I can relate to Aging in Place. My parents moved a few years ago and needed to take their age into consideration. Will they want stairs in the house in a few years? Do you need more lights in certain areas? Are wider hallways necessary? They thought about it all. But aging in place design goes beyond the inside of the home. There are features that can be considered to make your outdoor living spaces more convenient as you age.

Stairs are necessary evils sometimes, but certain design features can make them easier on your knees or can provide more support. They can be built wider both length and width wise with a smaller height change. It may result in more stairs, but less pain. Additionally, easy-to-grip railings are a good way to make sure you can keep your balance as you age. My grandparents even had brackets attached to the side of their doorways to help pull themselves up into the house if they needed.

For those people that can’t use stairs at all, ramps are a good option, but they don’t have to be the normal wooden ramps that you so often see. You can have them designed so they flow seamlessly into your space. For instance, instead of the wood skeleton, stone walls may line the edges.

At Archadeck, creating designs that work for you and your family now and in the future is important. How you’ll use the space in 5, 10, 20 years is an important thing to consider when you are investing a significant amount of money so make sure you tell your contractor your future plans.

If you have questions about aging in place design, please contact your local Archadeck Outdoor Living office.

I couldn’t agree more with this notion. Friends of mine bought a home with a large back yard last year. They bought it in large part due to the yard’s size. They saw the potential, but when they bought it, there wasn’t much to the outdoor space. They would host get-togethers where some drinks and food would be outside, but their guests were always indoors. The reason? Besides the food there wasn’t an inviting space outdoors that you would want to sit down and relax in, just grass and dirt. Gradually, our friends have updated their outdoor living space with a large patio off the back of the house that’s perfect for al fresco dining and a fire pit further in the yard. Now when they have people over, their guests are on the patio, out towards the fire pit and everywhere in between. No one is ever inside.

At Archadeck Outdoor Living, we view decks, porches, patios and other projects as more than just structures. They are outdoor living spaces that increase your home’s useable space. When designing a space, “homeowners need to look at the function” of their outdoor living space, says Leonard. Is it a dining area, living area or just a place for you to curl up and read a book? Whatever the function, the size, structure and layout of the space has to mirror its primary use. If completed well, you will want to spend time in it.

A few years ago I visited one of Archadeck of Central Virginia’s clients. They had this beautiful porch off the back of the house which led down to a nice deck. The size of the porch was perfect. Just big enough for an outdoor couch, chairs and space to move around. Sheer curtains were added to the backside of the porch for added privacy as well. Their goal in building the space was to have a homey area outside where they could host friends and family. Trust me, if I was visiting that home, I would want to sit on that porch. And while sitting there, I could take in the beauty of the property (this particular homeowner had quite the garden).

If you are researching the best way to enhance your outdoor living space, take a look at the Archadeck Design Guide. It will ask you all the important questions for you to consider while you are in the planning and designing phase.

Ron, Eric, Steve, and Neal celebrating 50th birthdays

July 14th, 2012 was my 50th birthday (yesterday)! I have been writing this blog for over 3 years and shared insights on everything from outdoor fireplaces, to composite decks, to patio’s, etc…

For my 50th birthday, my wife and I decided to celebrate in our backyard and utilize our beautiful outdoor living space that Archadeck of Charlotte designed and built for us. We invited some very close friends and I got a surprise the night before as 3 of my childhood friends from Akron, Ohio flew in to celebrate with us. During the party, my sister arrived and surprised me as she drove down from Canton, Ohio. The get together made me realize how fortunate I am to have such great friends and family. To see more outdoor living photo’s from Archadeck, go to www.charlotte.archadeck.com

The homeowners originally called David to take down their existing deck and build a new screened porch in its place. While there, they talked about possibly adding a patio in a year or two when they were ready. Knowing the future plan, Archadeck of Chicagoland built the screened porch in 2011. They constructed it out of pressure treated pine that was finished to complement the home’s siding and trim.

Inside the screened porch, two skylights were installed to let more sunlight in as well as a ceiling fan for those hot days. The ceiling itself has wood finish with exposed beams for a more rustic look.

After enjoying their screened porch for a year, the homeowners were ready to add the patio they had initially talked to David about. The low to grade patio was constructed using Belgard Mega Arbel product that has a stone appearance with slight variations in color. For added visual interest, Archadeck Outdoor Living finished the spaces with curved edges instead of the normal straight lines.

