Tag: wooden outdoor structures

Posted on

Revisting this NW Winston Salem home the second time around resulted in an outdoor living combination loaded with charm

Deck and patio combination in NW Winston Salem
Our recently completed outdoor living combination in NW Winston-Salem includes a deck, patio and under deck space that functions like a covered patio.
Here is a photo of the backyard before we began the project.
Here is a photo of the backyard before we began the project.

Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad initially met with these Northwest Winston-Salem homeowners a year ago for a consultation to discuss the outdoor living space they had in mind. The homeowners conveyed to us their love for grilling outside and in general, their love for the outdoors. They enjoyed sitting outside and making the most out of the warm afternoons and spring to fall breezes our region is known for. Their existing outdoor space did not look or function the way they wished. At the time, they wanted the new design to be built using composite and not wood and they also were thinking of screening part of the deck so they could still enjoy the outdoors when it rained. We went over all the options shortly after our consultation, but a decision was not made at that time.

NW Winston Salem patio and deck combination by Archadeck of the Piedmont triad
This photo shows the new and improved outdoor living space in NW Winston-Salem by Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad.

Recently, we were contacted by these homeowners to discuss putting their plans for an updated outdoor living space into action. Even though it had been a year since we last spoke with them, they were exuberant and excited to pick up and go ahead with the project they had considered the previous year. The time was right, so we carefully went over all the specifications for the project which included refurbishing their existing deck with wood, adding a functional under-deck living space and patio with seating wall.

NW Winston Salem patio builders
View from deck into the patio space below, notice the way the curved seating wall ties the design together perfectly.

The outdoor living combination they ended up deciding upon added function, beauty and tremendous charm to their home and landscape. In essence, these NW Winston-Salem homeowners were on target to get the backyard of their dreams this season. We began the project by refurbishing their spacious deck with wood and stunning contrasting black aluminum rails. Under the deck we installed a Dry Snap under-deck system which allows the homeowners to utilize the space similar to a covered porch or patio. Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad uses the DrySnap under deck rain carrying system on many of our projects. We have found that the DrySnap system works best and is the easiest way to create functional space under your raised deck. DrySnap® is made of vinyl ceiling panels that collect and drain water away from your new dry space. It provides a maintenance free ceiling that covers the unsightly underside of your deck, turning it into a clean, bright, dry outdoor space. Having a covered under deck space opens the door for endless outdoor living possibilities.

View onto patio with curved seating wall by archadeck of the piedmont triad
View from the patio into the beautifully landscaped backyard.

The coup de grâce to this outdoor living combination was the addition of a gorgeous stamped concrete patio with curved seating wall and outdoor lighting. The patio area adds the final touch to this outdoor living space and extends the homeowner’s enjoyment past what they initially thought was within their budget to achieve. The finished project looks as if it came out of the pages of one of those glossy outdoor living magazines and the homeowners are elated with their new backyard space.

If you are on the fence about breaking ground on your outdoor living space project, know that now is the best time of the year to get started on your outdoor living dream. Contact Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad to learn more about our versatile outdoor space designs. We can accommodate your vision to suit your individual needs and budget. Call us for a free consultation (336) 664 – 1332
piedmonttriad@archadeck.net

Posted on

Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad proves that a pergola is more than just another pretty face

archadeck-greensboro-shade-pergola
The Greensboro, NC pergola provides beauty and ample shade to this sunny patio while still allowing light flow into the interior space through the windows.

No one can deny the charm that adding a pergola to your property will provide. Pergolas can serve a plethora of uses and have recently become even more popular because of their versatility. Pergolas come in all shapes and sizes and can play a number of roles within the landscape or as an outdoor living shade structure. In a recent article by Better Homes and Gardens the pergola is featured in over half of the  top10 ways listed to create a backyard getaway. From ensuring privacy within your outdoor space to dressing up your deck, pergolas score high on the outdoor living report card. Among the highest on the list is the way pergolas can serve as a beneficial shade structure.

