Is your Columbus-area deck or patio a candidate for Archadeck’s “dull-to-dazzling” treatment? Here’s a beautiful example of how we can engineer such a transformation with a few fairly simple steps. This may give you some ideas about what we can do to transform your outdoor living space if it needs a little pick-me-up.
Converting the full patio to a patio-and-deck combination
These Delaware, OH, homeowners had a fairly large patio along the back of their house but wanted a deck/patio combination. They liked that “deck feel” for a place to grill and eat outdoors. Choosing composite decking boards for their durability and low-maintenance qualities, they selected the Antique Palm color from the TimberTech Tropical Collection. These boards feature the look of exotic wood grains, but they’ll never need staining and sealing for protection from weather, mold or mildew.
We built the deck over one-half of the patio so that when the family steps out their back door, they will step onto the new TimberTech deck, and from there they can step down to the patio. Our deck design is diagonal in two sections, running in opposite directions, with a parting board in the center where the two sections meet. The diagonal design adds visual interest and also adds strength to the deck’s structure. Finally, we designed the deck’s step risers to include TimberTech’s In-Deck Lights, which are low-voltage, energy-efficient LED lights. These little lights do a big job by providing ambiance after dark and increasing safety.
Adding railings and balusters with character
The homeowners specifically requested a Craftsman style railing around the deck and patio. Of course, patios aren’t required to have a railing, and technically neither is this deck since it’s less than 30 inches off the ground. But the railing and balusters (or pickets) serve three purposes here. First, they surround and unify the deck and patio as one outdoor living space. Second, the railing design adds immense visual interest and character to the space. Third, the railing keeps the clients’ dog close to home! Their homeowners association would not allow a fence around the entire yard, so … in effect they created a fenced-in deck and patio.
Archadeck of Columbus custom-designed the railing for this home using cedar for the top and bottom rails, the railing cap and the larger balusters. For contrast, we used black aluminum for the posts and the thinner balusters. For additional ambiance and safety after dark, we incorporated TimberTech’s accent lights on several of the posts.
Cradling the structure with a beautiful softscapes
Finally, we added a graceful, curving landscaped area surrounding the deck and patio on all three sides. You may not always think of Archadeck as a landscaping design company, but when it’s part of an outdoor living space design, we are more than happy — and able —to provide this service. Coral bells, hydrangea, dogwood and decorative grasses are some of the plants we used to set off this idyllic space. We capped it with a section of flagstone leading from the patio gate out to the lawn.
These homeowners are very happy with the enhancements to their outdoor living space. Their patio has gone from so-so to oh-so-great! Comfortable seating invites guests to relax on the patio, while the new deck welcomes hungry diners with a large table, umbrella and barbeque grill.
Would your outdoor living space dazzle, too, with some simple improvements? Your Archadeck of Columbus design consultant is ready to help you design the space you’ve been dreaming about. Contact us today at (740) 265-3905 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.
