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Porch, Veranda, Deck and Balcony? Do You Know the Difference?

Monday, September 3rd, 2018

Figure 1. Imagine your veranda donned by the Maitland-Smith OutdoorPatio JARDINIERE 8110-22. Its Verdigris patina brass, brass liner, and inlaid black stone would be a wonderful sight to behold.

It’s officially the beginning of Fall. No matter what the season, though, people tend to enjoy spending time outdoors even when they just sit on the balcony, porch, veranda or the deck. But wait, can you tell the differences in structure and features with each one?

The Porch (and Veranda)

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the porch is a roofed structure, usually open at the sides, projecting from the face of a building and used to protect the entrance. In the United States, this is what’s referred to as the veranda.

So there you go, you have two terms having just the same meaning and purpose. But there is just a little evidence of the existence of this structure prior to the Classical antiquity. There were many Egyptian wall paintings that indicated the occasional use of porch on some houses.

In Greece, the Tower of the Winds in Athens was a porch that had two columns carrying a pediment. The Romans, on the other hand, had colonnades which were used as porches. These all faced the street. This kind of porch was also seen up until the Early Christian basilicas’ creation. The porch was used as a formal entrance in old structures such as the Basilica of Old St. Peter’s.

The French in Burgundy developed porches that had vaulted structures. These showed great heights and were sometimes even as long as the whole church structure. An example of this fine architecture is the Vézelay abbey church.

If these are exciting enough for you, wait till you learn about the Gothic era and the two porch types that were then created as ecclesiastical buildings. The first one is a tiny, gabled porch that either projected from the south or north walls of a nave. The other one is what’s referred to as the galilee which was constructed so beautifully that it’s short of being a separate building.

The Germans were even more flamboyant in their porch designs. They had theirs frequently styled with tracery, canopies, cusping, etc.

In the Renaissance, porches were chiefly colonnaded porticos.

A Balcony

The Collins English dictionary defines a balcony as any platform on the outside of a building, above ground level, with a wall or railing around it.  In a cinema or theater, the balcony is an area of seats above the main seating area.

Would you believe that balconies come with a two thousand year history? The term balcony was derived from the Italian term balcone meaning, a scaffold. The earliest types of balconies have been seen to date back for more than 2,000 years.

The balcony was originally created to increase air circulation especially during the hottest climates in Ancient Greece. Today, the balcony is integral to a building’s façade because it gives the property a more stylish vibe. Plus you get more space to roam in.

Balconies in the UK are Juliet balconies which date all the way back to the late Georgian era. They were created by architects to give structures a prestigious look. They were originally made of wrought-iron and were rectangular and filled the whole span of windows.

If you have traveled in Europe, you might have noticed how the finest balconies seem to have been constructed there. Most even have overlooking views of water-cooled gardens and courtyards.

The Deck

The Merriam-Webster dictionary is something resembling the deck of a ship such as a story or tier of a building or a flat-floored roofless area adjoining a house.

Wood decks can have wrought-iron furnishings. These structures can be used as a part of landscaping, an exterior part of a house, or as an alternative to the patio.

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The Joys of Adding a Deck to Your Home

Friday, January 12th, 2018

Relax and sunbathe on the new deck as you lie on the American Leather Living Room Right Arm Seating Chaise.

If you live in a region where good weather comes all-year-round, then you must enjoy it to the fullest. In order to do this, you to be able to go outside, to begin with. If you live in a home, though, that is lacking in lovely outdoor space, then that’s a reason for you to become a little more creative because outdoor living is simply in these days and adding a deck is a most-requested project among many designers.

There are now a lot of durable materials, accessories, and outdoor furniture to choose from as well as shade options. These are the reasons why more and more homeowners want to have their own deck.

An extension outdoor is also a way of extending your living space while enjoying outdoor beauty. This can be a great area for just hanging out with friends, lounging with family, reading a book or dining.

Differentiate Deck from Patio

The first thing that you need to consider is if you really need a patio, a deck or both.

A patio sits on flat ground is often made of pavers, concrete, flagstone or wood. It would be costly to set up a patio on a sloping surface since you will need retaining walls for the level surface.

A deck is a kind of platform that comes with decked tiles or boards. These are usually made of hardwood or a composite material.

The deck is the best kind of outdoor extension if your property comes with sloped yards. This is a place where you can finally have a flat surface where there used to be rolling hills. This is also a wonderful option for homes that sit above the ground.

You can go as high as you want with a deck. A platform deck is the best choice for homes that sit higher than 14 inches from the ground.

You can choose the patio or the deck on their own or you can build a deck that steps down to your patio.

Deck Uses

Typically, homeowners want a multipurpose deck.  This is an area where the family can eat, hang out or cook. The sky’s the limit, actually, with regard to the activities that you can do in this space. Depending also on your budget, you can even consider installing an outdoor television, a fire pit, a fireplace, a small outdoor kitchen, a water feature, even a hot tub.