Because the addition was planned at the start of the original build, the combination of the screened porch and the patio work extremely well together. Check out these photos of the final product:

This screened porch in Lake in the Hills, IL was constructed of pressure treated pine that was finished to match the existing colors of the home

The ceiling of the screened porch has exposed beams, skylights and ceiling fan

Belgard Mega Abel was used for the patio outside the screened porch. Its color variations and curved edges creates a beautiful space to spend time outdoors.

The screened porch and patio combination is the perfect place to host friends and family

Are you simply building a grill station with no other appliances? Will you have a refrigerator? Will you add a sink? Will you add a warming drawer or side burners?

Archadeck of Charlotte designed and built this stone outdoor kitchen

If you are only going to have a grill in your outdoor kitchen, you will want it close to your back door for ease of transporting items back and forth. On the other hand, if you are going to have a refrigerator and sink, the need to go back and forth diminishes. In terms of surfaces to place them on, you can just as easily build them on your deck or patio with ease depending on how it is structured. We do recommend keeping the grill away from the house wall (particularly if there is siding). The best place to put the outdoor kitchen, take a look at the photo gallery at www.charlotte.archadeck.com

Earlier this week, a family was having party on their deck in Littleton, CO when the structure broke away from the home at about 9:30pm. Those people who were on the deck at the time of the failure where dropped more than 10 feet to ground level. Luckily for everyone, no one was too seriously injured, but four people were sent to the hospital with bruises and broken bones (they were later released).

This probably wasn’t the holiday party the homeowners had hoped for. Upon looking at the structure, it became apparent that the deck was not up to current building code, resulting in the deck failure. As we discussed during Deck Safety month in May, when a deck is attached to the side of the home, it is strategically bolted to the structure of the home using what is called a ledger board. Instead of bolts, this deck in Littleton was attached using nails.

Nails are inadequate when it comes to providing the safety a deck connection needs. According to Structure Tech Home Inspections, nailed connections are probably the most common cause of deck collapses because they can easily pull out of ledger boards when significant pressure is placed on it.

The ledger board of a deck can usually be seen when accessing the deck from below. If you take a look at your deck from below and only see nails on the board (as opposed to bolts), make sure to call your local deck builder or contractor. Depending on the size of the structure and access to the ledger board, this can be easily fixed.

If you have a deck that you think needs to be replaced or have questions about overall deck safety, please call your local Archadeck Outdoor Living office.

Archadeck of Charlotte stone patio and landscape design

Unlike wood structures, patios do not need painting or sealing (although some choose to seal to avoid stains). If you have a level area in which you choose to add a patio, the total cost is often less than a wood structure. Finally, patios can be cut to any shape and size with relative ease! To see a complete patio photo gallery, go to http://www.Charlotte.Archadeck.com

That being said, many of the home repair needs require special skills and often we as consumers do not possess them. So, how do you find a good handyman in Charlotte, NC? Here are some tips to help you feel safe and confident:

1. Get a minimum of 5 references from previous clients

2. Call your local Better Business Bureau

3. Do a thorough on-line search of any activities and check out their web site

4. Go to their place of business (even if it’s their home!)

Value Remodelers and Handyman Services is an Archadeck of Charlotte company and located right in Charlotte and serves a 40 mile radius. They have a showroom and an unblemished reputation. For more information, go to www.valueremodelers.com or www.charlotte.archadeck.com

This concrete patio in Austin TX was stained different colors to add texture and definition to the space.

Working with Archadeck Outdoor Living I’ve learned a lot about stamped concrete patios and its uses and why it’s a great option for a lot of homeowners. The possibilities, like with so many other outdoor living options, are endless when it comes to concrete patios, driveways, walkways and more.

Stamping concrete became popular in the 1970s as a budget friendly option for homeowners to expand their outdoor living spaces. Since then, the options for colors and finishes have expanded exponentially while it still remains a cost effective finish for many properties.

This stamped concrete patio in Fort Worth is made to look like stone.

Paver patios, although beautiful, can be expensive. For homeowners that want the beauty without the price, concrete is a viable alternative. Concrete, like I mentioned in the title, is the chameleon of the patio world as it can take on the look of other materials including flagstone, slate, tile, brick and even wood. So how do patio builders achieve the final look? They do it through coloring and stamping the concrete.

