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.

Fire pits are very popular right now and likely will be for many years to come. Here’s why. Fire pits not only add beauty and ambiance to our outdoor living areas but they are also more functional than you may realize. Here are 5 considerations if you’re thinking about adding a custom fire pit to your backyard living space.

1) Heat direction

Fire features are very popular in outdoor living environments. These can include anything from custom made fire pits to outdoor fireplaces to other outdoor fire features such as outdoor ovens. While these fire features add tremendous ambiance and are often the focal point of your custom outdoor environment, they also have the utilitarian benefit of providing heat. A fire pit radiates heat outward where a fireplace will direct the heat up through the flue. Think about the evenings you will spend outside and how many people want to convene around your outdoor fire feature. Consider whether you will want to roast marshmallows or just enjoy the vision of a roaring fire.

2) Placement

While fire pits do a great job of radiating heat out in all directions, they don’t need to be placed in the center of your outdoor living environment. Many customers decide to build the fire pit into the corner which provides more space for furniture or movement. This allows substantial space to sit in front of the fire pit while allowing more usable space for furniture and movement.

This custom fire pit is built into the corner to allow for lots of seating area

3) Heat source

When you have your fire pit built, you will want to determine if you want to run gas to the fire pit as a heat source. Many fire pits these days don’t just burn logs. You will certainly want to think about running any lines to your fire pit before you build your patio or other structure that is the base of your fire pit. In fact, some of our customers know they will be building gas features in the future since they are building their outdoor living area in stages. You will want to ask your builder to run any gas and electrical lines you may need when they build the deck, patio, porch or other room.

Montgomery County MD fire pit with built in hardscapes

4) Alternate uses

Fire pits look beautiful just by themselves but creative uses of them can make them even more beautiful. We can also equip them with gas and use glowing glass fire rock. The fire rocks come in lots of different colors, shapes and patterns. Also, in addition to having gas run to your fire pit, we can even  run water to the fire pit to use it as a water feature during the hot months of the year. We can put a drain and an exterior plug to the fire pit so you can use it as a planter during the warmer months.

Archadeck of Maryland fire pit with seating wall

5) Custom built-in features

One of the benefits of building your custom outdoor living environment is you can add built-in features that add to the beauty as well as the functionality of the space. For example, a retaining wall can be built around the side of the fire pit which can also serve as benches. Flower boxes can be added to the seats. There are limitless opportunities to add custom features to make your customer fire pit exactly what your family needs.

If you’re thinking about building an outdoor living environment at your home, give us a call to discuss ideas. Our consultation is free. Give us a ring at (301) 926 – 3001 or email us at centralmaryland@archadeck.net.

This front porch addition in Rockville, MD is a great example of the charismatic charm of a front porch

The front of your  house is such an important feature of your home. It’s an invitation. It’s a welcome. It’s a place to greet your guests and a dry to place to hug and say goodbye. But protection from elements is but a small piece of what a portico and porch can do. We explore the importance of choosing the right feature for your home’s front door. Home is where the heart is and it begins at your home’s entrance.

This stylish open front porch uses hardscapes and beautiful columns

Not so very long ago the front porch served as a refuge and a prime location for social interaction. I can remember hearing my grandparents talk about “courting” their suitors while sipping iced tea on the front porch swing. Porches over the years have taken on their own persona as not only serving as an outdoor room but there was a nice social aspect to front porches. Front porches used to be very popular, the southern Georgian home of yesteryear as seen in story books always had porches, as did the ranchers in the endearing stories of the era of the cowboy. Since the onset of air conditioning the front porch is now looked at in a different manner because people have  moved inside and left behind the lazy Sunday afternoons taking in the cool breeze on the porch. Front porches along with porticos aim to bring back that first impression charm. Deciding which structure is best for you depends on personal preference and simply what would harmonize structurally with your existing home. We are hear to give you the FYI on both structures, to make your selection effortless with no lingering regret.

