Is your Atlanta deck safe?
There are many factors that contribute to deck safety including the construction, materials, age, and other factors. At Archadeck of Atlanta, we build to a 50% higher standard than is required. We build quality in. More »
Read about the outdoor living addition for these Brookhaven homeowners
Sometimes a yard with a significant elevation change presents an interesting opportunity to use those elevation changes for a better outdoor living space. More »
A detached patio in Woodstock
Archadeck creates custom design solutions for each client. Find out why an attached patio would not work with this home and how we integrated a detached patio into their new deck. More »
A new outdoor living area as a tribute to his Dad
When this Atlanta-area homeowner decided to build an outdoor area after recently suffering the passing of his father, his vision included making the space more than just a deck but a true outdoor living area as a tribute to his Dads love of the outdoors. More »
Multi-level deck in Roswell GA utilizes beautiful kiln dried paraffin wax enhanced wood
This multi-level deck in Roswell, GA is built for beauty and longevity.
This Multi-level wood deck in Roswell, GA is built from Kiln dried paraffin wax enhanced wood. This decking board is a southern yellow pine that has been kiln dried to bring out the wood grain and prevents warping and shrinkage. It’s also resistant to rot, termites and fungus.
Wood and metal harmonize perfectly together adding character and rustic charm to this deck.
We used the natural wood for a natural rustic feel. We designed the different levels to create different living areas. Multi-level decks or decks with an attached patio are very popular. For example, this allows one area for eating and another for seating and relaxing. Adding a spacious multi-level deck is like adding more than one room to your house.
You’ll notice the creative board direction with the diagonal board placement leading to a center parting board. We always add creative architectural and artistic features to our designs. This is one of the benefits of working with Archadeck of Greater Atlanta.
Another deck design material that’s very popular right now is black metal railing. The metal rails have the slimmest profile of any rail so they allow the maximum visibility into the yard. With this wooded view, that was especially important to these homeowners. Additionally, metal rails are very low maintenance. They do not need to be painted, stained or sealed the way wood rails need to be maintained. The metal rail and balusters harmonize perfectly next to the wood. The aesthetics it provides make it the perfect pairing of materials.
Contact Archadeck of Greater Atlanta today to learn about our wide array of deck designs including multi-level, and the use of mixed mediums to add contrast and character to your backyard.
Call for a free consultation: (770) 377 – 2900
greateratlanta@archadeck.net
An open porch in Cumming, GA that is full of southern charm
This "rocking Chair open porch" just got more relaxed with an upgrade to vinyl railings from wood
Archadeck of Greater Atlanta recently upgraded the wooden railings that surrounded the open porch with vinyl railings. This home is located on a Cumming, GA., horse farm . The main concern for the homeowners was the upkeep and continuous maintenance of the existing wood railings. We were able to halt the revolving door of constant painting and upkeep by installing all new vinyl rail to the entire perimeter.
Vinyl offers minimal maintenance and is easy on the eye.
These homeowners are now sitting pretty with a new rail to this open porch that exudes plenty of southern charm. The upgrade will allow these Cumming homeowners to enjoy the view from their porch while watching their horses without having to worry about the railing.
By choosing to upgrade to vinyl railings, these homeowners have more time to enjoy their porch instead of painting it!
If you are concerned about the structural safety of your weathered or aging porch, we can perform a porch safety inspection for you.
Contact Archadeck of Greater Atlanta to learn more about ways we can upgrade your existing outdoor structure such as a porch, patio or even a deck with quality low maintenance materials. We are also the Atlanta areas premier outdoor living structure experts, we can design and build whatever you have in mind to fit your lifestyle as well as your budget. (770) 377 – 2900greateratlanta@archadeck.net
Archadeck of Greater Atlanta Jeff Mullins and Sol Elisha
See more stunning porches by visiting our porches gallery located on our website.
A custom outdoor fireplace for Woodstock, GA homeowners that has it all.
Our outdoor fireplace designs are as unique and individual as you are.
