Project of the Month: February 2023

February 8, 2023 Project of the Month

This home had a small patio cover off the corner of their home, and the client wanted a much larger space with an outdoor kitchen and a fire pit, as well as a place for a fountain. Their backyard was totally transformed into the perfect outdoor living space. 

The new patio cover required TCP to remove and resize second-floor windows to build the roof with the correct pitch. The new windows are from RAM Windows, and they now have about 350 SF of covered space. The ceiling is RealTone Fineline American Nut Brown pre-stained tongue and groove. This space is equipped with DropShades, so they can turn it into a screened porch during the year when mosquitoes are bad. The flooring is Brazillian Slate from Thorntree. We installed Bromic heaters from Cunningham Gas to keep the space warm on chilly days and evenings. 

The kitchen sits in the corner and has RCS appliances from Cunningham Gas. Including a 42” Cutlass Pro Grill, a side burner, a sink, storage, and a fridge. The home features Viscon White granite from Pomogranit Stones, and the kitchen is faced with black ledge stone natural stone veneer from Legends Architectural Stone. We also created a bonus counter area along the existing wall with storage and the perfect place to have a buffet. 

We created a space for the custom firepit outside of the cover. The flooring under the firepit is also Brazillian Slate from Thorntree, and the firepit is faced with the same black ledge stone natural stone veneer from Legends to match the kitchen. For the rest of the yard, Brazillian Slate 2” thick pavers from Thorntree with rock separating them. A space was created for a fountain to install, and we added decorative landscaping to the fences to create the perfect retreat.

Embrace the Cold and Enjoy Your Patio this Winter

December 16, 2022 Outdoor Living

Winter is often seen as the season to huddle indoors, but why not take advantage of your patio and enjoy the crisp, cool air? Here are some of the best ways to make the most of your patio during the winter months.

Invest in a Fireplace or Fire Pit

Nothing beats the warm feeling of a crackling fire on a chilly winter night. Whether you opt for a built-in fireplace or a portable fire pit, you’ll be able to extend the use of your patio well into the winter months.

Add Cozy Outdoor Furniture

Don’t let a little chill in the air keep you from enjoying your patio. Invest in weather-resistant furniture that will keep you comfortable, like plush outdoor pillows and blankets or a swing or hammock.

Create a Comfortable Outdoor Space

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your patio. Add heaters, outdoor rugs, and curtains or shades to create a cozy outdoor living space. Check out some of our favorite heaters here.

Host An Outdoor Winter Party

Invite friends and family over for a winter-themed outdoor party. Serve hot cocoa, make s’mores over the fire pit, and enjoy games and activities in the great outdoors.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

Even on the darkest days of winter, the sun can provide some much-needed warmth and light on your patio. Add plants or a small garden to bring a touch of life and color to your outdoor space.

Get Creative With Lighting

String lights, lanterns, and candles can add a warm and inviting glow to your patio during the winter months. Consider installing permanent lighting fixtures for added convenience and ambiance.

With a little creativity and some cozy additions, your patio can be the perfect winter retreat. Embrace the cold and enjoy the beauty of the season from your outdoor living space.

Project of the Month: December 2022

November 17, 2022 Project of the Month

This home had a large pool in the yard and a very small covered area, but the homeowner was looking to upgrade the entire yard and create their own paradise.

TCP added a new patio cover along the side that includes an outdoor kitchen and fireplace. We upgraded the existing cover as well as added a pergola and firepit.

We added about 1000 square feet of new stamped concrete to the backyard. The new covered outdoor living area is roughly 435 square feet with a high-vaulted ceiling and an open gable on the end and along the front side. The ceiling is English Porter pre-stained tongue and groove from Woodtone. The outdoor kitchen was placed at the end and is also an L-shape to allow plenty of room for the 40” grill, sink, outdoor-rated fridge, and storage. All appliances RCS are from Cunningham Gas, while the counter has a raised bar top for seating on the outside and is Coffee Brown Leather granite from Instyle Granite.