Portico with decorative columns

A portico serves a functional purpose and is also aesthetically pleasing much like the front porch. It makes a dramatic difference to the look of your house and how it welcomes you and your guests. A porch serves a social purpose and provides your family with an outdoor living area, whereas a portico adds more formality to your home’s entrance. Porticos can have  decorative seating but are not intended to be used as living space. A portico is there to protect the front of the house and guests from weather and rain when entering your home. A portico can be built over an existing stoup. A Portico has a depth minimum is 5 ft  and if your existing stoup cannot facilitate a portico addition then the  stoup can be removed and expanded.

This Maryland front porch addition welcomes guest with open arms

In terms of which design would work best for you and your home, you have to first take your homes architecture into consideration. For example, square colonials can better benefit aesthetically from adding a portico to your home. Many colonial homes benefit from the addition of a colonial house arched portico addition.  Gabled porticos can also harmonize beautifully with your gabled roof ranch style home. We have a huge portfolio of portico designs to serve as inspiration when considering the addition of a portico to the front of your residence.

This front porch in Rockville, MD makes afternoons linger a bit longer, and living a little easier

A porch can do all of what a portico can plus give you valuable outdoor living space. Porches serve a social purpose and provides your family with an outdoor living area. They can also provides a covered pathway from your driveway to the front door by adding stairs to the side of the porch. Whether or not a front porch is the best choice for your individual needs depends on your homes architecture and if you are looking for function as well as form. There are certain structural criteria that need to be met in order for a front porch to work for you. On a full front porch, the roof style is a little more restrictive than with a portico. You need to use a shed or very wide hip roof to soften the design you can add an accent gable to bring the focal point to your front door. When considering using your front porch addition to accommodate seating, it must be at least 8 feet deep, any less would make the area to tight for outdoor seating or proper traffic flow.

This design and architecture of this Rockville, MD home lends itself perfectly to a front porch

When you explore the ways in which front porches and porticos can be finished, there is a wide variety of styles and materials to choose from. On front porch flooring we often use  PVC tongue and groove.  Many times running standard decking parallel to house looks less formal and it is usually better to use composite or PVC. Even though with both porches and porticos we can paint any material, often people want more of a painted look and PVC already looks that way. Front porch ceilings are most often flat and not cathedral, whereas a portico many times can facilitate a cathedral ceiling. Since front porches are often used for outdoor living space you want to make sure to have proper outdoor lighting and ceiling fans so you can enjoy the area in comfort. With both front porches and porticos it is important to select columns to match the period, style and architecture of the house in most cases the columns can have capital and base trim.

Interior view of this new Rockville, MD portico by Archadeck of Maryland

Homeowners also opt to put railings on their front porch even though many times it is not required by code. Railings give the area more of a room feel when used. Last but not least, on front porches we generally use lattice skirting to finish out the area if it is a few steps above the ground. If the elevation is only one step we will use solid board skirting. Both lattice skirting and solid board skirting gives the porch a finished look  and makes the design cohesive. Our most popular color for skirting is white because it looks more formal which fits the goal of adding curb appeal.

No matter which style of entrance you choose to welcome friends and family into your home, Archadeck of Central Maryland  and Archadeck of Montgomery County can plan, design and build a portico or front porch that will make you the envy of the neighborhood. Contact Archadeck of Central Maryland and Archadeck of Montgomery County today to learn more. (301) 926 – 3001
centralmaryland@archadeck.net or montgomeryco@archadeck.net

To see more stylish front porch additions and portico designs, visit our front porches and portico gallery located on our website.

Our 3-dimensional design rendering shows the open porch design and how it flows from the deck to the homes interior with ease

Maybe you can relate to this scenario…  You move from your existing home into a home that offers more of what you need and want out of a house. The basis  for your move may be a bigger home, a better address, a shorter commute to work or possibly all of the above. Once you get settled into your new location and it begins to feel like home you realize that the outdoor structure that you had at your previous home has been much more sorely missed than you would’ve ever imagined. Even though your interior living space exceeds your expectations, when you reminisce about the old deck and porch you left behind you find yourself humming the tune of the Michael Bolton song, ” how am I supposed to live without you”?

