Fill ‘er up with a new deck this year. What does the price of gas have to do with your new deck?

Posted on November 5, 2011 by decksmaryland

This deck by Archadeck of Central Maryland is constructed from AZEK, a composite decking material that looks lovely against the backdrop of autumn leaves.

You can probably feel the sting in your wallet every time you visit the pump to fill up. With the ever-increasing price of gas, many aspects within our economy can be affected. Gasoline is derived from crude oil, which is a commodity, and like many other commodities when demand is on the rise, the price goes up. Everything from hand lotion, to dish washing detergents and even frozen foods are made using derivatives of crude oil in one form or another, and when the demand from crude oil rises, so do the prices we pay for these everyday items.

This composite deck with pergola by Archadeck of Maryland, is just one example of the many outdoor structures we can have ready for you by spring.

One aspect that is affected by the rising price of crude oil, is composite decking materials. One major component that goes into creating composite decking is plastic and plastic is a bi-product of refining crude oil . The plastic is costing the composite manufacturers more so the composite prices will increase. Throughout the year the trend in rising crude oil prices fluctuates and intermittent pricing of materials that are derived from crude oil will be affected, however through past price hikes we have seen a trend in crude oil prices experiencing a brisk rise during the month of December in recent years. There is always an increase in composite deck materials which occurs twice a year. The increases are generally seen in December and during the mid-summer months. This means that deciding to go ahead and build that deck or outdoor structure you have had on hold now may save you quite a bit of green in the long run. Aside from the avoidance of rising composite prices, there are many other reasons why building your outdoor structure now, rather than later can benefit you greatly.

An outdoor oasis by Archadeck of Maryland

Not only will you avoid the long lines and waiting periods that usually accompany Spring construction, your structure will actually be ready for you and your family to use and enjoy in the Spring. You can enjoy the first blooms of spring from your deck or outdoor structure instead of saying, ” I wish we already had our outdoor structure up and running”. There are also fewer winter weather delays now than in the months of January and February. The cooler weather conditions also means the crews can work longer hours because of the absence of the summer heat which can sometimes create a longer than expected building deadline to occur if weather conditions are too hot and require more hydration breaks for the workers.

GuardDeck Guardian Elite decking Maryland

GuardDeck Guardian Elite composite decking by Archadeck of Maryland

Another key aspect of choosing to build now is there is less damage caused to your turf and landscaping when materials and construction crews are upon it. Most plants and turf are dormant during the late fall and winter months which helps protect them from damage that may occur from construction, as well as cooler temperatures creating a firmer ground to work on with less risk of turf damage. Archadeck of Montgomery County also encourages homeowners to consider building now because of the savings that can be accrued by just the concrete aspect of your outdoor structure. During the cooler months concrete is being poured below the frost line which means you can use cold water concrete and this can be poured down into the lower single digit temperatures, and financially this comes out to a great deal for the homeowner.

This deck by Archadeck shows the beauty that can be yours with a composite deck.

If you are yearning and dreaming of a new deck, patio or other outdoor structure choosing to build now can mean a big difference in the savings, and in having your structure sooner than you could’ve imagined by avoiding the spring backlogs. Even choosing to wait until April or May to begin construction could put you into mid-summer having your structure completed. Right now Archadeck of Montgomery County is offering up to $2,500 off your project if you sign up before the end of 2011. Our offer gives you 10% off with a cap of $2,500, contact us for details.

Don’t wait any longer, wouldn’t the perfect outdoor structure be the perfect holiday gift for yourself and your family? Contact us today to get in on the savings, from the gas pump to your backyard. (301) 926 – 3001
centralmaryland@archadeck.net or montgomeryco@archadeck.net

For more beautiful composite and PVC deck designs, visit our composite and PVC deck photo gallery on our website.

Top 5 reasons to build your screen porch this fall

Posted on September 12, 2011 by decksmaryland

Archadeck of Maryland outdoor space with gazebo, firepit, grill area, privacy fence and much more

This outdoor space has it all, a screened gazebo, fire pit and grill area all of which can add the utmost enjoyment during the fall months.

