Hard to get to this nice pool

The owner of this Columbia City home had cut into his hill side a few years ago and installed an above ground swimming pool with the intent of putting a deck around it someday.

The owner decided they were ready to go forward with it, however, over the years the earth on the hill had continued to move and was threatening the integrity of the DIY block retaining wall.  There was also a wood retaining wall by the house that was starting to fail, so one of the first things we wanted to consider was a stabilization of the hillside through the construction of proper concrete retaining walls.

Retaining wall and initial pool deck work

The owner had given a good deal of thought about how they wanted to use their new outdoor living space, so our job was to present design alternatives that would accomplish those objectives.  They picked one design that matched what they really had in mind and then we modified it a few times, until we had it just the way we all wanted it.

vertical board skirting with 3 storage access doors

Although it was getting late in the season, we felt confident we could complete before the bad weather set in, so we started in late October.  As luck would have it, we encountered what would turn out to be the 2nd rainiest November in recorded history.  Thus, an anticipated 3 week job, stretched to almost 6 weeks, and we ended up doing more damage to the lawn than we would have ever anticipated.

But in between the rains we forged on, and the results were worth the effort.

stairs from lower level to entertainment deck

We created a multi level deck that accomplished all the owners wanted from it and it is a visually exciting addition to the home and the site.  There is an ultimate play area around the pool, protected by a double gate when not in use, connected by wide stairs to an entertainment deck, complete with pergola for relief from the afternoon sun, and transition to a deck which allows for functional access to the garage.

Now the pool can be accessed and enjoyed

Additionally there was no good way to get from the lower level of the house to the pool or the top of the hill, but now there are stairs connecting both the lower and upper levels to the entertainment deck and then to the other outdoor activities.  Finally, we took advantage of the areas under the deck by providing access doors to store pool toys and patio furniture, and to service the pool mechanicals.

The results were stunning and the owner is very pleased with the result.  He has gotten

A great place for a party!

many positive comments from family and friends and is looking forward to next spring.

A great project that took advantage of a nice hill side setting to create an area where both the adults, kids and grandkids can enjoy countless summers.

Contact us to find out how we can help with your outdoor living space.  Call us at 260/969-8663, or email neindiana@archadeck.net, or http://fort-wayne.archadeck.com/.

Baron Biedenweg of Archadeck of Northeastern Indiana

An old wood deck in need of replacement

The well built, old wood deck had served this house for over 20 years, however it was starting to weaken and the wood no longer held a finish, requiring more and more maintenance.  Their goal was to reduce the size of the deck, improve the view from the family room windows and provide a contained area for their small dog. The use of low maintenance materials was also on their wish list if the budget allowed for it. We presented concepts that incorporated a smaller deck surface, with low maintenance decking and rail, adjacent to a new patio.

New Azek deck with Azek rail and gates

After talking about the advantages of a interlocking paver patio versus stamped concrete, the cost differences, and the site issues, they decided that because the soil was usually very wet and subject to movement, pavers would be the best alternative.

Belgard paver patio- Dublin Cobble

Working through the design alternatives they eventually settled on one that reduced the footprint of the old deck on one side and increased the footprint on the other with the paver patio.  A double gate was incorporated so that the family pet could enjoy the outside, and yet be constrained. The wider opening facilitates moving furniture from deck to patio. We removed the old deck and then put the patio in so that everything would work together.  The pavers the owners selected were Belgard, Dublin Cobble, in the Harvest Blend color.  This choice worked nicely with the gray/brown house color.  Someday, they may want to create a larger patio surface and incorporate a gas fire pit, so we made sure that the current design would allow for that and we extended the gas line so that an easy connection could be made, if and when the time came.  The gas line to the grill area was also extended so that the grill could be fueled by natural gas, rather than propane. We then started construction on the deck, with all new posts and footings.  Because we were using composite decking (Azek PVC-Harvest Collection- Slate Gray), we placed the joists at 12″ on center and utilized hidden fasteners.