A pergola used as a patio cover, or cover for a porch has in itself much potential to offer shade depending on the distance between the cross beams that cover the upper portion of the pergola. The construction of the pergola can be made more conducive to providing shade through the spacing between the cross beams located atop the pergola and by using wider rafters in the pergola design. The closer the beams are set, or the wider the rafters, the more sun protection your pergola will offer. All of these factors are influenced by the intended placement of your pergola in correlation to the direction and amount of sunlight your location receives. Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad offers many ways a pergola owner can increase the sun protection while keeping the original design of your pergola intact. These include using curtains made from weather resistant plastic, awnings, shade fabric built into the roof of the pergola, and even drop down weighted blinds. Blinds are a viable option when your pergola receives little morning sun but heats up quickly during the heat of the afternoon. We have many options available which can be customized to deliver the most shade and comfort to your pergola addition

archadeck of greensboro winston salem wooden rafter pergola with white decorative columns.jpeg
This Piedmont Triad shade pergola design includes decorative columns and a color coordinated palette to match the existing home.

Pergolas also provide a huge benefit for homeowners in search of a shade structure that will still allow sunlight to penetrate their interior living spaces. Loss of light is a concern for homeowners when considering adding a covered porch or outdoor room addition. Roofed structures don’t allow as much sunshine into your interior living spaces as does a pergola which can enhance the mood and flow within your home. The pergola’s ability to allow sun to flow freely into your home will also influence your heating and cooling costs throughout the season and especially in the winter.

Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad shade pergolas
This pergola serves as a patio cover and features brick columns for a light and airy design.

Never forget the aesthetic impact a pergola addition can add to your home. A pergola simply looks good added to a house, and the design choices are endless. You can use columns in your pergola design to match existing columns on your existing home, and even incorporate your brick into the columns for your pergola. Pergolas also  allow design freedom because you can mix mediums in your design and create an eclectic space when creating your unique addition. This added beauty will become an asset to your home. In some cases an attached pergola will add square footage to your home’s municipal tax base adding monetary value to your home.

Today’s Piedmont Triad pergola can also be designed to include all the creature comforts you crave in your outdoor space. Your pergola can be built to include ceiling fans, outdoor lighting and even sound systems among the many outdoor comfort features we can include in your design. The possibilities of modern pergola design are only as endless as your imagination.

To learn more about our unique and beneficial pergola designs, contact Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad today. Call us today for a free consultation (336) 664 – 1332
piedmonttriad@archadeck.net

Posted on

Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad explores the many facets of the pergola

archadeck greensboro winston salem white pergola
This octagonal white pergola in Winston Salem, NC features roman columns and delivers an elegance into this unique design.

Pergolas have been around for many hundreds of years. We can trace the origins of the pergola all the way back to the 1654 when it was borrowed from the Italian word, pergula, meaning a projected eave. Of course, the Italians were assumed to use the pergola from a functional standpoint for growing grapes and other climbing vegetation. The modern pergola has moved out of the vineyards and into the backyard as an elemental design piece that is not only beautiful but also multi-functional.

Pergolas come in all shapes and sizes and can be built from many different materials. They can be outfitted with accoutrements such as hammocks, benches, and even swings as well as wired for a ceiling fan or even speakers. It’s also a great shade structure. We can even install a tinted polycarbonate to further block the suns harmful rays, if these are installed on a slight slant they will allow water to drain properly.

archadeck-greensboro-shade-pergoa
A fine example of what a chameleon the pergola can be, here in Greensboro it serves as a patio cover offering shade and solitude.

Another innovative use is the pergola that doubles as a stylish patio cover or deck cover. This adds not only charm and beauty and function to your deck or patio, it offers shade and sun protection as well. Depending on how closely the upper portioned slats are constructed will determine how much of each the pergola will offer. the pergola also makes a perfect companion spa or poolside and offers a certain degree of privacy within the structures individual design. As you can see, the list of function the pergola can serve homeowners in their backyards is endless.

The posts of the pergola can even be decorative or wrapped to match the architecture and style of your home. This ensures a one of kind pergola custom-built just for you

greensboro winston salem archadeck deorative free standing pergola
This freestanding pergola is the perfect spot to take in the beauty of nature with someone you love.

Pergolas are a cost-effective way to add character, style and function to your yard. Contact Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad to learn more about our stunning custom pergola designs today. Call for a free consultation: (336) 664 – 1332 piedmonttriad@archadeck.net

Posted on

March is the time to prepare for outdoor living!