When I think of concrete, my mind goes to the bland grey color, a far cry from the look of tile or brick. A base color, in the form of color hardener powder, is added to the concrete to dye it the right color. Concrete takes color well and can be as vibrant as the client wants. Accent colors are then added to produce the texture. It can come in both powder and liquid forms.

The stamp itself is the key to transforming the concrete into another material when looking at it. Most stamps are made of polyurethane and pushed into the top of the concrete shortly after it’s poured and before it dries. Once dried, the concrete can be stained for more color or accents or sealed to help hold up against the elements.

Stamped concrete has been used both indoors and out for years. If you are interested in learning more about stamped concrete, contact your local Archadeck Outdoor Living office.

It’s not often a remodeling company is written up as a business success. Read the enclosed link above and then click on the web site for more information about both Archadeck of Charlotte and Value Remodelers & Handyman Services.  www.charlotte.archadeck.com or www.valueremodelers.com

To make sure that our host wasn’t doing all the work, all of our friends brought food to snack on or throw on the grill. The problem was there wasn’t a convenient place to put it all. There is a small table outdoors that could fit some of the food, but everything else was balanced on the railing of the deck, resulting in some close calls for the burgers.

Whether it’s the lawn, bathroom or furniture, the host of this party is constantly updating his house. During the party we talked about his plans for the future and he mentioned that he’s interested in adding an outdoor kitchen to make it easier in the spring and summer months when he grills out four or five times a week.

Outdoor Kitchens have become more popular in the last few years as people have looked to upgrade their outdoor living spaces. They provide the perfect place to prepare food for friends and family when the weather is nice and can be as multi-purpose as you’d like. While many outdoor kitchens have some counter space and a grill, refrigerators, sinks and ice makers are becoming more popular for added convenience. If having a place for your friends to sit and chat with you as you cook is important, an eat-in bar can be added as well.

One benefit of including an outdoor kitchen in your space is that you can easily incorporate it into your already existing outdoor living structure, whatever it may be. The size, shape and finish can be completely customized to your outdoor space so that it fits in seamlessly. At Archadeck Outdoor Living, we have designed and built outdoor kitchens that include tile, granite, brick, stone and more. Check out these outdoor kitchens:

This L-shaped outdoor kitchen includes a built-in grill, burner and seating to provide a lovely place to prepare food for friends and family. It’s finished with stone and tile for a clean look.

The brick base of this L-shaped outdoor kitchen complements the brick finish of the home perfectly. It has granite countertops for easy clean up and a built-in grill and warmer.

Who wouldn’t enjoy an outdoor kitchen like this? This a classic galley style kitchen. Since it is under a porch providing some protection from the elements, a TV is mounted to the back wall for the viewers pleasure. It has a gas grill, sink and dishwasher so you don’t have to carry the platters, dishes and utensils back and forth. Instead, what’s meant for outdoor dining can stay outdoors.

Lastly, this is a custom-shaped outdoor kitchen with everything that a chef may need. Not only does it have, a grill, sink, burner and dishwasher, it also has a wood burning pizza kitchen for that perfect pizza. Yum!

With outdoor kitchens like this, I’m not sure I would need an indoor kitchen (just kidding). If you are interested in learning how an outdoor kitchen could be added to your space outside, please contact your local Archadeck location.

Archadeck is curious how our blog readership feels about a water feature that would be a hybrid between a hot tub and a pond? We are in the midst of designing a natural water spring that would be in ground and be built to hold perhaps up to 6 people with a smooth stone bottom that you would not be able to see down to as it will appear to be a natural hot spring. There will be therapuetic jets and heated of course.

We are trying to hit a price point just above an upscale hot tub but well below a pool. We feel this will serve an aging market between 50 – 70 years of age that wants to enjoy their friends and each other without the cost our maintenance of a full scale pool. What are your thoughts?

Whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom or living room, any remodeling project can cost you money and hassle. Deck and outdoor living remodels, however, tend to be less expensive than those projects that take place in your home, and according to Hanley-Woods, offers more than 60% payback when it comes time to sell your home. And since they take place outside your daily life isn’t uprooted as much as with some other projects.

