Make The Most of Your Patio This Spring Break

March 10, 2023 Uncategorized

Spring is here, and it’s time to use outdoor living space to the fullest. Your patio is the best place to enjoy the warm weather, and with a few upgrades or a new build, you can transform your patio into the ultimate springtime hangout spot. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Outdoor Dining Area

Spring is a great time to enjoy meals outdoors. Set up a dining area on your patio with a large table and comfortable chairs. Choose weather-resistant materials for your furniture, and add colorful cushions or pillows for a pop of color. Consider adding a grill or outdoor kitchen to make cooking and entertaining even more effortless. For more info on building an outdoor kitchen, check out our previous blog for inspiration.

Fire Pit or Fireplace

Although the weather is heating up, spring nights can still get chilly. So stay warm and cozy on your patio with a fire pit or fireplace. Not only will it keep you warm, but it also creates a relaxing ambiance and a focal point for your outdoor space. Roast marshmallows, tell stories and enjoy the nighttime.

Games and Entertainment

Bring some fun to your patio with games and entertainment for the whole family. Depending on the size of your backyard and the number of people playing, there’s plenty of fun to be had on your patio. For five great activities to enjoy in the sun this spring, check out our blog on backyard games.

Outdoor Lighting

Create an atmosphere on your patio with outdoor lighting. String lights or lanterns can help create a warm, rustic style, while a chandelier can add class to your backyard. Lighting can also increase safety on your patio by illuminating walkways and steps. To learn which outdoor fixtures fit your patio best, check out our blog.

With a bit of creativity, your outdoor living space can become the ultimate spring break hangout spot for you and your friends and family. Contact us today to start building or upgrading your outdoor living space.

Get Inspired: Building an Enticing Outdoor Kitchen

March 9, 2023 Uncategorized

Outdoor kitchens can be a great addition to your patio, giving you a functional and beautiful space to cook and entertain guests. Whether you’re looking to update your existing patio or build a new one from scratch, there are plenty of sources of inspiration that can help you create the perfect outdoor kitchen.

Getting Inspiration

Social media is a great place to start looking for inspiration. Luckily, TCP Custom Outdoor Living has you covered with Pinterest, Instagram, and Houzz accounts filled with patio inspo. Take some time to browse through our previous projects and save the ones that catch your eye. This will give you a good starting point for your design ideas.

Choosing Materials

When getting ideas for materials, it’s essential to consider both form and function. You’ll want to select materials that are durable and able to withstand the elements, but also ones that look great and fit your personal style. For tips on which material to use, check out our blog on choosing the right countertop for your outdoor kitchen.

Appliances

An outdoor kitchen is only as good as its appliances. Luckily, there are plenty of options to fit your needs, from grills and dishwashers to ice machines and pizza ovens. To learn more about patio appliances, check out our blog for some of our favorites. If you cook outside, it’s important to have the right sink for water and dishes. Visit our blog on patio sinks to learn which one fits your kitchen.

With some inspiration and careful planning, you can create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. Explore your options today, and get ready to enjoy a beautiful and functional outdoor space for years to come.

Open Up to New Patio Door Options

January 19, 2023 Uncategorized

Patio doors are one of the first things guests see when viewing your new backyard. If you’re wondering which door fits your patio best, there are plenty of options to choose from. Understanding these options can help you make the right choice when choosing the best patio door for your space.

Sliding Doors

One type of patio door to consider is the traditional sliding door. These doors have two panels that slide back and forth on a track, with one panel remaining stationary while the other moves. This classic style is great for its ease-of-use and also doesn’t take up too much open space. Sliding doors can be a great option if you’re looking to maximize your view from the inside, but just like any other glass windows in your house, they require cleaning and maintenance for the best look possible.

French Doors

Another type of patio door to consider is the French door. French doors are hinged doors that open outward and often have glass panels extending the entire door length. This sophisticated style is great if you’re looking for a more traditional look and feel, and they’re often used to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. They’re also very energy efficient, with tight-fitting seals helping prevent drafts. However, they can be heavier than other options, requiring a bit more effort to open. They can also take up space, so the flow of the patio needs to be considered when using this style.