We placed the fireplace along the side to help provide privacy to the yard. It is a custom-built gas fireplace with an insert from Perfection Fireplace, and all of the stone caps are Chiffon Moire Ashlar Natural White from Apex Stone. The fascia of the fireplace, kitchen, and columns are Blanco Chopped from Rock Materials, and the mantle is custom-stained cedar.  On the far side of the pool, we added a gas firepit. All stones and caps match the rest of the project, and the black lava rock to fill it is from Republic Gas Bowls.

To upgrade the existing patio cover, we changed out the ceiling to match the new cover and hung new lighting. To extend their space along the home, a new pergola was added. At roughly 185 square feet, this structure has a Hercules Pergola Cover from Cover Your Pergola to keep everything nice and dry underneath.

This backyard is now truly a place to Live it Out.

Outdoor Fireplace vs. Outdoor Fire Pit

March 28, 2022 Outdoor Living, Outdoor Safety, Patio Design

An outdoor fireplace or fire pit is an eye-catching, functional addition to your outdoor design. A fire feature adds warmth and ambiance and can act as a point of engagement for guests.

While fireplace and fire pit structures add similar appeal, they have some key differences. These distinctions play apart in deciding which one is right for your outdoor living space.

Ask yourself these questions to determine whether an outdoor fireplace or a fire pit is right for you.

Pool House Fireplace

How much space do you have?

A fireplace is probably the better option if limited space is a concern. They are usually smaller and can be built on the edge of a patio to take up minimal space. 

A fire pit may require about 150 to 200 sq. ft. So if space is limited, a fire pit may not be ideal.

Outdoor Fire Pit

How do you plan to use your fire feature?

Desired experience is a key factor. Do you envision a group of guests sitting around the fire chatting? Or is warmth and ambiance the goal?

Fire pits are usually round, square or rectangular, making them ideal to sit around. They can act as a casual gathering and interaction point.

On the other hand, a fireplace offers space for a couple of people to sit in front. You may find that a fireplace creates a more elegant atmosphere or a focal point in your outdoor design.    

Do you live in a windy area?

Climate is another factor to consider. Do you live in a windy area?

Fire pits tend to produce a lot of smoke. Due to the unpredictability of winds, you can run into the issue of smoke blown in an undesirable direction. 

Whereas, fireplaces are built with a chimney to carry smoke away from the house. You can also use your fireplace on rainy days if your patio is covered.

Brick Fireplace

Are you looking for wood burning or gas?

With both fire pits and fireplaces, you have the option of wood burning or gas. 

With wood burning, you get that nice warmth, crackle and smokiness—almost like you’re sitting beside a campfire. However, there’s a bit more effort required in building and lighting the fire, and there are limitations on the style. Wood-burning options must be built using masonry with certain fire codes met for chimney height and distance from structure.

Gas, on the other hand, starts instantly, and there’s virtually no clean-up. There’s also more versatility when it comes to styling as you can add decorative fyre glass or lava rock. 

Cost of Installation

Going with a wood burning option can be good for your budget. Gas requires running a gas line, which can increase the cost.

Whether you go with wood or gas, an outdoor fire pit installation generally comes with a lower price tag. However, outdoor fireplaces generally increase your home resale value. 

In addition to the financial costs, a fire pit may require more cleanup and maintenance depending on the type and how it’s installed.  

With careful consideration, the right fire feature can add practicality and style to your outdoor living space. 



Our experts are here to help you make the decision easier. Give one of our outdoor-living specialists a call at 281-265-1994 in Houston, or 972-915-2727 in Dallas/Fort Worth.

The Outdoor Living Wish List

August 29, 2020 Outdoor Living, Promotion

Texas Custom Patios is currently featured in Hearth & Home magazine, we are among several gorgeous projects built across the country. So many different styles and prices, but we have one thing in common… the appreciation for design and a quality build.

When consumers were asked for their outdoor living feature wish list, these were the top contenders:

  • Fire Pits/fireplaces
  • Built-in gas grills
  • Patio heaters
  • Pizza ovens
  • Beverage centers
  • BBQ islands

So as you can see with four of the six items, outdoor kitchens continue to be a hot item! No matter the space you have, creating an outdoor oasis is doable and can increase the value of your home substantially. The foreseeable future forecasts “staycations” as a hot commodity, so the time is now to improve your home!

Our experienced personal project developers will work one-on-one with you to create a custom-designed outdoor kitchen that blends seamlessly with your home’s exterior.

