Patio Covers and Outdoor Living in North Texas

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There are two seasons in North Texas: "perfect patio weather" and "why is it still triple digits at 7 p.m." The first one is amazing. The second one is why so many backyards sit empty half the year.

A good patio cover and outdoor living space changes that. With shade, a breeze and a cold drink, you can actually use the backyard more of the year. On Mosswood, the backyard was one of the reasons the homeowners bought the house in the first place. Let's talk about how to make yours a place people want to be.

What Kind of Patio Cover Is Right for You?

A few popular options:

• Solid roof patio cover. Full shade and rain protection. Can be tied into the house roof and finished to match. Great for fans, lights and TVs.
• Pergola. Open slats for partial shade and a lot of style. Doesn't keep you dry.
• Pergola with a covered section. Some of both.
• Freestanding pavilion. Out by the pool or the fire pit.

The right one depends on how you'll use it. Do you want to grill in the rain? Watch the game outside? Or just get the sun off the kids at the pool?

Why Does the Roof Tie-In Matter So Much?

This is where we put our roofer hats on. A patio cover attached to the house has to tie into the existing roof and walls without creating a leak. Done wrong, water gets behind the flashing, into the wall and down into the house. We've seen it on restoration jobs, and it's not fun.

A good tie-in means:

1. Proper flashing where the cover meets the house
2. Enough slope to shed water
3. Roofing materials that suit the slope and match the house where it makes sense
4. Gutters to carry water away from the patio and foundation

Our roofing team is part of how we get this right.

What Makes a Patio Comfortable in July?

Shade is step one. Then:

• Ceiling fans rated for outdoor use. A breeze makes a huge difference.
• Orientation. West-facing patios take the worst of the afternoon sun. Plan shade and screens accordingly.
• Light-colored materials that don't soak up heat.
• Misters, if you're into that.
• Outdoor shades or screens for the low afternoon sun and mosquitoes.

What About Outdoor Kitchens?

The fun part. An outdoor kitchen can be as simple as a built-in grill and some counter space or as fancy as a full setup with a sink, fridge and pizza oven. Think about:

• Gas and electrical runs
• Water and drainage if you want a sink
• Ventilation above the grill, especially under a roof
• Storage that holds up outside
• Distance from the house and anything that can burn; our fire team insists

What About Lighting?

Good lighting makes the backyard usable after sunset, which is when it's finally cool enough to be out there. Overhead lighting, path lighting and string lights all help. And come November, our holiday lighting crew would be happy to make the whole backyard glow; see our holiday lighting page.

How Do Drainage and Landscaping Affect a Patio?

A new patio or cover changes how water moves across your yard. If it isn't planned, you can end up with water running toward the foundation or pooling on the patio. Grading, gutters and French drains may be part of the project. Our landscaping crew handles drainage and sod too.

Do I Need a Permit?

Many North Texas cities require permits for patio covers, pergolas and outdoor kitchens, and many HOAs require approval. Check with your city and HOA before you build.

How Does G3 Build It?

1. Listen. How you want to use the space, your budget and your timeline.
2. Design and scope. A written scope and schedule before work begins.
3. Build. G3 Construction manages the crews and trades and keeps you updated.
4. Walkthrough. A final review together, ideally with a cold drink.

Our work is backed by a 1-year workmanship warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to take back the backyard? Call (945) 300-9018 or use the button below to start your remodel.

Keep learning: see our Remodeling page, read Remodeling After Water or Fire Damage in North Texas, or read what homeowners say in our customer reviews.