Tag Archives: deck design
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Marietta GA deck by Archadeck of Greater Atlanta

This Marietta pool deck allows the family to exit to the deck from their main living area and move down to the pool area seamlessly
A beautiful backyard doesn’t happen overnight. It takes careful planning and design for everything to come together as one. Having a beautiful and functional backyard works like a carefully planned outfit for a special occasion. Let’s say you need to put together a fabulous ensemble for a black-tie event only to realize you forgot the right shoes. This is the same as putting together out your outdoor living space. Leaving a crucial element of the package off of your outdoor living design can affect the way the entire space functions. Unfortunately it happens frequently in outdoor design. A homeowner will plan everything to the smallest detail and realize during the project they overlooked a crucial element of the outdoor area they are trying to improve upon. That is exactly what happened in the case of these Marietta, GA homeowners when they were in the midst of their large backyard renovation and realized in the middle of the project their deck was in dire need of a facelift.
The homeowners knew they wanted to use composite or PVC for their expansion and re-decking. The rest of their backyard renovations included a new pool and large paver deckscape which were already underway. After carefully considering many composite and PVC choices they decided to use Gossen PVC decking. This PVC decking carries a lifetime warranty. This PVC decking is constructed from 100% solid core cellular PVC and is impervious to staining, warping, cracking, splintering, mold and mildew, as well as contraction and expansion from the heat and freezing conditions. Gossen PVC decking will not absorb water which makes it perfect for use on decks around pools and other water features. The only maintenance these homeowners will have to worry about is a simple, annual soap and water cleanup to remove dirt and grime.

Alternating the Gossen Spanish Walnut decking with metal rails and kiln dried wood posts, there is a natural interesting and textured look.
They chose the Spanish Walnut color that Gossen offers which mimics the look of exotic hardwoods with its rich multi shaded fine wood graining. The homeowners will be getting a new and improved deck that will give them the best of both worlds – a gorgeous PVC deck with the look of real wood without the headaches of painting or staining. They also won’t have to worry about years of wet feet coming into contact with their PVC deck because water will not degrade the PVC decking.
Following a careful inspection of the existing deck, Archadeck of Greater Atlanta designed and engineered a plan to expand and re-deck the existing deck without adding to the profile or the thickness of the deck’s outer band. We began the project by removing several 6×6 joists that were impeding the view from under the deck but without taking the deck’s initial design out of balance. The homeowners have a finished basement with a drywall ceiling which has an air conditioning soffit which we did not want to intrude upon so we left that part of the deck free standing.

It was a pleasure to work with the pool builders to create an entire outdoor living area for these Marietta homeowners
After all the initial existing structural and design elements were addressed we began construction on this stunning deck expansion and re-decking by coordinating our schedule with that of the pool contractor. The homeowners were impressed with our ability to deliver a great project by our coordination efforts and getting in and out in such a timely manner. In doing this we were also able to help the pool contractor wrap up their project in a timely fashion as well. Organization such as this is achieved through our careful planning and expert and quality-focused Job Process Methodology (JPM), which ensures every project Archadeck of Greater Atlanta takes on progresses smoothly and on schedule.
The homeowners chose black round metal balusters with an anodized painting process along with Gossen caprail for low maintenance materials throughout. The entire backyard ensemble is topped off by a 10 light low-voltage outdoor lighting system that enhances the deck with lights placed on the posts and stairs. The wiring was carefully done so no wires would be visible to the naked eye.

As you can see here, it's important to pay careful attention to where the stairs "empty out". You don't want to impede the flow of the living space by emptyping out the stairs into the side yard or an area other than the living space.
If you are interested in a new low-maintenance composite or PVC deck or looking for a backyard renovation and need to re-design your deck to compliment your anticipated outdoor oasis, contact us. Archadeck of Greater Atlanta will plan, design and build your outdoor living space that will make your whole backyard ensemble come together. (770) 377 – 2900
greateratlanta@archadeck.net
To see how beautifully a composite or PVC deck would fit into your outdoor living area, visit our composite and vinyl deck gallery located on our website.
A deck in Marietta, GA that makes you fall in love over and over again
When you think of all the things that make you feel like a true American, you think of things like apple pie, the fourth of July, the image of friends and family gathered around your deck with the all American scents of hot dogs and hamburgers wafting from the grill. Would that image be as potent or those patriotic feelings as strong without the ultimate American backyard structure in the starring role? There is no structure that exhibits the American lifestyle better than the backyard deck.
These Marietta, GA homeowners wanted a re-vamped deck to enhance their already beautiful backyard. They knew they wanted to re-deck (or re-do everything but the sub-structure) their existing deck with a material that was low maintenance, versatile and would stand the test of time. But they still wanted the look of real wood. With so many composite and PVC decking choices on the market, we showed the homeowner a sample of Trex Transcends. This particular composite was not the look they were after. After careful consideration the homeowners decided to go with Gossen – a national PVC decking board which is the only one on the market that carries a lifetime warranty. Gossen’s line of high quality PVC decking suited their tastes best because the homeowner really liked the colors and the fact that Gossen looked authentic.
Going into the initial project Archadeck of Greater Atlanta carefully inspected the existing deck to make certain it was structurally sound enough to re-deck. When considering re-decking, especially when using composites, the condition of the joists is very important because composites are thinner than wood. Standard joist width is usually between 16″ and 23″. In order to re-deck with composites, the joists need to be adjusted to 12″. With this particular deck, we had to assist in bringing the joists up to par. The homeowners also had an existing dry under-deck system that we had to be very careful of while installing the new deck.