You can choose stone, brick, or stucco finishes; and granite, tile, or concrete counters; but we’ll always use a high-quality framework underneath. We build all outdoor kitchens with tubular steel framing and fiber-cement sheathing to give you a durable, non-expansive, and heat-proof foundation.

For a look at some of our beautiful outdoor kitchens, click here.

Two of our projects were featured in Hearth & Home, both beautiful but very different! The first one beams with wow factor!

The second featured project in the magazine is cozy, quaint, but still says, “wow!” This project is 450 square feet of beautiful outdoor living space in Houston, Texas.

For a more in depth look at our monthly featured projects, click here!

Time to Grow

January 22, 2020 Outdoor Living, Patio Contractor

Thanks to a robust demand in 2019, the outdoor living builder will double the size of its shade in 2020!

Texas Custom Patios, the premier builder and leader in outdoor-living designs for Houston since 2004, and in DFW since January 2015, will expand well past its immediate Mid-Cities roots in 2020.  While Dallas and surrounding areas have been dominating the business for the past few years, the demand for excellence in outdoor living style is growing exponentially in and around Fort Worth.  It is of the upmost importance to listen and serve the demand for the trailblazing owners of Texas Custom Patios. 

While they will continue their powerful presence in the existing neighborhoods of Dallas and a small area of Fort Worth, they are excited to now embrace the entire metroplex area.  This includes the communities of Aledo, Benbrook, Southwest Fort Worth, Crowley, Burleson, Mansfield, Grand Prairie, Cedar Hill and all of Arlington on the south side of the DFW area.  The custom builders will also focus their time in Denton, Argyle, Keller, Trophy Club, Southlake, Westlake, Northlake, Colleyville, Lewisville, Grapevine, Hurst, Euless, and Bedford.

Texas Custom Patios has been exceeding expectations by leading the way in design and build quality for outdoor-living projects.  The builder, a pioneer in custom design, is family-owned and operated, standing behind every bid with honesty and integrity.   After building more than 1,700 projects in Houston and DFW, it was only a matter of time before they decided to share their love for outdoor luxurious living by expanding. 

“DFW is a perfect market for outdoor living – the climate, spacious backyards and the lifestyle.  This area had explosive growth during the last five years that we have been here and we feel as though we are always playing catch up. With the massive demand for builds, we recruited and trained more great designers and project managers so that this year, we’re ready to meet the needs of this expanded area,” says Texas Custom Patios President Rob Douglass.  Complimentary quotes can be scheduled by calling 972-915-2727.  For more information visit texascustompatios.com  Follow @TexasCustom Patios on Facebook, @txcustompatios on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. 

About Texas Custom Patios They custom design and build everything from covered patios, outdoor kitchens and dining areas, fire features, poolside cabanas, pergolas, decks, sunrooms and more! Every project is custom-designed and built to enhance the home and complement the homeowner’s personality.  They offer personalized service and flexible payment terms. Each project is assigned its own project developer who stays connected to the client from preliminary design stage, project approvals, finish selections, hand-off to project manager, to project completion and clean-up, making it easy and convenient.  Texas Custom Patios is proud of their A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and numerous accolades in the industry. 

Best of the Best 2019

December 30, 2019 Outdoor Living

In 2019, Texas Custom Patios completed almost 200 projects with each one having its own style and story, all of them custom-designed and built to look as though it is original to the home. While it’s hard to pick a favorite, here’s a look back at some stunners from 2019! Click the link below each image for full details.

January 2019
February 2019
March 2019
April 2019
May 2019
June 2019
July 2019
August 2019
September 2019
October 2019
November 2019
December 2019

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

Our Customers Love Us

We are very happy we chose Texas Custom Patios to build our dream patio/outdoor kitchen. Our project manager, Ryan, really listened to what we wanted and grasped our vision immediately. He was actively involved in the process from start to finish. Every question or concern was addressed immediately. We were part of every decision along the way, and were pleased with the flexibility of the process. Ryan had a positive “can do” attitude that was much appreciated through out. The various work crews were professional and always left the work site as clean as possible at the end of the day. The final product is absolutely breathtaking!

© 2024 TCP Custom Outdoor Living

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