This image shows the Chevy Chase, MD outdoor living areas in their entirety

This is exactly what happened to these Chevy Chase, MD homeowners upon their recent move. They really enjoyed spending time outdoors and they found themselves in a most unfortunate circumstance; their wonderful new home had no outdoor living space at all. Their old home had a nice deck that they used frequently and they contacted us to get the ball rolling to design an outdoor space for them to help quench their thirst for outdoor living.

This detailed drawing shows the back elevation of the structure and how it harmonizes with the architecture of the home

We set out to design an elegant and formal looking space for them that would incorporate a roomy new deck and open porch. The couple’s existing home is a two-story with a  basement that grades up from one side to the other. Our challenge was to overcome the slope of the space as well as incorporate a large tree that the outdoor structures needed to harmonize with. Our solution was to concentrate our design on the homes rectilinear design to create a space that compliments the home, offers a comforting flow to and from the home’s interior spaces and lends itself to future projects in the back yard.

Close up design rendering showing the flow and function of this Chevy Chase, MD deck and porch by Archadeck of Maryland

We are constructing a deck which also includes a large rectangular open porch which matches the architecture of the house. The area will tie together with a hip roof on an open porch. The open porch is six plus feet above the grade of the lot so they will enjoy insect control because of the elevation. The french doors that are being installed off the home’s dining room will spill out onto the porch and will also provide access to the family room addition which was added to the home a few years ago. We are flanking either side of the doors which will serve as eating and seating areas. From one side of the open porch the homeowner will have close proximity to the interior kitchen. We also designed the deck to include the family barbecue area in close proximity to the kitchen area for ease and convenience when entertaining or dining outdoors. Since one of the homeowner’s wishes is to focus on the elegance within the outdoor space, the columns will be trimmed to blend the front exterior of the home and will make the design refined, tight and cohesive.

Design rendering prepared for Chevy Chase, MD porch and deck by Archadeck of Maryland

The stunning deck is designed to allow for future projects in the backyard as the homeowners see fit. On the deck and open porch we are using Guardian Prestige in weather wood with Shoreline railings. The entire project was carved like a diamond out of the rough for these Chevy Chase, MD homeowners. Archadeck of Central Maryland and Archadeck of Montgomery County was able to overcome the designing obstacles with ease and perfection. The homeowners are eager to enjoy their completed deck and open porch for many years to come.

Contact Archadeck of Central Maryland and Archadeck of Montgomery County to find out how to create an outdoor oasis in your own backyard. We provide quality outdoor structures that will not only add value to your home, but enrich your life as well. (301) 926 – 3001
centralmaryland@archadeck.net or montgomeryco@archadeck.net

See more deck and open porch designs by Visiting our Deck galleries and porch galleries located on our website.

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 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.

Archadeck of Central Maryland and Archadeck of Montgomery County offer homeowners peace of mind that their dreams will become a reality.

Imagine dreaming, planning and saving to build your outdoor structure. Imagine hiring what you think is a reputable builder to bring your dream patio, screened porch or deck to fruition, only to have the builder walk off the job with your structure half completed, never to return. Unfortunately, this scenario is becoming more and more common among the building industry. Now more than ever it is important for consumers to learn the true meaning of what it means when a builder is licensed and insured, which safeguards the homeowner from having this type of travesty from happening to you.

Octagonal IPE deck and custom-built screen porch in Rockville MD

I recently had a call from Bel Air, MD where a homeowner had a contractor start a deck for her over a year ago. The contractor was a reputable builder that had been in business in her market for many years. The contractor then went “belly up” as a result of the recession. The builder had references and a good reputation, and the homeowner felt the builder she had hired did good work until her deck was halfway completed and the builder went out of business. The homeowner then had no protection because the builder’s insurance did not cover guaranteeing her deck would get 100% finished. Archadeck of  Central Maryland went in and picked up the pieces and finished the homeowners deck to her complete satisfaction. Had she went with a company such as Archadeck from the beginning, this ordeal would have never happened because we are licensed and insured with Archadeck’s own National Guarantee Corporation which gives the homeowner a performance guarantee with no additional cost to homeowner. The frequency of these occurrences and  scope of the problem is being felt nationwide according to national statistics.