AZEK decking, rail and double gate

The railing was also composite (Azek-Premier-Slate Gray).  The new Azek gate system which provides for a gate that matches well and is very robust, without the need for bracing and cross ties, was utilized A running change during construction replaced the railing surrounding the window well with a fiberglass grating. This provided the necessary safety feature without compromising the view from the family room window. The tradeoff meant slightly less light reaching the basement windows, but also less accumulation of leaves and debris. The homeowners were very pleased with the results and said “we don’t know why we didn’t do this sooner, it’s so elegant.  We love being able see our back yard from the family room window.  What a difference.” As is evident by the first snow on the ground, this job was started late in the season, but it turned out well and the homeowners will be able to dream about using it this spring, and enjoy the view all winter. Combining traditional deck design with a hardscape is a great look, and adds another dimension to outdoor living enjoyment.

Baron Biedenweg - Archadeck of Fort Wayne and NE Indiana

For a free consultation, call us at 260/969-8663, or email neindiana@archadeck.net, or visit our website fort-wayne.archadeck.com

Custom patio and gas fire pit in Aboite township by Archadeck of Fort n which also included a deck expansion and revitalization.

The owners of this Aboite Township home had a tired deck that was in need of an upgrade. The railings were failing, the layout did not flow well, the lattice was requiring constant maintenance, and there was a lawn space in between the entertainment deck and the spa deck that was in need of something better and far fresher.

This image shows the concept Archadeck of Fort Wayne came up with after careful design and deliberation.

We worked through several possible solutions with the homeowners and they decided to expand the existing deck slightly, replace railing, add a stair, relocate a stair, and to replace the lattice skirt. Additionally, a ground level patio, natural gas fire pit and improved lighting were incorporated to expand and enhance their outdoor living space.

Before we broke ground to start this project in Aboite township

We utilized AZEK Premier composite railing to minimize future maintenance requirements. We also replaced the lattice skirting with Permalatt PVC lattice for the same reason. LED lighting was incorporated into the rail posts, the stair risers and the patio seating to improve night-time safety and to add ambiance.

This photo was taken during retaining wall and patio construction in Aboite township.

The patio was constructed from Belgard Dublin Cobble, with a short retaining wall, which also doubles as a bench seat surrounding a natural gas fire pit. We also constructed a bench seat with back opposite the retaining wall for an accent, as well as additional seating.

The results were outstanding and when the deck is refinished in the spring, the homeowners will have an outdoor retreat they can truly be proud of, with many levels and facets. They exclaimed as we were wrapping up that is was like “having a whole new back yard”.

Fire pit and patio by Archadeck of Fort Wayne

With the warranties that Archadeck, Belgard and AZEK provide, they can be assured that their outdoor experience will be a good one, for a long time to come.

To learn more about improving the way your backyard looks and functions, contact Archadeck of Fort Wayne today, to create an outdoor oasis all your own.

Baron R. Biedenweg 260/969-8663 bbiedenweg@archadeck.net www.northeastern-indiana.archadeck.com

Low maintenance, structural security and stunning beauty encompass this deck upgrade in Aboite Township by Archadeck of Fort Worth

The owners of this Aboite Township, Fort Wayne home just had their decks resurfaced and renewed about a year ago. However the wood that was used did not hold a finish well and had required constant maintenance and still looked bad, and thus, they had not enjoyed the deck nearly as much as they would have like to. Additionally, the rail system had already started to fail. The deck structure itself was sound, so other than adding some reinforcements and rail posts that were better secured, we were able to salvage the structure.

Archadeck of Fort Wayne, TimberTech and Azek make a winning combination for these Aboite Township homeowners.

As the homeowner did not want a repeat to this maintenance problem and wanted a deep color with black accenting that was low maintenance, we proposed replacing the wood deck with TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions in the rich “Pacific Walnut” color  and the rails with Azek Premier railing in Black. Additionally the proposal included replacing the existing 110V  rope lighting with 12V LED post, riser and accent lights. The only thing the homeowners liked about their current deck were the 3/4″ square aluminum rail balusters, so we included their reuse in the new project.

Beauty, safety and functionality are abound in this deck by Archadeck of Fort Wayne

The job ran smoothly, except for a couple of rainy days, and the final results were stunning. The homeowners were very pleased and complimented our efforts. They will look forward to many more years of low maintenance entertaining and enjoyment, while knowing that their decks are safer and more stable than they were, after our involvement.

