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.

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.

As the weather warms up, many people are looking for ways to enjoy their outdoor living spaces. Whether you’re planning on upgrading your existing patio or building a new one, adding games can be a fun way to make the space more inviting. Here are five games for playing on your patio in the spring and summer.

Cornhole

Cornhole is a classic tailgate game to play in your backyard. The game involves tossing bean bags at a raised platform with a hole in it to get as many bags on the platform or in the hole as possible. The game can be played with two or four players and doesn’t require much space.

Ladder Ball

Like cornhole, ladder ball is another tossing game that doesn’t require too much space or materials. The game involves tossing bolas (two golf balls attached by a string) at a ladder-shaped target while trying to wrap the bolas around the ladder’s rungs. The game can be played with two or four players, and it is easy to learn but challenging to master. 

Spikeball

Spikeball is a newer game that has gained popularity due to its fast pace and fun gameplay. The game involves bouncing a small ball off a circular net on the ground to get the other team to miss or hit it out of bounds. Spikeball can be played with two or four players and can be a great workout for the whole family. Spikeball sets are available online and in stores, and their portability lets you take them anywhere.

Billiards

If you have room on your patio, billiards is a classic social game to enjoy with friends and family. With many types of games like 8 Ball, 9 Ball, and one-pocket, you’ll never run out of ways to play. Billiards tables are available in various sizes and styles and can be customized to fit your patio space.

Darts

Another great game with dozens of variations, darts are a fun way to unwind and socialize. With plenty of dart board designs, you won’t have any problems matching it with your backyard. Make sure you mount it on a hard surface to limit holes in case you miss your throw.

Whether you prefer classic games like cornhole and billiards or newer games like spikeball, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So get outside, get active, and enjoy the competition from the comfort of your outdoor living space.

This project added a 1200-square-foot patio cover, a new composite deck, an outdoor kitchen, and a fireplace equipped with drop screens to close off the entire space. They already had a minimal covered space and an extended deck, but we created a much larger space with an area for their hot tub. 

The covered patio now extends out along their driveway and the back of their home, creating an L-shaped cover with lots of space for outdoor living. The ceiling is 1X6 pre-stained Texas Honey Brown tongue and groove. All of the flooring is Ivory Beige Versailles pattern travertine from QDI. The columns and fascia of the kitchen and fireplace are full stone. Motorized DropShade screens were installed to keep those pesky bugs away. 

This kitchen has an RCS brand grill, an outdoor fridge, a sink, and lots of storage. Granite for the kitchen is New Venetian Gold from MS International. Having a bar top island is the perfect way to create additional seating and serving space. This outdoor kitchen is truly perfect for outdoor cooking. 

The fireplace is a masonry wood-burning fireplace with a stone hearth and extended seating wall, with a mantle made of stained cedar. Low-voltage lighting is placed all around the space, on the fireplace, and around the kitchen island. We also installed Bromic heaters around the patio cover to make the space useable year-round. 

We also built an elevated composite deck to hold the hot tub just steps away from the covered space, leaving the client with a perfect way to finish up a long day.

This space is large enough to allow for large gatherings and not feel cramped. With two living room areas, a pool table, a dining area, a large kitchen, and an open deck with a hot tub, why would you ever go inside?

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.

Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about preparing your garden for the warmer months ahead. TCP Custom Outdoor Living understands the importance of a well-maintained garden to complement your outdoor living space, which is why If you’ve recently upgraded your patio or are thinking about doing so, preparing your garden is the perfect next step to creating your outdoor oasis. Here are a few tips on how to get your garden ready for spring:

Clean Up Your Garden

Cold winters can leave your garden looking a little worse for wear, so the first step is to give it a good clean. Start by removing any fallen leaves, branches, and debris from your lawn and flower beds. Clear out any weeds, and trim back any plants that have overgrown.

Start Planning Your Flower Beds

Spring is a great time to start planning your flower beds. First, consider which plants you want to grow and where they’ll thrive best in your garden. Then, consider the colors and textures of the plants and how they’ll complement your patio area.

Prepare Your Soil

A good plant is only as good as its soil. Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen up the dirt and add some organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. Doing this will help to improve the soil structure and add vital nutrients to your plants.

Plant Spring Bulbs

One of the easiest ways to add color to your garden in the spring is to plant bulbs such as daffodils, crocuses, and tulips. Many garden centers sell pre-grown bulbs ready for planting in the spring.

Install Garden Features

If you’re looking to add some extra features to your backyard, consider installing a water feature, such as a fountain or pond, or creating a seating area for relaxing. These features can help to add interest to your garden and create a calming and peaceful atmosphere.

A well-maintained garden not only makes your outdoor space look more attractive but can also provide a calming and enjoyable space for you to relax in. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful garden that will enhance your patio area and provide a tranquil haven for you to enjoy throughout spring and summer.

If you’re looking to add a little extra entertainment to your patio, an outdoor TV is a great option. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for an outdoor TV:

What to buy

Although there are TVs made specifically for outdoor use, they’re usually more expensive than their indoor counterparts. A larger TV, around 55+ inches, is best for large gatherings or viewing from a distance.

Optimal Viewing Settings

The biggest challenge to overcome with patio TVs is glare. This can make watching shows or sports in the daytime difficult. Turn up the brightness setting on your TV, and if possible, look for backlight settings that’ll allow the TV to increase its brightness. 

