Installing a pergola is a perfect way to keep your patio shaded but still leave it airy and open. That said, here are the top 5 best places in your property to install a pergola.

Wide lawn

If you have a wide and empty lawn space which you’d like to give more functions to, a pergola is a great outdoor addition which can transform that wide open space into an outdoor room. Throw in some cozy but sturdy patio furniture and you’ve got a spot to relax in once in a while.

Sun Spots

Do you have areas in your property which gets too much sun in the early morning or late afternoon? Reclaim that spot by installing a pergola. The structure will act as a heat and sunlight barrier, giving the spot ample shade. On the contrary, avoid installing a pergola in areas which are already in shade or needs sunlight as a pergola may make these spaces look gloomier.

The Entertainment Side

If you love having friends over, you may want to choose installing a pergola over the spot where your friends will have a comfortable time hanging out and mingling with each other. The pergola can define your patio extension. It’s best if it’s placed near your kitchen or side doors to make it more accessible. Attaching a pergola to the side of the house will also give you a cheaper cost since there will be fewer materials to be used.

When choosing the spot for your pergola, think of your outdoor lifestyle and schedule. This will largely help in determining in which part of your yard you’d like to spend more time in and maximize the extended space created by your pergola. If you have questions or would like to learn more about the benefits of installing a pergola, call us today for a free consultation!

Need ideas on what to do about your empty deck or patio? Here are 4 outdoor room ideas you can tinker with. Reclaim your outdoors again with these ideas!

Who doesn’t love cozying up near a fire pit and being with loved ones? From a lifeless yard, this outdoor space was transformed into a bonding space where new memories of laughter, stories and shared happiness. A fire pit is a natural magnet which draws people in for a chat and stay for the cozy company. Get more out of your yard and experience being underneath the stars with a fire pit installed in the midst of your deck or yard.

A bit closer to the home, outdoor living rooms provide a more relaxed but still fresh take on the patio. Being placed in the backyard gives the family more privacy and a great conversation spot where the family can catch up on each other’s life without passersby intruding the quiet family time.

As a perfect calming accompaniment to the outdoor living room, a minimalist water feature is installed and properly positioned near the window. This way the modern water fountain can be enjoyed whether one is outdoors or indoors.

For a family that loves to eat out together, this outdoor kitchen serves as the best outdoor space installation. With a corresponding countertop beside a custom-fitted grill, everything can be prepared outdoors without the unnecessary back-and-forth to the indoor kitchen. Whether it’s a summer afternoon snack or Sunday night BBQs, this outdoor kitchen will fill the air with pungent aromas of good food being cooked and will easily lure and attract family members and friends for a fun gathering.

Ornate metal outdoor furniture like the ones pictured above shine best in the neutral palette this patio has. The vintage look of the furniture is balanced by the shades of yellow and verdant plants placed in key positions in and around the patio.

To see more Katy Patio creations, browse our patio and porch gallery. If you’d love to have an outdoor living space similar to these projects, call us today and let’s start on your own patio project!

Pathways define the flow of foot traffic outside your home. It can be straight and direct or curved and meandering. In this article, we’ll give you 5 pathway design ideas for the different types of outdoor areas you may have.

T-Path

Usually done for front yards, this path leads directly to your front door. A T-path is characterized by a smooth pavement with right angles and sharp turns. If you already have a manicured lawn or plant boxes in your front yard, the straight edge T-path will complement the rest of your front yard.

Curvy path

If you have a limited outdoor space, you might find yourself thinking a T-path is the best design. However, a curvy path in this case can create the illusion of a larger outdoor area than there actually is. It also creates more interest and complements the uneven exterior wall of the home. A curved pathway also works best in informal gardens. A curvy path fits right in the middle of a natural planting orientation and directs foot traffic in order to protect your garden.

Another style merges the straight and curvy design in one path. This path which can made near the perimeters of your outdoor area can both direct traffic and lead people into exploring the other spots in your yard. In this case, one is literally given a chance to stop by and appreciate your flowers.

You can also make a curved pathway serve as a plot container preventing the plants from encroaching the other parts of your lawn or backyard.

Designing pathways can lead you to uncover and explore different areas of your yard. To know more about path styles and designs, call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Patio covers let you enjoy being outdoors even when the weather conditions are less than desirable. Throughout the year, your outdoor becomes a functional area where you can peacefully and safely enjoy the atmosphere no matter the weather. Here are 3 things to consider for your customized patio cover.
Material

To easily identify the right material for your patio cover, consider the exterior of your home. Do you already use wood for the pillars of your home? Or do you have metal grills or accents? Using the same material creates a harmonious look and design once your patio cover is installed.
Coverage

Identify which outdoor areas you want to cover. Are you only keen on having a certain port covered or would you want the perimeter of your house have a patio cover, too? Installing a patio cover for all the outdoor areas you need covered can be a huge saver instead of having 2-3 small projects. Once you add up all the costs, you will see how a single project instead of 2-3 small ones give you more savings.

Open or Solid Patio Cover

Patio covers are mostly built to provide shade and cool, especially in the afternoons. One big misconception between solid and open shade cover is that a solid patio cover will provide a cooler outdoor space. However, this isn’t always true since some solid patio covers trap heat instead. So, for some solid patio covers, additional features like ceiling fans to act as a cooling system.

Customized patio covers allow you to have the patio cover fit in with the existing architecture of your home. For more design ideas and inspiration for patio cover installation, browse our patio cover gallery.
Interested in installing a patio cover? Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation or schedule an in-home estimate today!