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Outdoor living spaces have become a major topic of conversation lately. Homeowners are turning to the big outdoors when looking to add living space to their home. One way their doing this is by creating outdoor patios in their home’s backyards.

Now when thinking of an outdoor patio, your brain might be quick to imagine a dusty area outside with a couple of chairs only good enough for enjoying for a few minutes or so. However, we’re going to stop you right there! There are some amazing outdoor patio ideas that truly transform your backyard into the living space you need.

To get started, you’ll need to know about a few structures for patios and determine which best suits your needs. Are you ready to make the transformation? Continue reading below to start the process today!

Gazebos

Gazebo structures are free-standing and because of this, can be placed just about anywhere in the backyard. You don’t have to worry about connecting it to your house. This comes in handy if you’re wanting to have more living space near the pond towards the end of your yard for instance. 

Gazebos have a pitched roof that is solid and durable. All sides are opened, leaving you with 360° views while still providing you with shade. If desired, you can even screen in the sides of the gazebo to allow yourself a bug-free relaxation zone.

Patio Covers

If your home already has a patio built onto it, then one way to transform this space into a living area is to complete it with a patio cover. A patio cover is a structure that’s connected to your house and covers the entire patio area shielding you from rain, snow, and sun.

Some, however, prefer their patio covers to be open, leaving some room for the sun to seep in. 

Pergolas

A Pergola is a structure with an opened roof that has columns or posts supporting it. It’s free-standing, so you don’t have to place it directly next to the house. In many cases, homeowners use pergolas as a way to shade or cover a walkway outdoors. 

They’re also used to shade or cover outdoor living areas as well, so don’t hesitate to place some chairs and a table under it. Pergola shapes are usually rectangular so they work great for shading off a side area next to a pool!

Pool Houses

Speaking of pools, if your home has a pool, then it needs a pool house. Pool houses are the perfect way to add more living space to your home. These structures often include a spare bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, game room, and more. 

They’re also a good idea to have for storing all of your pool supplies including cleaning items and fun items as well. 

Arbors

An arbor is a beautiful structure to have on your outdoor patio if you enjoy the greenery. Arbors act as a wall for climbing plants to grow on and creates an aesthetically pleasing archway for an outdoor path. You can even consider adding a gate under your arbor, which creates a true entryway into your outdoor patio. 

Ramadas

A ramada is similar in style to the pergola, however, ramadas have a solid covered roof. A ramada is still freestanding, so can be placed anywhere in the backyard that you please. You’ll have full protection from the rain, snow, or sun while enjoying open views. 

Because of the optimal coverage that they provide, ramadas are normally built over outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, or frequently-used outdoor living spaces.

Sunrooms

A sunroom is attached to the home and covers a patio completely. Sunrooms have solid roofs and enclose the space with glass sides. They’re accessible from the house, so you won’t have to go outdoors to enter them. 

These rooms bring you all of the pleasantries of being outdoors without having to actually go outdoors. Some homeowners even insult these rooms and install a heating and cooling system in them. 

Greenhouses

If you enjoy growing your own fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other plants, then you should have your own greenhouse! Greenhouses create their own climates inside of them so you won’t have to worry about the weather or other factors damaging your crops. They’re completely safe inside the greenhouse!

Not only will a greenhouse fit well on your patio, but it’ll be a joy to visit and walk through and see all of the growth and beauty that your plants display. 

Shade Sails

If you like the modern style, then shade sails might be a great fit for you. The sails provide just enough shade for your outdoor patio. They’re elegant and don’t take up much space as they only need a few thin poles to support them.

When installing shade sails, you’ll have many shapes, styles, and colors to choose from. No matter which you choose, though, it’s a guarantee that they’ll display artistic design above your patio. 

Cabanas

A cabana is a wonderful addition to an outdoor patio near a pool. Cabanas offer shade and privacy perfect for either lounging or changing into bathing suits. Cabanas have drapes on either side of the structure which can be pulled back and tied up or released creating full privacy.

