Patio Creations https://www.SugarLandPatio.com Creative outdoor living spaces Wed, 26 May 2021 10:13:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.9 2021 Fire Pit Trends https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/2021-fire-pit-trends https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/2021-fire-pit-trends#respond Mon, 12 Apr 2021 10:13:00 +0000 https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/?p=1375 Read More]]> Fire pits are always in vogue and this 2021 is no different. From traditional large outdoor fireplaces, homeowners have completely shifted to its more flexible, less space-hungry sibling fire pit. If you’re still looking for the best fire pit to install, read on and find the latest fire pit trends to hit the market this year.

Compact and Moveable

As more people stay at home and long to spend more time outdoors, fire pits have become a number one addition. However, with construction done by contractors limited as it is, the trend has been to buy prefabricated fire bowls which are compact and moveable. These trendy fire pits usually come with a spark screen to lessen the smoke and tinder for fire hazards. There’s also a cover to protect the fire pit from weather elements when not in use.

Wood-Fueled Fire Pit

Due to the lingering health crisis, outdoor construction by contractors are limited thus, experts say wood-fueled fire pits will be favored again until the expert fire pit contractors can safely go back to creating awesome fire pits and connecting it to existing fuel lines in residential spaces. Despite the wood-fueled trend for fire pits and fire bowls, homeowners are encouraged to contact their local fire department first before purchasing to check whether wood-burning is allowed in their residential area or zone.

Concrete Fire Pits

The heaviest of them all to rock the 2021 fire pit trend, concrete fire pits have claimed their spot in the top list for prefabricated kits this year. With its smooth, sleek design, a concrete fire pit is definitely a scene stealer and eye-catching focal point that would fit in any outdoor situation. Its concrete construction also makes it impervious to weather elements and last for years to come.

Are you keen on catching the fire pit trend and buying one of your own? Or do you have some questions about these fire pits? If you’re still trying to decide and need an expert opinion, don’t hesitate to get in touch in with us for a free consultation!

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5 FAQs about Outdoor Kitchens https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/5-faqs-about-outdoor-kitchens https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/5-faqs-about-outdoor-kitchens#respond Fri, 12 Mar 2021 10:08:00 +0000 https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/?p=1373 Read More]]> Are you looking to have an outdoor kitchen installed? We’re sure you have a host of questions running on your mind so we have listed 5 of the most frequently asked questions about installing outdoor kitchens. Read on and you might just find the answer you’re looking for.

What is an ideal size for an outdoor kitchen?

An outdoor kitchen can fit a strip or be as expansive rivaling your indoor kitchen. If it’s going to be a busy outdoor kitchen, allow for at least 3-4 feet for the counter workspace. It’s also ideal to provide 16 inches

Can you put an outdoor kitchen on a deck?

Yes, you can but you have to consult with your contractor about the type of deck that will host the outdoor kitchen and its appliances. A deck can be the platform type, raised or even multi-level. Knowing the deck type will help you and your contractor choose the best spot for the outdoor kitchen. Next is to determine the weight limit your deck can handle which will inform you on the number of outdoor kitchen appliance you can include in your outdoor kitchen plan.

How far should a grill be from the house?

A grill should be placed 10 feet away from the house for safety and protection against any fire hazards. It doesn’t matter what fuel your grill runs on, too. Aside from placing it far enough and away from combustible materials and property, you should also have ample space to move around, especially when prepping to put the meat or taking it off the grill.

Is it bad to grill under a covered porch or patio?

While you definitely can grill anywhere outdoors, grilling under a cover may leave your outdoor ceilings covered with soot and smoke that will stain far longer than you’d like, if not a lifetime.

What is the best material for an outdoor countertop?

The best materials for an outdoor countertop would be natural weather-hardy ones such as concrete, granite, soapstone, or tile. Eco-friendly recycled glass can also be a great choice so long as you check with the manufacturer that the material is equipped for outdoor use.

Didn’t find your question above? Contact us and we’ll answer it for you free-of-charge!

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Screened in Porch 101 https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/screened-in-porch-101 https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/screened-in-porch-101#respond Fri, 12 Feb 2021 09:55:00 +0000 https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/?p=1371 Read More]]> A screened in porch can be your next favorite relaxing spot that lets you enjoy the best of both your indoor and outdoor area. It’s just as cozy as your indoor living room but with the atmosphere of the outdoors. But is a screened in porch worth investing in? Is it the same as a sunroom? In this blog, we answer some basic questions about screened in porches.

Is a screened in porch worth it?

