Our mission at this home in the Leander/Jonestown area (on 1431) was to deliver shade, and to do so with beauty and grace. Outdoors under the hot Texas sun, it’s not enough to shade one outdoor living area. You need shade protection for each outdoor living space at your home. In this case, when Archadeck of Austin first arrived, our clients had one outdoor space that needed shade: the deck. By the time we departed, they had two outdoor living spaces – the deck and a new detached covered porch – and both proudly featured shade.
Add an Archadeck Pergola for Shade and Style
The cedar pergola we added to our clients’ existing cedar deck breathed new life into the deck. The overall effect was to create a destination. Even without the exquisite view, this pergola-covered deck is simply a shaded place to be, to relax, to enjoy the company of family and friends. With the view, which cannot be ignored, it is a slice of heaven.
Existing deck before Archadeck of Austin began the project.
The deck itself did not need to be replaced. We restained it so it would not appear dowdy under the new construction of the pergola and new railing system.
This pergola features an oversized beam system that gives the entire deck a hefty, more established presence. On top of the pergola’s rafters, we laid many purlins fairly close together to create shade. While pergolas don’t provide solid shade – without an added cover – this one will provide more shade than many. Adding a cover to this pergola was not an option because of the winds coming out of the valley. We stained the cedar pergola a lighter shade than the deck for contrast and aesthetics.
After deck and pergola project was completed.
In conjunction with the pergola addition, we removed the existing deck railings and replaced them with a new Fortress railing system. The style of this new black aluminum rail is much like the old one, with one significant difference. The new railing features a cedar rail cap. It may seem like a small touch, but visually it ties the railing in with the pergola design for a more cohesive appearance.
Detached Covered Porch Doubles as Carport
The homeowners desired a second outdoor shaded area where they could gather around a picnic table. In selecting a spot for a covered porch on their property, they opted to make over one of their parking pads. With a roof over it, this concrete pad now serves as a stylish, shady pavilion. Its versatility lies in the fact that the family plans to use it interchangeably for covered parking OR entertaining friends outdoors. Genius! Not only will their guests appreciate the shade, their cars and trucks will, too!
Area before we added the carport/pavilion addition.
After completion of the project.
For this project, we painted the porch posts and beams to match the home, so the new structure blends right in. The stone pillars around the lower portion of the four posts add flair to the design. They also help elevate the structure’s appearance from carport to pavilion. The open gable style of the roof increases the pavilion’s airy feeling. We built the ceiling with Hardie panels and installed recessed lighting and a ceiling fan. Running electricity to the pavilion allowed us to add these creature comforts, making any outdoor gathering more enjoyable, especially after dark. We also installed lantern-style wall sconces on the two forward-facing posts for nighttime safety.
Are you interested in adding shaded areas at your home so you can enjoy the outdoors all summer long? Contact Archadeck of Austin to schedule your free design consultation.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