Fall comes into our lives each year like a daydream with visions of crimson and amber leaves set adrift on a fall wind, and the pleasant feeling of acorns falling from majestic oaks that play party to scampering chipmunks and squirrels. As one of the most dramatic seasons, autumn is best enjoyed as a front row spectator. The aromas, the mild temperatures and above all the flurry of colors can serve as an inspiration to your daily life from your very own outdoor structure. Imagine curling up on your chaise lounge with your favorite throw while enjoying a cup of chai tea and witnessing the magic of the season up close and personal from your new screened porch. This scene is delicious, especially when you are flipping through a current issue of your favorite home and garden magazine and realizing the images within the pages don’t hold a candle to the beauty that is present in your very own backyard from your stunning custom outdoor structure with mother nature’s imagery as your backdrop.

This screened porch by Archadeck of Maryland offers a vantage point to watch the leaves change.

Imagine the amount of fun and family memories that can be made in the fall while making smore’s on your very own outdoor fireplace or fire pit. The cool breezes, the warm enticing glow of the fire and the warmth of your loved ones around you. Fall is the perfect season to build your outdoor structure for many reasons, we have broken these reasons into a list of the top 5 to serve as much for inspiration as for guidance.

Top 5 reasons to build your outdoor structure this fall

#1) There is still time to enjoy- There is still plenty of time to enjoy your new structure this season. The upcoming weeks still hold the promise of nice enough weather to be able to enjoy your new structure.

#2) A front row seat to fall- The leaves in some areas are just now getting their tinges of fall color, with many weeks of beauty that lie ahead. Wouldn’t you rather see the season unfold from the comfort of your outdoor structure as opposed to looking at it from a window in your home. Fall is the definitely the prettiest time of the year to build.

#3) Get in on the savings- Undoubtedly, prices on low maintenance building materials are destined to go up again in 2012. Indeed they go up at the beginning of each year. If you start your construction in the fall, you will have the edge on saving money because you will have begun before prices rise again in the upcoming new year.

#4) Avoid the rush- You can avoid the rush on building during the spring when everyone else decides to get things started. In the fall there is not a long waiting period to begin your project, and come spring you will be “sitting pretty” in your completed structure, while everyone else is still waiting to begin construction on theirs.

#5) Stop and smell the flowers- Many seasonal perennials can be damaged when the soil around them is disturbed during the extreme cold of winter or the excessive heat and humidity of summer. Uprooting or disturbing the soil and roots of plants like Rhododendrons and Azaleas which are commonly used as foundation plantings can damage the plant and leave the plant susceptible to disease, fungus and insects.

An outdoor fireplace used within a screened porch can add warmth as well as offer an intimate setting for chilly autumn nights.

Another great benefit of building your outdoor structure in the fall is being able to take advantage of all those end of-season discounts on accoutrements and accessories for your outdoor space such as outdoor furniture, grills and decorative items. Autumn is the time for deep discounts on these items and can give you the ability to stretch your dollar further than if you were purchasing these items in peak season.

If you are ready to jump into fall, and get a head start on enjoying the benefits of an outdoor structure such as a screened porch, covered porch, covered patio, deck or outdoor fireplace, contact Archadeck of Central Maryland and Archadeck of Montgomery County to learn more. (301) 926 – 3001
montgomeryco@archadeck.net
centralmaryland@archadeck.net

Silver Spring MD Cabana-style Gazebo, patio, deck and hot tub deck

Posted on August 22, 2011 by decksmaryland

View from inside the detached cabana style gazebo by Archadeck of Maryland, truly the heart of this versatile outdoor space.

We recently completed a project in Silver Spring which encompasses everything you could ever ask for in an outdoor oasis. The homeowner works for a company that takes care of high-end hotel renovations, so he already had an eye for design. Archadeck of Maryland was able to create the outdoor oasis within this Maryland homeowners imagination into a reality, and now these homeowners have a place to relax and soak in the feeling of “no place like home” upon return of a long business trip.

This outdoor space has it all, these homeowners don't have far to go for relaxation and entertaining.

These homeowners really wanted a space the whole family could enjoy but also, with two teenage boys, they also wanted the capability to have privacy and separation within the design. The homeowners said the main uses they wanted to utilize were socializing, grilling, eating and reading. We were able to create a place for each activity and also create a space that could please a crowd or serve as a place of solitude and quiet built for two. This space is versatile in its layout and design. This outdoor space brings new meaning to the phrase ” a place for everything and everything in its place”.