Mahogany deck Bethesda Maryland

According to recent data the 18 month recession which began in 2007 and formally ended in 2009 represents the longest economic downturn America has experienced since World War II. The NBEA, ( National Bureau of Economic Analysis)  has noted that the economic recovery actually began in 2009, and they also noted that as of yet the economy has not returned to normal capacity. Among the hardest hit during this economic downturn are the contractors that make their living in various trades of building. From commercial to residential  building, contractors are competing for less work and their failure rates are rising sharply. Some of the hardest hit are the “fly by night”, unlicensed and uninsured contractors. All over the country the failure rates for contractors that are not adequately licensed, permitted or insured are extremely high. The failure rate is impacting the entire genre of building as a whole. From bankruptcies and foreclosures, the wave of failure rates can be felt all the way down to the consumer, leaving unfinished structures and shattered dreams in their path.

This two-story screened porch by Archadeck of Central Maryland and Montgomery County is an example of our excellence in design, quality with guarantees to match.

This cannot happen when you choose to hire Archadeck of Central Maryland and  Archadeck of Montgomery County  to build your structure. We not only enjoy the benefit of being part of a national company that’s nearly 25 years old. But, we have an unprecedented guarantee in the business. We GUARANTEE that your project will be finished. Even if the unforeseen were to happen like  someone in the family falls ill or I get stuck in Saskatchewan and can’t get back, someone else will step in from Archadeck and finish your job. We know that things happen. We’ve seen it happen everywhere in this recession. But you can have the most peace of mind with Archadeck. We are a fully funded corporation, guaranteed – I have been the chairman of the board for two of my last six years on the board and I am still board member. Not one single customer has been left holding the bag in the six years that we’ve had the corporation.

We offer protection for homeowners that no other contractor can provide and ensures project completion. Our guarantee  also includes a two-year structural guarantee and a one year workmanship and material guarantee. This is why we call our warranties a “performance guarantee”. We also have million dollar liability protection and all of our worker’s are covered by workman’s compensation which means that if a worker gets hurt while working on your structure, you are not held liable for any injuries or medical bills that may incur from an accident or injury.

If you are ready to turn that dream of an outdoor structure into a reality in your own backyard by a builder that will stick by you through thick and thin and see that your outdoor structure comes to completion in all it’s glory, contact Archadeck of Central Maryland or Archadeck of Montgomery County today to learn more.

(301) 926 – 3001
centralmaryland@archadeck.net or montgomeryco@archadeck.net

The addition of this portico by Archadeck of Maryland gives this Rockville, MD home a new look.

In a world where first impressions mean everything, making the decision to upgrade your front entry or front porch can add tremendous curb appeal to your entire home. A front porch or portico addition can make your home appear larger and more inviting. When you look at the dynamics of design and construction, many times little things can mean a lot. Changing a small area of a home can make a tremendous impact on how the home feels, and especially in the way the home is perceived. Making changes to areas such as entrances, porches or even a upgrading your front door can improve upon your homes aesthetic  appeal and play a role in how visitors and guests feel as they enter your home.

This photo shows the new and improved front porch area perfect for these Rockville, MD homeowners to enjoy their beautifully landscaped front yard.

These Rockville, MD homeowners recently contacted us to transform their home’s front entrance to not only beautify the front entrance but to also provide them with the ability to enjoy their beautiful front yard within a “rocking chair” front porch environment. By adding the front portico to this already nice looking home, we were able to provide all this and a great deal more for these Rockville homeowners and turn the residence into a stunning structure which is alive with timeless elegance.

This is the "before" photo of this Rockville, MD home before Archadeck of Maryland added the front portico to the structure.

Their home is a circa. 1960′s traditional two-story colonial with an attached 2-car garage constructed in brick and clap siding. The front door to the home was a standard door with federal style trim. This home although classic in its design, was built during a period in architecture when entrances to homes were not considered to be a prominent feature in the home’s design. We set our sights on changing this to a front entrance that would become a focal point for the home and also encompass everything that the homeowners desired to achieve by transforming this area of their home.

