As the scorching summer sun takes center stage, spending time outdoors can become quite challenging. However, with a well-designed patio, you can create a comfortable and refreshing oasis in your backyard. So whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing patio or start from scratch, here are some fantastic ways to stay cool and beat the summer heat:

Custom Built Patio Cover

A patio cover is an excellent addition to your outdoor space, providing shade and protection from the sun’s rays. Our custom patio covers ensure you’re getting the exact look you want, while still effectively blocking the sun. Not only will a patio cover keep you cool, but it’ll also enhance your patio’s overall look and functionality.

Add Outdoor Fans

Beat the heat with the gentle breeze of outdoor fans. Install ceiling fans or freestanding fans strategically to circulate the air and create a cool and comfortable environment. Not only do fans provide relief from the heat, but can also help keep pesky bugs at bay.

Opt for Heat-Reflective Materials

When choosing materials for your patio, go with heat-reflective options like light-colored concrete, natural stone, or composite decking. These materials absorb less heat, ensuring a cooler surface for your patio. Additionally, consider adding rugs or mats made from natural fibers to prevent your feet from getting too hot.

Embrace Greenery

Incorporating greenery adds a touch of natural beauty to your patio and helps create a cooler environment. Strategically place potted plants and trees around your patio to provide shade and improve air quality. In addition, plants release moisture through transpiration, which cools down the surrounding area.

Choose Comfortable Seating

Opt for patio furniture that offers comfort while staying cool. Look for chairs and loungers made from breathable materials like mesh or lightweight aluminum. You can also add cushions made with moisture-wicking fabrics to provide extra comfort while preventing excessive heat retention.

Adding any – or all – of these options to your patio design allows you to create a comfortable and cool outdoor space to beat the heat. Whether entertaining guests or enjoying a peaceful afternoon, a well-designed patio will become your go-to retreat during the hot summer months. Stay cool, relax, and make the most of your patio oasis.

Looking to make the most of your backyard but don’t have much space around your pool? There are plenty of ways to make the most of your pool area. Here’s a few tips for maximizing your outdoor living space:

Shape your pool

If you’re building a new pool for fun in the sun, consider the shape carefully as the size of your backyard will likely be the biggest factor in what type of pool you choose. Freeform or kidney-shaped pools can provide a more natural, organic look, but often come at a cost of taking up more space. Rectangular or square pools can be installed on almost any sized property. A spool, or a combination spa/pool can also create a relaxing area for guests to enjoy the summer and maximize the space around the pool.

Use vertical space

If you’re working with limited space, use vertical space to your advantage. Install a fence or privacy wall around the pool area or create a vertical garden to make a natural privacy screen. This not only provides space and privacy but adds a beautiful visual element to your pool area. Check out our previous blog on privacy walls and vertical gardens.

Choose the best furniture

When you’re adding furniture to your pool area, choose pieces that are equal parts functional and stylish. This could mean selecting compact pieces that can be easily moved or folding chairs that can be stored when they’re not being used. Additionally, adding built-in seating around the pool area is a great way to maximize space while providing seating for guests.

Add lighting to set it aglow

Outdoor lighting can create a beautiful ambiance in your pool area. Add string lights, lanterns, or other outdoor lighting fixtures to the space to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests and extend the use of your pool area well into the evening.

With a little planning and creativity, you can create a pool area that is both beautiful and practical for your needs.

If you’re looking to add a functional and beautiful element to your outdoor backyard, vertical gardens are a great way to add more green to your space. Here’s a few reasons why a vertical garden might be right for you:

Saves space

One of the biggest advantages of a vertical garden is that it saves space. A vertical garden allows you to maximize your outdoor living space while still enjoying the beauty and benefits of a garden. You can easily grow herbs, vegetables, and flowers in a compact area. Nothing wows guests to your outdoor kitchen more than cooking with ingredients grown only a few steps away.

Adds a unique aesthetic

A vertical garden is a unique addition to any patio. With a wide range of plant and flower options, vertical gardens can add texture, color, and life to an otherwise dull space. Make a garden that matches your own style and taste.

Creates a sense of privacy

Vertical gardens can also create a natural barrier between you and your neighbors, providing privacy from noisy neighbors. You can use tall plants or climbing vines to create a living wall that offers seclusion while still allowing air and light to flow through. For more info on privacy walls, check out our blog.

Easy to maintain

A vertical garden is relatively easy to maintain, especially when compared to traditional gardens—no need to worry about weeding or bending down to tend to your plants. Instead, you can water them with a hose or watering can and trim them as needed. With easy maintenance, all you have to do is enjoy the fruits of your labor in your perfect garden.

A vertical garden is a beautiful addition to any patio. It provides a space-saving, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally friendly way to grow plants. With a little planning and maintenance, you can enjoy the benefits of a wonderful garden right in your own backyard.

There’s never a bad time to prepare your patio for outdoor fun and entertainment. Whether you’re cleaning after a long winter or just sprucing things up, here are a few tips to keep your patio looking pristine:

Start Sweeping

The first step in cleaning your patio is removing accumulated outdoor remnants over the months. Use a broom or leaf blower to sweep away leaves, twigs, and other debris. This gives you a clear surface to work on.

Wash With a Pressure Washer

A pressure washer is an effective tool for cleaning patios and cedar fences. It can remove dirt, grime, and stains from concrete, pavers, and other surfaces. Start by rinsing the patio with water, then use the pressure washer to clean the surface. However, if you have to spray your deck, make sure to use a low-pressure setting, or it will chip away the paint used to color the surface.

Use a Cleaning Solution

For stubborn stains, a cleaning solution can help break down the dirt and grime. Many patio cleaning solutions are available on the market, like Scott’s Outdoor Patio & Deck Cleaner. Check out our blog for more options on cleaning your patio

Prune Those Plants

Now that spring has sprung and the weeds are starting to grow like, well, weeds, it’s time to get your garden back in tip-top shape. Pull out those weeds and remove any dead plants that sadly didn’t make it through the winter. For more tips on gardening, check out our blog.

Cleaning Your Outdoor Kitchen

For outdoor kitchen surfaces like stone countertops, a mix of dish soap and water will do the trick, just make sure your cleaning concoction isn’t acidic since acid will stain and damage your stone. Stainless steel countertops can also be washed with dish soap and water, just make sure to dry the water off since permanent water spots can form if left untreated.

Keep Your Grill Clean

Grills can be a bit tricky to clean since many soaps or detergents can affect the taste of your food. However, many grilling brands like Traeger and Weber have their own branded cleaners that are sure to keep your grill in tip-top shape. With some cleaner and a wire brush, you’ll be ready to go for grilling season.

Tidying Up Ceiling Fans

Besides keeping you cool on summer days, ceiling fans are really great at collecting dust and dirt. Luckily, there are plenty of microfiber dusters with extended handles, meaning you won’t have to break out the ladder. Just make sure to move your furniture out of the way so no dust bunnies land on them, and just a quick reminder, please turn your fan off before cleaning.

By following these tips, you can get your patio looking great in no time. If you’re considering upgrading your outdoor living space or building one from scratch, contact TCP Custom Outdoor Living for a consultation. We can help you design a great outdoor space and provide professional installation services.

Click here to discover details about this expansive outdoor living area in Houston, Texas.