Great architecture feeds a great lifestyle.
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Here is the design rendering for this beautiful deck by Archadeck of Austin from another angle.
We always welcome the opportunity to be able to work hand in hand with a skilled architect. We welcome the opportunity to work with customers whose architect developed a plan for their outdoor living space. However, often, the homeowner will bring in the landscaping plan which was drawn up by their landscape architect and based on this Archadeck of Austin incorporates an outdoor living space to fit in with their landscaping. The dilemma with this is that it is best to design the outdoor structure first and then customize the landscaping to fit in with the structure’s style and dimensions as well as that of the existing home.
In the case of this homeowner, they came to us while they were still in process with another contractor that had left them frustrated because of the number of mistakes they were seeing. These homeowners brought their architect’s design to the table along with the confidence that we could turn this project into something they could be proud of.
This photo shows the vision from the original architects drawing.
When we received their architect’s design, we put it through our standards and structural warranty design process that Archadeck of Austin does with all it’s plans and also drew a set of plans that fit our criteria for loading and other structural aspects.
The structure Archadeck of Austin is building for these homeowners is a 1,000 square foot Tigerwood deck. It will have a roof over the dining area portion which is right off the homes master bedroom. The deck will also have a cooking area on the other end. There is a split level staircase. There will be a roof structure that will be over the dining area and a shade structure over the entire remainder of the deck. The shade structure is quite unique in that it uses a truss system of framing in order to maintain the size of the structure using minimal posts. The most unique feature of this deck is that when most people build a deck, you don’t want to see any framing that is visible, on this deck the details of the framing will be one of the main focal points of the structure. We are using large 8 x 8 beams, opposed to the usual 6 x 6 that are commonly used. The beams are made of Douglas Fir and all the framing is oversized to take on a personality of its own to accentuate the entire structure. The beams are kept from actually touching the ground by the addition of custom-made steel. The structure will use a bullwire railing system to maximize the view. The deck will have a beautiful non-obtrusive view of a canyon.
Archadeck of Austin is busy at work making this dream a reality for these Austin homeowners.
The homeowners’ desire is for an architectural look that also has the characteristics of age-old craftsmanship. In most cases a structure can either possess architectural quality or functional quality, this structure will have both.The beauty of the framing system in itself, alone is worth talking about. Great architecture like this feeds great living. When you have a home that is well designed and well-built by an experienced builder, you live well in it. Where there are focal details and striking architectural beauty, it makes you living experience even better. Adversely, the same is true. When you have a detail that you just aren’t happy with, these small elements can detract from your living experience. This is why it is so crucial to start with great architecture and design, it can make a world of difference in the way you think, feel and live day-to-day.
Another angle from the design rendering shows attention to every detail.
If you have an architect’s drawing already done in anticipation of building your outdoor structure Archadeck of Austin can turn that rendering into a reality. Even if you don’t have an architects drawing, our talented design team can create a drawing and rendering and plans based on what you have in mind. We are a full service outdoor structure company that can consult, design, plan and build the outdoor structure of your dreams. Contact Archadeck of Austin to learn more (512) 259-8282 austin@archadeck.net
Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin
See more gorgeous Tigerwood decks built by Archadeck of Austin by visiting our photo galleries at http://www.archadeck-austin.com /gallery.asp?selpics=Decks&subcat=Tigerwood
Tigerwood becomes the talk of the town in this Bee Cave, TX community
It is clearly evident that style and elegance can be contagious. Within the Falcon Head West community of Bee Cave, TX nearly all the residents that live in the same cul-de-sac came down with the same symptoms, a yearning for the simple, elegant and classic sensibility which entails the desire to have a deck made of Tigerwood.
Design rendering prepared for these homeowners in Bee Cave, TX depicting their future tigerwood deck
These homeowners in Bee Cave, TX contacted Archadeck of Austin when they initially built their home and once they closed on the house we began work right away on the deck when they moved in. It is always nice to have your entire home ready and waiting when it is time to move into your new house, including any outdoor structures. The Falcon Head West community is an upscale neighborhood in Bee Cave, TX and has a very hilly terrain. These homeowners decided upon a tigerwood deck because of its classic beauty and sensibility. We built a two-story deck and decked over an existing patio with sleeper framing. The final dimensions in length on this new deck came to a substantial 48′ long.