In recent years, we at Archadeck Outdoor Living have seen that more homeowners are investing in their outdoor living spaces instead of looking to purchase a new home. Some of the projects have been large decks, patios, porches, sunrooms, screened rooms or a combination, but it doesn’t have to be a big project. Instead of a complete replacement of what you have, an outdoor remodel can be updating what you already have. For instance, a home may have a good sized deck that is structurally sound, but may need a bit of freshening up. A thorough cleaning and fresh coat of paint can make a deck look like new. Some homeowners will also change out their railings to give their deck or porch a new appearance.

If you like the outdoor living spaces you have, but wish it were bigger, add-ons can be an option. Have you always wanted a patio off of your porch? No problem. Would you use your space more if you had an outdoor kitchen or fire pit? Great ideas! Adding on to your outdoor living spaces is a great way to increase your outdoor living space while sprucing up the look and increasing its value.

As we’ve mentioned before, outdoor living spaces are becoming more and more popular with homeowners and potential buyers. If you are interested in learning how you can increase the value of your home by remodeling the outdoors, please visit us online at Archadeck.com or call your local Archadeck Outdoor Living office.

Custom built pressure-treated wood deck and rail with Deckorator Baroque style pickets with low-voltage deck lights and a paver patio

If a consumer were to price the difference at Home Depot or Lowes, they would see the price per board would be almost triple in North Carolina and South Carolina. However, when you purchase from a professional deck builder that has significant purchasing power, you should expect to pay approximately 40% more for a brand new composite deck versus and brand new wood deck. Additional factors include that the labor rate is the same and the sub-structure is going to be wood either way. So, the only additional cost is of the deck boards themselves. Railing is an entirely different issue because people tend to mix and match rails out of wood, metal, composite, vinyl, and stone. To get additional information, go to www.charlotte.archadeck.com

Archadeck of Charlotte custom designed and built this TimberTech Earthwoods Teak Composite deck and Black Radiance Rail

Two groups of students (one in Wisconsin and one in Indiana) were taking pictures when the decks (one was a dock) collapsed. Luckily for them, no one was hurt and everyone was able to make it to prom.

Featured on the Today show (see video on Hulu here), this group of 13 Indiana students got together at one family’s home before heading to prom. As parents are taking pictures upward, the deck collapses. Looking at the video, it seems that the front part of the deck gave out by either due to a footing failure or a failure at the connection from the band/beam to the post.

This second deck failure comes from Wisconsin. Take a look here.

A joist connection failure or board failure could be the cause of this deck collapse. Joists are used to build the frame of a deck (or dock in this particular case). Here, a joist would have been located between the outside frame boards of the deck. When it failed, it could no longer support the boards holding the students.

In both of these examples, the students were lucky that no one was hurt, but that isn’t always the case. Injuries are likely to happen if someone is on an outdoor living structure when it fails. As a structure gets older, it’s important to have a professional come out and inspect its safety. They’ll make recommendations as to what needs addressed now and later so you can be confident in your deck’s safety when you are enjoying your outdoor spaces.

The most economical of course is just a plain concrete slab. The drawbacks are they will crack over time and tend to look cold and industrial. An inexpensive way to solve for the aesthetics and keep the price low is to stain the concrete and warm it up with color.

The next step up is a stamped concrete patio, this is more expensive, looks great, but will not prevent cracking of the concrete. From there you can get into a variety of pavers from a straight brick look to multi-dimensional pavers. These are quite popular today. Then you get up to your Travertine stone patio’s and various tiles, they can be used as pavers or a tile

Archadeck of Charlotte stone patio and landscape design

look. Finally, you get into flagstone patio’s, a great natural look for your backyard outdoor living space! For a complete photo gallery of patios, go to www.charlotte.archadeck.com

Archadeck of Charlotte paver patio and fire pit

Make sure this doesn’t happen to your deck, have it inspected periodically for safety and security.

In celebration of May’s National Deck Safety month, we want to discuss one of the key components to making a deck safe: the connection to the house. When designing and building a deck for a client, the deck builder has to decide whether to build a free-standing deck or a deck that’s attached to the house via a ledger board. Some homes, such a brick, stone and stucco veneer homes, cannot have attached decks due to code or other site conditions.

For those decks that are attached to the house, a ledger board (band that supports one end of the deck joists) is secured to the house band (horizontal band that’s a part of the house structure). This connection is key to the safety of deck. If it fails, the deck has the possibility of collapsing. As building codes and requirements have changed in the last few years regarding connection, it’s important to have a trained professional come out and inspect your ledger connection. Here are a few things they should be looking for or at:

Flashing – Also known as drip edge, flashing is a material that stops moisture from entering the home. Deck flashing is placed between the house band and the ledger board. An inspector would check to make sure that the flashing is still in place and intact to prevent rot and decay.

