Quite frequently at Archadeck of Austin we receive calls to expand the size of homeowners’ outdoor living spaces. And no matter how many of these requests we take on, they are all unique. We couldn’t create cookie-cutter solutions even if we wanted to! (Which we don’t.)
This rustic cedar deck and pergola project in the Apache Shores area of Austin is the perfect example. The homeowners had a tiny concrete patio with a deck that was 5’ deep. About 4' of the area was covered, so they had a bit of shade … but not enough. It was not enough outdoor living space to fully enjoy, and not enough shade.
Area before Archadeck of Austin began the project.
An Apache Shores Deck Doesn’t Have To Be Huge To Be Effective!
Archadeck of Austin designed and built a new cedar deck, expanding the outdoor space to about 16’ deep and a little wider than the original. The new deck features a picture frame layout and wraparound steps on the corner that’s near ground level. We also used picture framing on the landing about half-way down the longer staircase, breaking up the descent.
The longer stairway features a highly customized rail design created just for this project. Continuing from the stairs and along the side of the deck overlooking a drop-off, the railing finishes at the edge of the wraparound steps. While you might look at this railing and think it’s the typical horizontal cable rail, that is not the case here. We used custom galvanized powder-coated steel conduit to create this unique railing. The posts and rail cap are cedar.
Shade, Glorious Shade Thanks To This Covered Pergola!
This covered cedar pergola is unique, too. From one angle, it looks like a metal shed roof supported by cedar posts. From another angle, it’s obviously a pergola. You could say it’s a hybrid. For the pergola we laid purlins on top of 2 x 10’s, which are on top of 4 x 12's, supported by 6 x 6 posts. For complete shade we installed a metal roof on top of the pergola, with the appropriate flashing where it meets the side of the house. From the side, it appears to be a standing seam metal roof, but it’s actually a panel design.
Finally, as with most of our pergola and covered porch projects, we installed electricity and a ceiling fan in this outdoor space. We included electrical outlets, too, for the homeowners’ convenience.
Is your deck or patio too small, or does it lack sufficient shade? We would love to create a custom solution to meet your outdoor living needs. Contact Archadeck of Austin to schedule your free design consultation.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