This photo shows the diagonal design and custom railing on this tigerwood deck in Bee Cave, TX
We installed the decking in a stunning diagonal pattern and alternated 4″ and 6″ boards for even more of a custom look to accommodate the varying widths. The railing is a tigerwood Deckorator panel rail which we constructed on site with black aluminum pickets. We finished up the structure with lattice skirting because this is a requirement within the neighborhoods HOA (Home Owners Association) guidelines. The homeowner opted to stain the new deck himself.
Upon completion of the new deck, four of this homeowners neighbors decided to add a tigerwood deck to their home as well. What is it they say about first impressions? Choosing a tigerwood deck not only adds beauty to your home with the woods natural rich and exotic hues, tigerwood is an example of classic fine wood at it’s best.
Tigerwood's contagious rich hues and elegance are apparent in this photo
If you are considering a new deck or a re-deck, tigerwood is a stunning option. It is durable, resilient and has rich hues that exude elegance and refinement. Contact Archadeck of Austin to learn more about decks and other outdoor living structures. Call us at (512) 259-8282 or email us at austin@archadeck.net
You can see more or our breathtaking tigerwood deck designs by visiting our photo gallery at http://www.archadeck-austin.com/gallery.asp?selpics=Decks&subcat=Tigerwood
Archadeck of Austin Focus’ on the Fierce Exotic Beauty of Tigerwood
Old man Webster defines a tiger as a large, carnivorous, tawny-colored and black-striped feline. The definition of wood is the hard, fibrous substance composing the stem and branches of a tree or shrub. Now what do you think you get when you mix the two together? The result is Tigerwood, astronium lecointel, one of the finest quality hardwoods available.
- Tigerwood deck by Archadeck of Austin
Tigerwood is an exotic and extremely durable Brazilian hardwood. One of the most striking features of this wood is the unique golden-brown to reddish-brown coloring with exotic black and brown streaks, as fiercely beautiful as it’s namesake. Over time these hues will deepen adding warmth and more depth to the coloring.
Close up of Tigerwood
Not only coveted for it’s beauty, Tigerwood is naturally resistant to rot and decay. It also will not attract mold or fungus. This wonderfully resilient wood has a lifespan of over 25 years without preservatives. Archadeck of Austin is proud to be able to offer this product to you for your decking and outdoor structure needs. We have been working with this wonderful Brazilian hardwood for sometime now, with great results. We only see close similarities in working with Tigerwood as we do when we use Ipe. We are also excited about this product because of the “green” aspect of the harvesting.
Tigerwood deck by Archadeck of Austin
Tigerwood is only harvested from responsibly managed forests so we can offer a truly renewable resource to you, the consumer.
Want to turn your second story deck into a covered patio for down below?
Dry roof archadeck austin
A 2nd story deck can be great sun cover if you have a cement patio down below it. But, it’s not fun in the rain. Let’s say you really enjoy your 1st level concrete patio and either have or are considering some great patio furniture, one thing you want to avoid is getting the furniture wet all the time. You also are probably not looking forward to the feeling of taking a shower when it’s raining outside.
A dry roof is the perfect solution. A dry roof is a patio roofing system or under decking to fully turn your upper level deck into a covered patio for the area below. The dry roof may sound a little simpler than it appears but anyone who has tried to build one by hammering a couple of sheets of hardy board or other wood underneath the deck will soon tell you that there’s one huge problem with that solution – water seeks the lowest level.
If you’re going to completely seal the under-deck, you have to create a fool-proof draining system that’s up for the job. In the dry roof you see in the picture above, there is a rubberized roofing membrane in between the decking boards and the roof boards. As the water drains using the rubberized membrane, a gutter system is installed to safely and successfully drain the water from in between the two layers.
