Plan the zones first
A great backyard is a set of rooms. Most families want a dining area, a lounging area and a path that connects the house to the pool without crossing through either. Sketching these zones first makes it much easier to size the patio and place the pergola.
Leave room around furniture to move, pull out chairs and serve food, and think about where people will stand when they are watching the pool.
Shade that works in Texas
The Austin sun moves across the yard through the day and through the year. A pergola placed on the west side of a patio can block the hottest afternoon light, while a solid roof offers full shade and rain cover.
Fans and lighting in the structure make the space usable on summer evenings, and a fireplace or heater extends it into winter.
Materials that handle the heat
Deck surfaces around a pool get hot and wet, so the material choice matters. Lighter colors, travertine and cool deck coatings stay more comfortable underfoot, while textured finishes help with grip when wet.
Your design team will help you select finishes that match the house and suit Austin’s heat.