For those extra sunny days, cabanas offer shade to homeowners who want to relax by the pool without becoming drained from the heat of the sun.

The Structures for Outdoor Patios are Endless!

When creating structures for outdoor patios, your options are endless. There are so many structure designs to choose from that there’s something for every need, desire, and style!

Now that you have an idea of the different types of structures, we hope you’re ready to make the transformation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

Are you in the market to sell your home? Or, are you simply wanting to boost your home’s value for resale in the future? Either way, adding an outdoor kitchen is a great way to increase your home’s value in Memorial, Houston. 

You might feel inclined to make several renovations or upgrades to the inside of your home. Although this might not be a horrible idea, you could save yourself money and a couple of headaches by adding to the home’s value from the outdoors. If you need a boost in your home’s value, then it’s time to consider an outdoor kitchen!

Still not convinced that an outdoor kitchen is right for your home? Continue reading below for several ways that this newly added space will bring value to your home!

Making Selling Easier

Having an outdoor kitchen attached to your home makes selling it much easier. When potential buyers come into your home for a tour, one of the first things that they’ll notice is your newly built outdoor space. It’s no secret that a home’s kitchen is a major selling point, so imagine having an amazing outdoor kitchen as well. 

And with more homeowners building outdoor kitchens, you won’t want to be left in the past as buyers do their shopping. For some buyers, it’s almost expected for a home to have this type of outdoor living space. To ensure you don’t lose a potential buyer, it’s best to have the outdoor kitchen built. 

The Cost vs the Value 

Figuring out the exact percentage of a return that you’ll receive from your outdoor kitchen isn’t a clear-cut task. The cost of the outdoor kitchen depends on a lot of different factors including the types of materials that are used. The value of the kitchen also depends on several factors including the materials, design, and much more.

With that being said, the average ROI (return on investment) from an outdoor kitchen is around 55%. However, this number is not set in stone and you do have a much better chance of raising that percentage if you create a well-designed space with valuable materials.

Adding Living Space

When you build an outdoor kitchen, you’re not just creating another area to cook in. You’re adding living space to your home. When knocking down walls and extending borders isn’t an option, creating this space outdoors is a wonderful option. 

You get the added space that you’re looking for without needing to do any major renovations inside your home. 

Adding Entertainment 

Aside from adding more living space, you’re also adding more room for entertainment. If you’re someone who loves to entertain, then you’ll enjoy having this outdoor space. It also works as a great selling point for potential buyers.

Paint the picture for potential buyers who like to entertain guests frequently. Many homeowners like to entertain, and what better way to do so than having everyone gather outside. You won’t have to worry about as much traffic inside your home and everyone will still feel comfortable. 

Considering the Environment

Another factor that needs consideration to determine if your outdoor kitchen will add value to your home or not is understanding where you live. If you live in an area where the outside temperatures don’t permit hanging around outdoors for too long, then you might need to reconsider building an outdoor kitchen.

If you’re going to make the commitment of building one, then you want to be sure that it’ll be used and used frequently. Don’t waste your time building an outdoor living space in an environment where spending more than an hour outdoors is difficult.

Choosing the Right Materials

Now, if you’re going to build an outdoor kitchen it’s important that you do it right. An outdoor kitchen made from cheap or the wrong materials could result in a loss of money because those materials won’t last. Be sure to use all weather-resistant materials when creating your outdoor kitchen.

Ideal materials include outdoor kitchen tiles, water-proof woods, and stainless steel.

Adding Features

Don’t stop once you have a refrigerator and a grill. There are several features that you should add to an outdoor kitchen to give it a boost. Some of these features are listed below. 

Fire Pit

A fire pit is a great feature to add to your outdoor kitchen. On days or evenings when the wind feels a bit cooler, grab your plate and take a seat by your built-in fire pit! Potential buyers will appreciate this feature especially if located in a colder environment.