Fastener Type and Spacing – Simple nails cannot hold the weight of deck and shouldn’t be used to fasten the ledger board to the house band. ½ inch lag screws or through bolts with washers need to be place 2” from the bottom or top of the ledger and with 1’ of the end. Additionally, they need to be staggered strategically along the horizontal ledger.

Corrosion – With metal fasteners being the keep component to holding your deck together, it’s important to check that all of the pieces are in good working condition. Corrosion can occur over time weakening the system making it more susceptible to breakage or failure.

Rot – Rot is most common at the house band (especially if it isn’t properly flashed), but can also occur along the ledger board. Rot and decay, if not properly inspected and fix can lead to structural decay within your home and ledger failure, causing your deck to collapse.

If you have a deck that is over 7 years old or in questionable condition, we at Archadeck suggest having a trained deck professional come out and inspect the safety of your deck. They will be able to tell you what you need to repair now and what you will need to repair in the coming years. For more information, please visit us at Archadeck.com or contact your local Archadeck office.

When you are making a decision to hire someone to work one of your largest investments (your home), it makes more sense to get a minimum of 4 references as we find anyone can have a “good day”. The advice from the National Association of Remodelers (NARI) and other respected organizations is to properly vet contractors by talking to 3-4 references who have contracted these people and look at their work. If they cannot provide hundreds of examples of their work, do you really know for sure?

Value Remodelers and Handyman Services remodeled bathroom in Charlotte

People have to apply the same techniques they would as if they were hiring someone to work for their business when it comes to hiring remodeling contractors. To gain more information you can go to either www.valueremodelers.com or www.charlotte.archadeck.com

Make sure your deck is safe for your friends and family this summer

“Many of us have delayed home repairs and improvement until they are absolutely essential,” says Rob Haislip, vice president of Archadeck. “Even then, sometimes homeowners don’t have enough information to decide when something is optional or truly a safety hazard that could result in an injury.” That’s why Archadeck offers deck safety inspections to those looking to see if they are in need of a deck repair or replacement. Our deck safety professionals will look at all parts of the deck and make recommendations regarding its safety so you can feel comfortable spending time on your structure with friends and family. It’s important to BE SAFER, an acronym we came up with to make deck safety easy to remember:

B- Boards. Look at the condition of your deck boards. While most wood will show some minor cracks and splits over time, boards should be good and not rotting or damaged.

E- Every Connection. Decks should be built using a variety of fasteners and metal hardware connectors. Check every connection on the deck to make certain that they are not corroded or compromised. Look for nails backing out, red rust and other sings of corrosion that can weaken the integrity of the deck.

S- Structure. If visible, look at the posts, beams and joists that provide the structural framework of the deck. Is there any noticeable sagging between supports?

A- Attachment. The attachment of the deck to the house is where most deck failures occur. Ensure that the deck is properly attached to the house with bolts (no nails!) and is properly flashed for water protection.

F- Foundation/Footings: The foundation/footings support the weight, also known as the load, on a deck and the columns that bear on them. A footing that is sinking may cause a noticeable sag in an area or a column to separate from a beam.

E- Exits. Check the areas where people exit from the deck, usually stairs. Check the condition of the material used on the stair stringers, stair treads and risers. Do the stairs require a handrail? Is there adequate lighting to safely use the exits at night?

R- Rails. Look at the condition of the rail posts and sections of railing to make sure that they aren’t loose or wobbly. Verify that the pickets/balusters are fastened securely and spaced no more than four inches apart.

If you think your deck is in need of a safety inspection, please call your local Archadeck office and ask them to come and evaluate your existing structure.

In March, the Helping Hands of the Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, their not-for-profit division, received a letter from the Miller family of Boiling Springs, PA. A family member of theirs had become ill with cancer and was having difficulty getting in and out of their home as she now used a walker or wheelchair to get around. To make it easier for the woman, Helping Hands decided to have a handicap ramp built off their porch.

Archadeck of Harrisburg owner, Mike Bowser, who designs and builds decks in Harrisburg and the surrounding areas, gladly donated his and his team’s time to install a larger, handicap accessible door on the porch and build the handicap ramp. “It’s nice to give back;” says Bowser “this family was very deserving and knowing that it’s now easier for Mrs. Miller to go in and out of her home is wonderful. We are thrilled to have been a part of this build.”