Yes, a screened in porch is worth the investment especially if you have a growing family, older members of the household, or pets that need an extra layer of protection against outdoor elements. Screens prevent bugs and insects from disturbing your porch stay as well as filter the air that comes in.

Will adding a screened in porch also increase my property tax?

A screened in porch will certainly add value to your property’s feature but it won’t affect your property tax to increase exponentially. Sugar Land, Texas is also known as one of the most affordable cities to have a home in as the residential property taxes have been almost stable with only a 1.36% increase for 2020.

What’s the difference between a screened in porch and a sunroom?

A screened in porch has a screen which lets the air in while a sunroom is an outdoor room surrounded by glass windows which let adequate sunlight in. Screened in porch is best if you still want to feel the outdoor atmosphere without the pesky insect while a sunroom gives you a great view.

What’s the best material for a screened in porch?

A screened in porch uses mesh screens with fine weaves. You can also use a fiberglass screen or aluminum screens. There’s also polyester screen which is best if you have pets while stainless steel are best against corrosion and fire-resistant.

What can I do with a screened in porch?

If it’s a front porch, you can have a sitting room and area where you can welcome your guests in. It can also be an observation deck for your pets.
Didn’t find the question you had in mind? Send us a message and we’ll gladly give you our opinion as a leading builder of screened in porches here in Sugar Land, Texas and surrounding neighborhoods.

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Which Should You Pick: A Patio Cover or a Pergola? https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/which-should-you-pick-a-patio-cover-or-a-pergola https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/which-should-you-pick-a-patio-cover-or-a-pergola#respond Mon, 04 Jan 2021 08:07:00 +0000 https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/?p=1366 Read More]]> Having a patio cover gives you the opportunity to maximize the use of your outdoor areas whatever the time, weather, or season may be. In this article, we explore the different outdoor structures that provide shade and protection over your outdoor areas. Find which one covers your needs and suits your current outdoor setting.

Patio Cover

If your patio is just right outside your house, a patio cover does the job perfectly. It is a solid shade structure that is usually attached to your house and created by extending your existing roof line. While the addition is inexpensive, you might also need to consider adding features such as ceiling fans and lights over key areas of the patio.

Pergola

A pergola is best for a freestanding structure or outdoor area apart from the main house. A semi-solid patio cover, it is popularly used over walkways or pathways but it can also serve as a patio cover over outdoor rooms. While the traditional pergola is composed of rafters and beams, newer styles have since emerged from transparent polycarbonate sheets over the rafters to louvers that can be controlled and angled against the sun’s rays.

While all pergolas give your outdoor area some shade, not all will protect it against rain. So before going with a pergola, consider the outdoor room’s function and the patio furniture in it. Based on these factors, you will be able to narrow down your pergola style and roofing options.

If you’re still unsure which overhead structure to install, it’s best to consult the professionals as they have had the experience and knowledge of which structure fits various outdoor areas. While patio covers may seem cheaper at first, materials and added features may offset the initial inexpensive estimate. The same goes for a pergola, especially if you will choose a modern pergola roofing.

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5 Holiday Porch Design Ideas https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/5-holiday-porch-design-ideas https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/5-holiday-porch-design-ideas#respond Tue, 15 Dec 2020 08:09:00 +0000 https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/?p=1363 Read More]]> This holiday season make sure your porch is ready to receive not only your family members, delivery personnel, and occasional well-wishers but also Santa and his reindeer. Here are 5 ideas on how you can design the porch ready for Santa’s visit.

Start with the steps and entryway.

Adorn the steps with potted plants like poinsettia, gift props, candy canes, or Christmas-scented air fresheners like cinnamon, vanilla, or peppermint. Have anyone dropping by bask in the scent of the holidays.

Highlight the banisters.

As the banisters provide a great visual opportunity to show holiday cheer, wrap garlands and maybe some Christmas lights to highlight your porch at night. Interlacing garlands can make it look like a well-wrapped gift of a porch from afar.

Make Santa stay for a swing, seat, or both.

Whether it’s a porch swing, tea chairs, or a cozy bench, plump up the pillows and drape some throw blankets ready to enclose someone’s shoulder or two for a cozy sitting.

Prepare your table for gifts, deliveries, and offer cookies and drinks.

As everyone gets busier during the holiday season, put out drinks, cookies, or sweets to your occasional visitors like deliverymen, neighbors, and casual greeters. A thermos, reusable cups, and a cookie jar would be a real delight for anyone who stops by!

Hang festive lights.