Interior view of the new Rockville, MD portico by Archadeck of Maryland

Archadeck of Central Maryland and Archadeck of Montgomery County built a front porch over half of the front between the family room kick out with low maintenance tongue and groove AZEK  porch flooring which allowed for continuity of the home’s traditional style. We then add footed columns on either side of the porch which give the portico a regal and stately feel as you enter. We even added ceiling fans to make the portico easy to love even when the weather is warm. The end result is a stunning transformation that looks original to the home and gives the entire house a new look.

The homeowners couldn’t be more pleased with their new portico that looks original to this classic structure. They can now enjoy their front yard season upon season, and receive guests in style with this gracious portico.

The new portico changes the whole dynamic of this Rockville, MD homes design.

If you are looking for a way to add style and curb appeal to your home, consider updating your homes front porch or adding a portico to your existing home. Making the decision to transform this area can give your home a more updated look, and in many cases can add tremendous value to your home as well. Contact Archadeck of Central Maryland and Archadeck of Montgomery County to discuss design options for the front entrance to your home. We can give your residence the face-lift you and your beloved home deserves. (301) 926 – 3001
centralmaryland@archadeck.net and montgomeryco@archadeck.net

See more stunning transformations featuring our custom front porch and portico designs by visiting our photo galleries at http://central-maryland.archadeck.com/pickYourProject/FrontPorchesPorticos.html and http://montgomery-county.archadeck.com/pickYourProject/FrontPorchesPorticos.html

The slideshow above gives a glimpse of what our design meeting will be like. When we propose and illustrate a solution to our clients, we show them a true-to-life rendering and show it from the various important angles so the homeowners know exactly what they will be getting.

This Gaithersburg screen porch and deck combination lends plenty of room for rest and relaxation

These Gaithersburg  homeowners came to us with a full walkout basement on their 18-20 year old existing home and asked that we create a screened porch and deck combination that they can enjoy everyday. They wanted the type that would transport them back to a time when the days moved a little slower and the pressures of the everyday were non-existent. They wanted the design to provide functionality and style. We were able to give these homeowners both with a rustic screen porch that is reminiscent of the screened porches we enjoyed when we were all children. The kind of structure that takes you back to a time of fewer worries, more fun and a lot more time to relax.

This angle of the custom design rendering shows how Archadeck of Central Maryland and Archadeck of Montgomery County solved the roof height concern.

When we first began construction on this Gaithersburg screened porch, we were concerned because the roof lines were a challenge with the garage roof being one story and the existing home being a two-story roof. Wherein lies the challenge that half the roof was over the garage and half was over the home.  We love the challenge in overcoming even the most difficult challenges to find a design solution. We utilize design software to help us illustrate these challenges once we create a design solution to fit the homeowners’ needs and design challenges.  We were able to present these Gaithersburg homeowners with a professional design rendering that encompassed everything they wanted and more. This is perhaps the most fun part of the job – being able to come up with creative solutions.

The new location of the stairs adds more accessibility into the backyard.

Our solution was to re-structure the homeowners’ existing deck to support the weight of the screened porch. We then enlarged the deck to provide a barbecue area adjacent to the screened porch.We usually find that when homeowners add a screened porch to their deck area they don’t need as much of an open outdoor area as they would if they did not have the advantages of a screened porch. Homeowners end up utilizing their deck space for a barbecue or grilling area and additional seating and dining. We then relocated the stairs to provide access to the backyard. The enlarged deck was then  re-decked with TimberTech composite decking in beautiful twin plank in redwood. This color choice adds to the rustic charm of the entire structure. To complement the new deck, we used black Deckorators balusters.

This Gaithersburg screened porch is big on rustic detailing and style

The screened porch is designed with an open screened gable to provide ample light and ventilation. This open and airy design element is further carried out with the use of open, exposed rafters. The combination of the exposed rafters and the open design of this screened porch gives it a country casual, rustic feel that is really popular among screen porch owners right now. Rustic never goes out of style, they are just more detailed versions of the beloved screen porches our parents had growing up.