No one wants to settle for less than what they want or deserve. This includes the ideal image of what your anticipated outdoor structure will look like, and also how it will function. This custom designed and built outdoor fireplace and patio surround in Woodstock is a fine specimen of what entails a totally custom solution to your outdoor endeavor.
This outdoor fireplace is full of custom features such as the eyebrow and key hearth opening and custom mantel
When these Woodstock homeowners approached us they had been in search of a patio builder that could deliver a quality built outdoor structure that complimented their home and landscape, provided functionality and beauty. Together, with the input of the homeowner, we were able to come up with a magnificent well-rounded design of a custom outdoor fireplace built from superior Belgard stack stone, as well as a custom paver patio surround that flanks the fireplace. The entire structure has custom characteristics, from the unique shape of the fireplace to the custom mantel. The use of the patio surround creates the feel of an “outdoor living room” and invites you to cozy up around the fire in much the same way a comfy, relaxed family room on the interior of the home does.
This image shows the beautiful shading an details evident through the use of stack stone
When you make the decision to use Archadeck of Greater Atlanta to design and construct any facet of their outdoor oasis, you can rest assured the silver lining comes with owning a quality built, well planned, structurally above average, and above all truly custom outdoor living structure.
Archadeck of Greater Atlanta Jeff Mullins and Sol Elisha
To learn more about all of our custom outdoor structures, including outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and patio designs contact Archadeck of Greater Atlanta today. Call us at (770) 377 – 2900 or email us at greateratlanta@archadeck.net
To see more stunning patio designs please visit our patio and hardscapes gallery located on our website. Check out our outdoor fireplace and fire pit designs, by visiting our outdoor fireplace and fire pit gallery also located on our website.
Atlanta area patios sure have changed
Atlanta hardscape pillar, retaining wall, patio and climbing stairs
Often times the thought of a paver patio brings to mind the paver patios of old with uneven surfaces and grass sprouting out of it. We might get visions of pooled water and chipped paver blocks because they were sticking up. Today’s patios are completely different. Different materials are used. The range of available materials is dizzying. Different construction is used. Today’s paver patio is stronger than a concrete driveway. A typical concrete driveway to can withstand 3,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure. Our paver patios are build to withstand at least 7,000 PSI. There are two reasons why we employ such high building standards for our patios. First, we adhere to ICPI specifications for interlocking pavement. But secondly, our standards are higher because Archadeck maintains its own standards which always exceed the local codes.
On top of construction differences, patio designs ideas and possibilities have exploded. Today pavers are just one of the materials available for patios. We are using a variety of natural stones including flagstone. Paver patios offer design flexibility and also growth flexibility. Patios can be expanded and individual areas within the patio can be replaced. For many design ideas, please view our patios and hardscape photo gallery on our Archadeck of Atlanta website.
Archadeck of Greater Atlanta Jeff Mullins and Sol Elisha
For a completely free consultation, give us a ring at (770) 377 – 2900 or send us an email at greateratlanta@archadeck.net.
Dog friendly deck gates prove that man’s best friend can also benefit from outdoor living enjoyment
These Atlanta homeowners chose to install a dog gate to gain more control over their pets surroundings.
Dogs by nature are companion animals. Throughout history dogs have been touted as “man’s best friend”. Dogs play a crucial role in our lives, and are considered to be part of the family unit. At Archadeck, we are seeing a trend with our owners asking for customized dog gates for their outdoor living areas such as decks, porches and patios. The dog gate serves a dual purpose for Fido and dog owners.
Custom dog gate at top of 2nd story deck
Dog deck gates can give you and your dog all the benefits of enjoying the outdoors, while having complete control over their surroundings. Let’s say for example your family and the neighbors family are enjoying a day by your backyard pool. The only dilemma is that the dog keeps jumping in the pool. In an effort to appease your guests, and to make everyone happy you opt to enclose your dog inside the house for the afternoon. This means that Fido will miss the exercise, fresh air and camaraderie of being part of the family. With a custom installed dog deck gate, you can opt to keep Fido in the backyard but away from the pool deck area, or keep him in close proximity to the action within the deck. The choice is yours.
This deck features a sliding gate perfect for the family, and the family dog.