Make your porch glow with Christmas lights and lanterns. Highlight key holiday décor you may have such as a Christmas tree or nativity scene. You can also have special lights for your seating area that will also provide a bit of warmth.

Do you have ideas of your own on how to deck the porch for the holidays? Share with us your own décor design for a holiday porch. We’d love to hear them from you!

If you’ve been wanting to have your very own porch in time for the holidays, just send us a message for a free consultation and quote!

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3 Features of a Sturdy Outdoor Kitchen Storage https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/3-features-of-a-sturdy-outdoor-kitchen-storage https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/3-features-of-a-sturdy-outdoor-kitchen-storage#respond Sun, 22 Nov 2020 08:06:00 +0000 https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/?p=1361 Read More]]> Outdoor kitchens are built to make it easier for one to do cooking and entertaining at the same time. But do you always have to trudge back into your main kitchen to bring the plates and utensils? How about the various knives, spatula, tongs and other cookware? Having proper storage in your outdoor kitchen will save you time and effort when cooking outdoors.

And to ensure your outdoor kitchen storage will not only keep your kitchen ware but will also stand the test of being outdoors, here are 3 considerations for a well-functioning outdoor kitchen storage.

  1. Weatherproof
    Installed in the open, your outdoor storage will take more battering than your indoor cupboards and kitchen closets. Make sure the material used for your outdoor cabinets can withstand the constant change in weather, be it bright sunlight, harsh winds, or continuous rains.
  2. Heat-resistant and fireproof
    Outdoor storage is usually near your cooking area for convenience, if not directly below it. Stainless steel storage is the most common type but since it can easily heat up, most are advised to install it at least 6 feet away to avoid heating up the storage unity. Unless you want your storage to become a hot oven and find melted plastic dinnerware or broken glassware.
  3. Sealed against dust and bugs
    Being outdoors, it’s not only the weather elements you need to be aware of. Bugs and insects will always be looking for a cozy spot to set up their nests or webs and call it home. So make sure your storage also closes tightly and is sealed from both the outside and inside against these small invaders. To further keep bugs away, you may spray some bug repellant or keep pest-repellant plants nearby.

With these 3 features, your outdoor cooking will certainly be a breeze with everything you need at arms’ length, courtesy of your safe and sturdy storage!

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5 Fire Pit Mistakes You Should Avoid https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/5-fire-pit-mistakes-you-should-avoid https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/5-fire-pit-mistakes-you-should-avoid#respond Tue, 20 Oct 2020 08:04:00 +0000 https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/?p=1359 Read More]]> As autumn approaches and the cold winds come creeping in, the idea of settling beside a gently crackling fire pit seems like the topmost outdoor activity during this season. If you’re planning to install a fire pit, here are 5 mistakes to avoid.

  1. Check with the authorities regarding fire pit requirements and regulations.
    Before drawing up the perfect plan for your fire pit, research what certain approvals and inspections you need to do. You can ask neighbors who have fire pits for the processes they went through installing theirs. An easier and legitimate way to check is to call a landscaping contractor for a free consultation. Since it is part of their trade, they more often than not have the most updated knowledge on the rules and regulations, especially around your area. In most cases, they may even do the paperwork for you.
  2. Install it near combustible or flammable objects.
    A fire pit needs to be built with enough clearing on all sides to prevent fire accidents. Unless you’re having fire which can be controlled with a dial, always be cautious and watchful of how your fire can grow.
  3. Extinguish the fire completely.
    Most people won’t think of embers as particularly damaging. However, a breeze can blow those sparks or embers into flammable objects. So even if your fire pit has enough clearance all around it, extinguishing the fire completely
  4. Plan for proper rainwater and debris drainage.
    Especially if your fire pit is in an open area, make sure there is a way for water to escape. Else, you will have a muddy well full of rainwater instead of a fire pit. You can also install a fire pit cover when it isn’t in use. This cover will not only protect your fire pit against rainwater, it will also deter critters from making your fire pit a home or playground.
  5. Check the general wind direction.
    This is so you won’t end up sitting right in the path of the smoke and end up smelling smoky yourself. It is important to consider this especially when installing permanent seats around the fire pit. This way, you’ll enjoy the fire but avoid the smoke.
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4 Patio Surface Options https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/4-patio-surface-options https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/4-patio-surface-options#respond Wed, 16 Sep 2020 08:03:31 +0000 https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/?p=1357 Read More]]> Do you plan to give your patio a major overhaul? Then it starts with the foundation. Here’s a quick rundown of patio surface options that will give your patio a solid starting point.