Another view of this stunning outdoor space by Archadeck of Maryland.

The space has a detached cabana style gazebo, a gorgeous paver patio, a grilling area, a deck that is large enough to accommodate two separate areas for dining as well as seating, a fire pit, a hot tub with deck surround and a privacy fence with a pergola-style decorative feature which adds character and uniqueness.

The detached cabana style gazebo is truly the heart of this versatile outdoor living space. The gazebo boasts a spacious 12×12 area that can be used for seating, reading and also has protection from bothersome insects and the harsh rays of the sun with the addition of having the area screened in. The detached gazebo is perfectly placed within the space for a bird’s eye view of everything going on around the outdoor space as well.

The privacy fence serves as much for visual appeal as it does for safety and seclusion.

The hot tub’s deck surround creates a safe haven to enter and exit the hot tub, and the privacy fence with pergola style decorative features will add style and pizazz to an area that serves as a necessity to keep prying eyes away, and gives these homeowners peace of mind.

The Deck is 20″ above grade and is large enough to serve as two living areas, there is ample room for seating as well as dining. The deck steps down to a beautiful curved paver patio. The curvilinear shape is really popular for patios right now, and the homeowners wanted an overall shape to the structure that offered more visual interest and aesthetic appeal than a rectilinear shaped structure. The addition of the custom fire pit within the patio creates perfect design harmony within a space that creates a perfect spot to gather to take the chill off and maybe enjoy some roasted marshmallows or s’mores by the glow of the fire.

Notice how beautifully each area and structure flows into one another.

These homeowners are excited to make use of their new “outdoor oasis” with the cold evenings of September right around the corner. This outdoor space in its entirety is everything they could have hoped for and much more.

Archadeck of Maryland can create an unforgettable space for you right in your own backyard, we can customize your outdoor oasis to suit your individual style and purpose. Contact Archadeck of Maryland to learn more (301) 926 – 3001
centralmaryland@archadeck.net

Custom pergola design choices. Form, sun, color, budget.

Posted on August 15, 2011 by decksmaryland

This composite deck is breathtaking when accented by this vinyl pergola.

Not many outdoor structures have the ability to make as much of a statement as the pergola does. Whether it is paired with a deck, a patio or used as a freestanding structure within the landscape the pergola commands attention with its beauty as well as the individuality it can express through the choices in unique designs and range of materials it can be constructed with as well as with how you may use it as a decorative piece.

This wooden pergola has stunning trellis header details, and adds style to this patio.

When the pergola is used as a secondary structure to accent a deck or patio it is not only aesthetically appealing it can serve many purposes from a standpoint of practicality. Pergolas can offer a shady retreat during a warm day. Many pergolas offer a modest amount of shade within the structure itself and can also be outfitted with an awning to provide even more protection from the sun. By increasing the number of, and spacing between the joists of the pergola you can increase the amount of shade within the structure itself. Taller joists also provide more protection when the sun is high in the sky. By adding lathing or lattice to the top of the pergola you can also provide a perfect place for many beautiful climbing perennials and annuals. Last but not least, the pergola makes a perfect spot to add a swing or bench. Ample seating within your pergola can turn this structure into a place of refuge and relaxation and will create an intimate spot to cozy up with a good book and spend the afternoon.

This corner pergola with swing serves as additional seating for this deck and creates an intimate spot to relax.

In terms of the material choices that are available for use when constructing your pergola, vinyl and wood are the most readily used. Vinyl is a bit more expensive than wood, but in terms of maintenance, the costs are well worth it. Vinyl will not weather like wood and you don’t have to worry about sealing or painting it. Right now, if you pick up any home and garden magazine you will most likely notice that a white pergola is a popular choice among homeowners. Detailed corners and decorative cuts can make your pergola a work of art. Archadeck of Maryland can use diagonal cuts to make the pergolas line’s more complex, as well as using decorative cuts on the ends such as an ogee cut. Gone are the days of a straight-laced pergola, the design choices and shapes are very creative in terms of what you can do and what you can add to your pergola. Pergolas indeed are a stunning structure, and if you plan your structure wisely it can also add a lot of value to your primary outdoor structures as well as your landscape as a whole.