So consider converting your 2nd level deck into a covered patio area down below. Here’s a video to see a dry deck we built.
Happy new year!!
We hope you’ll give us a call this year to talk about a new outdoor project for your yard.
2-story decks aren’t just for 3-story homes
Professional design rendering for new Austin 2-story deck
Here in the Austin area, we have a lot of homes built on yards with steep drop-offs. These lots make a perfect setting for a lower level playroom or walkout basement. But what do we do when our main living area is a second story in the back and we want to build a deck? What are the logistics of a 2nd story deck? Is it that much more expensive? You might be surprised to find out the answer to this question is no.
Austin multi-level deck with pergola
Multi-level decks come in many shapes and sizes. The levels can be split levels like a split level house or multiple levels for the various floors of your home. The benefit of multi-level decks and patios is the opportunity for various living spaces. Think of it like the rooms of your house. It’s always nice to have your own room to sit and read your book or for the kids to do homework or even to watch TV. These days we mount quite a few televisions on the dry walls of covered decks and patios. So, the different sections allow different “rooms” for outdoor living.
I want to feature a 2-story deck in Steiner Ranch that we did earlier this year. One of the first things we ask the homeowners when we’re discussing a project with them is “how do you want to live outside”? Many times homeowners have an idea of the structure they want but it might not really accommodate the way they want to live outside. Or, there may be other reasons that a different structure or different elements make more sense for that family.
With this family, they had young children. They wanted the children to have a “play area” that was in addition to an adult sitting area. Based on the fact that the house was 3-stories, this made sense to have a 2-level deck. They wanted to be able to close off the step area to the young children at the top level. So we had a gate built into the top of the staircase.
Austin custom steel spiral staircase with built-in gates
As it relates to the 2-story staircase, the homeowners wanted to be able to go from deck to deck on the outside of the home so they wanted a stairway connecting each of the 2 decks. Because of the large windows very close to the deck area, a traditional 2-story staircase would have caused tremendous obstruction through those windows. So, we had a local artisan build a custom spiral staircase.
Spiral staircases are not a one-size-fits-all. Every application is different because the heights of the two stories vary so widely. But, because the staircase was custom built, we were able to build in the gate. This is also a nice feature for homeowners with pets who want to keep the pets in a secure area.
Austin 2 story pergola
Because the back of this home is Western facing, the family wanted some sun protection on the second level The hidden benefit of 2-story decks is the built-in sun protection on the first story. A pergola is a great way to get sun protection but not to block the sun altogether. It’s wonderful on an early fall or spring day to feel the heat of the sun. It’s great to see the sun’s rays filter through the slats of a covered pergola with this sort of tight slat design.
When thinking of materials, you want to think about the following things:
- What look are you going for?
- What sort of stain resistance do you want or need
- How long do you want your deck to last?
A good place to start is to think of the look you are going for. Do you want a rugged rough-cut look? Do you have fond memories of cedar decks from growing up and know you want cedar? Do you want a clean and very consistent look? Are you looking for a custom color of the wood? Cedar is a traditional favorite for it’s rough and familiar look. But, even more popular are the pressure-treated woods because of how long they last and because of their stain resistance.
Fiberon IPE decking
For this deck, we used Fiberon IPE color composite decking. This decking has a 20-yr fade and stain resistant warranty which is unique to this decking. There are other composites that are customers like including TimberTech and AZEK.
Brazilian hardwoods are also very big right now. One that’s really hot right now in Austin is Tigerwood. Like the IPE color of Fiberon, each board has a little bit of a different color giving it a very unique and even a little bit of an exotic look.
In terms of how long you want your deck to last, there are so many factors including anything from excessive rain to dog and furniture scratches to sun and more. If you need protection from all the natural and furry elements in your life, your best bet is to go with a composite wood such as IPE or Fiberon.
Give us a ring to discuss your next project. Each of our customers gets a free consultation. We look forward to discussing your project ideas with you.
(512) 259 – 8282
