Summer is right around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about refreshing your patio for the upcoming warm weather. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing patio or build a new one from scratch, there are plenty of ways to make your outdoor living space more functional and inviting. From adding an outdoor kitchen to redoing your fireplace, here are a few ideas for refreshing your patio in time for spring and summer.

Outdoor Kitchen

If you love to cook and entertain outside, an outdoor kitchen is a must-have. Adding a grill, sink, refrigerator, and countertops to your patio will make it easier to cook and serve food outside and will also create a central gathering spot for your guests. You can customize your outdoor kitchen to fit your needs, whether you’re a casual cook or a professional chef.

Redoing Your Fireplace

The spring days may be getting warmer, but the nights can still be chilly. If you have a fireplace on your patio, refreshing it can breathe new life into the space. You can update the look of your fireplace with a new mantle, surround, or hearth, or you can even replace the entire fireplace with a more modern or efficient model. A fireplace is a great way to warm up your patio and entertain during the spring.

Refresh Existing Patio Cover

Want to enjoy your patio during spring rain or summer heat? Patio covers can give your space a new level of functionality and a whole new look. You can repaint or stain the cover to match your home’s exterior, or you can replace it altogether with a new cover made from a different material or in a different style. A new patio cover can also provide additional shade or protection from the elements, making it more comfortable to spend time outside. 

There are plenty of ways to refresh your patio in time for spring and summer. Whether you’re adding an outdoor kitchen, a new ceiling, redoing your fireplace, or refreshing your existing patio cover, these upgrades can make your outdoor living space more functional and inviting. With the right improvements, your patio can become a comfortable and enjoyable space that you’ll love to spend time in all season long.

A patio is an excellent addition to any home, providing an outdoor space for relaxation, entertainment, and leisure. But what sets a good patio apart from a great one is the addition of a roof. A patio roof provides shade and protection from the elements and adds an extra level of aesthetic appeal to your outdoor living space.

If you’re in the market for a survey patio cover, you can’t go wrong with either Shingled or Metal roofs. Both materials have their own strengths, so choosing one that fits your specific needs and preferences is important.

Metal Roof

For a modern look, consider a steel patio roof. Also known as a standing seam metal roof, steel roofs can match almost any style, making them great for contemporary and rustic homes. They’re durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them a practical choice. Steel roofs can be customized with various finishes and colors, so you can find one that matches your home’s existing aesthetic.

Shingled Roof

Shingled patio roofs are a popular choice for homeowners who want to add an extra layer of protection and aesthetic appeal to their outdoor living space. Since this is the most common roof material for most houses, shingled patio covers are the best way to make sure your patio matches your house and create a seamless look. With proper installation and maintenance, shingled patio roofs can last for years and enhance the value of a property.

No matter which style you choose, it’s essential to work with a reputable patio company to help you design and efficiently install your new roof. That’s why TCP Custom Outdoor Living can help transform your outdoor space into a stylish and functional oasis that you can enjoy year-round.

If you’re considering building a new patio or upgrading your current one, choosing your patio’s material is one of the most important decisions in the process. Two of the most popular options are wooden and stucco finish, and while both have their own advantages, both will leave your patio looking great.

Wood Finish Patios

Patios with a wood finish are a classic choice for any outdoor space. They’re versatile and can be designed to fit any style or aesthetic, from modern and sleek to rustic and traditional. Wood patios are typically constructed from cedar or pressure-treated pine and can be wrapped in hardie, stained, and painted to match the rest of your home.

One of the main benefits of a wood-finish patio is its natural beauty. The natural grain and texture of the wood can add warmth and character to your outdoor space, making it feel like an extension of your home. Wood patios are also durable and can last for many years if properly maintained. However, if not properly maintained, a wood finish can also be more prone to damage from the elements, such as rotting, warping, and splintering. 

Stucco Finish Patios

Patios with a stucco finish are a modern and stylish choice that can give your outdoor space a sleek and contemporary look. Stucco is a type of plaster applied to a base of concrete, brick, or other materials to create a smooth and seamless finish. Stucco patios can be customized with various colors and textures to fit your style and design preferences, although exactly matching texture and color with the house can sometimes be difficult.

Stucco is highly resistant to damage from the elements, including wind, rain, and sunlight. It’s also fire-resistant, making it a safe choice for outdoor spaces. One downside with stucco is its susceptibility to cracking and chipping over time. Repairs may need to be made every few years to keep your stucco looking brand-new.

Both wood and stucco finish have their own unique benefits and aesthetic styles. When making a decision, it’s important to consider your personal preferences, budget, and space requirements. Ultimately, the choice of which finish to use will depend on your design preferences and the specific needs of your patio.

If you’re planning on building your dream outdoor living space for a specific time of year, like July 4th or Christmas, this helpful timeline can get you on the right track. Keep in mind that project timelines can change depending on the size of your project, but this timeline is a good estimate of when you can expect your patio to be completed.

To have your project completed by January-February, call us by August.

To have your project completed by March-April, call us by October.

To have your project completed by May-June, call us by December.