The month of March;  when March comes in like a lion it goes out like a lamb, mad as a March hare, beware the ides of March, March madness and my favorite March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers.   Almost everyone is ready to celebrate the arrival of Spring on March 20 and we at Archadeck are ready to help you get that great outdoor structure you need to make sure you get the most out the beautiful spring and summer days that lie ahead.

Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad is your choice Winston Salem and Greensboro area deck builder.

Archadeck can help you in a variety ways.  We custom design and custom build.  We can help you get some shade with one of our pergolas.  Stay away from the pesky bugs with a screened porch.  Replace that tired old deck with a new one build out of a variety of choices such as composites or tropical hardwoods.  Jazz up your deck with custom rails, benches and planters.  We also can add a patio with an outdoor kitchen.  How about waterproofing the underside of your current deck and making it in to a screened room?  There are numerous options and our designers are ready to help you realize your dream for more outdoor living.

Let’s get started soon so we can help you  be ready to relax and enjoy the great outside.  Contact us and one of our design consultants will be happy to work with you and yours to get your outdoor dream realized. We will look forward to hearing from you soon.

Posted on

September and Fall Outdoor Living.

Supposedly the calendar reads September but with exception of the cooler nights and the yellowing of the poor trees looking for a little rain not much seems to have changed weather wise.  Yet we are only 1 week away from the official Autumnal Equinox.  This started me musing about the equinoxes both Spring and Fall and that twice yearly 24 hour span of equal amount of  night and day.  In Autumn the days then become shorter and obviously the nights become longer. There are lots of folks who begin to vocally dread the coming of fall and then worst winter; perhaps they are thinking of being trapped indoors in the colder months. I, however, embrace the beginning of the shorter days for many reasons; the sky is much bluer with wispy clouds and cool breezes.  Mother Nature starts her last arboreal fashion show with all the gorgeous yellows, oranges, and reds she will dress her tree children in.  Sunsets are stunning in the fall, the best of the year, and the night stars seem to twinkle and sparkle with glee.

There is still plenty of time for outdoor living this year.  We humans have become oh so inventive and creative with all things to keep us warm and cozy outside on chilly nights.  Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas, and decorative propane table top heaters all add warmth to the surroundings.  Lots of options exist for specialized outdoor lighting.  The list goes on and for all the ways you can continue to experience the glorious days remain this year.

The also good news is if you have a deck, screened porch, covered porch, pergola with a polycarbonate roof or sunroom you can make it cool weather ready with the addition of some type of heater and enjoy in the fall.  Plus there is an added bonus in it is much easier to sweep those leaves rather that rake then.  More time to enjoy outdoor living.  See you on the deck  looking at that amazing sunset.

Posted on

Hot Weather Outdoor Living

The hot temperatures outside don’t have to be an issue and keep you indoors.  We are so acclimated to having the AC blasting during these “hot spells”; we forget that lots of us grew up during a time when central air conditioning was not readily available.  Most families sought outdoor living to escape the long hot summers;  sitting, rocking on the front porch, watching the fireflies come out and visiting with the neighbors.  In our “gotta have it now” world so many of our summer memories are just that, memories.  I wonder what the young generation of today will reminisce about when they think of their summers.  Sitting in front of the TV or computer, playing a video game?

I still enjoy sitting outside in the evenings under our shade pergola with the fan stirring up a little air, reading, sipping a cold drink and chatting with my spouse.  You are really fortunate if you have a screened porch with a ceiling fan to escape the insects and the sun.  I think retreating to the outdoors and sitting on you front, side or screened porch is great idea.  Bring out a couple of portable fans, give the kids a popsicle and turn on the sprinkler.  The kids won’t complain and you’ll enjoy watching them play in the water.  You just might want to run through the sprinkler a time or two yourself.  In other words, if you have outdoor living space use it, enjoy it and stop having “reverse cabin fever”.  Reclaim your youth and summer. When you walk back in the house you might even feel chilly because of the air conditioning setting, and go a little green by setting up the temperature a degree or more.

Don’t waste time complaining about how hot it is.  Try to find some ways to recapture those summer memories.  Besides before you know it winter will come and you’ll be wishing for hot weather again. 