Figure out what you would do with the deck that is about to be set up. Doing so will let you realize what size and safety measures will be set. You also need to know what the level of foot traffic would be. If you will be hosting a lot of parties, then you need a more durable material for your flooring as well as your outdoor furniture.

The last thing that you would want is to build a deck that’s too small or actually too large for your actual needs. Think also on how you can still have privacy on the deck. You wouldn’t want the entire neighborhood spying on your latest party.

Cachet Collection’s Drum Table is perfect as an accent piece and also as a storage unit.

Accessibility

Another thing that you need to consider when building a deck is how you and your family will be able to access it. If you already have a door that leads directly outdoors then, congratulations, that’s the perfect spot to begin.

But if you’re setting up a deck in a place where there’s no door, then you will need to make a budget for the opening of a wall. If you are going to break down a load-bearing wall, then that’s going to be a bigger issue.

Material Choices

Flooring options for decks are composite boards and wood. Wood has always been the more dominant of the two. The former are engineered pieces compared to the natural beauty that wood offers.

Consider also the shade options for your retractable awnings, umbrellas, or screened-in porch. Lastly, don’t forget the lighting. Whatever theme you chose, just make sure that the lighting fixture that you get will complement the rest of the design elements.

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Deck and Porch Remodeling: Factors That Affect the Cost

Saturday, January 21st, 2017

This FFDM Brentwood Collection will look great on patios, decks and porches. 

Do you ever wonder how much a porch or deck remodeling would cost? Deck and porch contractors are professionals that can help you assess this. Apart from consulting with them, you can also do your own deck research.

First, you must understand a few factors that will affect the project cost (whether to increase or decrease it). These factors include the budget, height of the structure, its shape, railing length, benches and steps, permits, removal of the old structure, built-in features, longevity, your personal preference, and the cost of materials.

Let’s discuss a few –

Budget

The budget will always have a direct effect on the remodeling cost, after all, if you don’t have ample budget, then you won’t be able to create your dream porch or deck. Having a smaller budget could also mean letting go of certain features such as rails, benches and rails.

Set the budget for the deck project before you even begin it. If you don’t do this, you could end up overspending, or worse, be left with an unfinished project.

Material Costs

The deck cost depends hugely on the kind of wood that you have chosen. There are plenty of options for wood if you want to make a beautiful and improved deck. The prices vary from $1 per square foot or as high as $41 for every square foot.

Keep in mind that wood isn’t the only choice that you can use. You can also use vinyl, plastic, concrete or aluminum. All these options offer different benefits and features.

Height

The higher your deck, the more materials you are going to use to complete it. So, yes, higher decks cost a lot more. Just think of it like a home. A three-story home is a lot costlier than a studio-type home within the same community.

Shape

The deck can be fashioned in any shape that you want. It can be a basic square, the unique S-shape or it can even be abstract. The more complex the shape, the costlier it is going to be. Unique designs, after all, take more time to plan and be built. Also, they could require extra permits that standard decks no longer need.

Railing Length

Remember that not all decks need rails. If you are building one that’s off the ground or are adding to the second story, then rails are a must-have.

Rails also add a certain beauty to single-story decks. You can just have shortened rails for such. Remember that the partial rail is cheaper than the full rail.

Benches and Steps

What is the main function for your porch or deck? You are likely to be building this deck so that your friends and your family could enjoy the outdoors throughout the year. Of course, you will need benches and other seating units installed. Benches could also increase the value of the house when it’s already time to sell.

Steps are also features that are not really needful. They are nice to have, though. Steps also do not add much to the deck’s overall cost so if you want some steps installed, go ahead and do so.

Old Deck Removal

If you already have an existing deck, then it would also cost more to have it removed and then to have a new one built. It will take manual labor to remove the previous one, so, you might need to shell out an extra thousand dollars to about $1,500 for the whole project.

Permits and Insurance

Building a new deck means you are likely going to apply for a permit. Decking contractors can do this for you. This extra service will also cost you more.

Any structural addition requires insurance so if this is your first deck, then you will need to have insurance. Remodeling could require an increased insurance premium.

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Deck Design – Creating the Ultimate Private Getaway

Friday, August 19th, 2016

Enjoy the view as you sit on this Hooker Furniture Living Room Accent Chair. What could be more restful?

Enjoy the view as you sit on this Hooker Furniture Living Room Accent Chair. What could be more restful?

You might have recently installed a deck or refurbished quite an old one. Whatever your purpose in exploring deck choices and ideas, you’d soon find out that there are thousands of possibilities when it comes to materials, style and cost. Looking through these options is just half the fun finishing the deck and relaxing thereon is the ultimate eventuality.

Proper Deck Furniture

The decision-making pertaining to deck furniture is likely to be inspired by the deck style. Have you opted for a modern, sleek, or geometric style? Then, by all means, have the same theme for your furniture. Modern deck furniture is sure to complement the contemporary deck. Just make sure that you contrast the deck’s hard lines with curvy furniture. A great choice here is cast-aluminum furniture pieces. These are lightweight pieces that are modern yet curvy at the same time.