Composite deck with pergola by Archadeck of Maryland

Creating an outdoor oasis with primary and secondary outdoor structures, such as a custom deck and pergola combination by Archadeck of Maryland is easy on any budget. Archadeck of Maryland is able to offer homeowners the convenience of planned phased building. What this means is that you can begin your outdoor oasis with a deck or patio, and we can add to this primary outdoor structure according to what your comfort and budget will allow at various times. For instance, you may envision a deck with an outdoor kitchen or fireplace as well as a beautiful pergola. We can make that vision a reality by building the structures in phases, we can make sure the deck is built to be fireplace or outdoor kitchen ready. This means when you are ready, your primary structure is ready as well. Archadeck of Maryland makes certain that your primary structure will support those additional phases so as to make it easier for growth.

If you are ready to make your backyard dreams come true with a deck and pergola or patio and pergola combination, contact Archadeck of Maryland to learn more about these wonderful pairings and our phased building program. (301) 926 – 3001
centralmaryland@archadeck.net

You can also visit our photo gallery to see more breathtaking deck and pergola combinations at http://central-maryland.archadeck.com/pickYourProject/PergolasAndTrellises.html

Sneak preview of this in progress transformation in Silver Spring, MD

Posted on July 11, 2011 by decksmaryland

Canyon blend pavers by Fendt, add a rustic touch to this transformation

Red is one of the most powerful of all the warm colors used in design and these homeowners in Silver Spring MD are in the midst of a wonderful transformation within their backyard by transforming their less than functional and unattractive hardscape into one that whispers relaxation along with the rustic hues of red they chose for this endeavor.

These homeowners are busy professionals and have two teen-aged sons, so they wanted the backyard to promote relaxation and fun so their family could make the most out of the time they spend together. They decided upon a screened stand-alone gazebo, a patio with a seating area which encompasses a fire pit, a deck, a hot tub with loads privacy, and an outdoor grill/kitchen area. This construction is “in progress”, but once completed will be the perfect family hot spot or a great place to spend a “stay-cation”.

Silver Spring patio deck gazebo and pergola design rendering plan

Each Archadeck of Maryland client gets a design rendering showing exactly what their project will look like. This is the plan for this Silver Spring backyard.

Archadeck of Maryland had a difficult challenge to overcome because the yard slopes as it descends into the back, and the deck inside corner portrays close proximity to the family room and kitchen, the family room is actually two steps down to the kitchen. It was tough to incorporate the deck and it’s traffic flow with these close quarters. The homeowners did not want to drop the deck down to the latter level because that would entail having three steps down. We were able to make it all fit together as you will see in the design rendering submitted for this structure.

Silver Spring deck patio gazebo in progress

Still in progress... We are finishing up the gazebo, deck and patio.

The screened, stand alone gazebo is going to be placed at a 45 degree angle with arches in between the screened panel opening for a stunning effect. The color palette chosen by these homeowners is stunning as well, with hues of brick-red, and red tones used alongside grays for a beautiful rustic feel.

These Silver Spring, MD homeowners chose a Guardian Guardeck in a brick, red-toned color. The paver color they chose is called, Canyon Blend, and it will blend in the red tones with the gray stone. The paver in made by Fendt, and is part of their Spectrum Collection. The fire pit is going to be finished with Onyx red, and the grill will be finished in Onyx natural. The fire pit is gas so we will be running a gas line to it. The homeowners had to get the meter updated to accommodate the fire pit running off the gas line from the house.

We are really excited to see the finished product for these Silver Spring, MD homeowners. Stay tuned for more pictures to come on this glorious project.

If you are thinking of a transformation in your own backyard, contact Archadeck of Maryland to find out more at (301) 926 – 3001 or email us at centralmaryland@archadeck.net and don’t forget to visit our photo galleries to see design ideas and pictures from other stunning outdoor structures.

Take a look at our Archadeck of Central Maryland website.

Maryland Custom Outdoor Builder – Decks, Porches, Patios, and More

Category Archives: Outdoor Fire Pit

Fill ‘er up with a new deck this year. What does the price of gas have to do with your new deck?

Top 5 reasons to build your screen porch this fall

Silver Spring MD Cabana-style Gazebo, patio, deck and hot tub deck

Custom pergola design choices. Form, sun, color, budget.

Sneak preview of this in progress transformation in Silver Spring, MD

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