Notice the authentic wood grain of the re-decking material and how it plays off this beautiful Marietta, GA backyard
The completed re-decking measures a beautiful 500 square feet. The railings used compliment the rich colors of the PVC harmoniously. Archadeck of Greater Atlanta also finished out the stone patio which lies under the deck and is adjacent to these Marietta, GA homeowners’ wonderful koi pond. The finished patio creates a place of solace, beauty and solitude with the sound of the water from the koi pond close by.
These Marietta, GA homeowners love their new deck, and continue to love it more every day. I guess you can say they now have a deck that makes them fall in love over and over again. If you are ready to fall in love with your deck again contact Archadeck of Greater Atlanta to discuss re-decking your existing deck, or a new deck. (770) 377 – 2900
greateratlanta@archadeck.net
To see more decks and re-decking transformations visit our deck gallery on our website. For composite and PVC decking inspiration visit our composite and PVC decking gallery also located on our website.
A new deck and screened porch and double pergola in Sandy Springs, GA

This stunning new deck and double pergolas is just one facet in the amazing design of these Sandy Springs, GA combination of outdoor structures.
These homeowners in Sandy Springs, GA are loving their new deck and screened porch combination outdoor structure and the twin cedar pergolas are like icing on the cake. These structures were built with keeping the view in mind, so these homeowners can take in all the beauty that mother nature has laid out before them within their beautifully landscaped yard. The surrounding trees add to the effect as you journey into the backyard via the newly constructed stairway.
This outdoor structure design was created for these Sandy Springs, GA homeowners, one of which is a doctor. The couple had an existing deck and screened porch which they inherited with the home. The dilemma that was facing the homeowners is that the previous builder had placed the detached porch on the opposite side of the deck and it sat squarely in front of the home’s bay window and blocked the beautiful view. Our goal was to come up with a design that would not only restore the homeowners lovely view, but would also require little maintenance because the homeowners were looking for a solution that was as low maintenance as you can get. We came up with a design that incorporates all they were wishing for and a whole lot more.
The first obstacle we cleared was to demolish the detached porch and deck and restored their view. We then put the new screened porch on the left side of the new deck which made it possible to see the entire backyard but still keep the privacy which was important in the new design because the residence is just a short distance from a busy private school that brings in traffic and onlookers.

Zen design incorporates nature and open spaces through these pergolas by Archadeck of Greater Atlanta.
Removing the old porch and deck and redesigning the entire area opened up a world of outdoor living possibilities for the homeowners. The new deck is 300 square feet and the new screened porch is 250 square feet. We also re-built the stairs and added a pair of cedar pergolas placed in an inviting zen design within the new deck. The homeowners chose the beautiful and super low maintenance AZEK PVC decking for the porch flooring, rail cap and the new stairs. The AZEK color they chose is called Sedona and harmonizes
perfectly with the wood used throughout the structure. On the interior ceiling of the screened porch we used vinyl beadboard which is also low maintenance, and we topped it off with a charming metal roof. On the columns used in the structure we chose to use laminated columns because they offer a nicer finished look than that of wooden posts. The screened porch was constructed with the added benefit of having PGT industries Eze breeze four-track windows as well. This enables the homeowners to convert the structure into a 3 or 4 season room on demand. The octagonal lines used in the deck create a Zen effect when paired with the appeal of the twin cedar pergolas and also offer further privacy. Built-in bench seating is another part of the deck’s charm as well. These elements used together invite you to linger a while longer on the new deck.
No element of the new structures’ details were left behind during this amazing transformation. Archadeck of Greater Atlanta was able to give these Sandy Springs, GA homeowners a design that offers lots of light but also shelters them from the hustle and bustle nearby. All the while, it still gives the homeowners the feeling of being the only ones around and having a private outdoor oasis all their own. This deck, screened porch and pergola combination is proof positive that designing the right structure that encompasses all the homeowner’s desires can create the feeling of being in a world all your own.
If you are ready to create an outdoor oasis of your own contact Archadeck of Greater Atlanta to discuss your design options and we can begin creating an outdoor structure, or compilation of structures that work together to shelter you in quality, style and beauty. (770) 377 – 2900
greateratlanta@archadeck.net
See more stunning screened porch, deck and perfect pergola designs by visiting our galleries.
This detached patio and new deck by Archadeck of Greater Atlanta was the answer to a unique roofline for these Woodstock, GA homeowners