Extended Roof

An extended roof takes the outdoors and brings it indoors. You or your potential buyers will feel that the space has more value when covered with an extended roof. Imagine days where the rain just won’t seem to stop or the snow won’t let up.

There might even be some days when the sun is so hot, you can’t bear to sit outside. An extended roof solves these problems for you. And because of this, you’ll get more use out of your outdoor kitchen.

Counter Space

When thinking about the kitchen design, be sure that you have enough counter space. Just like your home’s indoor kitchen, your outdoor kitchen needs to have the right amount of space for preparing and cooking meals. You should also consider adding an optimal amount of storage space for your outdoor kitchen.

Both of these are desired features for any kitchen design. 

Ready to Create Your Own Outdoor Kitchen?

Now that you’ve learned just how much value an outdoor kitchen in Memorial, Houston adds to a home, are you ready to create your own? If your home needs a value boost, then it’s time to contact us and schedule your free consultation today!

Americans are moving outside. Homeowners want an outdoor space where they can cook, dine, and relax with family and friends.

72% of consumers chose outdoor living spaces as the most popular special function room in a house. They want to increase the useable space available at home.

The first step in creating your backyard oasis is planning. Consider the size and style of your home. Think about function, style, and cost. 

Is the house traditional, farmhouse, mid-century modern or eclectic? The best outdoor spaces look original to the house. 

Does a cozy gathering spot or a backyard retreat make sense in the space? If the patio doesn’t function it won’t improve your lifestyle. Plus, any project that goes over budget causes problems.

Hardscaping creates an affordable, useable space with little or no maintenance. You can spend weekends relaxing on the patio instead of mowing the lawn.

Whatever your goal, the materials you choose are important. The most common patio flooring materials are popular because they work.

Yet, it’s how you configure your choices that give the patio personality and style. Let’s take a closer look at your options.

Brick

Brick is one of the oldest building materials. It’s a sturdy, durable choice used for ages to construct roads, buildings, and patios.

Bricks come in many colors and sizes. You can lay the brick in a variety of patterns. Some patterns are more formal than others.

Each brick pattern has a distinctive look. Mix several patterns to create a unique style.

Reclaimed bricks are popular for adding age and interest to a new patio. Brick works for edging, walls, and planters along with the patio flooring.

The combination of colors, sizes, and patterns give homeowners plenty of design choices. A brick patio looks good with most architectural styles. 

Pavers

Pavers are a popular material for patios and walkways. The original pavers were gray and pink concrete.

Today, you can find pavers in many colors and textures. Pavers that look like brick, stone, tile or cobblestone come in a range of natural colors. It’s a nice alternative to solid concrete.

Interlocking pavers fit together like puzzle pieces without using grout or mortar. Consider that a patio of interlocking pavers can look busy due to all the small pieces.

Concrete

One of the most versatile surfaces is concrete. Professionals can form the concrete into custom color, shapes, and sizes.

Concrete is water, sand, cement, and gravel. It’s a durable surface that’s easy to maintain.

Creativity and concrete go together. Add interest to the surface with stamped or brushed finishes. Insert colored stone or tiles as accent pieces or borders.

You can stain or dye the concrete to add color. Score the concrete to separate patio zones. 

Add rough particles to the concrete or use a brushed finish for a slip-resistant surface.

Flagstone

Flagstone is a large, flat slab of stone in irregular shapes and sizes. It comes from splitting layers of rock. Sandstone, limestone, quartz, and bluestone are examples of flagstone.

The stone varies in size and color based on geography. Colors range from cool blues, grays, and greens to warm reds and browns. 

No two pieces of flagstone are the same. That means you can use complementary or contrasting colors as part of your patio design.

Flagstone for a patio must be thick enough to withstand considerable stress. Position thick flagstone on the ground or a layer of sand. Create a solid surface by putting concrete, mulch, or plantings between the stones.

