Landscape Structures: Part 4 – Picture-perfect Porches

This is part four of four in a series on landscape structures. Part four covers porches.

If you missed the other three parts of this series on landscape structures they covered pergolas, gazebos & sheds, and decks. Today’s blog discusses our last landscape structure… porches.

Porches are steadily increasing in popularity among homeowners due to their many benefits, extension of your outdoor living space, flexibility in design options, and comfort. There are so many different styles of porches that the sky really is the limit when it comes to porch design and materials! Enclosed porches are all the rage right now as they allow people to enjoy the outdoors for all seasons.

In my latest blog below, I discuss the advantages of porches and popular styles and design choices.

Advantages of Porches

Porches provide homeowners with numerous benefits. Here are a few advantages they offer:

·       Creates outdoor space away from the elements

·       Keeps bugs out (enclosed porches only)

·       Increases house’s square footage available

·       Raises home value

·       Provides many possibilities for entertaining

·       Adds a lavish charm to your outdoor living space

Porch Design Options

One important building aspect to consider in your porch design is the ceiling. Two popular choices are:

1.       Tongue and groove ceiling

2.       Volume ceiling

A tongue and groove ceiling is a popular choice. It is simple yet provides a classic look. Most people love that it provides a natural look. Additionally, some homeowners decide to stain or paint the ceiling to create a color that matches their color scheme for the porch.

In contrast, a volume ceiling is a taller ceiling for those wanting more height on their porch. The effect is much more dramatic with the volume ceiling and the beams can be decorative, adding to the charm of this option. This is the perfect choice for homeowners that are adding a full outdoor kitchen with a custom fireplace or pizza oven.

Another consideration related to porch ceilings is adding a ceiling fan. A fan is popular in the south as it is a great way to add a breeze and cool off those sitting on the porch.

Latest Trend in Porches – EZE BREEZE doors!

One of the newest trends in porches are ‘EZE BREEZE’ doors. These are a porch enclosure system that allows the space to be totally enclosed or totally open air. Homeowners love this simple, yet high-quality product and the flexibility it allows for porch designs.

Why Wait to Create a Porch the Entire Family Will Love?

If you have been dreaming of having the perfect porch, then do not wait any longer. Give me a call today at 336-848-7164 or complete this simple contact form to get started. We will discuss all your needs and budget so I can carefully design a porch your entire family will love spending time on. Be sure to visit my Instagram page for porch inspiration and other fun landscaping tips!

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, I partner with every client to ensure they have a porch design they love, that fits within their budget. I want to ensure this outdoor living element is one they feel comfortable enjoying for many years to come. My 3D designs help my clients visualize what the porch or any landscape feature would look like on their property. It is the ideal way to see a project before construction even begins or to make any last-minute adjustments.

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Landscape Structures: Part 3 – Decks are the Cornerstone for Your Outdoor Oasis

This is part three of four in a series on landscape structures. Part three covers decks.

Decks are a comfortable spot to enjoy nature at home. They are an ideal locale for reading a book, relaxing with family, entertaining friends, and simply taking in the ambiance Mother Nature has to offer.

There are three major types of deck building projects. Those are building a new deck, renovating an existing deck, or adding a full ceiling system underneath a deck to allow the area beneath to become dry outdoor living space.

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, I work closely with clients to determine their needs and budgets. This way I can help design the ultimate outdoor living space that often includes decks. My comprehensive landscape design includes placement of any landscape structures, such as decks, for an ultimate aesthetic appeal. Best of all, clients that utilize my 3D designs get to see what their deck will look like before construction even takes place!

In my latest blog below, I discuss the advantages of decks, materials, and numerous design ideas.

Benefits of Decks

These landscape structures provide so many wonderful advantages to homeowners. A few most noteworthy benefits include:

·       Increases home value

·       Expands house’s square footage

·       Provides endless entertainment possibilities

·       Creates luxurious aesthetic appeal to yard

Common Deck Building Materials

Today, there are so many options for what materials you can use to build your deck. On top of that, there are also many stains in some materials allowing for a variety of colors. As part of the design process with Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we will discuss the various materials available, what they will look like, and how they fit into your budget.

Five popular deck materials are:

1.       Pressure-treated lumber

2.       Cedar

3.       Redwood

4.       Composite

5.       Ipe

Below I go into a little more detail on each material’s pros and cons.

Pressure-treated lumber

Advantages: Lower cost and chemically treated to withstand mold, rot, and insect damage.

Disadvantages: Higher maintenance and tends to warp or crack over time.

Cedar

Advantages: Most inexpensive among the natural wood options, beautiful natural wood appearance, and long lifespan.

Disadvantages: More expensive than non-natural wood options and requires annual power washing and a coat finish every three to four years.

Redwood

Advantages: Long lifespan, beautiful natural wood appearance, durable, and often naturally rot-resistant.

Disadvantages: Expensive, harder to get on the East Coast, and requires annual power washing and a coat finish every three to four years.

Composite

Advantages: Low-maintenance, available in huge selection of colors and textures, and withstands rotting and insect damage.

Disadvantages: Damp spaces can attract mold and depending on the company and selection can be expensive.

Ipe (one of the more popular tropical hardwoods)

Advantages: Durable, naturally resistant to rot and insect damage, sleek and beautiful natural wood appearance, and long lifespan.

Disadvantages: Must be sealed every year, expensive, and not great option to stain or finish.

When selecting a deck material, it is important to factor in cost, maintenance, and what it will be used for. These variables will direct you to which deck material looks great, but also fits within your budget and needs.

Deck Design Ideas

A deck is not simply a space to sit outside, it provides the opportunity to create an outdoor living space you and your family will enjoy for years to come. Below are a few fun ideas to add to your deck!

·       Hot tub

·       Built-in seats

·       Plants

·       Garden

·       Shade sails

·       Lighting

·       Patio furniture

·       Fire pits (Read this great article on the do’s and don’ts for fire pits on wood decks!)

Let Me Help You Create Your Dream Deck Today!

Why wait any longer to build the deck of your dreams for your family to enjoy? Get started today by giving me a call at 336-848-7164 or completing this contact form. I look forward to patenting with you to create an outdoor living space you adore!

Check my Instagram page for inspiration and ideas for all things landscaping! Don’t miss the fourth and final blog in this landscape structures series. It will cover porches.