When we design an outdoor living project to transform the back of a home, you can count on an amazing transformation. The custom-built Cedar Park, TX, covered patio featured here was just such a project. Our clients were ready for a big change. Their Archadeck of Austin design professional listened, and he heard them … loud and clear. Now, looking at the before and after photos of the back of this home, it’s barely recognizable as the same house. And the homeowners love the results.
On a Cedar Park TX Covered Patio, the Roof Matters!
Many folks barely notice a roof. It’s above your head; it holds up the ceiling. The first thing we noticed here was that the roof over the existing outdoor living space was just wrong for the house. It was a hip style roof and not a good complement to the home at all.
The clients had a low-to-grade deck at the back of the home, and the roof covered a small area. Most of the deck was in the sun. The homeowners knew they wanted their new and improved outdoor space to provide complete shade.
Backyard before Archadeck of Austin began the new covered patio project
Archadeck of Austin designed a more suitable roof for the new project – a flat roof with clean lines so it looks neat and crisp. The new roofline is also higher than the previous one so it opens up the patio area with an airier and more open feel.
After Archadeck of Austin added the new covered patio.
Goodbye Deck, Hello Archadeck Covered Patio and Fireplace
The home’s low-to-grade deck design was a big draw for mosquitos. Replacing the deck with a concrete patio took care of that problem. The clients chose a standard concrete patio floor with a light broom finish for now. Having this type of floor enables them to add a textured concrete overlay in the future if they desire.
Adding an outdoor fireplace can transform almost any outdoor space. For this space we designed a corner fireplace, definitely a focal point in this outdoor room. It’s a wood-burning fireplace, and we built it with chopped block limestone. It looks great from every angle, front and back, inside and outside.
Rear view of patio cover with fireplace.
The stone fireplace is flanked on either side with ample built-in storage space for firewood. Each storage space is topped with a smooth piece of Lueders limestone that can also function as a bench if additional seating is needed. We added a mantel of Lueders limestone over the fireplace as well.
Design Elements and Amenities Make Each Project Unique
Because the support structure for a covered patio is always visible, it becomes a design element as well. The posts and beams you see here are made of cedar and stained in a slightly darker hue for contrast and visual interest. This outdoor room features a cedar tongue and groove ceiling with two ceiling fans for delightful breezes. We added recessed can lighting in the ceiling, sconce lighting on the outer posts and plenty of electrical outlets for convenience.
Finally, we installed a TV mount above the fireplace mantel, and we custom-built an attractive privacy screen at one end of the patio. Our clients will relax in style and comfort with entertainment at their fingertips and privacy intact
.Would a covered patio make your outdoor living space more comfortable and more enjoyable? Contact Archadeck of Austin to schedule your free design consultation.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
The finished patio includes an outdoor kitchen and soothing water feature
These Cedar Park, TX homeowners contacted us to construct a covered patio for their two-story home. The house is flat on the backside with lots of windows and their landscape architect had already completed some significant rounded rear patios that we were to incorporate into the design. The project was not without its challenges, but we were able to come up with the perfect complement to the existing home and structures.
We initially experienced some issues with the covered patio because the home’s upper windows and large nearby tree were constricting to the allowable height of the area where the covered patio was to be placed. The homeowners wanted a closed wall where a TV could be mounted as well as a full option outdoor kitchen and a dining room area. We were at odds with the interaction of the room facilitated with the height limitations, the existing bay window over the kitchen and the roof pitch.
Design rendering prepared by Archadeck of Austin prior to construction
Picture from backyard before we began the transformation
We came up with a design that includes a lower and shallower roof pitch to compensate for the 2nd story windows and make the design cohesive. We also extended the area further on the right than the left, so the patio would still fit the guidelines of the rounded patio floors already constructed. We added structural supports in prime locations and used larger than normal beams to accommodate the extended span. To make the two roofs we built work together we used a cathedral ceiling on one side and a flat ceiling on the other.
The unique round, flagstone bar top is a real show-stopper.
The finished project includes a gorgeous stone bar which was designed to coordinate with the circular lines and add enough space so you can view the TV from any angle. The prime location of the bar area allows flow from the outdoor kitchen, and dining areas as well as access to the TV. In many cases it is difficult to decide where the bar stools should be placed in projects like this because you want a significant enough area to take in all the function and beauty of the entire structure and also allow for proper furniture placement and “pull-out” room as well. We used similar materials to finish the patio that were conducive to the integrity of the existing home. We used complimentary stone on the front of the kitchen and integrated unique stone and tile inserts into the counter tops. The outdoor kitchen includes a propane grill and side burner, refrigerator, storage and plenty of electrical outlets. The finished project created an outdoor oasis that adds value to the home and the homeowners lifestyle.
Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin
If you are thinking about creating an outdoor oasis in your backyard, contact Archadeck of Austin to make it happen. This is the season to enjoy the great outdoors and all it has to offer, family, friends, fun and your own little slice of paradise right outside your back door.