It’s a question that a homeowner asks every time they notice the number of covered patios in the area. The fact of the matter is, having a patio cover in Houston is a very popular home addition. This is primarily due to the climate. Using a patio cover in Houston is a great way to enjoy the sunshine and yet still keep yourself sheltered when the noon sun is up in the sky or the rain starts pouring.

Now the question that homeowners love to ask is “do I really need a patio cover in Houston?” To be fair, you don’t particularly need one. There are no building permits or environmental requirements that make in mandatory to have a patio cover in Houston. However, if you’re the type who likes having guests over for an outdoor grill or dinner party then it doesn’t hurt to have one.

Having a patio cover in Houston is much like adding an extension to your home. They can either be an adjustable or permanent structure, and can be used for a number of purposes. A patio cover for your Houston home can be used as an extra storage space, as a lounge area, or even as a second garage. Its uses are only limited by your imagination.  Read more...

So you’ve made the jump and decided to install a patio cover in Houston. As with any part of your home, it will need a bit of maintenance to keep it looking great. The important thing to remember is that different types of patio cover materials require different levels of maintenance. Here are some of the things that you need to know.

1. Wood
Having a wood patio cover in Houston requires quite a bit of maintenance. In order for your new wood patio cover to withstand the elements, it first has to be treated to endure weather damage. Staining the wood with a preservative and water-repellent, oil-based stain is also an option. Keep your wood patio cover in Houston free from debris like branches, leaves and vines as these could be a cause for mold and mildew. If you do find any moss growing over your patio cover, clean with mixture of water, detergent and chlorine bleach.

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2. Aluminum
The use of aluminum as a patio cover in Houston is popular because it’s significantly easier to maintain and it’s much more resilient against weather damage. If you find dirt accumulating on your aluminum patio cover, just spray with your garden hose and remove the excess dirt with a soft bristle brush. Removing heavier dirt, mold and mildew may prove to be a more difficult task, but it’s nothing that a brush, some detergent, water and trisodium phosphate won’t fix.  Read more...

A patio is a transition space between the house and the yard. Depending on your preference, your patio design can run the gamut from an elegant open-air greenhouse to an outdoor living room. Regardless, a patio expands the living space of the house and creates a focal point out the window. By adding a personal touch to the overall property, your patio design affects the emotional and physical space by changing the view and showing your personal aesthetic.

Patios belong to the subset of landscape design called hardscapes-the non-plant material of your landscape design-that play a critical part of any garden landscape project. In general, when hardscapes are combined with green, growing plants, they create an outdoor living environment that invites you, your family and friends to come in, to sit and enjoy, to meander or explore. In this way, a patio is an extension of the home that is both functional and appealing to the senses.

Patio Design: The Beginning

These outdoor spaces come in many forms. The most common here in Houston is a concrete pad that is attached to the house. Things to consider while planning your patio design:  Read more...

Prized for their durability, affordability and strength, patio pavers-or concrete pavers-have become increasingly popular among U.S. homeowners. Because they come in many shapes, sizes, colors, patterns and designs, patio pavers bring versatility to your patio design. They can be used in small garden designs, outdoor rooms, formal and informal spaces, entryways, in your deck design and…well, wherever you can think of a landscaping idea.

Patio pavers are both elegant and low-maintenance. When properly installed, they rarely crack, shift or sag. Should any paver become stained or chipped, they can be easily repaired or replaced, something not necessarily duplicated with other flooring options.

Patio Pavers: Types of Pavers

The variety of shapes and textures for pavers accounts for much of their popularity. A list would include the look of stone (think of the earthy and storied stone fences of old Ireland), flagstone (this paver mimics the interesting, irregular shapes of original flagstone), cobblestone (antiquing technology is used to give the appearance of stone used in an Old World piazza like you might find in an Italian villa), and rectangular brick (with this classic, refined look you have the flexibility to create many interesting architectural designs).  Read more...