How do you transform your outdoor living space from “I don’t even want to go out there!” to pure bliss? These homeowners in Macon’s River North neighborhood had the right idea. First, they called Archadeck of Central Georgia for a design consultation. They knew they needed a shaded retreat at their home. They also wanted to elevate their outdoor retreat from ground level to house level. Now, the breeze comes to them. All they have to do is open the door and step out to their new screened porch and deck combination. They are loving it!
The River North subdivision in Macon, GA, is a beautiful setting for a tranquil backyard retreat. The homeowners whose project you see here were ready to re-imagine theirs. They had settled for a concrete patio for too long, and it was time for an upgrade. As we talked with them about what they had in mind, two concerns were clear. First, they needed a roof overhead for shade so they could enjoy sitting outdoors on warmer days. Their patio was just too hot! Second, they didn’t like having to navigate the steps at their back door.
— Before
When you think of a porch with a roof over it, many homeowners automatically think of a screened porch. Keep in mind, an open porch is an option, too. Both kinds of porches provide an equal amount of shade, and because they each have a ceiling overhead, they both accommodate ceiling fans. Our clients chose a screened porch for the added benefit of protection from pesky insects.
Archadeck of Central GA Can Bring the Porch Up to You!
To reach their existing patio, the homeowners had to walk down about five brick steps. This was a problem. Mobility was becoming an issue as they found their back steps harder to navigate with each passing year. The good news is that we were able to design a back porch level with their back door. Of course, we included steps in the new design so they could get out to the back yard if necessary. But for the sheer enjoyment of sitting outdoors, they don’t need to walk down any steps.
Screened Porch + Deck, the Best of Both Worlds
When you swap an unsheltered patio for a screened porch, the tradeoff is that you will always have shade. What about those cooler days when there’s nothing better than sitting outside and soaking up the warmth of the sun? To have it both ways, the solution here in Macon, GA, is a deck and screened porch combination. We designed the deck on the same level with the screened porch, again eliminating the need to travel down any steps. With a grill on the deck, the homeowners have the option of eating outside on the deck or the screened-in porch.
Custom-Designed Outdoor Solution by Archadeck of Central GA
The design details of this outdoor project were based entirely on the needs and desires of these clients. Like all of the projects we design and build, this one was custom made for the way the homeowners want to enjoy the outdoors. The clients made their own design decisions regarding the size of their project and the materials used. They chose pressure-treated pine for the screened porch, including the porch floor, and the deck and railings.
Instead of removing the patio, we were able to cut footings in the concrete and build the deck and porch right over it. We only removed the original handrail and the top step. The concrete makes a great foundation for the new structures. It’s a clean surface for the homeowners to use as storage underneath for garden supplies, etc.
Are you ready to talk about a new screened porch or deck design for your Macon or Warner Robins-area home? Archadeck of Central GA is ready to help! We offer “virtual design consultations” with video conferencing to keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Get in touch with us by calling (478) 241-8406.
Stephen Denton, owner Archadeck of Central Georgia.