Bi-Folding Doors

Bi-folding doors are also popular options for patios. These doors have an accordion-like design, made from panels that fold back against each other when opened. This can be a great option if you’re looking to open up your space, since they can be folded back entirely to create a stunning and seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. They’re also very energy efficient and easy to operate, giving you more freedom to enjoy your backyard.

There are plenty of patio door options, each bringing its own style and function to your home, depending on your needs. Reach out to TCP, and we can help guide you through the process to ensure you’re getting the right door for your outdoor living space.

Everything about the kitchen sink

October 7, 2022 Uncategorized

Are you looking for a great addition to your outdoor kitchen? Here are some reminders when choosing a sink for your patio.

Know your materials

Before you decide what your sink should be made of, consider how often you’ll be using it, where it’ll be positioned in your kitchen, and how willing you are to maintain it.

The most common material used for outdoor sinks is stainless steel. And while it’s durable and easy to clean, it does come with a few downsides. They tend to scratch easily and don’t come in wide varieties if you want a specific look. Also, if you have it in direct sunlight, there’s a good chance it could be roughly the same temperature as the sun on Texas summer afternoons. 

With its striking look, a natural stone sink could look great with your patio style. On top of their look, they also don’t absorb heat as easily and can withstand the elements for many years. However, these sinks need to be regularly maintained and may not be suitable for heavy use.

Granite sinks have become a popular choice in recent years. Both durable and visually appealing, granite could be a great fit for your outdoor kitchen.

Specialty vs. utility sinks

If you’re planning on throwing outdoor parties this summer, it might be worth investing in a bar sink. This stainless steel sink allows for a space to wash your dishes by day and store your drinks by night, with a spot to hold condiments, cut up fruits and vegetables, and open bottles. The compact size also means you’ll have more room to eat and serve meals.

If you’re wanting something heavy-duty to get the job done as effectively as possible, a large utility sink might be in your future. This no-frills sink with one large basin is made to withstand anything you can throw at it. Doing dishes? Check. Making dinner? Check. Cleaning gardening tools? Check. Just because you have it in your outdoor kitchen doesn’t mean it should exclusively be for food, right?

Consider your flooring

One thing that may not be initially obvious to anyone planning their outdoor sink is the floor that will be under it. Like your kitchen inside, it’s best to have flooring that’s non-porous and can be hosed down or swept easily. That way, you won’t have to worry about spilling liquids or food under it.

An outdoor sink can be a very convenient addition to your outdoor kitchen. Consider these factors when planning the next chapter of your patio.

The best appliances for your outdoor kitchen

October 7, 2022 Uncategorized

Does your dream patio have a kitchen included? Here are a few ideas on how to make the most of your future outdoor kitchen.

Refrigerator 

How many times have you been to a house where someone has a second fridge outside or in a garage that’s almost exclusively for drinks? Over the years, the “garage fridge” has become a must for many people, so it only makes sense to have a refrigerator in your outdoor kitchen. Not only is it great for storing drinks, but it can also become the one-stop shop for any party, equipped with fruits, veggies, cheese, and anything else to make the perfect spread.

Grill

We’ve previously gone over the best grills for your patio, and we still believe that no outdoor function is complete without the perfect grill. While there are plenty of options between gas, charcoal, and smokers, consider the size of groups you’ll be cooking for, what type of fuel you prefer, and how much time you want to spend grilling.

Side Burner

Don’t get us wrong: A grill is great, but sometimes you want to multitask or use different heat levels depending on the food. That’s where the side burner comes in. This small addition can become a huge help when cooking a big dinner, meaning you can pan-sear or keep pots warm while you’re grilling.

Sink

We’ve also talked about the perfect outdoor kitchen sink and the convenience it can bring. Similar to the grill, you should focus on how often you’ll be using it, where it’s positioned on the patio, and how willing you are to maintain and clean it.

Icemaker

Sure, you could go for the regular old ice out of your refrigerator. But why not spice it up? There are plenty of ice makers out there big and small, but you can’t go wrong with that tiny ice that’s great to crunch on.

