Covered patios
A well-built covered patio is the single best investment for outdoor living in DFW — it turns the backyard from "too hot most of the year" into usable living space. The details matter: deep overhangs for sun protection, real ceiling height so it doesn't feel cramped, a ceiling fan or two, and a roof tie-in that looks like part of the house — not a tacked-on awning.
Enclosed and screened patios
Enclosing a patio — full glass, screens, or a hybrid — extends the usable season and keeps bugs out. Many DFW homeowners do one of each: a covered grilling and lounge area open to the yard, plus an enclosed sitting space with screens or glass for the worst of summer and winter.
Outdoor kitchens
A real outdoor kitchen runs on dedicated gas, water, and electrical — not an extension cord and a portable grill. Plan storage and counter space the way you would an indoor kitchen, with a clear path between fridge, prep, and grill. Stainless and stone hold up best to Texas weather.
Shade and weather considerations
In DFW, where the patio sits relative to afternoon sun decides whether it's comfortable in July. Deep overhangs, ceiling fans, and sometimes operable shades or pergola louvers do more for comfort than any single feature. Drainage matters too — make sure the patio sheds water away from the foundation, not toward it.
Design flow from inside to outside
The most successful outdoor projects feel like a continuation of the home. Align ceiling heights with the adjacent indoor room when you can, use materials that visually connect inside to outside, and place the patio so it's a one-step move from the kitchen or living room — not a hike across the yard. If you're remodeling indoors and adding outdoor space at the same time, plan them together from day one.
Want help planning outdoor living for your home? Talk to Regent or see our outdoor living service.