If you are ready to be transported back in time to a time period when you could breathe easier and time seemed to stand still, the addition of a magical outdoor structure may be the answer. Contact Archadeck of Central Maryland and Archadeck of Montgomery County to plan, design and build an unforgettable outdoor structure to make new memories within. (301) 926 – 3001
montgomeryco@archadeck.net or centralmaryland@archadeck.net

This design rendering shows what the anticipated completed Columbia, MD structure will look like.

Who doesn’t love spending time on their deck? Decks are great for entertaining, grilling out and soaking in the sun. However decks are “time sensitive”, meaning when the winds grow colder, or the autumn showers come to call you are deprived of many hours of enjoyment if a deck is your sole outdoor structure. One Columbia, MD porch builder is changing the way we look at decks by taking a portion of your deck, and in some cases the whole area, and turning it into an enclosed, insect free, rain-friendly haven screened porch or 3-season porch where you can welcome the beauty of the changing seasons without the harshness of the elements.

This image shows the Columbia, MD deck before Archadeck of Maryland began the transformation.

That’s right. If your deck’s foundation is built to support a roof, you can covert all or a portion of your deck into a screen porch, open porch or enclosed room with a minimal amount of fuss. In this story Archadeck of Montgomery County and Archadeck of Central Maryland is converting a section of this Columbia, MD homeowners deck into a screen porch. We also go a step beyond a screened porch by using a convertible enclosure system that will extend this Columbia, MD homeowners enjoyment and use time well into the colder months.

This "before" photo shows the area where Archadeck of Maryland will be extending the overhang to accommodate the screen porch.

This “in progress” transformation in Columbia, MD is proof positive that a screen porch doesn’t just need to be a screen porch.  This particular deck is located under the 2nd story overhang. We are expanding the overhang to accommodate the new living space and we will also be installing an accordion style folding screen door that will completely open up the area. In another portion we are going to be using an Artistic Enclosures system with sliding windows that also open completely. The homeowner wanted the enclosure to have the capability of being removable and also sliding. This is accomplished using the ScreenPlus contemporary system we are using to define the new space.

This area will encompass the new Columbia, MD screened / enclosed porch.

Once completed this Columbia, MD home will have the capability for enjoyment for 3 if not 4 seasons. The combination of outdoor structures will also be conducive to entertaining on a grander scale with areas for conversation, dining or whatever these homeowners  have in mind.

This "before" photo shows the side of the Columbia, MD home prior to Archadeck of Maryland starting construction.

You may ask ” is my deck able to be transformed in the same manner”? And, the answer lies within your deck’s structure itself. Archadeck of Central Maryland and Archadeck of Montgomery County discusses the idea of converting your deck into a screen porch, or enclosed porch and gives valuable insight and technical  advice on doing this at your home.

Design rendering showing view from the side upon completion of Columbia, MD structure.

Can I Convert?

You may be able to convert with minimal effort, but in many cases the foundation will have to reinforced. In a screen porch scenario for example, you must have the capability to support the perimeter because that is where all the snow loading and roof load areas come into play. In this situation we will need to add footings at the perimeters where the walls attach. If your original deck was a permitted project to begin with, then there is a  possibility that you won’t need additional foundation reinforcement. A licensed, custom builder will be able to address any foundation concerns before you begin your conversion.  If you are building onto a deck that has decking boards that have gaps, then we install screen under the structure to keep insects out and may install skirting around it as well. When building a porch from the ground up and making it convertible, you will probably want to choose a flooring which contains no gaps. You also want to choose a material that ensures your boards won’t succumb to cupping, this is important when considering a lower grade material. Ventilation is also important when choosing your flooring material.

This alternate view shows the completed structure in all its glory.

As you can tell, many consideration go into turning your deck, or a portion thereof, into a screen porch, covered porch or enclosed porch. A strong firm foundation is the important factor when deciding to transform your deck. Archadeck of Central Maryland and Archadeck of Montgomery County  can make sure your structure is strong from the ground up and can turn your deck into an all season place of refuge and enjoyment. Contact us today to learn more about deck to porch conversions and deck and porch combination outdoor structures. You can call us at (301) 926 – 3001 or send us an email at montgomeryco@archadeck.net or centralmaryland@archadeck.net

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

This screened porch by Archadeck of Central Maryland and Montgomery County boasts two levels of beauty and quality.

