Archadeck of Halifax Provides Free Guide To Help Plan Outdoor Living Space

Up front planning and proper design can be important elements to consider when you are considering a deck, screened porch, sunroom or patio. Do you live in Halifax, Nova Scotia? Now that the weather is starting to warm up, have you been thinking about a deck or outdoor living project for your home? Take a look at our free design guide, it might provide a good starting point when thinking about your project. Click on our website for the free download http://www.archadeck.com/guide . It should help you think through some of the key elements you should consider for your design and also your selection of the right company to help you plan and build your Halifax deck.

Give us a call if you need some help, we can be reached at the office (902) 444-3325 or on the web at http://novascotia.archadeck.com/ and by email at novascotia@archadeck.net

The nice weather has hit Nova Scotia, so have the bugs!

Imagine being able to enjoy a well-prepared dinner on your porch every evening this summer – but without the annoyance of insects or the worry of rain. Our Archadeck of Nova Scotia office in Halifax has found that is exactly what draws many people to have a screened porch added onto their home.
Outdoor living is the trendy way of living nowadays. We have found that, during the summer season, homeowners seek as many ways as possible to stay outdoors more. And, many of these people find the answer to their dilemma in a screened porch – which offers an indoor/outdoor experience, all along with the luxuries of shade from direct sunlight, as well as rain and insect protection.
Screened porches are a popular request and the actual projects vary in design and style, depending on the needs and wants of the customer.
When it comes to screened porches, there are a myriad of choices and a long list of material options that can be used to build them. However, the first thing to decide is the main usage of the screened porch. The size of the porch, for example, will depend on how it's being used. If its only purpose will be for dining, it normally would be designed to be smaller than if it was to be used for general multi-functional "outdoor living," which calls for a larger space.
Many of our Halifax customers choose a screened porch simply because it increases their living space – it makes them feel they have more square footage to their home; some use it mainly for entertaining; while others want a screened porch to remind them of a special time in their lives, for instance, growing up in their childhood house.

Once you know how you will use your screened porch, the next decision falls in the hands of aesthetics and your budget. Do you want an A-frame roof, or a "hip roof"? Would you rather the walls be fully screened or partially insulated with plexi-glass or a stronger material like lexan (a highly durable polycarbonate resin thermoplastic intended to replace glass)? Will imported hard wood or composites be the best choice for your flooring? All of this depends on the style you're looking for, and the part of the country you live in.
We have found that screened porches are very popular in the suburbs outside of Halifax, as well as in the south shore, the valley and New Glasgow and Truro. However, if you experience more cold months than warm ones, a screened porch could easily be changed into a three-season porch, for use year-round, simply by installing windows to control the ventilation on the porch, as well as a wall system – which could be vinyl or a hard wall – that matches the style and design of the rest of the house.

Have questions, call our Halifax office at (902) 444-3325 or find us online at novascotia.archadeck.com

Low Maintenance, High Style! Archadeck of Nova Scotia and TimberTech team up to provide low-maintenance Outdoor Living.

Our Halifax, Nova Scotia based customers were remodeling their home inside and out. Both with demanding schedules as professionals in the health care industry, they wanted us to provide a solution that allowed them to spend their down time enjoying their backyard, not maintaining it.

A properly maintained wood deck will last longer than most people own their homes, But with today’s lifestyles, who wants to clean and treat it every few years?

Customers are increasingly choosing alternative decking materials for a variety of reasons, besides being virtually maintenance-free. Homeowners like the fact that it won't splinter or warp, and environmentally conscious customers appreciate that it's made from recycled materials. And, some people just prefer the way it looks.

This particular project called for a rich dark color decking to contrast the new siding and trim. A white low-maintenance railing was also requested by the homeowners.
We recommended TimberTech’s Walnut Earthwood decking with concealed fasteners for a rich, clean look on the decking and TimberTech’s Radiance Rail for a railing solution.

Low-maintenance decking presents most of the same opportunities for design and construction as pressure-treated wood, allowing customers to take full advantage of the custom-design expertise of Archadeck of Nova Scotia.

Outdoor Kitchen Dining, the New Backyard Barbecue

Archadeck of Nova Scotia explains how standard indoor kitchens are extending outdoors to make the backyard party more entertaining

The kitchen is a common area where people choose to renovate, whether to change the look or to make it more convenient with upgraded appliances and cabinetry. More recently, however, the kitchen has actually extended into the great outdoors – also known as the backyard – as more people inquire about how to make outdoor entertaining more enjoyable and convenient.

Long gone are the days when people simply looked to their grill for backyard entertaining. Now, the big thing is outdoor kitchens. This trend has been front and center; we have seen increased interest over the past few years. People are spending more time outside and using the kitchen as a big part of their entertaining.

Outdoor kitchens make it easier for people to really take advantage of outdoor living. In many cases, when people have traditional backyard parties, they have to keep going in and out of the home for cooking that has to be done on stoves and in ovens, or to grab items out of the refrigerator. And, when it turns to evening, it may get a little too chilly to stay outside. But now, fire pits are being installed and outdoor kitchens are designed with numerous appliances as part of the yard scheme.

The thing about the outdoor kitchen trend is that people don't just want a kitchen outdoors, they are interested in a kitchen that enhances other amenities in their backyard. It's not just a stove and 'fridge that is being incorporated. It's a pizza oven, wine cooler – all next to a gazebo or outdoor room. It all depends on the individual's needs, what the weather is like in their region, and how much they are willing to invest in the project. And, typically, many people who want outdoor kitchens are willing to invest a lot into it.

The sky is the limit when it comes to the many choices homeowners have. For example, kitchen units can be bought pre-made, but most of the time people request something that's customized so that it can match the design of their home. Whether it has a wood finish, or stone veneer, there is a range of aesthetic options they have to choose from, including kitchens made with low-maintenance materials. In addition, roofing and pergolas are usual choices for those interested in protecting their outdoor kitchen from precipitation or from the harsh rays of the sun.

For each project we do, we try to get an idea on how the person is going to use the space, functionally. Then, we show them pictures and give them different design options, including aesthetic choices, and we discuss with them how much they are comfortable with spending. After that is all done, we take care of all the plans and building – from start to finish; it's a turnkey solution.

For more information about Archadeck or outdoor kitchens, please contact Maurice Meagher at Archadeck of Nova Scotia at (902) 444-DECK (3325)
or online at mmeagher@archadeck.net, www.archadeck.com

Backyard Transformation. Custom deck and Sunroom

Our clients love to entertain. They wanted to create a space that would allow for outdoor living year round.
We added a year round sunroom for a sunny space. The room was designed to match the architecture of the original home, and also to maximize natural light.

A natural look was preffered for the decking so we chose Western Red Cedar and used Deckorators balusters to create a contrast against the wood. Other features include an outdoor kitchen with a fridge, and built in lighting for night time entertaining.

For cooler evenings a spa/hot tub is enclosed with a Cedar cabana with skylights for star gazing and a stone firepit area with built in benching. A complete backyard transformation allowing for outdoor living year round.

For more of this project's photos click below:

archadeck.com/featured-projects/featurepage1a.asp

Maurice Meagher

mmeagher@archadeck.net

novascotia.archadeck.com