Posted on

Why build a 3-Season Room?

Most homeowners know the basic difference between screened porches, 3-season rooms and sunrooms. So I won’t insult your intelligence, however, I would like to tell you why a 3-season room in this climate is a fabulous addition to any home.  We live in an area of the country that is temperate ( yes, I hear you this past winter was extremely cold).  Screened porches are great and they keep the bugs out and allow the breeze in, but when winter arrives they mostly go unused.  In the Piedmont Triad of NC by upgrading  your screened porch to a 3-season room you will achieve almost year round use of your room. If your home has a southern exposure, even better, you have a green heat source during the day. When you add a gas log fireplace, or other heat source, you achieve an all year round usable room.

Archadeck uses a product called Eze-Breeze windows that allows you  the versatility of a screened porch and a 3-season at the same time.  This product will add a little more cost to your screened porch, but the benefits are well worth it.  Imagine you and your loved ones enjoying the view and relaxing during the coldest months of the year. 

Well you can.  Just give Archadeck a call to learn more about 3-season rooms. and how we can help you get one.

Posted on

Designing a Screened Porch with a Professional Porch Builder

Archadeck has been a trusted Greensboro porch builder for over three decades, and we are ready to help you design and build your ideal porch.

If you have always wanted a screened porch and are ready to build one, you might wonder how to begin.  When designing a screened porch, there are a few things to consider in order to achieve a beautiful porch design. As your Greensboro porch builder, Archadeck will help you arrive at your best and final porch design.

Greensboro porch builder
Screened porch design by Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad

Among these considerations is:

  • Size and orientation – Your intended usage is one key to determining the proper porch size. This can also dictate where you choose to build your porch. From where inside your home will your porch be best accessed? One room, multiple rooms, second story, or first floor?
  • Architectural compatibility with your existing home – Your home’s existing style will often help you decide on the materials used to build your porch. Will you paint it to match your home or the trim on your home? Will you use materials that complement, rather than match? What porch roof style will best accommodate your existing roof?
  • Amenities and upgrades – Would you like a low-maintenance porch with composite deck flooring and aluminum or vinyl railings? Would you like a porch fireplace and full electrical installation for lighting and fans?
  • Your budget – Budget will be a major determining factor in your final porch design. It can dictate size, materials, and amenities.
Greensboro porch builders
Rustic screen porch design by Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad

A well designed and well-built screened porch should add value, function, character, and enjoyment to your home.  It should invite your outdoors in comfort and style.

If you are searching for porch builders in Greensboro NC, Archadeck is ready to earn your business.

Since 1991, Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad has been building custom screened porches.  We are happy to guide you through the design and build process. Archadeck is North America’s leading builder of outdoor living spaces and offers the best warranties in the business. Call us today at 336-664-1332 for your complimentary design consultation.

Custom porch and deck by Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad

Also read: Can I add a screen porch to my existing deck?

Posted on

Top 5 Reasons to Build a Screened Porch in Greensboro, Winston Salem, and High Point NC

Archadeck Screened Porch

Thinking of building a screened porch this year but unsure?  These are crazy financial  times and many folks question if a home improvement will add to a home’s  ROI(return on investment).  The fact is;  most of us will stay in our current home longer than ever before.  Improving your home and adding quality to your life is a good thing.  The climate in our part of NC is ideal for a screened porch( don’t yell at me, I know winter is holding tight).  The calendar reads March and Spring is official on March 20 and summer will rush in. Believe it and read my humble top 5 reasons to build a screened porch this year.   

  1. Relaxation. Step outside.  Sit down and enjoy the outdoors.
  2. Shade.  Cool air under the ceiling fan.
  3. Nature sounds.  No bugs particularly the flying kind.
  4. Fresh air.  Not recycled AC.
  5. Quality of  life.  Improved.

There are lots of other reasons and I could go on.  I’ll just say Archadeck is the largest builder of screened porches in the nation and we design screened porches that fit your lifestyle and the architecture of your home.The 6th reason might be Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad is offering a fabulous special offer on our website.  Check it out and give us a call.  We aim to get that quality of life improved.    

Screen porch for relaxation.