A ceiling fan is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to your covered patio. The right outdoor ceiling fan adds a decorative and functional touch to your design. 

Choosing a ceiling fan for your outdoor space is similar to selecting a fan indoors. However, there are a few things to consider to ensure the longevity of your ceiling fan.

Moisture

Outdoor fans have damp or wet ratings. This rating indicates the amount of moisture a fixture is built to withstand. 

Damp-rated fans can withstand moderate amounts of moisture. However, you should avoid installing these in areas that may be directly exposed to rain. Therefore, damp-rated fans work better under covered patio spaces.

Wet-rated fans have a more waterproof design. As a result, they can withstand more moisture and are better suited for exposed areas such as pergolas.

Other Environmental Factors

High winds and salty humidity may impact ceiling fan performance. If you’re in an area with special weather conditions (hello, Houston), look for a fan specifically designed to withstand the elements.

Determining the Size

The best way to determine the best size for your ceiling fan is to use the square footage of the space. For larger areas that may require two fans, use the square footage of each section to determine the most suitable size for each fan.

Spaces up to 75 square feet = 29-36 inch

Spaces 76-144 square feet = 36-42 inch

Spaces 144-225 square feet = 44 inch

Spaces 225-400 square feet = 50-54 inch

DC vs. AC

DC fans are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency and quiet, less bulky motors. However, these fans tend to be more costly and usually require remote control operation.

On the other hand, AC fans usually cost less and can be controlled via a wall panel and remote. Some also come with chain switches, making operation more reliable.

Style

Now for the fun part: choosing a fan that complements your outdoor living style. 

Whether you’re looking for an iconic mid-century modern design, something more traditional, or anything in between, there are styles available to fit any space.

One simple approach is to use the same ceiling fans you’re using indoors. If you plan to do this, make sure that your indoor ceiling fan is damp- or wet-rated.

Need help designing your outdoor living space? Give one of our outdoor-living specialists a call at 281-265-1994 in Houston or 972-915-2727 in Dallas/Fort Worth.

Decking out a patio should be fun and come easy, but for most it can be quite daunting. Lauren Battistini a color strategist with LFB Color recently visited a Texas Custom Patio project and had 6 tips for building and decorating the perfect patio.

1. Invest in permanent elements: The place to really invest your dollars is in the permanent elements such as woodworking, flooring, lighting fixtures, fans, grills, and counter tops. Select finishes that are as timeless and classic as possible, as you can update the space periodically and inexpensively with accents and decorative items.

2. Protect surfaces with the best paint and sealants: Be sure to invest in the highest quality paint and surface sealants to protect your hard surfaces against the elements. Choosing a high quality paint is very important, not only will it provide superior coverage and protection, but also include technology to keep colors from fading due to sunlight and other exposure.

3. Pick one to two colorful hues: As for color, Lauren recommends choosing one to two hues for items such as cushions, throw pillows, dinnerware, serving trays and other small accent pieces. Don’t be afraid to mix and match several shades within the same hue, such as lime, avocado, cucumber, and forest greens. Personalize the space with your own take on color. PRO TIP: Though white and cream are technically neutrals, they translate as color in the decor world. In this example, we used greens and whites as our two colors.

4. Add a unique touch with textures and patterns: Most textures and patterns can be mixed and matched seamlessly as long as they are in the same color (or neutral—white, cream, gray, beige, taupe, etcetera) family. Great ways to add texture and pattern is with throw pillows, light blankets, area rugs, artwork, and/or ceramic or glass pieces.

5. Everything has a designated place: The backyard patio should be a place that feels light, airy, and uncluttered. Keep small personalized knick-knacks in corners that aren’t the focal point of the space. Utilize decorative storage boxes and cabinets to store miscellaneous items, so that the space seems orderly and free of clutter.

6. Bring in faux or real plant life: If you don’t have a green thumb, fear not. You can purchase beautiful faux plants to bring into the patio space. This creates a calm and peaceful ambiance in any patio area. 

It may be April, but at Texas Custom Patios we’re gearing up for summertime and all the festivities that brings!  Pool parties, graduation get togethers, Memorial Day grill outs are all on the calendar, but first … let’s talk about our Easter celebration. It could be a huge family affair or maybe just you, your spouse and the crazy kids, either way, let’s make it memorable.

More Inspiration

If you don’t have a Texas Custom Patio just yet to enjoy on Easter, but are thinking about it … check here to be inspired by different projects of many styles!

Lastly … Enjoy!

Just try to remember the day of any celebration that you have done all that you can do, so sit back and enjoy!