This view shows all the breathtaking beauty abound in this detached covered patio by Archadeck of Greater Atlanta
One of the most rewarding aspects of our job is being able to come up with unique solutions to a myriad of design challenges we face with matching the right outdoor structure with the homeowners. Many times the homeowners have an image, or an ideal that they have their heart set on building and the homeowners’ existing homes structural details won’t allow for the outdoor structure to be built in a certain spot, or with a certain roof, elevation, etc. When this happens we quickly go to work designing a structure that will not only meet the homeowners expectations, but exceed them. These homeowners in Woodstock, GA are a good example of coming up with a unique solution to overcome the obstacles at hand with adding a covered porch to their existing home.
When these Woodstock, GA homeowners initially came to us they had a small existing deck attached to the rear of their home and wanted to add a covered porch for shade and to add aesthetic appeal to the deck. The area where they had anticipated the structure to be located had a very unique roofline which made adding the structure onto that particular area impossible because the roof for the new covered porch would have to be added to the area, and the home’s roof design was not conducive for this. The homeowners’ master bedroom is located inside the peak gable of the home, so the structure would had to have been placed inside the gable of the covered porch. So Archadeck of Greater Atlanta set out to design a structure that looked natural to the home and as well as stunning.
We called Archadeck headquarters in Richmond, VA, who then suggested we make the covered porch a freestanding structure built far enough away from the house that the roof lines would not interfere with the master bedroom but also, that the homeowners would still have a great view of the backyard and adjoining golf course. The end result is a stunning stand-alone covered porch that not only met these Woodstock, GA homeowners expectations, but exceeded them by delivering an outdoor living structure that was more than they could’ve ever imagined. The master bedroom view and traffic flow was not conflicted and the completed structure actually appears larger than they initially imagined because all four sides are open, as opposed to three that would have been opened had the structure been attached to the home itself. Having four sides open gives the structure an airy, oasis feel. Neighbors say that from the golf course the structure looks as if it is attached to the home and also looks as though it was built with the home.
Let’s not forget about the deck. The existing deck was originally finished with pine decking, which gave the homeowners a great deal of trouble, therefore they were concerned about the longevity and maintenance of the decking material used to re-deck the area but still wanted real wood. Archadeck of Greater Atlanta used KDAT which is kiln dried wood which enhanced the entire outcome of the project. We also installed a high-end looking lattice skirt around the bottom of the structure to enhance the area even more. We were also able to allocate a great deal of space for storage underneath the deck. To engage the kitchen door to the home and get some structure from the house we built a trellis to compliment the kitchen door as well as the roof structure. Here is a video detailing the beauty and the wonderful design of the structure…
These Woodstock, GA homeowners now get to have their cake and eat it too, so to speak, with a gorgeous and functional detached covered porch that turned out to encompass more than they ever imagined a covered porch could provide.
Imagine the possibilities we could create in your backyard. Contact Archadeck of Greater Atlanta to design and build the outdoor structure of your dreams. Call us at (770) 377 – 2900 or email us at greateratlanta@archadeck.net
An Atlanta deck, porch, patio and pergola all in one outdoor oasis
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It’s not often that we encounter homeowners with such a passion for gardening and beautifying their landscape as these Dunwoody homeowners. They are completely passionate about gardening, landscaping and all the treasures of the beauty found in nature. When you enjoy gardening to this degree, the ultimate enjoyment does not come from sitting on the sidelines and “watching” their garden grow.The ultimate enjoyment is in creating a space that allows them to be at one with nature and their back yard.
When they originally came to us they were looking for a way to integrate their gardens and landscape into their lives as much as possible. So, we set our sights on designing an outdoor living area that would enable them to become one with nature, a place where they could witness every new bloom, all the sights, textures and aromas of nature up close and personal. In essence these homeowners wanted to work together with us to give them an outdoor structure that offered a front row seat to their yard.
The couple’s home is a beautiful older ranch style bungalow. Their existing deck was old and weary and really wasn’t conducive to integrating the landscape and garden in the way they wished. Our goal was to create an outdoor space that would include both shaded and non-shaded space to interact with the landscape around it. The ideal was to dovetail the structure into their existing landscape to make the yard more accessible and to complement the beauty the yard held within it.
Archadeck of Greater Atlanta was able to design a deck and screened porch combination structure that would provide both the shaded and non-shaded areas the homeowners desired. We were also able to carry elements of the garden itself onto the deck by adding a large corner pergola and trellis. This grand design also includes a paver patio, and paver pathway that leads up a custom fire pit with a seating wall surround. The combination of all the structures and the gorgeous landscape flows and harmonizes together perfectly.
We also drew off another element of the landscape by building the new deck around a tree which added a natural look to the deck. Part of the deck is a screened porch, which sits in the middle, with the remaining deck creating a grand entrance into the yard. We constructed the deck out of 2×6 pressure treated wood, with standard pressure treated rails used along with metal balusters. The hardscapes which surround the screened porch and deck are all constructed in elegant venetian pavestone.
The end project left these avid gardeners breathless, and in fact they are so pleased that they are looking forward to having us design an area for the front of their home as well. We were able to convey the homeowners’ passion through the structures and create usable space to enjoy their favorite pastime. The project is a masterpiece of design, textures and beauty all wrapped into one.
If you are looking for a way to incorporate your garden and landscape into the every day functionality of an outdoor structure, or a design that entails multiple structures for multiple areas to enjoy nature, contact Archadeck of Greater Atlanta to make it happen. (770) 377 – 2900
greateratlanta@archadeck.net
To see more beautiful ways to incorporate outdoor living at your home visit out galleries at http://greater-atlanta.archadeck.com/pickYourProject/OutdoorLiving.html
Archadeck of Greater Atlanta creates a stunning backyard for these Roswell, GA homeowners with multiple outdoor rooms that work as one