Should you be looking for something more substantial, then you could use wrought iron which is more durable and heavier. It also comes in every possible style from modern to Victorian.

A deck that is more rustic or traditional needs the more grounded wooden furniture. Again, your options are wide and varied which includes redwood, teak, and cedar. These are weather and insect-resistant, durable, and rich in color.

When it comes to design, you would even have more choices from angled pieces to low-slung contemporary ones.

Finally, there are also great choices with wicker. Wicker styles offer an updated look and are often treated to create resistant weather. These are also highly mobile because they are so light.

Your Home as the Basis

Look to the lines of your home. These are inspirations that could tell you where to situate the deck. If you are creating your deck along with the birth of your new home, then make sure to extend the roofline so that the deck will get its needed shade.

Consider Your Privacy

It would also be nice if you put a privacy fence that could block the view.  Instead of having the ground cleared when you add the deck, make good use of what you already have. That old tree might not be just another element of your yard. This natural thing could offer privacy when it creates a soft canopy. Have lush plants all around the edge of the deck so that it would be more secluded.

Add a Pergola

A pergola will give more functions for the deck. It offers a cozier look plus adding that much-needed shade. Enhance the look by adding hanging baskets, light fixtures or planters.

Planting in hanging baskets is a fuss-free way of saving money while offering great colors for the deck.

Add Water Features

There are a lot of background noises that could potentially annoy your restful afternoons and weekends. You can solve these potential problems by adding any water feature for your deck. The sound of trickling water can make a huge difference on how much peace you would eventually enjoy on your new deck.

Evergreen trees are the first choice when creating privacy. They can effectively block any view while offering a green, lush, natural backdrop. Dense evergreens can also help in filtering the noise. There is an evergreen that is suitable for almost any garden. Pick from a wide variety of sizes, colors and shapes including the columnar types which don’t grow any wider than two feet.

Construct a Trellis

More on lush greens – go ahead and up the level of privacy being offered by trees and a pergola. Add a trellis to make the deck even more enjoyable. Have vines planted along the deck then watch them as they grow all the way up to the trellis.

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What To Consider When Designing A Home Deck

Friday, July 29th, 2016

Hooker Furniture Living Room Accent Chair

Hooker Furniture Living Room Accent Chair

Do you believe that designing a comfortable and safe deck is easy? Some could answer this positively while others might be a tad more hesitant. Designing a home deck requires that you initially get in touch with your local building department or the homeowners’ association. There are deck restrictions as well as requirements that you should ask about. There are also zoning ordinances that put a cap on the deck size, its location and its general construct. In many cases, you would need a building permit before you can begin constructing or designing a home deck.

That Lovely Sketch

Find a tape measure then go out with a pencil and paper. Sketch your dream deck, don’t be afraid, go ahead. Include your home’s location including the number of doors and windows. Place also the location of trees and other primary landscaping structures. Sheds are also an example of such structures.

The Proper Location

Decide whether the house exit will lead directly to the deck or if it will be located elsewhere.

A freestanding deck comes with two or more beams. This can be installed right next to your house or right by the swimming pool. If it is away from any of these two locations, then make sure that you have a clear path or walkway leading right to it.

Think also of the kind of view that you would want on your deck. If you require privacy, then you can have a wall built for a portion of the deck. You can also use a nearby shade in keeping the deck cool especially during the summer. You can also place the deck away from a shrub line so you can have some cool breeze pass through.

Essential Deck Parts

Attached decks have ledger boards that can replace one of the support beams. This can be attached using bolts; a tool that greatly reduces material costs. This, however, comes with pest or water damage, eventually.

A lot of building codes require metal flashing for moisture prevention between the house wall and the ledger. If you want to prevent this problem, then have the ledger treated for mold or pest infiltration.

If you are thinking of building that luxurious two-story deck, then you have to provide a long stairway. It would help to break up the stairway with a transition deck. Plan the right connection for the stairs and the deck and where this connection would end.

Orient Express Furniture Dining Room Santa Fe Dining Bench 6020

Orient Express Furniture Dining Room Santa Fe Dining Bench 6020

Figure Out the Deck Function and Size

If you are a frequent party host, then you would definitely need a larger deck. This is a place where tables, chairs, a bench or two maybe, and other outdoor furniture can be placed. It’s a place where you grill and drink and have fun so make sure that you turn it into a pleasant retreat, one that is comfortable.

Avoid layouts that put a railing right in the middle of any of the windows in your home. Assure also that the doors swinging outward would clear the railings. Should the need call for it, you should adjust the location and size of the deck.

Pick a Style

Decks with some architectural lines made with lumber and vertical metal balusters are complementary looks. If you want a more traditional or classic appeal, then use lumber with visible grain lines as balusters; as much as possible, choose pressure-treated lumber.

Remember that the deck can be exposed to harsh elements. So in installing wood decking, make sure that you use weather sealants and staining. Redwood and heart cedar are often resistant to decay, hence, they are used extensively. If you use any other type of wood, then have it treated with any kind of preservative.

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