Looking for Shade – Part 1

In Florida, we are blessed with mostly beautiful, bright and pleasant days year round.  But, during certain times of the year it’s a bit too bright – and hot!  Many homeowners have opted for a shade structure of one type or another to make their outdoor living space cooler and more enjoyable – more livable.  Here are some options that offer attractive design features as well as practical solutions for filtering or avoiding the UV rays and heat associated with Old Mr. Sun.

Pergolas have partially open roof structures that block some of the sun rays and look great anywhere in an outdoor living area.  Columns can be square, rectangular or round, and finished with natural appearing stain, stucco or stone depending on the material.  We recommend against painting most outdoor wood structures.   Although most pergolas are constructed of wood, they can also be made with aluminum, steel, fiberglass, vinyl or a combination of materials such as stone or concrete columns and a wood or metal roof structure.  Seldom do you find two exactly alike except for the ones purchased from mail order suppliers.  You can see examples of custom designed pergolas here.

Trellises, Arbors and Lattice are terms for structures that are generally constructed from materials that are lighter than that of a pergola.  Although similar to pergolas, they are typically installed for more decorative appearance and sometimes as a support for vines and other plants.  We recently rebuilt a fairly large arbor that was formerly covered with overgrown, difficult-to-maintain vines, but no more.  It is now a classic shade structure that defines a beautiful outdoor living area with a brick floor and stucco columns that support large timber beams, which bridge the space between this 1920s era residence with its garage. So, the lighter materials comment doesn’t always apply. 

Awnings provide a more complete shade environment, and some can be retracted when the sun goes down and during storms.  Retractable awnings are for avoiding the sun, not for protection from adverse weather.  Fixed awnings are permanently installed and designed to withstand extreme weather conditions including high winds.  They can include retractable vertical screens for protection from bugs during the summer.  Awning surface materials are available in a great variety of beautiful, durable and functional fabrics.  The most desirable is 100% solution-dyed acrylic specifically designed for outdoor use.  The thread will not rot or deteriorate, and the better ones are guaranteed for workmanship and against fading.  Visit Sunair Awnings to see examples and learn more about awnings from a quality manufacturer.

Overhead fans that are manufactured for the outdoors can be installed on pergolas, arbors and fixed awnings to provide further cooling.  Misting fans provide an even more enjoyable environment.

Pergolas and awnings are immensely popular in Florida as well as other sunshine-blessed states.  In future posts, we will discuss each type of shade structure in depth and offer suggestions for design considerations, strengths and weaknesses of various materials and recommendations for getting the best value.

Posted by John Atkinson

Components for Creating Outdoor Living Spaces

If you have checked out our web site (tampa.archadeck.com) lately, you know the new direction of our company.  We want to be more responsive, more inclusive and a better partner to our friends and customers as we help them create more unique and inviting outdoor living spaces.  So, we have added services and offerings to become a designer and builder of all the elements that today’s homeowners are seeking in their overall planning for a more comprehensive outdoor experience.  As you follow this Blog over the coming months, you will learn more about using these components to create living space beyond your indoor area. 

• Shade structures – pergolas, porches, awnings, arbors, trellises, trees and vines
• Patios – pavers of all types plus decorative concrete, stone and aggregate hardscapes
• Pool decks –repairs, overlays with beautiful designs and new stamped surfaces
• Driveways, sidewalks, walkways and paths – repairs, overlays and new construction
• Porches – conventional (wood) structures or more economical aluminum covered areas
• Screen enclosures – porches, lanais, garage openings, pool areas
• Gazebos – stand alone or attached to porches or patios; screened or open
• Seating areas and other gathering places
• Masonry – walls, benches and more
• Bridges and walkways – wood or composite materials
• Outdoor kitchens – every appliance imaginable, plus beautiful serving and dining surfaces
• Fireplaces and fire pits
• Water features – ponds, waterfalls and fountains
• Landscaping – planning, design and installation
• Gardens and flower beds
• And safety inspections for most types of outdoor structures

Stay tuned – come back to learn more about using these elements to create or enhance your outdoor space.

Posted by John Atkinson

Outdoor Living Experiences

Outdoor living is often thought to be something that is what it is, and that little can be done to change the environment to make it more enjoyable. Most are aware that a deck can be a fun place to hang out if the weather cooperates. Hot tubs or spas can be a place for relaxation and a retreat from the trials and tribulations of the day gone by, but only if it’s not too hot or too cold or rainy or windy or whatever. Screen porches can keep the bugs away (or at least most of them), but the temperature and humidity must be within an acceptable range if it’s to be enjoyed to its fullest extent. Then there are ongoing maintenance issues that can soon turn an attractive project into an eye sore and a seemingly never-ending money pit.

This site will address all these issues and many more.  Over time, we will offer ideas and techniques, systems and products, methods and means to make outdoor living the fullest and finest and most affordable experience possible. We will focus on quality and value and the fine art of making the most of what mother nature has given each of us.

Posted by John Atkinson