Stone less than 1.5 inches thick works if laid in concrete or wet mortar. Thin slabs crack without extra support.

Flagstone is a good choice if you want a unique natural stone patio.

Cut Stone

Cut stone is the geometric version of flagstone. It’s a natural stone cut into more formal squares and rectangles with a smooth surface.

Lay the stone edge to edge or spaced apart with loose material between the stones. Cut stone with texture is slip-resistant.

Popular types of cut stone include:

• Marble
• Travertine
• Limestone
• Bluestone
• Slate
• Granite
• Belgian Block
• Sandstone

Like flagstone, the cut stone is regional. Colors vary by location. Stone from local quarries is less expensive and easier to find.

Tile

Unglazed ceramic is the best tile for a patio floor. It isn’t as slippery as a glazed tile with a smooth finish. Save glazed decorative tiles for accents or edges.

Unglazed choices include porcelain, terra-cotta, and quarry tiles.

Porcelain tiles are tough and stain-resistant. Terracotta tiles work best in mild climates. Quarry tile has a textured surface for better foot traction.

Tile ratings state slip resistance. If your patio is next to a pool or used in wet weather, check the tile rating. Unglazed terra-cotta is safer than marble or granite.

Use the same tile inside and outside for a seamless transition from the house to the patio.

Seal or coat your outdoor tile to protect it from stains, moisture, and the environment.

Loose Material

Loose material is a good alternative to the turf in areas prone to drought. The materials are affordable and water-wise.

Here are some examples of loose materials used for patios:

• Aggregate Stone
• Bark Mulch
• Rubber Mulch
• Pea Gravel
• Crushed Shell or Stone
• Sand
• Broken Down Granite

Mixed materials add interest. You can break a large area into smaller zones by using more than one type of surface.

Add crushed shell or mulch between flagstones. Edge pea gravel with brick. Insert tile medallions into paved concrete.

The options are endless. It’s smart to plan with a professional to guarantee function and visual appeal.

Synthetic Decking

Composite or synthetic decking material doesn’t rot, mold, or splinter. It’s resistant to insects and harsh weather.

It some texture that mimics wood grain and provides good traction. You never have to sand or reseal it.

Most composite decking contains recycled wood and plastic. It’s good for the environment, but expensive.

Ready to Choose Your Patio Flooring?

There are many different kinds of patios. Always consult with hardscape professionals who know and understand your local environment.

They can answer questions, crunch numbers, and explain your patio flooring options. 

Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help design and build an outdoor space that pleases your family.

Do you have poor drainage near your foundation that collects water after a storm? If so, you’re in danger of rainwater seeping into your basement.

When this happens, you not only have to worry about water damage to anything stored in your basement, but you have to worry about mold and mildew growth. So, proper drainage is a major concern if you want a dry basement or a backyard patio.

What can you do to make sure rainwater drains away from your foundation and yard?

Two of the most effective drainage options for your home are a French drain and a channel drain. Read more about the differences between these two drains. Also, find out which one is right for your drainage situation.

Facts About Drainage

Poor drainage causes several problems, such as standing water, foul odor, bug infestations, diseased plants, mud, and ruined lawns. When you plan and install effective drainage, these problems will disappear. Proper drainage can prevent water nightmares during rainstorms.

Did you know there are two different types of drainage? One is surface drainage and the other is subsurface drainage. When you’re deciding whether you should install a French drain or a channel drain, you should first know the type of drainage you need.

Surface

During heavy rain, surface drainage can divert large amounts of water away from your foundation. This prevents flooding basements and topsoil erosion.

Subsurface

On the other hand, subsurface drainage removes groundwater. This is water that accumulates under your driveway, basement, and landscaping. It often happens from high water tables or very wet weather.

The groundwater follows gravity, collecting under pavement and saturating the soil.