This picture shows the beauty that can be achieved through the use of Belgard's Dublin pavers, like the ones we are using on this design in Roswell, GA.
Part of the joy of creating unforgettable outdoor spaces for homeowners is not only in the joy of building the structure but in being able to provide the homeowners and their family a space to create lasting memories. We are currently building multiple new decks and a paver patio for these homeowners in Roswell, GA. When we initially met with them they conveyed to us that they have 2 young children and they really wanted to be able to spend special “quality time” outside with them. Their current backyard was not conducive to spend time with the children in because the existing deck was too small and was the wrong size. The decks dimensions weren’t able to deliver the lifestyle and function that they needed for their family. The deck was really non-usable, for even the dining table they had dominated the small misshapen space. After meeting with the clients we came up with a design that aimed to change all that, and will soon be a place to create cherished memories and watch their children flourish with the opportunity to spend more time outdoors.
Since the goal is to provide these Roswell, GA homeowners with a larger more functional deck space and extend the area beyond the deck to a finished paver patio, we are using a mixture of stone and pavers on the downstairs and creating a storage space underneath one of the decks. To create even more usable space we are also finishing out the underneath of the other deck to create a living space that will interact with the patio which is on the main level. All these spaces fit together like a puzzle to create a large space, by way of multiple spaces that interact with the back yard. Once completed, the backyard will become an oasis for fun and family time.

This photo shows the versatility of pavers, from stacked columns to custom benches, let your imagination flow.
The home has a daylight basement, and the homeowners want to be able to walk out from the basement and have a ready, usable space at their fingertips. This entire design flows effortlessly so that one structure plays from another. The homeowners will have a dining area on the upper level deck, an outdoor kitchen underneath the deck and a higher end deck that will be located above the main access door to the daylight basement which will have lights in the ceiling, fans, as well as a kitchenette counter top area with a paver bottom. The lower deck has storage that looks like part of the backyard that will house lawn equipment and has an access door. The homeowner did not want a garage door, but did want the space to have garage functionality.
The decks are being constructed with kiln dried wood that has been paraffin enhanced to promote longevity as well as beauty. They are to be supported with stackstone columns, which will add elegance and style to the structures. The patio is being finished with a combination of beautiful Belgard hardscapes, which will include their stunning Dublin line of cobblestone.
We are very excited about the anticipated completion of this backyard transformation in Roswell, GA. Rest assured we will follow-up as soon as the job is completed. Archadeck of Greater Atlanta looks forward to the smiles and memories this backyard is sure to hold for these homeowners. Creating a better lifestyle for our customers is what it is all about.
If you are ready to create an unforgettable space to spend family time, entertain or just relax, contact Archadeck of Greater Atlanta today to learn more.(770) 377 – 2900
greateratlanta@archadeck.net
Deck Design is more of a science than an art
I am really excited to be able to design my own custom deck with the CAD software called softplan that I purchased for my business. Six months ago if you asked me for the design of my dream deck, I would have run to grab my sketchbook filled with drawings including all the details of my vision and finished sketches that even included the outdoor furniture I envisioned on my deck.
Now that I understand the business, I understand that deck design cannot be fully undertaken with only pencil and paper.