Flagstone

If you want a unique patio flooring option, choose flagstone as this natural stone yields unique slabs. As contractors will say, all flagstone patios are unique. This elegant patio surface needs no additional frills. It allows water to permeate and its natural varied shades give your patio an earthy look. You can lay flagstone as is directly or over a concrete slab. It can also be laid in a regular or irregular pattern or have grass grow in between to soften the look.

Pavers

Widely manufactured into varied shapes, sizes, textures, and designs, you’ll have countless options if you choose pavers. With proper care, pavers can last just as long or even longer than flagstone and concrete. Pavers can also be installed directly on solid ground however it can sink over time. Contractors will advise you to lay it on a solid concrete base for a longer lifespan. One great thing about pavers is that even if a paver breaks, you can easily replace it.

Concrete

Concrete is easy to install and gives you a smooth patio foundation. It’s ideal for driveways and retaining walls. It’s known for its durability and versatility. Concrete is best suited to a modern home, with its clean lines and classic gray color. If you want something that suits your home’s exterior, you can have it stained. You can also have them stamped and crafted to look like any of the other patio surface flooring options.

Wood

For a more pliable option, you can try weather-treated wood. It’s treated so that moisture cannot seep in. If you want a natural patio foundation, wood is perfect patios and decks, even if there’s no patio cover overhead.

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5 Back Patio Extension Ideas https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/5-back-patio-extension-ideas https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/5-back-patio-extension-ideas#respond Tue, 18 Aug 2020 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/?p=1355 Read More]]> Are you looking to transform your back patio into something more useful? Reclaim your outdoor space and make it more inviting with these 5 back patio extension ideas.

Build a back porch.

A back porch can be your secure and private outdoor living room where you can spend long afternoons and nights in. When adding a porch, make sure it follows the architectural style of your home. You can have the roof line extended to cover your porch or install a pergola as a patio cover.

Add a fire pit.

A fire pit is a good source of light and warmth for colder evening. It also makes your outdoors more inviting, a great spot to bond with the family outside. A fire pit also adds flexibility as it provides central heating that can reach a wide span.

Extend your concrete patio with pavers.

If you have a concrete patio that is too small for your outdoor living needs, extension is your best fix. However, to build an extension using the same materials might be too expensive. To create more outdoor living space with a leveled surface, use pavers instead. Larger pavers can be installed directly into your backyard. Now you have an extension that connects both to your existing patio and to the rest of the landscape.

Install walkways.

An extension of the paver patio idea, you can also use pavers to shape it into a walkway. Create paths and inspire a sense of discovery. The walkways also direct foot traffic and protects your ground cover.

Create a breakfast nook.

Clear a spot and arrange a seating area where you can spend your mornings in or relax during afternoons. A couple of sturdy metal chairs and a table can suddenly transform an ignored area into a private spot for self-reflection.

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5 Tips on Keeping your Landscape Green https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/5-tips-on-keeping-your-landscape-green https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/custom-patio-blog/5-tips-on-keeping-your-landscape-green#respond Thu, 16 Jul 2020 07:57:40 +0000 https://www.SugarLandPatio.com/?p=1353 Read More]]> As the summer heat keeps on increasing, keep your landscape from turning scrawny and yellow. Here are 5 tips on how to keep your landscape lush and green without racking up a high water bill.

  1. Keep a watering schedule.
    It’ll be harder to forget watering your plants if you do it on schedule. Also note that potted plants need more watering than ground plants. To know if your potted plant needs watering, observe if the top soil is already dry.
  2. Take note of your plants’ water requirements.
    Just like their sun requirements, plants have different watering requirements. Some only require once a week of watering while others may need daily watering. If you’re still in the process of planting new ones this summer, it’s best to choose those which have low water requirements.
  3. Potted Plants in Rainwater Position
    Do you have spots where rainwater is sure to hit the most? Make sure to re-arrange your plant’s position so that it’ll catch the most water and quench its thirst.
  4. Install timed sprinklers or drip irrigation.
    Timed sprinklers give you more time to do other gardening stuff and helps keep your lawn green. Sprinklers are best for plants in the ground rather than potted plants as the containers and pots get most of the spray rather than plants.

    Drip irrigation is a more sophisticated watering system that directly waters your plants and areas. Instead of a sprinkler that aims to spread water as far and wide as possible, drip irrigation have custom spouts placed strategically for plants.
  5. Cut off any drying fruits, stems, boughs, or blooms.
    These flowers, fruits, and branches that are way past their prime are only competing for scarce water resource against the other healthy living parts of the plant. This ensures there’s enough water for the rest of your healthy, living and thriving plant.
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