When making the decision to build an outdoor structure, or outdoor room there are many things to take into considerations. Making the right decisions early on in the process cannot only ensure your outdoor structure compliments your home and landscape, but it can also improve your lifestyle and add value to your property. And above all, it can impact your state of mind.

Archadeck of Central Maryland and Archadeck of Montgomery County pride ourselves in planning, designing and building outdoor structures that really make a difference in how you live. One such structure that is sure to add beauty and enjoyment to your life is a porch. Porches can be covered or uncovered; attached to your home, patio or deck; or even detached in a prime location within your landscape. We have compiled a list of the top ten considerations to think of in the planning stage when building the porch of your dreams.

This screened porch by Archadeck of Central Maryland and Montgomery County utilizes a fireplace for function and aesthetic appeal.

Top 10 considerations to consider when building a porch:

1) What function would you be performing in your porch? This by far is the first and foremost question to take into consideration as it dictates where the porch itself should be located, whether it will be detached or attached and what amenities it will need to include. Usually porches serve as either an extended outdoor family room, or an outdoor dining area, or a combination of both. If it will serve as an outdoor dining space, the porch’s proximity to your home’s kitchen is very important. If you are going to use the porch to function as an outdoor family room, then the proximity to the kitchen is not a big issue. You also need to consider how you want to utilize your space once the seasons change. If you want to make use of your space within the cooler months of the year you may consider building a convertible Artistic Enclosures porch, which uses wall systems to enhance your space from season to season, or Eze breeze by PGT , which uses a screen plus a sliding 4-track convertible system. If you want your porch to serve as an extension of the home because of a lack of indoor living space, you can make the porch a convertible space with windows that can be removed during the warm months, but serve your needs for an enclosed, heated space during the winter months as well.

This Maryland covered porch offers easy access to and from the kitchen.

2) How high off the ground should your porch be?  This is something most homeowners don’t consider but is a crucial element when thinking of building your porch. If the space between your porch and the area it is intended to work with are too far away or create an inconvenience to move between areas, then chances are that you will not only regret your configuration but may stop using the room altogether for the purpose which it was initially intended.

This two-story screened porch by Archadeck of Central Maryland and Montgomery County utilizes a large area for dining and a large area for entertaining.

3) How large should your porch be? Deciding what size porch you really need will impact how you use your porch throughout it’s lifetime. You need to figure out how many people are going to be using it and what function they will be using it for. I actually often recommend that my customers build a smaller porch than they were originally intending. Here’s the reason. If you envision having a porch span the entire width of the back of your home, that may be much more space than you need and can even cause the room to lose its cozy appeal.

Think of a home that has a very large room that goes from the front to the back of the home or from one side of the home clear to the other side. Often times these large rectangular rooms are hard to decorate and cause the room to be much less cozy. Now if your intention is for your porch to really serve the purpose of being two distinct rooms, then it might make sense. Let’s say that you want to use one side of your porch as an outdoor dining area and that part of the porch opens up into or very close to the kitchen. Then you may want to use the other side as a living room sort of area and that side opens up into your living area in the home. Then, that’s a really good use of a long rectangular space.

A good all around size for a porch that is designed for one living space is generally a 16×16 or 16×18. If you are still unsure, then measure your home’s living or family room. Do make sure to take into consideration the space needed when the items are pulled out. For example, consider how much space is needed around your table when everyone is sitting back after a large meal. People generally pull their chairs out from the table. Will there still be room and foot room within the structure with the planned furnishings? When making your final decision build for the 90%, not the 10%. Even though you don’t want to build more space than you have, not having enough room is a greater dilemma than having a little too much as you can’t just add a few feet to a porch the way you might be able to do with a deck or patio.

4) Screen anyone? If you are choosing a screened porch, then your screening system and type of screen you choose is very important. If your goal is to really enjoy the view of your back yard, try using a screen system that is as invisible as possible. Here are some situations that may require a stronger screen system. Might your screen come in contact with falling tree branches or limbs, birds, cats, or even hockey sticks? Screen comes in many different types to accommodate your individual needs. Durable screens, such as Super Screen which offers a 10 year warranty is recommended for people with dogs and cats. Privacy screens are also available which are a more opaque screening material and appear almost invisible. You can even use exterior grade shades, like roman shades for example.

