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Quadra Post Patio Cover

Weston — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:47:58 +0000

Big timbers and elegant corbels were just the start for this fine patio cover. We notched the beams and rafters so the rafters seem to go through the beams but elevated the center section to accent the living area below. Of course the unique post framing is the first thing you notice and that is what sets this patio cover apart from the rest.

Windsor, California Deck and Patio Cover (Sonoma County)

Weston — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:55:48 +0000

This Sonoma County back yard was HOT!!! It literally cried out for a deck and patio cover. The western exposure meant that summer afternoon sun reflected off the wall of the house like a solar oven. The owner had to keep the shades drawn on the windows inside to keep the sun from overheating the house. The solution was to build this elegant patio cover which is architecturally pleasing and transforms the back yard into a comfortable and inviting living area.

The Design Challenge

One design challenge was that the house has a low eve in one area that we had to go under and a high attachment in another area. How were we to have two levels of roof with a graceful transition and a minimum of posts? We solved it by doubling the rafters and hanging a beam (using long bolts} and then hanging the rafters from the hanging beam. The whole patio cover only required three posts.

Because of the high attachment we decided to use large timbers. The beams are 6×10 and the rafters are 4×8 with nice custom corbels on the ends. We spaced the 2×4 slats close together so they let in light but not the excessive heat from the sun. The white color matched the house trim and gives the structure a light and airy feeling.

Decking Material and Construction With No Nails or Screws on Surface

The deck below was built with Evergrain Cherrywood decking. This is a very rich looking composite that wears like iron. Of course we installed the decking with Deckmaster Hidden Brackets so there are no nails or screws to mar the deck surface. The owner can use her soft hot tub without worrying about stubbing her toes on protruding nail heads. We added 12” fascia around the perimeter to hide the understructure and give the deck a finely finished appearance.

This was a very rewarding project because it completely transformed the backyard environment from being unusable on hot summer days to an inviting outdoor living area.

Miguel Flores – Foreman
Alberto Curcio – Head Carpenter

Installing Patio Cover Makes Winery Deck Livable and Inviting

Weston — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:23:41 +0000

Often a patio cover can make the difference in having a deck that’s basically useless transformed into an inviting living space. That’s what spelled success with this winery deck that was so drenched in sun that it wasn’t usable. At first glance, the solution didn’t appear to lend itself to an easy fix. It took some real design ingenuity to yield the ambience the space needed.

The Story Behind The La Vista Winery Deck

How do you take a complicated situation and make it look simple? That was the design challenge for the deck on my friend’s home winery. He had a small rectangular deck nobody used. Although it was a balcony deck, it was not inviting or easy to access. The sun cooked it on summer afternoons.

Here were the factors that made it tricky to design a good project:

1. The best view was to the northwest which meant that the deck needed to be built at a 45 degree angle from the house.

2. The area under the deck needed to be as open as possible for vehicles to load and for wine barrels to roll in and out. This span required a 6×12 beam.

3. The only possible attachment for the patio cover was under the eaves of the house. Putting the beam under the rafters would block the relaxing view of his pasture and pony and sunset over the western hills, so we put the beam on top and hung the rafters.

4. The owner had one major request. He needed to have a place to display his original sign with the winery name.

In the end this clear heart redwood deck became an inviting place to have a glass of wine while watching the sunset, even in the heat of summer . Mission accomplished!

Weston Leavens – Deckmaster Fine Decks