TimerTech as well as AZEK are great products, backed by great warranties- Archadeck brings the design and construction. Combined, they make for a great combination and value for the homeowner. Contact Archadeck of Fort Wayne and  NE Indiana and see what we can do for you. (260) 969 – 8663
neindiana@archadeck.net

Baron Biedenweg - Archadeck of Fort Wayne and NE Indiana

We worked on several different layouts and reviewed material choices to arrive at a deck design that satisfied the needs and wants of the homeowner.  They wanted the tub recessed into the deck so that it would not obstruct the view of the golf course from the windows, they wanted a place for the grill, they wanted room to move around the perimeter of the tub and they wanted a bench to be able to sit and dry off.

We worked with MasterSpa to coordinate the delivery and to accommodate their requirements for a successful installation.

The first part of the construction was a spa support deck. When filled with water, this deck will need to support 10,000 pounds. Thus the structure was designed for 110 pounds per square foot.

We then built the main deck structure around the spa. Pressure treated wood was the deck material choice and Westbury Riviera C33 Rail complimented the look they were trying to achieve.

Since we were extending the deck, we suggested that we extend the exterior faucet piping to the edge of the deck and the homeowners appreciated that suggestion.

No skirting was specified as there is a need for access to the tub, and while not shown, large ornamental grasses were cut back to facilitate construction, and they will grow back next spring to cover the underside of the new deck.

This is a very nice project that the homeowners are very happy with.

Call us to discuss building a new deck, porch, sunroom or patio for your home. Or visit our Archadeck of Fort Wayne website.

A perfect spot to enjoy the lake views for these homeowners in Northeastern Indiana

The owners of this new Northeastern Indiana lake house wanted to complete the deck area outside of the patio door they had installed. As you can tell by the house that they had built, they have discriminating taste and wanted their deck to be just right.

This photo shows one of the design renderings prepared for these homeowners

Northeast Indian home before the deck was added

We developed several 3D renderings and concepts of different decks and paver patios until they found the one that would fit all their needs and wants.
The result is a deck that will allow them to sit and watch the lake from the deck as well as have a place for the grill, with the safety, comfort, convenience and style that they desired.

This deck addition by Archadeck of Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana shows that the difference is in the details

The deck was constructed on a framing system that featured 12″ on center joists, supported by 6×6 posts that were footers below frost line. AZEK harvest collection in “Brownstone” was the homeowners choice for the decking and AZEK white premier railing. The handrail and post caps were finished in the “brownstone” color as well. The skirting is AZEK trim boards in white.

The owners are very pleased with their new deck, as well as their experience with Archadeck of Northeast Indiana.

Contact Archadeck of Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana to find out more about how much enjoyment adding a deck to your home can bring you. We can plan, design and build a deck to fit any lifestyle. Call us at (260) 969 – 8663 or you may email us at neindiana@archadeck.net

You can also see photos of some of our other beautiful decks at http://fort-wayne.archadeck.com/pickYourProject/Decks.html

Re-decking breathed new life into this deck by Archadeck of Fort Wayne which overlooks the golf course

The owners of this golf course community house had a problem, the deck that was built with the house had composite decking that was sagging in-between the joists and the grill occupied so much of the deck space that they felt the deck was too small. The cedar rail required almost annual maintenance and the deck developed “spots” every year. However, the house and deck were only 7 years old, and it would seem to be wasteful to tear the deck down and start over.

We proposed the following solution:

1) Remove the old composite decking and discard it. It was a “big box store” type of inexpensive composite that was subject to the “get what you pay for” syndrome.

2) Add additional joists so that the joist spacing would be 12″ on center or less. This is recommended for most composites when the decking is laid diagonal to the joists.

3) Eliminate the landing at the top of the stairs and make that area on the same level as the main deck.

4) Make the deck 2.5′ larger at the landing to provide space for the grill to set, out of the main deck.

5) Replace the decking with AZEK cellular PVC decking. The homeowners chose the “Morado” color in the AZEK Arbor Collection, lending a natural wood grain effect to the deck.

6) Replace the rail with AZEK Premier railing, in the “Clay” color to compliment their house.

7) Utilize “Deckorators” 3/4″ round aluminum rail balusters to maximize the view of the golf course. The homeowners chose the “clay” color for these as well, also to compliment the house.

8) Add LED lighting to the stair treads and posts to enhance safety and night time enjoyment.