This porch in Bethseda, MD shows how beautiful a mahogany floor can be when used on a porch.

5) Flooring options. Your porch’s flooring is front and center so choosing a flooring material that appeals to your eye is important. In most cases, your porch will offer some protection from the elements so you have more flexibility when it comes to your flooring than you would on other outdoor structures, such as your deck. If a natural look of wood is your style, woods such a mahogany and tigerwood are popular to use on porches. Some people use stone and tile, which can be pretty but can also be very problematic. The grouting used in stone and tile will eventually crack with the cold and freezing weather conditions we have here in MD. These materials also are cold to the touch, and that also means to the feet. Another choice is a tongue and groove composite. They are long-lasting, and offer beauty and little maintenance.

This screened porch ceiling was finished with beautiful cedar.

6) Coming out on top? This would be your ceiling material choice. In most scenarios your ceiling material will not become a maintenance issue. Ceiling materials that are popular right  now amongst porches are beadboard, and tongue-and-groove pine or cedar. These all offer a touch of rustic elegance to your structure. Skylights are a viable option in darker landscapes that need additional light in the structure or the home. Skylights can be used on any porch which is well lit, or otherwise. But most homeowners with ample light often don’t choose them because of the additional cost. Velux makes a wonderful Low-E skylight. Skylights can also come with a range of features including rain sensors which will close the skylight, remote controls and even blinds built right into the skylight.

Plenty of lighting and ceiling fans can enhance the enjoyment on your porch.

7) Really think about your lighting and electrical needs. It is important to think about this up front. Most people who build a porch consider it their favorite room and are filled with regret that they didn’t build it years before they did. Remember, it is always better to put in too may electrical outlets, than too little. The cost to add outlets in the building process is minimal. The cost to add outlets after building is complete can be very substantial. Think about having outlets to plug in both floor lamps and table lamps. You will likely want an outlet to charge your phone and other to charge your laptop. You will use other electronics such as your television. Depending on the use of the room, you may even want to plug in a blender for margaritas or other kitchen apparatus as well.

Lighting comes in three different formats- table and floor, fan package, and ceiling fixtures. If you desire lighting in the ceiling, you should go with covering the rafters as opposed to leaving them exposed. With recessed lighting you can hide the wire more easily. You can also easily add insulation if you have a covered rafter.

Archadeck of Maryland captures the charm and beauty of a by-gone era in covered porch design

8) Exterior materials. Maintenance free, formal and finished, or rustic and natural? There are lots of exterior material choices available for porches. Many times we trim the exterior using vinyl because aside from minimal cleaning, it is virtually maintenance free. Based on the elevation of your structure you may or may not need railing or a kneewall. Not having a lot of additional areas to cover will cut down on costs and will give you more light and airflow.

9) Welcome! The style of door you choose is extremely important within your structure. We have customers that stick to wood, but they are few. Most of our homeowners use storm doors. Storm doors are light when they have screen in them. Choosing a good quality storm door may or may not be that much more costly than using a wood door. It will give you more protection from the elements and can also be safer from a security perspective because of its strength.

This gabled roof lends clean design lines in this covered porch by Archadeck of Maryland

10) Style of roof. Gabled roofs are quite popular amongst our porch customers. However if you are building gables, you will need to make sure it works with the windows above. There are other roof styles available that may harmonize better with your residence. If building a detached porch, you may or may not choose to match the structures roof to your home’s roof, many times a different style roof on a detached porch compliments the property better than a matching roof.

Archadeck of Central Maryland and Archadeck of Montgomery County can help you when deciding all the basics of building your porch. We can meet with you and discuss all the options and what will work best for your particular circumstances. This is the fun stuff for us.

Contact us today to help you get started on a structure that will give you and your family much enjoyment for years to come. (301) 926 – 3001 centralmaryland@archadeck.net or montgomeryco@archadeck.net