Mounting Options

There are plenty of places to mount your TV for the best viewing experience. A good rule of thumb is mounting your TV lower than you’d expect. This not only eliminates glare but keeps your audience from craning their neck to watch. Swiveling TV mounts can also allow you to move your TV from left to right, depending on the time of day or furniture layout. Motorized mounts will also allow you to move the TV to your liking at the push of a button.

Keep it Covered

Unfortunately, most electronics aren’t able to withstand the elements. Luckily, there are plenty of tarps and covers that will protect your TV from rain or wind when you’re not using it. This will keep your TV in mint condition for years to come.

Ultimately, the best outdoor TV for your patio will depend on your specific needs and budget. Take into consideration the above factors and consider the TV options available. With the right TV, you’ll be enjoying your favorite shows and movies while relaxing on your patio in no time.

March basketball is on its way, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than with friends and family in the comfort of your backyard. So whether you already have a newer patio or are looking to upgrade, here are a few easy ways to ensure your outdoor living space is ready for hosting any big event.

If your patio is in good condition, simple cleaning and refreshing your furniture can do wonders. Clean your patio with mild detergent and water to remove any grime or dirt. If your furniture is looking worn, consider replacing it with new, comfortable seating options that will make the space feel more inviting.

Next, consider the lighting. Good lighting can make a big difference in your outdoor space’s ambiance and can keep the party going even when the sun goes down. Invest in some outdoor lighting fixtures, such as lanterns or string lights, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. For more lighting recommendations, check out our blog on patio lighting.

Another vital factor to consider is the grill. If you don’t already have one, invest in a high-quality grill for the best backyard experience. A good grill can make a big difference in the taste and quality of the food you serve. Make sure to stock up on charcoal or propane, and have all of your grilling tools on hand. For more grill recommendations, check out our blog on types of grills, or read our blog on mastering your grill.

Finally, don’t forget about the drinks. Keep your guests hydrated with cold drinks and plenty of ice. If you have a bar area in your patio, consider setting up a drink station with a cooler filled with ice and drinks. It’s also worth considering setting up a bar cart with glasses and mixers for making cocktails. For more recommendations on your outdoor kitchen, check out our blog on outdoor kitchen appliances

In addition to these tips, consider adding some personal touches to your outdoor space to make it feel special and unique. This could include adding some outdoor artwork, potted plants, or even a fire pit for roasting marshmallows.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to host the perfect tournament party in your backyard. No matter which teams you’re rooting for (or if you’re just watching for the commercials), you’ll be sure to have a great time with friends and family on your new and improved patio. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the games!

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.

There’s no better time to upgrade your patio than the new year. Whether you’re looking for a simple redesign or want to add to your current space, there are plenty of factors to consider. Here are a few tips on how to get started.

Beginning the Process

There are plenty of things to consider before starting the design process. Whether you’re wanting to know prices or the patio process timeline, we have you covered.

“What should I do before calling TCP?”

With factors like usage, family size, and weather all playing a factor in designing your patio, find out what to do before you give us a call.

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“How much should I expect to spend on my patio?”

It’s important to know your budget before beginning your process. Find out what factors make the difference between a $30,000 and $300,000 patio.

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“How long will my patio construction take?”

If you’re looking to have your patio completed in a certain time frame, it’s good to know how long the process is. Find out when you can expect your completed outdoor living space.

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Patio Design Tips

There are plenty of things that go into designing a patio. We’re more than happy to help you along the way, but if you want to start thinking about the design process, here are some great places to start.

“What style of outdoor lighting should I go with?

From spotlights to chandeliers and everything in between, there’s an outdoor lighting fixture to match your patio. Check out some of our favorite options.

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“Should my patio have a retractable screen?”

If you want a great way to stay cool and avoid bugs year-round, retractable screens are a great option for your backyard. Find out more about these patio game changers.

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“What kind of stonework floor goes best with my house?”

There are plenty of great options when it comes to patio floors, whether it’s stone, brick, or tile. Learn more about the pros and cons of each.

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Everything About Outdoor Kitchens

An outdoor kitchen can increase your home’s value and make it the perfect gathering place. From appliances to countertops, we have everything you need to know about your new kitchen.

“What kind of kitchen sink should my backyard have?”

An outdoor kitchen sink is a great way to add convenience and functionality to your patio. Learn about some of our favorite designs.

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“What countertop fits my kitchen best?”

There are many types of countertop materials, all varying in style, durability, and price. Check out a few of our favorites.

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“What appliances should be in my outdoor kitchen?”

From ice machines to pizza ovens, there are plenty of great outdoor kitchen appliances you’ll love. Learn more about these great options.

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All About Water Features

Water features are a great way to cool down year-round. If you’re looking to add one or already have one, we can help make it perfect for your new backyard.

“Which water feature fits best in my backyard?”

Whether it’s pools, ponds, or fountains, the perfect water feature is waiting for you. Learn more about each feature.

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“Should I get a chlorine or saltwater pool?

While both water treatment options have advantages and disadvantages, read our blog to learn more before making a decision.

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“Should I build a cabana or pool house?”

Nothing helps make your backyard an outdoor oasis like these two structures. Find out which one is best for your outdoor living space.

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With these tools, you’ll be ready to take the plunge and make your patio dreams a reality.