Pizza Oven

If you’re a huge pizza fan (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), you can’t go wrong with an outdoor pizza oven. Pizza ovens can vary in size depending on your style. This means regardless if you want a full-on brick oven or a stainless steel oven to sit on your countertop, you can become a master pizza chef in no time. 

These great appliances can help make your outdoor kitchen the place to be for years to come.

Project Wait Time

April 28, 2021 Patio Contractor, Uncategorized

Since most of us have spent more time at home in the last 12 months than ever before, we have a new appreciation for making a house a home. And because everyone plans to stay home more in the future, but reintroduce guests, most want some sort of outdoor space to entertain them. If you have been dreaming of improving your home, now is the time to do it, but it comes with a longer-than-expected wait time. It makes sense though … while remodeling activity continues to grow, so does project wait time.

Here’s what to expect…

When a homeowner calls us right now – we are anywhere between 3-4 weeks before getting to do an initial appointment with them.    Once we have done that initial meeting, it takes about 2 weeks to get a design back.  Once the design is approved and the contract is signed, we are looking at an additional 12-14 weeks to start construction.

Remodeling wait times aren’t just in Houston either, this stands for the entire country.

With more homeowners reaching out to construction firms, architects and interior designers to upgrade their homes, the wait time to start a new project is also on the rise.

If you look at the chart above, you’ll see that demand for construction services is strong, as the average wait time to begin a midsize project rose to 9.3 weeks. A year ago, the national average wait time was 5.4 weeks, meaning the average wait time is almost one month (3.9 weeks) longer than the same period last year.

-Houzz

Another thing to consider…

Cost of projects have gone up due to rising lumber and material costs.  Labor costs are also on the rise.  This is always subject to change, but it’s worth mentioning.

If you’re ready to move full steam ahead, contact us now!

Outdoor Designs that are Dominating 2021

March 26, 2021 Outdoor Style Show, Uncategorized

If 2021 is your year to build your outdoor oasis, check out these designs that are dominating. No matter your style… we provide turnkey custom design projects. Our specialty is building projects that look original to the home, including patio covers, pergolas, screened porches, room additions, guest houses, decks, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and custom patios.

Many times our customers come into the building process with only a small idea of what they want to do, we are here to bring ideas to the table, think things through and of course, build it!

Outdoor kitchens remain ruling as king, but don’t forget… big things can come in small packages. Even if you only have a little space, an outdoor kitchen can still be built! Big or small, outdoor kitchens and dining space continues to be very popular.

For those that have a little extra space, freestanding retreats are popping up in many backyards! This type of “patio” is nice because it’s separated from the home and really gives off the feeling that you’re on vacation!

This space above has a gable roof and vaulted ceiling. We used a stained tongue and groove with cedar beams. The columns are wrapped in hardie and painted – they have stone bases that match the kitchen fascia and the fireplace. All of this stone complements the pool coping. The flooring is a wide plank stamped concrete. Two large fans were also installed to create a nice breeze on those hot days of summer and again, make you feel like you’re on vacation!

Retractable screens are sliding into this list because they are functional and look nice! Most homes have a “hot spot” at least once during the day from the sun’s rays, these types of screens make it easy to block the sun in a moment’s notice. They keep the area cool and also keep the bugs out!

Folding patio doors just might be the hottest feature on this list (save the best for last?)… individual panels give the homeowner complete control, so it can be as open or closed as one would like. The large amount of glass opens up the space for that indoor/outdoor living feel.

Now let’s talk budget … a typical patio cover could be in the $25,000 – $45,000 range.  Adding an outdoor kitchen and/or fire feature can add an additional cost in the range of $15,000 – $50,000. After an initial meeting, we give you an exact quote design. It is all based on the size of your project, how it is constructed, type of finishes and what all is included in your project. And before you know it… your sketch is built and you’re enjoying your outdoor oasis!

If you would like more information on how to budget for your outdoor living space, check out our budget blog, here!

What to Expect During Your Virtual Consultation

April 7, 2020 Patio Contractor, Uncategorized

VIRTUAL INITIAL APPOINTMENTS DURING COVID-19

We are now offering complimentary virtual consultations in lieu of an in-home initial visit. As we continue to navigate through this ever-changing time in our world, keeping our customers and employees healthy is our top priority.