Dog gates offer safety, security and the convenience of having the freedom to spend more time with your pampered pooch. Our dog gates can be custom built alongside your deck’s railing system, so they offer functionality as well as aesthetic appeal. Not only do the gates offer a safe haven for your dog to take in the wonder of the great outdoors, many of our gates have become a choice for homeowners with small children as well. The gates can keep your toddler from straying away from the security of the backyard deck while you are busy cooking those hot dogs on the grill. This feature offers homeowners peace of mind, and more family-time for outdoor living enjoyment. It’s a win, win situation.
Archadeck of Greater Atlanta can custom design a dog-friendly deck gate best suited for your needs and individual taste. Contact us today to learn more about our innovative and functional outdoor living designs. (770) 377 – 2900
greateratlanta@archadeck.net
Archadeck of Greater Atlanta Jeff Mullins and Sol Elisha
Poorly built sunroom ready to fall off house in Marietta GA
Last week we were called by Marietta homeowners because their front porch was sinking in the middle. While we were there, we also went around back to look at their sunroom which they were thinking about replacing in the near future. We were astonished to find it was nearly ready to fall off the house! It was built on jacks which were wobbly and near collapse.
What was worse is that several other contractors had come out to the property to bid on the new porch and sunroom and none of the other contractors realized that the sunroom was about to fall off the house.
We were not particularly surprised to find these issues because we find poorly built structures all the time in this area – especially in older homes.
One of the biggest reasons we find structures poorly built by other contractors is because most GA builders are not licensed. In addition, Georgia is one of two states that still require only a 40lbs PSF live load. At Archadeck of Greater Atlanta, we build everything to a 60 lb PSF live load. We wrote about this last week. Click here to read more about shoddy building requirements and unlicensed builders in Atlanta and throughout the state of GA.
What is live load and why is it important? Live load is any variable, movable load (weight) to which a structure may be subjected, including furniture, people, supplies, etc. Across the country, the standard live load is 60 lbs PSF. Because Georgia’s requirement is much lower, most Georgia contractors will only build to the minimum requirement.
Instead of just repairing the front porch, we decided we needed to repair the front porch and the sunroom at the same time. Fortunately this came in time to ensure their family and guests did not use the sunroom during the holidays.
We offer deck inspections to those considering projects for $99. Because of so many unlicensed builders and the low building requirements your deck sunroom or porch could be unstable or unsafe. Call us now – (770) 377 – 2900. Or visit our Atlanta deck builder website to learn more about Atlanta area deck inspections.
Archadeck featured in Extreme Home Makeover and HGTV’d
Archadeck offices around the country are making the news with their work featured in national television shows.
The Archadeck Extreme Home Makeover team after working 18 straight hours
Most recently Archadeck worked with Extreme Home Makeover Home Edition on rebuilding a home for a family in need building a TimberTech roof-top deck over the family’s garage complete with a custom pergola.
Archadeck was HGTVd building a Fiberon deck, pergola, fire pit , and custom benches
Earlier this year Archadeck was featured on HGTV’d building a beautiful custom zen-style deck complete with custom benches and other custom design features. This 1,000 square foot deck included a custom fire pit, a custom pergola-style shade structure, custom planters, a children’s play area, a hot tub, and a patio. The deck was built using Fiberon Horizon.
Archadeck is a symbol of quality bearing the highest standards of design, construction and craftsmanship. Archadeck of Greater Atlanta is thrilled to be part of the Archadeck system.
Archadeck of Greater Atlanta Jeff Mullins and Sol Elisha
For a free consultation on your next outdoor project call us at (770) 377 – 2900, send us an email at greateratlanta@archadeck.net or visit our Archadeck of Greater Atlanta website.
To see more photos of our work, click on one of the links below:
Atlanta patio and hardscape photo gallery
Is your Atlanta area deck safe for family and friends? Would you pay $99 to find out?
Archadeck decks are built to a 60 lb live load - that's 50% stronger than the requirement. This Sandy Springs GA. deck with double pergolas built by Archadeck of Greater Atlanta offers beauty and safety
Decks can collapse if they’re built the wrong way by the wrong builder. You may remember the deck crash in Marietta last year. At least five people were injured by the deck pulling away from the wall, falling backwards toward the home, and then landing atop them.