Good drainage requires you to find the low spots in your yard and around your foundation. You can tell where these spots are located because you’ll see puddles and standing water after it rains. For sufficient drainage, you need at least a one to two percent slope.

You could also do a percolation test to measure the drainage in your yard. This will tell you how long it takes water to drain from your lawn.

Once you calculate the slope you need, grade the area so your drain will slope away from your house and flow toward the discharge area.

What Is a French Drain?

A French drain uses a trench that’s deep enough and wide enough to surround a perforated PVC or corrugated plastic pipe that you cover with gravel. For homeowners, 4 to 6-inch pipe should do the trick.

The drain prevents water from seeping into your basement by diverting it into the trench. Then the water flows into the pipe and travels to a discharge outlet.

Some examples of discharge outlets are a swale, storm drain, out to the street or to a sump pump. For this to work, the French drain system has to follow the natural water flow sloping from high ground to discharge at a low point.

French Drain Installation

These tips are just the basics of installing a French drain. It’s always a good idea to have a professional drainage installer put in your French drain to ensure no water still finds its way into your basement.

When installing this type of drain, you line the bottom of your trench with about 2 inches of gravel. Place the pipe into the drain with the perforated side facing down. Then cover the pipe with 4 inches of gravel over the top. You should also have at least one inch of gravel around the sides of the pipe.

Some French drains are open with the gravel coming all the way to the top of the trench. If you’d rather have the drain blend in with your landscaping, you can cover the gravel with up to 4 inches of topsoil. Placing silt fence or geotextile over the gravel will prevent the soil from clogging the gravel.

What Is a Channel Drain?

A channel drain is similar to a French drain but has a few differences. You might also hear it called a trench drain. Like the French drain, the water flows through it in an underground channel. The drainage system diverts water runoff across large areas.

Rather than using perforated pipe like the French drain, channel drains are constructed with fiberglass, plastic or steel drain tubes placed on top of poured concrete.

Commercial buildings often have channel drains around their foundations to keep walkways dry. These drains also work for residential homes when installed around the foundation.

Channel Drain Installation

Channel drains give you long-term drainage if you install them the right way. Just like the French drains, you need to dig a trench that slopes away from your foundation or yard. After digging your trench, you pour concrete as your base.

Channel drains come in assorted materials, such as polypropylene and plastic. You can also connect corner and T connectors to your channel drain for customizing them to fit around your foundation.

These materials resist chemicals that drain into the trench from fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides used on your lawn.

When you put the cover grates on your channel drain, you can find decorative and colored ones that blend in with your landscaping. You can also remove them for cleaning. This is an important maintenance step to keep the water running freely into the trench.

Where to Use a Channel Drain

Most likely, you’ve seen channel drains in the following locations:

• Patios
• Driveways
• Garden areas
• Golf courses
• Parking lots
• Pool areas

These drains divert water away from large areas. They also reduce erosion in your yard, if you lived in a sloped area.

Choose a French Drain or Channel Drain for Better Drainage

Whether you choose a French drain or a channel drain, both stop basement leaks and soggy landscape soil. You need adequate drainage if you want to transform your backyard into living space without worrying about mud and a saturated lawn.

These trench drains intercept water moving toward your home. They’re the drainage solutions you need during heavy rain or in high water table areas.

If you live in the Greater Houston, Katy or Memorial area, schedule a consultation with our professionals to help you with drainage solutions, so you can enjoy more outdoor livable space.

Patio popularity is on the rise as 58% of new homes include a patio. These outdoor living spaces can give you and your family an area outside of your home to gather with friends while enjoying nature.

There are a few different types of patios you can choose from to create an oasis in your backyard. The type you choose will depend on how much space you have and what you want to do in your backyard.

Get started creating the backyard of your dreams by learning about the many different patio styles.

Outdoor Dining Patio

Do you love dining outdoors with friends and family? It could be a Sunday morning brunch or a Saturday evening dinner under the stars.

