What is Outdoor Living?
Outdoor living no longer means just a few folding chairs, a picnic table, and a grill. It means bringing all the comforts of indoor living to the outdoors. Transforming the conventional lawn into green outdoor living space that complements the home and connects it with nature. Texas, with long summer days and cool autumn evenings, provides a perfect environment for outdoor living. As the primary connection to our natural surroundings, yards function as a beautiful, livable extension of the home.
The expansion of your lifestyle into the great outdoors can greatly improve the overall function and beauty of your home, but add value as well. Many elements can make up the broad spectrum of outdoor living, and at Suncor Outdoors, we’re here to turn your backyard into the outdoor living environment you’ve been dreaming of.
Outdoor Living Elements
How do I find a design that’s right for me?
How do you envision using the outdoor space of your house? Is it bringing the kitchen outdoors? Or a backyard oasis designed for peace and quiet? Or maybe you want the ultimate party pool, big enough for all your family and friends? As you explore deck and patio design ideas, keep in mind that creating a relaxing, stylish outdoor living space or outdoor room can greatly increase the appeal and value of your home and provide an oasis for friends and family to enjoy the great outdoors in supreme comfort.
Our in house designers will help you explore ideas and tweak them to create the outdoor space that best fits you and your family. Our 3D design software can give you a close rendition of how your backyard will be transformed. We work with you to take your vision and make it a reality!
Outdoor Kitchen & Bars
Outdoor kitchens are one of our favorite outdoor living elements! Outdoor kitchen designs can contain as little or as many components as you have space for. Some popular items you will find in an outdoor kitchen are:
An outdoor kitchen has become the final frontier of any renovation project. Let’s be honest, something about grilled food just tastes better! And spending more time in the great outdoors is good for your health. Don’t just take our word for it – science shows that spending more time outside has many health benefits. There are so many benefits to incorporating an outdoor kitchen into your outdoor living space, and here at Suncor Outdoors, we can help recommend the best outdoor kitchen options for your family.
Patio Covers
Second on our list of favorite outdoor living elements are patio covers. Patio covers can be extended from an existing roof line or freestanding. Patio covers can even be built over areas like sunken kitchens & swim-up pool bars.
Because patio covers provide shade and also shelter from the rain, they make a great space for your family to hang out, eat together, or just lounge and watch the game. They can be constructed in any size and custom designed to fit your backyard space. The most popular use for patio covers is to cover seating areas, dining areas or outdoor kitchens.
Wether you’re looking for a hipped roof cover, gabled patio cover with a chicken-foot, brick or stone wrapped posts, or Hardie finished beams, Suncor Outdoors has you covered! Our covers include everything from lumbar to electrical, fan wiring & install, recessed lights, and paint and shingles to match your existing home.
Fire Pits & Seating
Do you really need a fire pit in Texas? ABSOLUTELY! While we may not need the benefit of the heat of the fire pit during most months, fire pits make a great gathering place in your outdoor living space. There’s nothing better than sitting around a fire pit with family and friends watching the Texas sun set.
Fire pits can come in many different shapes and sizes. Some families even opt to go with oversized fire pits large enough to cook over the open flame. Others select more modern rectangular designs with a fire strip, instead of the typical fire ring. Any fire pit can contain lava rock as well as decorative glass in an array of sparkling colors.
Built in seating areas and low walls around fire pits also add a great touch to outdoor living spaces. The low walls help to really define the fire pit space while allowing ample space for several people to gather and sit around the fire pit together.
Pergolas & Arbors
While similar in composition, these are two very different structures that serve different purposes. And, deciding between an Arbor vs Pergola is purely based on your personal preference.
A Pergola is usually larger than an Arbor because it’s made to fit over a patio or deck and serve as a type of enclosure from the elements. A Pergola will commonly be connected to your house or another outdoor structure such as a garage or backyard shed but can also be freestanding.
An Arbor is more of a specially designed seating/resting area for your garden. It’s constructed similarly to a Pergola, but usually much smaller. Most Arbors are covered with lattice or some kind of crisscross design in order to allow for climbing plants and vines.
Both options make great additions to an outdoor living space.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf has many benefits! Besides being low maintenance, it remains a beautiful green year round without the need for constant watering in this Texas heat. Artificial turf makes a great space for seating, lounging, pool deck surround, kids play areas, and dog runs.
Putting greens are also a popular feature in outdoor living spaces. Putting greens provide a fun activity for your family and guests. They make a great backyard feature that all will enjoy!