Helping Hands is part of the Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg. They frequently work with the local Habitat for Humanity and Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP), “Helping hands is a great way for the builders association members to donate their services to the community,” adds Bowser.

From franchisees working on local Extreme Makeover Home Edition (like our deck builder in Columbus) to smaller projects like this handicap ramp in Harrisburg, we at the corporate office of Archadeck are so happy to see our franchisees give back to their local communities.

Here’s the full story on the Helping Hands build.

Charlotte Deck Builder (Archadeck) custom designed composite deck

Now people realize they are going to have to invest  money back into their homes in order to keep them up to date, for maintenance reasons, and for the ability to sell the home as there is so much competition.  The leading remodeling projects for return on investment are bathrooms, decks, patio’s, and kitchens. To get more ideas for your home, either go to www.charlotte.archadeck.com or www.valueremodelers.com

The patio before

The before picture to the right shows the not-so-special outdoor living space they had before. There was a small area that was covered with rocks and a stone path going through it. There was nothing special or comfortable about the space that invited you to spend additional time outdoors overlooking the beautiful foothills of Golden, Colorado. The homeowners knew they wanted the perfect outdoor space and saved for years to make it happen.

When Curtis initially visited the homeowners, they had a clear idea of what they wanted in the space: a large paver patio, stucco wall, an iron gate and some kind of fire feature. And boy did they get it. Look at these after pictures! Wow!

This paver patio in the Denver area is now a place to want to spend time in

“They deserve to have the space they always wanted,” says Crays. “And we were happy to give it to them.” The Santa Fe style space includes a 160 foot long stucco wall in Valparaiso Clay that provides a clear border to the space, creating an outdoor room. Adds Crays; “that wall is such a focal point to the space. It’s visually interesting but still defines the space and provides additional privacy.”

The patio, constructed with borgert pavers, includes neutral greys to provide an even base and sporadic red pavers that complement the vibrancy of the red stucco. And with 1,000 square feet of patio, the homeowners now have the perfect place to relax or entertain friends and family.

The finishes of an outdoor living space often “make” the space and that’s the case with both the iron gate and the fireplace of this project. The iron gate, with its intricate design, is the perfect “door” to this outdoor living room. An outdoor fireplace was a must for these homeowners and it became a standout feature of this space. Adds Crays “most outdoor fireplaces are low to the ground, but we wanted to do something different. By raising it a few feet it becomes a piece of art on the wall and the lights on either side enhance it even more.”

Although we think this paver patio in Golden, CO is absolutely stunning; in the end it’s all about how the client reacts. In this case, the homeowner had a very clear and concise reaction to the space: “This is exactly what I dreamed of…, we absolutely love it.”

Charlotte Eze Breeze Porch with Trex Transcends decking

The most common concerns are the strength of the screen and the access of a “doggy door”. There are specialty screens like “pet screen” on the market that are resistant to tearing for a modest upcharge. Many people rely on the rail, which is built on the inside of the screen to be a detractor for pets ripping the screen. Mostly, we just love our pets and want to make sure there is a nice outdoor area for them without them escaping. Screen porches are fun and functional for both humans and our pets! To see some great screen porch ideas, go to www.charlotte.archadeck.com

Off the back side of their house, Kerri and her husband have small deck that is set up perfectly for outdoor entertaining. It has a large dining table that easily fit 8 chatty ladies and the tree lined fence along the side of the yard provided privacy. It was lovely.

Outdoor rooms, as opposed to just some plastic furniture on a deck, porch or patio, have been gaining popularity in recent years. With all of the furniture and accessories that are now available from both big box stores and specialty store, it is easy to create the same homey feeling you have indoors, out. In the case of Kerri’s outdoor dining room, the table was lovely and she had placemats and accessories that were made to stand up to the natural elements.  She finished off the space with candles and flowers that made it feel like a true room.

In warmer months it’s nice to spend time outdoors and the opportunities are endless. Check out some of these outdoor rooms that were created on some Archadeck Outdoor Living Structures:

This outdoor living room looks over the backyard of this homeowners property

This Archadeck deck has both living and dining spaces to entertain outdoors

And this covered porch in Austin? With an outdoor kitchen, fireplace and TV, why would I want to go inside?