As the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living continue to blur, the importance of creating a functional and inviting outdoor space has never been greater. Whether you’re seeking a secluded retreat for relaxation or a stylish setting for entertaining guests, the choice between a fully covered patio and a pergola can significantly impact the ambiance and functionality of your outdoor oasis. 

In this article, we’ll delve into the unique benefits of each option, from shelter and privacy to aesthetics and versatility, to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle. 

Custom Outdoor Patios

Flexibility in Design: Crafting a Personalized Outdoor Retreat

Patios add functional outdoor living space to your home on a base level. This is especially valuable in areas like Texas, where the weather (and the cooling features and heaters) make spending time outside all year long possible. Potential buyers are looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors, and a spacious, well-equipped patio provides that sought-after space for entertaining, relaxing, and cooking. This added value is especially appealing to families with young children.

Shelter from the Elements: The Full Covered Patio Advantage

When considering a full covered patio, one of its primary advantages lies in its ability to provide comprehensive protection from the elements. With a solid roof structure, this option shields you from harsh sunlight, heavy rain, and strong winds. Regardless of weather conditions, a covered patio ensures that your outdoor space remains comfortable and inviting, allowing you to enjoy al fresco living year-round.

Privacy and Seclusion: Creating Intimacy with a Covered Patio

Beyond weather protection, a full covered patio offers the added benefit of privacy. Its enclosed design creates a secluded sanctuary where you can unwind and entertain without worrying about prying eyes or external disturbances. Whether you’re hosting a family barbecue or enjoying a quiet moment with a book, the privacy afforded by a covered patio enhances the overall enjoyment of your outdoor experience.

Versatility and Customization: Tailoring Your Outdoor Oasis

Another advantage of a full covered patio lies in its versatility and customization options. From integrating ceiling fans and lighting fixtures to incorporating outdoor heating systems, the possibilities for personalization are endless. Whether you envision cozy evenings by the fireplace or lively gatherings under the stars, a covered patio serves as a blank canvas where you can bring your outdoor oasis dreams to life.

Pergolas

Timeless Charm: The Allure of the Pergola

In contrast, a pergola boasts unique benefits, starting with its timeless charm and architectural appeal. Characterized by an open-roof structure supported by columns, a pergola adds an elegant touch to your outdoor space, elevating it from ordinary to extraordinary. With its classic design, a pergola serves as a captivating focal point that enhances the overall aesthetic of your backyard.

Natural Ventilation: Enjoying the Breezy Comfort of a Pergola

One of the key advantages of a pergola is its promotion of natural ventilation. Thanks to its open-roof design, a pergola allows air to circulate freely, creating a cool and breezy atmosphere, particularly ideal for warm climates. Whether you’re lounging with a refreshing drink or dining al fresco, the natural ventilation provided by a pergola ensures that your outdoor experience remains comfortable and enjoyable.

Whether you opt for the sheltered intimacy of a full-covered patio or the airy elegance of a pergola, both options promise to transform your outdoor space into a haven of comfort and style. Contact us today to talk through your personal preferences, requirements, and budget considerations and we can help you make a choice you will love for years to come. 

Get started on your backyard transformation by clicking here to book your free consultation today.

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If you’re looking to upgrade your patio in 2024, you may wonder if the investment can increase the value of your home. The truth is that a well-designed and constructed patio can make a big difference when it’s time to sell your home. In fact, according to the National Association of Home Builders, a patio is the #2 most desirable feature in a home–and they’re willing to pay for it. 

Understanding the Appeal 

Patios add functional outdoor living space to your home on a base level. This is especially valuable in areas like Texas, where the weather (and the cooling features and heaters) make spending time outside all year long possible. Potential buyers are looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors, and a spacious, well-equipped patio provides that sought-after space for entertaining, relaxing, and cooking. This added value is especially appealing to families with young children.

An Added Plus Beyond Square Footage

While a covered patio or even a poolhouse or screened-in porch increases the livable space in your home, it will not increase the square footage when you list it. However, upgrades like an outdoor kitchen can help increase the price per square foot. House Beautiful even ranks outdoor gathering areas as one of the top five features that make a home sell over the asking price. 

Curb Appeal Matters–Even in the Backyard 

Often, when we think of curb appeal, we think of the front yard. But the same is true for the backyard. Whether it’s a fully covered patio or an elegant pergola, it can enhance the overall look of your home, adding to its curb appeal and making it more attractive to potential buyers. 

Don’t Underestimate the Personal Value

A custom patio is, more than anything, meant for you to enjoy exactly as you would like to by providing a place for the outdoor activities and hobbies you enjoy. But more likely than not, you’ll find someone who shares your interests. Potential buyers who enjoy grilling, gardening, or even just lounging in the sun, know that a patio is the perfect space to pursue these interests. 

Also, remember that while a TCP-built patio cover with shingles will last the life of your home, a pergola, depending on maintenance, has a more limited lifespan. 

Overall, upgrading your patio can be a great investment in increasing your home’s value. Not only does it add functional outdoor living space, but it can also improve the appearance of your property and provide a gathering place for parties and get-togethers. So if you’re looking to build a new patio, consider how it can add value to your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers.

Get started on your backyard transformation by clicking here to book your free consultation today.