If you’ve been thinking about getting an estimate, but haven’t had time to schedule an appointment, now is a great time to do that! Here’s what to expect during your virtual visit.

STEP 1: CALL YOUR LOCAL OFFICE TO SET UP YOUR VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT:

HOUSTON: (281) 265-1994
DALLAS/FORT WORTH: (972) 915-2727

STEP 2: BE PREPARED

You will need a computer or tablet for your appointment (you will be asked to screen share). You’ll be virtually introduced with your one-on-one project developer and will be asked to email a few things:

  • Have a date and time in mind to schedule the virtual visit (expect 30 to 40 minutes)
  • A copy of your lot survey
  • Pictures of the back of your home or area you are considering for remodel
  • List of features you are thinking about (patio cover, outdoor kitchen, fire feature, etc…)

It’s helpful to know the different styles and features you like, so you are prepared during the virtual consultation. You can find many ideas by browsing our gallery, here. You can also explore ideas on our Houzz page, here.

STEP 3: VIRTUAL CONSULTATION

You will receive a follow-up call within 24 hours of your set appointment to ensure the date and time still works well for you. About 5 minutes prior to your appointment, you will be e-mailed a link that will allow you to share a screen with your project developer. You will get a phone call from your developer and will be asked to click on the link. Two important things to note here:

  • You will be able to see their screen, they cannot see yours
  • This is NOT a video call, so no need to do your hair
Screen Share

You will then have an open conversation about your wants, needs, obstacles and expectations. Again, please carve out 30 to 40 minutes for this conversation and have your questions ready! To help you as much in advance, click here for a list of frequently ask questions.

GOALS OF 1ST MEETING

-Review space

-Talk budget (budget blog, read ahead of time)

-Discuss a timeline (timeline blog, read ahead of time)

-Chat about design

STEP 4: VIRTUAL BID MEETING

There will be 7 to 10 days between your first virtual meeting and your second virtual meeting. At this meeting you will be shown the drawings and ideas created by your project developer.

These are just ideas and suggestions based on your prior conversation regarding what you hope to have built in the given areas discussed. Each and every project is completely custom, with measurements and ideas for your home only. You will also be able to view a multidemential rendering of your projected project as well. Click here for an animated version of a rendering.

Click here to see

STEP 5: START BUILDING YOUR PATIO

Once you have decided to trust us with your custom patio build, we get to work! We handle all permits and approvals from the HOA and put a schedule together to get your project going.

At Texas Custom Patios, we really get to know our customers. When you choose to build with us, you get your own project developer who will get to know you, your goals, and your style, and will oversee your entire outdoor living project, from start to finish. We can promise you that you’re in good hands and in a no pressure situation. We hope to hear from you soon!

Recipe of the Month: Spice is Nice

September 27, 2019 Outdoor Cooking, Uncategorized

It’s hard for some people to grasp pumpkin spice and all things nice before we have cooler temperatures, but fall is here and it’s time to celebrate! We put together a few recipes that will put you in the mood for our new season.

Harissa Roasted Pumpkin

Grilled Pumpkin Granola with Pecans and Maple Syrup

Spiced Steak Tacos

Turkey Red Curry in Pumpkin Bowls

Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread

Bourbon Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin Pie Spice Stuffed French Toast

Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake with Sugar Cookie Crust

Hot Pumpkin Spice Drink

Turning the Page on Patios

June 24, 2019 Patio Design, Promotion, Uncategorized

Through the years Texas Custom Patios have graced the pages of countless magazines, showing different sizes, styles and price ranges. There is one thing that each project has in common though… customization. Custom is our specialty.

Take a look at some projects that have captured the hearts of many, and serve as example for what you may like to build in the future! There are links at the bottom of each article if you would like to read more.

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Have a project in mind? We work throughout the Houston and Dallas - Fort Worth areas.

Our Customers Love Us

TCP Custom Outdoor Living did an awesome job on our cover. I have enjoyed everything about it. The crew did a great job before, during, and after. I highly recommend them to everyone. Thank You for a beautiful patio.

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