Our decks are so structurally sound you can have the whole neighborhood on your deck with not a care in the world.
Is your deck safe?. Unfortunately, you may be right to worry. Georgia is one of only two states left that require only a 40 lb PSF live load. In other states, the requirement is a 60 lb PSF live load. And to add insult to injury, most builders are not GA licensed builders. Some that are licensed don’t have the means to evaluate what live load levels they’re building to which means they are going by what city inspectors will allow them to build as their gauge.
All of our outdoor structures are constructed of the highest quality materials and expert workmanship which exceeds standard building codes in the area.
How can you find out if your deck is safe? The answer is simple.
Have a certified professional come evaluate your deck. Archadeck of Greater Atlanta provides comprehensive deck inspections for only $99. If you build with us then we will put the $99 toward your project. Our safety standards are superior to other builders in our area because we have engineering tables and have to make sure our decks are certified at 60lb live load, which is 50% higher than the requirement. Our decks last longer since there’s no movement because they’re built so well. Our quality standards ensure your enjoyment as well as your peace of mind. The bottom line is if you wants your deck to last twice as long, look twice as good and be able to confidently get twice the number of people using it at once, use Archadeck of Greater Atlanta.
Don't trust your safety to just any builder- contact Archadeck of Greater Atlanta
Archadeck of Greater Atlanta Jeff Mullins and Sol Elisha
To learn more about our beautiful quality-built decks then contact Archadeck of Greater Atlanta to schedule a comprehensive deck inspection at your home. You will be glad you did. Call us at (770) 377 – 2900 or email us at greateratlanta@archadeck.net
See more photos of our other stunning deck designs by visiting our decks photo galleries located on our website.
A new multi-level Buckhead deck by Archadeck of Greater Atlanta
Buckhead Atlanta cedar deck by Archadeck of Atlanta
When our clients in Buckhead called us, we knew they had a beautiful Monte Hewitt home with an small, very elevated deck they wished to make larger. The existing deck was 16′ above grade and was only 10′ out. It was really too small to allow for a relaxed eating area or for relaxed congregating. In addition, the elevated deck had no access to the back yard and the very high posts made an eyesore for those in the backyard.
There was access to the back yard from the master bedroom as you see in the right side of this picture but again, there was no area to sit, relax, enjoy morning coffee and the great Atlanta outdoors.
Architectural plan drawing for our new deck in Buckhead
Their goal was to expand and replace the upper level deck, to create a deck off the mid level deck and to seamlessly connect the two spaces into one outdoor living area. The new upper deck will remain at the 16 ft elevation and the mid level deck is designed to hide the look of the high posts and make the deck beautiful from all angles. A well designed deck should look beautiful from inside the house, while enjoying the deck area, and from the back yard.
Multi-level deck in the Buckhead area of Atlanta GA
The family will now have easy access to the back yard and a nice level to watch the kids play. Another trend that’s very big now is to have multi-level or multi-area outdoor living “environments” built. Often one area is for eating and another is for congregating. This provides a spacious area for your outdoor furniture, a nice amount of walking space or traffic space and allows for multiple groups or people to do different things in the space. Just as the rooms in your home allow for relaxing in one room, eating in another, and multimedia in yet another, a multi-area deck can be like adding a vacation hideaway or outdoor oasis to your home.
Monte Hewitt deck in Buckhead Atlanta GA with custom deck by Archadeck of Greater Atlanta
To complement the beautifully wooded back yard, we are using cedar for the deck and Fortress railing. Fortress railing is a premier metal railing that is also very popular right now. Metal railing allows for a tremendous amount of visibility into the back yard as compared to the traditional wood pickets which significantly reduce visibility. Metal railings are also very low maintenance. In addition we implement an Aurora deck lighting system for maximum enjoyment from the day into the evening.
While building, we met up with Monte Hewitt along with his daughter and wife who loved the deck and railing.
