Time to remove all traces of Hurricane Irene from your deck!

Time to remove debris  – leaves, pine straw, twigs – and dirt!  While we here in Eastern North Carolina are working to clear our backyards from trees, tree limbs and other Hurricane Irene debris, we need to remember that the  surface of a backyard deck can easily get coated with falling leaves and other debris. These items should be removed from the deck.  If left over the winter, they rot and decay which can be harmful to the wood underneath and can also be the source of staining.  This debris can also block up the gaps between deck boards, causing water to pool on the deck surface. Running a small screwdriver along the gaps is a good way to remove that debris and ensure you have proper drainage and ventilation.  Also consider removing pots and planters from the deck and cleaning under them as lots of dirt and grime can accumulate on the deck surface from the drainage holes in the planters.

Come see us at 2011 Greater New Bern Business Expo

2011 has been a terrific year for Archadeck of Coastal Carolina so far filled with interesting projects in  Eastern North Carolina. Our projects have taken us from Craven County in communities such as Carolina Colours, Greenbrier, Taberna, Trent Woods, New Bern and Havelock down south to Jacksonville in Onslow  County and Cape Carteret in Carteret County and over to Oriental and Merritt in Pamlico County and up to Greenville in Pitt County. We have  designed and built pergolas, decks, deck benches, screen porches, three season rooms and four season rooms. We have done deck makeovers and created new deck spaces. We have used the ever-popular southern yellow pine as well as Timbertech composite and pvc  decking materials.  We have used beautiful Pella doors and windows to create house access to a new deck and also in  porches we built. Yes, we are very excited about all these projects and the opportunity to serve Eastern Northern Carolina. Come visit us at the 2011 Greater New Bern Business Expo this Thursday, August 18 from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the New Bern Convention Center and see pictures of our work.  We want you to see something that inspires you to plan your outdoor project with us!

Go outdoors! Come see us at the Oriental Boat Show!

Custom gazebo ceiling in New Bern backyard along the Neuse River

Boating season has begun! This means time to be outdoors. What better way  to enjoy the outdoors than by attending the Oriental Boat Show  next weekend – April 15, 16 and 17th. Many homeowners own waterfront property and keep their boats, whether power or sailboats, right in their backyards. We of Archadeck of Coastal Carolina will be at the Boat Show to show ideas for creating unique backyard settings for those times when boaters return home or want to host a an event at their home when the crowd is a bit too large for an on-boat get together. We will have samples of popular decking alternatives to pressure treated wood such as composite and pvc decking materials and lots of pictures to give you ideas for that outdoor kitchen, deck or shade structure (like the custom built gazebo in the picture) you’ve been wanting.  Stop by our booth and say hello!

Archadeck gears up for New Bern Home & Garden Show-March 19th and 20th!

Two level pressure treated wood deck, Carolina Colours in New Bern NC

We at  Archadeck of Coastal Carolina are gearing up for next weekend’s premier outdoor show at the Riverfront Convention Center in New Bern -   the New Bern Home & Garden Show.  This year we will show examples of different types of decking as more homeowners express interest in composite and pvc decking. Both types of decking come in a range of colors and bring a real custom design look to an outside deck. Even the stainless screws come in colors to match the deck color! Stop by our exhibit booth and we will explain the options you have if you want to move away from yellow pine pressure treated wood decking which still remains a favorite here in Eastern North Carolina. We will have lots of photographs for you to view both to give you ideas on how we can custom design your outdoor space and also so you can see the quality custom projects we have built – pergolas, screen porches and gazebos, wood decks, composite decks, pvc decks, bamboo decks, outdoor kitchens, outdoor fireplaces, hardscapes and more. Remember that not everyone warrants their work – that is only one thing that makes up the Archadeck Difference!

Wood corner bench - convenient and good looking

For our past customers who may be attending the show, please also stop by and say hello. We value your business and appreciate the referral of your friends and family to Archadeck for their outdoor projects. 

Stainless screws used in composite decking.

Archadeck of Coastal Carolina Wins 2010 Customer Satisfaction Award at Annual Meeting

Archadeck of Coastal Carolina is proud to announce that it received a 2010 Customer Satisfaction Award at the Archadeck Annual meeting in Palm Coast, FL, hosted by franchisor company Outdoor Living Brands.

Archadeck designs and builds custom outdoor living spaces such as decks, screen porches and gazebos, sunrooms, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, shade structures, hardscapes and more.  According to local business owner, Alan Test of Archadeck of Coastal Carolina, “We strive to provide the highest level of construction and project management to our customers here in Eastern North Carolina. We are very pleased to receive the Customer Satisfaction Achievement Award. We feel it is a validation of the need for a builder that provides professional project management to all projects from start to finish. Our customers know that their projects will be built correctly and within the stated price. We want our customers to be proud of the outdoor projects that we add to their homes.”

 Archadeck, established in 1980, has built more than 75,000 projects across the country and is recognized as the largest deck and porch builder in North America. A part of Outdoor Living Brands, their mission is “to enhance the lives of our customers by creating unique and innovative outdoor living environments.” Qualified Remodeler magazine ranks Archadeck ninth on the 2008 National Remodeling Firms List.  The company has been featured in articles in This Old House, Smart Money and Gardening & Deck Design, as well as on Home & Garden TV (HGTV).  Archadeck projects have also appeared on the covers of Gardens, Decks and Patios and Decks & Backyard Projects. Archadeck of Coastal Carolina is locally owned by Alan Test and creates and builds outdoor projects in Eastern North Carolina counties from Pitt and Beaufort county to the north down through all of  Eastern North Carolina to  Onslow and Carteret counties in the south.  For more information, contact Alan Test at coastalcarolina@archadeck.net or visit  http://www.coastal carolina.archadeck.com.

