When enhancing your outdoor living space, there’s nothing more rewarding than a well-designed patio. However, to truly make the most of your space, especially in Texas, it’s crucial to consider the impact of heat and the importance of adding a patio cover to provide much-needed shade. Whether upgrading your existing patio or starting from scratch, thoughtful planning can transform your outdoor area into a haven of comfort and style.

Design Around the Heat

With temperatures in both DFW and the Houston areas soaring during the summer, creating a comfortable environment for you and your guests is essential. Consider the orientation of your patio with the sun’s path. Positioning your patio and furniture to receive shade during the hottest parts of the day can significantly reduce heat exposure.

Embrace the Patio Cover

Installing a patio cover is one of the most effective ways to combat excessive heat and create an inviting atmosphere on your patio. A patio cover not only shields you from the sun but also offers protection from rain, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space even during unpredictable weather. We build patio covers with radiant barriers that help reduce the heat produced under the roof.

Time to Fan Out

Whether it’s a patio ceiling fan circulating air or an outdoor fan mounted near seating areas, fans are a great way to stay cool outside. For more info on outdoor fans, visit our previous blog on patio ceiling fans.

Throw Shade

Shade structures like retractable screens can also offer relief from the sun’s rays. Not only do these additions block out the sun, but they can also complement your overall patio design.  

Although shade will make you feel cooler, it doesn’t technically make temperatures cooler. This is because the temperature you feel in the shade is closer to the actual air temperature. Being in direct sunlight can make the air feel 10-15 degrees warmer than it is because of the sun’s rays hitting your body and hitting your skin. To read more about shading, check out our blog on ways to shade your space.

You’ll have to beat the heat to make the most of your patio year-round. So, whether you’re revamping your current patio or starting anew, consider these factors to maximize your patio’s usage.

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Follow us on social media at @tcpoutdoor for more patio inspiration, and start designing your dream outdoor living space by Booking a Free Consultation.

If 2021 is your year to build your outdoor oasis, check out these designs that are dominating. No matter your style… we provide turnkey custom design projects. Our specialty is building projects that look original to the home, including patio covers, pergolas, screened porches, room additions, guest houses, decks, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and custom patios.

Many times our customers come into the building process with only a small idea of what they want to do, we are here to bring ideas to the table, think things through and of course, build it!

Outdoor kitchens remain ruling as king, but don’t forget… big things can come in small packages. Even if you only have a little space, an outdoor kitchen can still be built! Big or small, outdoor kitchens and dining space continues to be very popular.

For those that have a little extra space, freestanding retreats are popping up in many backyards! This type of “patio” is nice because it’s separated from the home and really gives off the feeling that you’re on vacation!

This space above has a gable roof and vaulted ceiling. We used a stained tongue and groove with cedar beams. The columns are wrapped in hardie and painted – they have stone bases that match the kitchen fascia and the fireplace. All of this stone complements the pool coping. The flooring is a wide plank stamped concrete. Two large fans were also installed to create a nice breeze on those hot days of summer and again, make you feel like you’re on vacation!

Retractable screens are sliding into this list because they are functional and look nice! Most homes have a “hot spot” at least once during the day from the sun’s rays, these types of screens make it easy to block the sun in a moment’s notice. They keep the area cool and also keep the bugs out!

Folding patio doors just might be the hottest feature on this list (save the best for last?)… individual panels give the homeowner complete control, so it can be as open or closed as one would like. The large amount of glass opens up the space for that indoor/outdoor living feel.

Now let’s talk budget … a typical patio cover could be in the $25,000 – $45,000 range.  Adding an outdoor kitchen and/or fire feature can add an additional cost in the range of $15,000 – $50,000. After an initial meeting, we give you an exact quote design. It is all based on the size of your project, how it is constructed, type of finishes and what all is included in your project. And before you know it… your sketch is built and you’re enjoying your outdoor oasis!

If you would like more information on how to budget for your outdoor living space, check out our budget blog, here!