Outdoor Living
Choosing a patio cover or deck for Central Texas
In Central Texas, an outdoor room is only as good as its shade. Getting the orientation, roof and materials right is what turns a backyard into the place your family actually spends its evenings.
INLAY Construction · September 2026 · 5 min read
Follow the sun before you draw anything
The first design question is where the sun sits in late afternoon, because that is when most people want to be outside. A west-facing patio can be unbearable without a deep roof or side screening, while a north or east exposure may only need light cover. We look at the site at different times of day and plan the depth and height of the roof around it.
Open pergola, solid roof, or both
An open pergola filters light and looks beautiful, but it does little against rain or midday heat. A solid roof creates a true outdoor room that can hold ceiling fans, lighting and even a television. Many of our clients choose a combination: a roofed area for seating and dining, with an open pergola extending toward the yard.
When a new roof ties into the house, the connection matters. It has to be flashed correctly to keep water out of the wall, and it needs enough slope to drain. A low-pitch roof can work well with the right roofing material, but it should be designed as a roof, not treated as a large shade structure.
Materials that handle heat and storms
Our summers are hard on outdoor materials. Composite decking such as Trex resists rot and splinters and needs little upkeep, although darker colors can get hot underfoot in full sun. Cedar and other natural woods look warm and age gracefully if they are sealed and maintained. Metal roofing reflects heat and sheds hail and heavy rain well.
- Composite decking for low maintenance, with lighter colors in full sun
- Properly sized posts, beams and footings for wind and storm loads
- Hidden fasteners for a clean surface and fewer snag points
- Gutters and downspouts directed away from the foundation
Drainage, footings and the foundation
Austin's expansive clay soils move as they wet and dry. Footings for posts and decks need to be sized and placed with that in mind, and new concrete or roof runoff should never send water toward the house. A well-built outdoor space protects the home it is attached to.
Permits and HOA approval
Most covered structures attached to a house, and many decks, require a permit from the city where you live, and many neighborhoods also require HOA approval. Rules differ between Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown and the other cities we serve. We handle the drawings and submissions, so the structure is documented properly for inspection and for a future sale of the home.
Small details you will enjoy every day
Ceiling fans, dimmable lighting, outlets placed where you will plug things in, and a hose bib within easy reach make an outdoor room comfortable. Planning these from the start costs far less than adding them once the ceiling is closed.
Planning for the long term
Think about how the space might grow. Wiring for a future outdoor kitchen, a gas line stubbed out for a grill or fire feature, or footings sized for a later screen enclosure are all simple to include while the structure is being built. Adding them later often means opening finished ceilings or cutting through new concrete.
Maintenance is part of the long view too. Composite decking needs an occasional wash. Natural wood needs sealing on a regular cycle to stay beautiful. Metal roofs and gutters benefit from a quick check after major storms. We walk you through the care each material needs before you choose, so there are no surprises a few summers in.
If you are picturing evenings outside, we would love to look at your yard with you. A short visit is usually enough to understand the sun, the slope and the best place for shade.