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There’s just something about pergolas. You see them in gardens, parks, or outdoor spaces constructed from vertical posts or columns supporting crossbeams and often an open lattice roof. You’re considering adding one to your backyard to provide shade, define outdoor spaces, and add architectural interest, but you’d like to do more research before committing.

Let’s tackle a few of the most common questions we hear from customers about these versatile and elegant structures:

1. How well do pergolas block out the sun?

Depending on the design and spacing of the roof beams, pergolas offer partial shade. While they don’t completely block out the sun like a solid roof, they provide comfortable shade for outdoor activities.

2. Is it cooler under a pergola? 

Yes, it can be cooler under a pergola than directly exposure to the sun. The open design allows air to circulate freely, creating a pleasant breeze and reducing the feeling of heat.

3. Can pergolas stand up to high winds?

Pergolas can withstand moderate winds, but their ability to withstand high winds depends on various factors, such as the quality of construction, materials used, and anchoring methods. It’s advisable to consider local weather conditions and reinforce the pergola accordingly.

4. How much does an essential pergola cost? 

The cost of a basic pergola can vary widely depending on factors like size, materials, and design complexity. While it is less expensive than adding a roof structure, the cost can increase when a durable plastic product is added to cover it. Maintenance should also be factored into the consideration of a pergola, as a stained wood product will need to be cleaned and restained routinely.

Also, remember that while a TCP-built patio cover with shingles will last the life of your home, a pergola, depending on maintenance, has a more limited lifespan. 

Considering all those considerations, a simple stained cedar pergola with a ceiling fan/fixture will start at about $50/square foot. It can go up with a plastic cover, masonry, or electrical. This does not include concrete or a wide range of decorative flooring options.

5. Should a pergola match the house?

In our opinion, yes! We love it when patio spaces feel like a natural extension of the existing home. But that doesn’t mean you have to use the same brick exterior. There are many ways to create a cohesive look that complements the house while incorporating your style, such as a brick or stone base on the columns and staining to match or complement the home.

6. Where is the best place to put a pergola? 

The best place to put a pergola depends on your needs and preferences. Common locations include the backyard, garden, patio, or poolside area. When choosing the placement, consider factors like sunlight exposure, privacy, and proximity to the house.

7. Is a metal or wooden pergola better?

Both metal and wooden pergolas have their advantages. Metal pergolas are durable, low-maintenance, and often have a sleek modern look, while wooden pergolas offer a natural aesthetic and can be customized to various styles and designs. 

The newest product in the pergola category is a metal pergola with mechanical louvers that can be opened or closed, depending on weather conditions. These products have a contemporary look and unique options that can be added, including screens, sliding walls, heaters, sound systems, and lighting. 

TCP is now a dealer for these beautiful Renson products.

8. What is the best type of roof for a pergola?

The best type of roof for a pergola in Texas depends on factors like the desired level of shade and personal preference. Popular options include open-lattice roofs, durable plastic such as Lexan, fabric canopies, or retractable awnings that provide varying degrees of shade and protection from the elements.

9. Are pergolas hard to maintain?

Pergolas are generally low-maintenance structures. Daily maintenance includes regular cleaning, occasional repairs, and treating wooden pergolas to prevent weathering. With proper care, a pergola can remain beautiful and functional for years.

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about incorporating a custom pergola into your backyard, contact us for a free consultation so we can discuss what’s possible.

Get started on your backyard transformation by clicking here to book your free consultation today.

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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!

Each month we highlight a beautiful completed project. This month we have compiled several of the featured patios that all have unique features. Click here for more!

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. 

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.

Trending more and more each year is outdoor living, homeowners are now investing in a lifestyle that can be enjoyed on the exterior of the home. Life is short, so why not have your home be your own personal paradise. At Texas Custom Patios, we specialize in perfecting that outdoor living dream custom tailored to your home.

There are a few places where you can upgrade and take your outdoor living to the next level!

Outdoor Kitchens

Having a grill is nice, but having a built-in sizzler, sink and drink fridge is even nicer! We will custom build anything you want as long as it makes sense in the area that you would like. Meticulous detail goes into the design process so that you end up with something that is both beautiful and functional.

Technology

With the love for outdoor living becoming more popular, so has the enchantment for outdoor technology. We build our projects with sound systems, televisions, security, and safety in mind. Home automation is now taking a walk outside, making it even easier to throw that patio party.

Seamless Transition

With a wall of sliding glass panels, it’s now hard to tell where the interior of a home ends and the exterior begins. These type of sliding doors makes for a wide-open transition between home and patio. Every home that likes to entertain needs to think about this addition a little more before closing the door on the idea.

Add the Heat

Although heat is not something Texans yearn for, in the cooler months a fire feature comes highly recommended. It adds an extra flair to your outdoor living area, leaving you with a cozy place to make memories.

There are so many fun things to add to your outdoor living space, take a look at our gallery to get more ideas.

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.

Outdoor living has never been bigger! It’s great when everyone else catches on to what Texas Custom Patios has been passionate about for 15 years! We are dedicated to building you the most beautiful outdoor living space for your budget and in the time frame you need. Click here to see our handy timeline that tells you when to call and when to expect completion!

Article credit: RB Chimney & Hearth