This 3-D design rendering was prepared for the homeowners to demonstrate the concepts and colors in unison for the re-decking

We developed 3-D renderings which demonstrated the concepts and colors, so that the owners could confirm their decisions. The result was a beautiful project that seems so much larger, but yet on a nearly identical footprint as the old deck. These homeowners put a lot of thought into the material and color choices, and it was well worth their effort.

The re-decking allows unobstructed views of the golf course and compliments the homes color palette as well

This AZEK deck and rail, along with the proper support structure Archadeck of Fort Wayne provided, should last a long time and will require only minimal maintenance to keep it looking like new.

If you are considering a re-deck, deck update or new deck contact Archadeck of Fort Wayne to learn more. (260) 969 – 8663
neindiana@archadeck.net

To see more stunning photos of re-deckings and new decks by Archadeck of Fort Wayne visit our photo galleries at  http://fort-wayne.archadeck.com/pickYourProject/Decks.html

Notice the bump-out area for the grill.

Notice the bump-out area for the grill. It’s often difficult to decide where to put the grill on the deck and often they take up quite a bit of space that you’d rather be using for tables and chairs. A bump-out is a great solution that you can ask for when you use a custom deck builder.

Much attention is paid to ease of access to the back yard and traffic patterns

Notice the double stairs on this deck. After many years of building decks, we know the importance of thinking about traffic patterns to your yard and on your deck. With this large deck, the double stairs made the most sense.

It looks like the new deck has the family's dog's seal of approval

What a great place for an afternoon nap and from where to guard the family’s back yard.

Attention to details...

As we mentioned in our earlier blog post, we often think of things the homeowner might not think of. Notice how we’ve brought the water and electrical out to the far end of this deck. That way no long hoses or long extension cords are needed to bring water and electrical out to the grassy area of the back yard.

More attention to details

Belgard Hardscape walkway by Archadeck

Enhance the curb appeal of your home with a front yard makeover. Your first thought may be to freshen the landscaping or to paint the front door, but consider the path to the destination.

Cracked, heaving broken concrete walkways are unsightly and potentially hazardous not to mention boring.

Patio and fireplace using Belgard hardscapes

Let your home put it’s best foot forward with a new paver walkway and porch steps. Create visual interest with a gentle curve. Highlight a flower bed with a low wall or border. Feature a front yard terrace and then tie it all together by edging the driveway with ribbons of pavers.

Belgard Hardscape walkway by Archadeck

Hardscape elements can transform the first impression your home makes from ho-hum to wow! Give us a call to learn how to turn up the wow factor at your residence

Baron Biedenweg - Archadeck of Fort Wayne and NE Indiana

This week I am previewing an upcoming job. I will be tearing out an existing deck and replacing it with a new multi-level pressure treated deck with built-in benches. We are excited about this new deck, as are the homeowners. We will soon be starting the new deck for the customers to enjoy this Spring with the mild weather afoot. Photos of the completed job will be posted. In the meantime, I want to tell you a little about it.

Bench addition to pressure-treated 30-yr-old wooden deck. Archadeck can add to your old deck or replace an old deck as well as building a new deck.

The existing deck is about 15 years old. The homeowners feel the deck is too small. They want room for grilling and entertaining and room for additional outdoor furnishings. We anticipate making the deck about five feet wider and providing a bump-out area for the grill to fit comfortably. The second level of the deck  will step down to make room for a table. Beautiful built-in benches for additional seating area and to serve as a railing for the biggest drop in elevation will be added.Traffic flow into the back yard will be improved by adding steps down from both decks. We are also going to extend water and electrical connections for these homeowners for easier access.

Design rendering composed for project

We will be constructing the new deck from pressure treated wood. If well maintained this type of decking can last 25-30 years. Pressure treated decks should be treated about every two years depending on site exposure conditions. A simple test to see if it is time to treat it is to spray water on the deck itself and note whether the water beads on the surface or absorbs, if the water is absorbed then it is time to treat your deck. Always use a good UV-inhibiting stain on your pressure treated deck. You can do this yourself or hire a professional. A professional always sands the area and apply two coats on the initial treatment.

This replacement job is just a taste of what we have upcoming this season. If you are looking to re-deck or build a new deck we would enjoy meeting with you to discuss your options. At Archadeck of Fort Wayne we put customer service and quality at the forefront.

(260) 969 – 8663
neindiana@archadeck.net

Fort Wayne Pressure-treated wood decks photo gallery