Either way, you’ll need a patio that is big enough to support a large dining table and chairs. For most people, this means dedicating a 12 by 12-foot space for their patio.

You’ll also need to place your patio near the door to the house. This way, you can quickly bring food in and out.

If this isn’t possible, you can include an outdoor kitchen with your patio. This way, you can cook and dine all outside.

This is an excellent option if you plan to entertain. That way, you aren’t isolated from your guests in the kitchen cooking while everyone else gathers and socializes outside.

Living Room Patio

Maybe you love entertaining and socializing outdoors, but you don’t want to serve big sit-down meals. Then a living room patio is the way to go.

A living room patio is typically 16 by 18 feet. They usually have a fire pit or a fireplace. Then have several deep seating options. You could have several chairs or a large outdoor couch.

You want to create a living room outside. Choose furniture that you will want to curl up and relax in. Be sure to account for space to move around the furniture.

You can design the space like you would your indoor living room. Place side tables or a large coffee table to provide a place to set drinks and snacks.

Place a large outdoor rug down to tie the entire space together. You could even have an outdoor TV placed on the wall for summer night viewing parties of your favorite show.

Bistro Patio

If your backyard isn’t large enough to support the first two patio types, then maybe a bistro patio will be perfect for you. This sized patio is just big enough to fit a small table and two chairs.

Embrace the bistro look and choose a simple metal table and two chairs. The table should be on the smaller side, just big enough for two plates and coffee.

This cute little spot is perfect for the breakfast lover. You can head out to your personal little outdoor bistro spot and enjoy the morning outdoors while you sip your coffee.

All you need is a 6 by 6-foot square space. The best part is that you can place it anywhere in your backyard. Create a mini oasis by placing it in your backyard surrounded by plants with a pathway to the door.

To give your patio a focal point, create a water feature. A wall waterfall won’t take up much room but will have a big effect on the atmosphere on your patio.

Sundeck Patio

Does your home have a pool or a great view? Then a sundeck patio would be the perfect addition to your home. This is a place where you can lay out and soak up the sun.

Unlike the other patios on this list, you can make your sundeck as big or as small as you want. Just keep in mind that the average chaise lounge measures 2 by 6-feet.

You’ll probably want space for at least two chairs so you can lounge with a friend. Then you’ll need some extra space to move around the chairs.

Kitchen and Bar

Do you love hanging out with friends and having a few drinks? Or maybe you love to host a party and play bartender.

You can create an outdoor gathering space that features a beautiful bar and kitchen. There could be a bar area that has a counter workspace on one side and a raised bar on the other. Then line barstools to give people a place to sit and enjoy a drink.

Your kitchen can include all the appliances you need to create a delicious meal for your family and friends.

Other Things to Consider

Once you know what type of patio you want to create, there are a few other elements you need to think about. These will help define the space and create a patio that is both beautiful and functional.

Freestanding or Attached

If you have a large enough property, a freestanding patio gives you a tranquil escape from the activity of the house. However, if you are looking for an extension of the home, attached is the better choice.

Shape

Your patio doesn’t have to be square. You could make your patio L, or U shaped and have it accessible from different rooms within the home.

Working with professionals can help you create the ideal shape that is both functional and fits your backyard.

Multi-Level

Does your property slope? Then embrace this natural feature and build multiple levels into your patio. You can connect the different levels with steps or a stone path.

This lets you create different spaces for different types of entertaining. One level could have a small bistro table area. Another area could have your dining or living room patio.

Choose from These Types of Patios

If your backyard space is looking a bit drab, then it’s time to give it new life by creating a patio space. Before choosing from these types of patios, think about the amount of space you have to work with and what your lifestyle is like.

Sometimes the best way to make a decision is to look at examples and talk with a professional. They can help guide you in creating an outdoor space that you will love.

Schedule a consultation and make your outdoor living dreams a reality.