To have your project completed by July-August, call us by February.

To have your project completed by September-October, call us by April.

To have your project completed by November-December, call us by June.

When you’re ready to build your project, reach out to TCP to help guide you through the process and make your dreams of a new outdoor living space a reality. 

If you’re looking to add some outdoor living space to your home, patios and sunrooms both provide a great escape from everyday life. However, there are a few key differences between the two that should be considered before making a decision.

First, let’s talk about patios. A patio is typically a flat, open space that is attached to the back of your home. It’s often made of concrete or pavers and can be customized with furniture, plants, and other decorations to create a comfortable outdoor living space. However, in areas with harsher weather, you may need to invest in a covered patio to ensure you’re not exposed to the elements. 

In contrast, a sunroom is a fully enclosed space that is attached to the back of your home. It’s typically made of glass or other transparent materials, which allows plenty of natural light to come in and provides a great view of the outdoors. Sunrooms are a great option for homeowners who want to be able to enjoy the outdoors without being exposed to the elements. However, being enclosed does mean that sunrooms may get hotter in the summer compared to a patio, so make sure you’ve got plenty of fans and air conditioning to keep cool.

No matter which option you choose, a patio or sunroom can be a great addition to your home and provide a great space to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Both options will leave you with an outdoor living space unlike any other, and one you can truly make your own.

Picking between an attached and free-standing patio may be confusing at first, but both can serve different purposes for your backyard depending on your usage and the space you have.

Attached Patios

Attached patios, as the name suggests, are outdoor living spaces connected to the back of your house. There are plenty of factors to consider when designing your attached patio, including your price range and usage. Because of its close proximity to your home, attached patios are easier and are typically less expensive to run water, gas, and electric lines to appliances like sinks and grills. Other things to consider when choosing an attached patio are the roof lines and elevation of your backyard, as well as windows on the back of your home that may need to be worked around.

While it may seem like the easier option to have an attached patio, there are some circumstances where that may not be possible. Previously installed pools and uneven terrain may only leave room for a free-standing patio. Multiple roof heights and breezeway placement are also factors that may prevent an attached patio.

Free-Standing Patios

Free-standing patios are outdoor living spaces that provide an outdoor retreat just a few steps out of your backdoor. These are also commonly known as pool houses or cabanas, which we’ve previously discussed. Being in the middle of your backyard, most of these structures are shaded to keep you and your guests away from the heat. Both spaces can be fitted with a privacy wall, but you might find it more beneficial with a free-standing patio, depending on its location. However, being far away from the house means that adding water, gas, and electric lines can be more difficult. 

Regardless if your backyard has a free-standing or attached patio, both provide shade and great areas to spend time outdoors. The decision between one or the other all depends on the layout of your home and the configuration of your backyard. No matter which outdoor living space suits your home, we’re more than happy to help you achieve your patio dreams.

When researching ideas to plan your dream backyard, the various terms being used can be confusing at first. Although deck and patio may seem like interchangeable terms, the reality is they describe two different styles of outdoor living space.

Decks are usually flat, raised porches connected to the back of your house. Decks are better for pier and beam homes or if there’s an elevation in the backyard where a deck would be more sensible than pouring concrete. The most commonly used material for a deck is wood, giving the backyard a rustic, cozy feel that is perfect for those who want to enjoy the outdoors. If your deck’s dropoff is larger than 18 inches, railing will be required, but built-in benches around the perimeter can allow for more seating as well as provide a barrier for the space.

Because of the extra materials that go into raising the deck, they’re usually more expensive than patios. On the other hand, having a raised deck allows you to customize the layout more without worrying about uneven ground or elevated homes and can also be matched with a covered roof for maximum shade. The downside of a wooden deck is the durability and upkeep needed to make wood look good year-over-year, but with the proper treatment, wooden decks are a great addition to your backyard.

If you don’t want to deal with the maintenance of real wood, composite decking is a pricier option that will last longer in the long run. Most composite decks have a warranty for 20-25 years, compared to wooden decks that begin to wear down after roughly 10 years.

Patios generally lie flat on the ground and are made of brick, stone, or concrete. These materials may need some upkeep, but the durability of these stones usually means minimal maintenance. Concrete flooring can be broom brushed like a sidewalk you’d see in your front yard, or stamped or stained to add to the look and feel of your space.

Where patios shine is their easier ability to expand in the future and their lower price when compared to raised decks. If a yard is sloped and needs to be evened out with the patio, or if you want a privacy wall to create more seclusion, prices can increase. They may also be more practical for those with pools or those thinking about adding a pool in the future. These patios can also be paired with a covered roof, making them great year-round,

Whether you choose a deck or a patio, both are great additions to your backyard that can entertain for years to come.

One of the first things most people want to know is how soon will they be lounging on their new patio. There are many factors involved from permits to availability of materials to weather that can impact timing. The guide below was created to give you a ballpark idea of when you can expect your beautiful new TCP Custom Outdoor Living space to be ready.

First, determine when you’d like to have your project completed. Then, see what month you’ll need to contact our office to get started.