Archadeck of Coastal Carolina

AZEK pvc deck with screen gazebo & vinyl rail

Come see us this weekend at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City. The show runs March 4-March 6, 2011. Our booth is #46. We look forward to seeing you at the show. Don’t forget to stop by our booth.

Three steps to good deck maintenance during the Eastern North Carolina winter!

At this time of year we look forward to the end of  Winter. That means that we start thinking about enjoying the backyard in warm weather.  If you would like for your deck to be ready for you when the warm Spring weather returns, taking action now is the answer. By following these steps your deck will not only be ready when you are ready, but will remain in top shape for many seasons. 

Winter time on this Archadeck deck in New Bern NC

Remove Debris and Dirt - The surface of a deck can easily get coated with falling leaves and other debris in the Fall and those items should be removed from the deck.  If left over the winter, they rot and decay which can be harmful to the wood underneath, and can also be the source of staining.  They can also block up the gaps between deck boards, causing water to pool on the deck surface. Running a small screwdriver along the gaps is a good way to remove debris and ensure you have proper drainage and ventilation.  You should also consider removing pots and planters from the deck and cleaning under them as dirt and grime can accumulate on the deck surface from the drainage holes in the planters.

Inspect and Repair – Check for any loose or broken boards and missing or loose nails or screws. If you replace any boards, consider using stainless steel deck screws. The added expense will pay off in years of use. Inspect the bolts and connectors underneath the deck. Through use these can become loose and should be tightened. If any have been corroded, they should be replaced. Columns that are in contact with the ground or concrete footings need to be inspected for rot and decay. 

Cleaning Snow – We don’t get much snow in the Eastern North Carolina but when we do, use a plastic shovel when cleaning your deck.  You do this because a metal shovel is more likely to damage the deck boards and you also want to shovel in the direction the deck boards are laid.  You don’t want to shovel “across” the boards as the shovel is more likely to “bite” into the gaps between the boards.

Decking materials – wood, composite or pvc?

What type of decking material is right for you? The answer to this question depends on what you are looking for in terms of appearance and maintenance, and how much you are willing or able to spend. Traditionally decks have been built out of wood – both for the structure and for the decking and railings. We are only going to address decking and railings, as the structure of all decks is still built from wood.

                Wood decking is the lowest cost and there is wood decking that has been in place for twenty years and still functions well. The downside of wood decking is that individual boards may crack and need to be replaced; also wood decking should be pressure washed and stained every year.

Two level pressure treated wood deck, Carolina Colours in New Bern NC

A few years ago composite decking was introduced. Composites are a manufactured product consisting of a combination of wood and plastic. The advantage of composite material is that is does not rot or deteriorate, and requires considerable less maintenance than wood. It still needs to be pressure washed yearly, and if there are any cracks, mold can occur. Composite decking is also subject to staining.

Recently, pvc decking was introduced to the market. Pvc decking does not contain any wood and other than an annual cleaning is considered to be maintenance free. Mold is not able to occur, even if there is a crack. It comes as close as possible to being maintenance free.

PVC decking in Fairfield Harbor in New Bern NC

Pergolas in North Carolina are good for shade

“How do all those openings keep off the sun?”        This is a question that we hear  on a regular basis. On first appearance a pergola does not look like a structure that will keep out the sun. And in Eastern and Coastal North Carolina, people want to be outside, but out of the sun, during the summer.

Just what is a pergola? A typical pergola is a shade structure comprising 4 or more corner posts connected by beams, rafters resting on the beams, and then a “roof” of 2” x 2” lumber spaced 6” on center.

It does not take a math genius to quickly figure out that 2” wide lumber spaced 6” on center leaves a lot of open space – space where the sun can get in. But the sun does not get in – why? The sun is rarely, if ever, directly overhead. With the sun at an angle to the “roof” of the pergola, the rays of the sun are blocked. The result is a shade structure that feels, and is, open and light.

A pergola is significantly less expensive to build than other shade structures or porches due to lower material and labor costs. There is also not a problem during high winds. With so much open area, the wind just blows through.

A pergola is also a very versatile structure. It can be incorporated into a garden area as it makes an ideal trellis for your favorite vines. Alternatively, it can be built over a deck, lawn or a solid surface patio. Many garden pergolas have a bench swing to allow for a relaxing afternoon in the shade.

Three reasons to get a building permit for your deck!

Building permits are a fact of life in the construction industry for at least three reasons. First, according to the North Carolina Building Code, a permit is required for any construction project where the cost of construction is in excess of $5,000.00. However, because a deck is a load bearing structure, a permit is required no matter what the cost of construction.

Example of a permitted deck.

Second, as a homeowner, a building permit protects both you and your investment. A permit means that your deck will be structurally strong, built to last, and inspected by a city or county building inspector.

A deck is a load bearing structure.

Third, the cost to you for this added protection is minimal. Archadeck of Coastal Carolina finds that the fee for a building permit for a deck is usually $100.00 or less in most jurisdictions in Eastern and Coastal North Carolina.