Mr. Deck - Projects

Mr Deck Showpiece Decks and Arbors

Projects
The Marianetti II Project

Copyright Architectural Structure VA 953-436 USA 3/18/99

Palatial Portal

Positioned in front of an otherwise non-descript rear entrance, this open air structure imparts a neo-classic Romanesque portal befitting a Palace. Supported by two colossal columns, the massive canopy looms large over an archway which now segregates porch from patio. The archway is a hefty 5 x 7 curved timber whose apogee pierces the oversized baluster-studded valance.

Hung from the canopy is a cut-crystal candelabra lantern whose tether pierces both valance and arch. Massive parallel beams crossing on the same plane add bulk to the wimpy capital of the precast columns.

The vertical skip-lath of the canopy, unlike other builders' use of under-sized lumber-yard boards and toe-nailing them into the beams, are fully-dimensioned resawn 2 x 6's that are bolted to the beams through the top with ½x10-inch zinc-plated lag bolts.

Note that all this hefty superstructure shows not one hint of a fastener, bolt or bracket.

The arbor serves well as a sun-screen for the porch area and protects the glass door and windows from heating up in the afternoon and summer evenings. All in all, it's functional as well as spectacular.