How do we determine these timelines? Of course there’s the building phase, where we are actually working at the house, but there’s also a lot of down time to take into account for design and planning. Here’s a good idea of how long each phase of the building process takes:

• Design – Contract: 4 Months
  • From Initial Call to Meeting: 2 weeks
  • Designing: 2 weeks 
  • Approvals: 8 weeks
  • Permits: 2 months
• Build: 3-4 Months
• Total: 6-8 months

When you call our office, we’ll schedule an initial consultation. After the initial visit, if it is determined we can create a project that is in your budget range, we’ll follow up with a proposal. Once you’ve selected us as your outdoor design/builder and signed a contract, we’ll begin the permitting and HOA process. This can take up to two months depending on the rules of your community. When the design has met all requirements, construction begins.

Watch this video to discover more about our process. More questions? Give one of our outdoor-living specialists a call at 281-265-1994 in Houston or 972-915-2727 in Dallas/Fort Worth.

You’ve deliberated and deliberated. “Should I do it?” “Is the time right?” “Will it be worth it?” After giving it some thought, you’ve finally decided it’s time to take the next step and start building your dream patio. 

What is that next step? Before you give us a call, there are a few things you should consider.

Price

What will the budget look like for this project? When you work with us, we’ll be able to give you an estimate of how much the project will cost, but it helps to go in with an idea beforehand. Take a look at our article where we talk about patio pricing.

Use

How will your outdoor living space be used? Is it a place for gatherings and parties? Is it a relaxing getaway for you and your loved one? Is it a perfect paradise for your pool? Once you’re able to answer this question, we’ll be able to give you ideas on how to accomplish this goal.

Weather

How hot does it get around your area? If the answer is “extremely hot,” it might be worth ensuring your patio has shade. Water features can also help you cool off, but nothing beats staying in the shade.

Materials

There are many types of stonework and patio materials to choose from. From brick to tile to sandstone, nailing down the style you want to see in your dream patio can help us make that dream happen.

Appliances

If you choose to build an outdoor kitchen, it’s worth thinking about what you’ll be using it for. Will it be predominantly for gameday parties and gatherings? Check out our blog on types of grills. Are you looking for an elegant-looking sink that is stylish and functional? Check out our blog on types of sinks.

Solving some of these questions before giving us a call will ensure your patio vision can be executed to the best of our abilities.

Yankees vs. Red Sox, Nike vs. Adidas, McDonald’s vs. Burger King. For decades, these great rivalries have shaped popular culture. But one of the biggest rivalries can be found in your own backyard.

The debate between saltwater and chlorine swimming pools is a long and complicated one. Both methods of sanitizing have their pros and cons depending on a number of factors, but if you’re debating on one to pick, here’s what you should know.

SALTWATER

Nothing feels quite as good as jumping into a saltwater pool. With softer, more natural water compared to the more chemically treated chlorine, it’s no secret that saltwater pools are better for your skin, hair, and eyes. It’s also generally easier and safer to store salt over chlorine, and it requires less maintenance on a day-to-day basis.

Despite seeming like the opposite of chlorine, saltwater pools actually use chlorine to keep your pool clean. Rather than using tablets or chemicals to treat the water, saltwater pools use a salt-chlorine generator to turn the salt in the water into chlorine. It sounds much more complicated than it actually is, and it usually just takes adding salt to the pool and letting the generator do the work for you.

Why isn’t saltwater the overwhelming favorite then? Well, these benefits come at a price. Saltwater pools are generally more expensive to start but become less expensive to maintain over time, which is the inverse of chlorine. You’ll also want to test the pH of the pool at least once a week using testing strips or electronic meters to ensure the water is being sanitized properly. Saltwater is also corrosive, meaning it can slowly eat away at lighting and surfaces

Also, you might be worried about the taste of a saltwater pool, thinking that it’s similar to the ocean. Luckily, saltwater pools have roughly one tenth the saline of the ocean, meaning you won’t even taste a thing. 

CHLORINE

When many think of backyard swimming, they’re usually thinking of chlorine pools. The distinct chlorine smell that many have a love/hate relationship with is as synonymous with summer as grilling and fireworks.

It’s hard to beat the guaranteed cleanliness that chlorine brings. It’s easier and cheaper to install, and because it’s so popular, you’ll always be able to find someone to fix it in case of a major malfunction. It’s also easy to maintain specific chemical levels and won’t corrode surfaces the way saltwater can. 

However, chlorine has its own drawbacks. As mentioned earlier, not everyone is a huge fan of the smell and irritation it can leave on your skin, hair, and eyes. They also need to be shock treated often in order to maintain correct chlorine levels and prevent the production of chloramines, which is the chemical that leads to skin irritation, allergy, or asthma symptoms some feel after swimming.

(Also, if you have bleached or dyed blonde hair, it might be best to skip the chlorine unless you’re going for a lovely shade of green.)

If you’re willing to spend the money upfront, saltwater might be your choice. If you’re worried about maintenance and correctly cleaning the pool, chlorine might be the way to go. Regardless of which method you choose, your pool will be the place to be for many summers to come.