Archadeck of Greater Atlanta Jeff Mullins and Sol Elisha
The project is almost complete and we will post pictures of it very soon. If you are considering building a deck, screen porch, sunroom, pergola covered porch or other outdoor structure, give us a call for a free consultation at (770) 377 – 2900
or email us at greateratlanta@archadeck.net.
You can see more pictures of our work on our Archadeck of Greater Atlanta website.
- View our Atlanta wood decks photo gallery
- View our Greater Atlanta Patios and hardscapes picture gallery
- Or view our Atlanta covered porches photo gallery
It’s a long way to Brookhaven for these Atlanta deck builders
Historic Brookhaven is a wonderful place to call home. The allure of Brookhaven is steeped in history with many of it’s homes originally designed by a number of renowned architects during the pre-war period.
This 1880's Brookhaven home gets a new deck
Archadeck of Greater Atlanta is currently in the process of building a new deck for these homeowners. The deck will span an impressive 1400 sq. feet upon completion. The homeowners selected Gossen PVC decking. In addition to Gossen being a beautiful decking board, it is the only PVC line that carries a lifetime guarantee. The completed project will include an inset spa, charming cedar pergola, and a gable roof barbecue porch (covered patio) with nice railing to compliment the earthy wood grains used throughout the structure.
Sometimes in the design process, the selection of higher end materials forces some additional budget decisions. When we initially met with the homeowners we anticipated a 1500-1600 sq. foot deck design. Through the process of design and choosing materials, the homeowners decided they wanted to have a low maintenance deck. That is why they made the decision to invest in Gossen 100% PVC decking. They scaled back the original size to about 1200 Sq. foot deck and now they see some other opportunities within their yard.
It's a long way to Brookhaven for these Atlanta deck builders
We found out early into the project that we would have a challenge in terms of delivering material. In order to get the materials to the home in a timely manner we had to go down the neighbors’ drive and then cross a circa 1800’s bridge with the materials in tow. Getting the material to it’s proper location on this project is proving many hands working together can make light work. Archadeck of Greater Atlanta believes in teamwork and having expert project managers which is important because every job is different from the design to what’s involved in delivering materials and up until the final nail is placed.
This is the circa 1800's bridge that served as the route for making sure the material arrived safely to the project
When the homeowners purchased their Brookhaven home about 8 years ago,it came with an above ground pool with a wood surround deck. At the time the existing yard wasn’t very useful for much more. So they demolished the pool and existing deck themselves in anticipation of the project we are currently working on. Along with the stunning Gossen Spanish Walnut deck, they are adding a spa deck outside the master bedroom which will contain a luscious Hot Springs spa tub. The area will also include a pergola over about a 10×20 area. The pergola has been engineered to have a larger header so they can use pure posts and have a unique fan shaped pergola. The pergola will also include custom made Gossen benches. The homeowners plan to finish the project out with Fortress black round metal balusters which will aid in beauty and will leave ample space to visually see out through to the back yard.
Take a virtual tour of the finished project below.
Archadeck of Greater Atlanta Jeff Mullins and Sol Elisha
Archadeck of Greater Atlanta , as well as these Brookhaven homeowners are looking forward to completion of this magnificent outdoor space. Stay tuned for finish photos coming soon. This already gorgeous and refined home will soon have a backyard to brag about, and a new outdoor living area to aid in creating their own history. Contact Archadeck of Greater Atlanta to learn about creating an outdoor oasis of your own by calling (770) 377 – 2900 or email us at greateratlanta@archadeck.net
To see images of more low maintenance Atlanta area decks, visit our composite and PVC decks gallery located on our website.
From the yard below, you can see the elevated portion of this deck along with the hot tub deck over to the right of the photo
This deck utilizes a Gossen Spanish Walnut composite PVC low maintenance decking board
From this view, you can see the custom benches, the corner fan pergola and the custom benches under the pergola
A view of the covered porch from the back yard
These owners can enjoy the scents wafting from the Big Green Egg as they sit in their vivid red Adirondack chairs
It's really important that the deck look as beautiful from the back yard as it does looking out toward the back yard.
Call us for a free consultation on your deck. (770) 377 – 2900 Wee look forward to talking to you.