongly encourage people to submit reviews to Angie’s list.
We are looking forward to a great 2012 season, with more great work in Austin,TX. If you’re on the fence, the time is really good to remodel your outdoor space the way you’ve always wanted. It is a great investment.
(512) 259 – 8282
Austin@archadeck.net