Looking to Design Your Own Backyard?

“How can I design my own backyard?” This is one question that many homeowners ask when planning to make their homes beautiful. Your backyard can be a true sanctuary, especially if you prep it well with all the accessories that promote a comfortable living. The good news is, there are various ways to make your backyard more inviting.

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When establishing your backyard, you should consider utility and comfort. These are among the most critical qualities to consider when designing your backyard. Although styles and tastes can differ, the fundamental principles behind a home’s beauty remain the same universally. From manicured landscapes to decorated outdoor kitchens to custom patios, get ready to give your backyard a new look.

Pool Design 

You can add convenience and elegance to your backyard by installing a custom-built pool. With a pool house, it’s highly versatile in terms of style and design, giving you endless options and possibilities. You can encompass the whole pool for shade and privacy or choose to establish an ultimate guest house. At Creekstone, we will conceptualize your pool’s desired functionality and configure it to fulfill your style and needs.

Custom Patio Covers

Another incredible way to transform your outdoor living space is by adding a custom patio cover. It will also increase your home value, especially if your home is in a hot environment. The outdoor patio is ideal for hosting events, relaxing, and cooling off your body. You can customize the patio covers and cabanas to match your style.

Outdoor Kitchens

If you plan to host outdoor parties in your backyard, adding an outdoor kitchen will be the best way to impress your guests. The kitchen will be your backyard’s heartbeat, especially if you customize it with outdoor kitchen equipment like refrigerators and stainless steel gas grills. Remember to add a few outdoor furniture in the dining areas. Install the kitchen amenities designed to withstand the extreme outdoor environment. 

Design Your Backyard with Creekstone Outdoors

How can I design my own backyard? Now that we’ve answered this question, you can now make an informed decision. Creekstone can help you transform your backyard to match your style. You can count on us for custom outdoor design solutions, whether it’s a professional landscaping project or decoration of outdoor rooms and swimming pools.

Contact us for custom design solutions that match your style and needs.

How to Clean Your Patio Umbrella

If you love spending most of the time outdoors, especially in summer, it’s essential to learn how to clean a patio umbrella. It can accumulate a lot of grime and dirt if exposed to the elements for a very long time. Not to mention, the bird droppings can worsen the situation. How do you clean your patio umbrella after using it outdoors for a full season?

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Cleaning and maintaining your patio umbrella regularly will make it look fantastic all the time. You have to ensure that the umbrella is super-clean before storing it away during off-seasons. The good news is, it’s easy to clean and maintain. In this guide, we’ll look at the tips of cleaning and maintaining a patio umbrella.

Cleaning the Canopy

Cleaning an umbrella’s canopy can be pretty simple if it’s detachable. Here are the tips on how to clean an umbrella’s canopy.

  • Remove loose dirt on the canopy using a sponge or a soft, bristle brush to prevent the soil from getting deeper into the fabric
  • Using a cleaner or a mixture of warm water and mild detergent, scrub the canopy in circular motions
  • After scrubbing the canopy, let the cleaning solution stay on it for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly to remove stains and mildew
  • Leave the canopy open until it’s completely dry

Some fabrics like Sunbrella require a quality fabric protector to restore its UV inhibitors and improve water repellency. 

Cleaning the Frame

The method you’ll use to clean an umbrella frame will depend on the nature of its material. Here is how to clean both wooden and aluminum frames.

a) Wooden Frames

You can clean most wooden umbrella frames with a mixture of water and mild detergent and a soft brush. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions if available. However, you shouldn’t oversaturate the frame’s surface. Allow it to dry after cleaning.

b)   Aluminum Frames

Wipe the frame using a soft towel and a mixture of mild detergent and lukewarm water. If there are build-ups or water spots, mix one part of white distilled vinegar with nine water parts. Soak a soft cloth in the solution and wipe down the frame. You can then rinse the frame with clean water and dry it using a towel. 

Patio Umbrella Maintenance

Maintaining a patio umbrella can help to keep it in great shape and extend its lifespan. Here are some of the maintenance tips to practice.

  • Always ensure that the umbrella is clean before storing it
  • Don’t force the umbrella to close or open as that could destroy its functionality
  • Add a cover on the patio umbrella to protect it from adverse weather conditions
  • Store the umbrella indoors when there’s an impending storm or strong winds
  • Avoid using abrasive cleaners on the umbrella’s frames or canopies

Pro Tip: You can clean fabrics such as Sunbrella using bleach solutions, and it won’t fade. However, it’s imperative to check the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm that. 

Keeping Your Patio Umbrella Looking Like New

Now that you know how to clean a patio umbrella, you can make yours look super-clean without struggles. Ensure that you follow the patio umbrella cleaning and maintenance tips we’ve shared in this guide. That way, you’ll keep your umbrella in excellent condition.

Connect with us to learn more about patio umbrella cleaning.

4 Patio Designs to Complement Your Home

You’ve decided to install a patio space or update your old one. Now comes the next question: which style is best? Some will mesh nicely with your home and last for years to come, while other styles are simply less visually appealing or durable. How can you choose the right design and construction materials for your new patio?

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Common Patio Styles

Your home design and overall backyard aesthetic will influence which construction materials you choose for your patio cover. However, you must also consider durability. Will your new patio stand the test of time? How often will it require repairs? Take the time to research each of these popular styles:

  1. Wood
  2. Pavers
  3. Flagstone
  4. Concrete

1) Wood

Wood is a classical deck building material that perfectly complements a rustic-style backyard. A well-built wooden deck can last for about 15 years without needing extensive reworking. And nothing beats the natural colors of solid wood!

2) Pavers

Bricks or flat stones called pavers are laid flat and lined up with each other to create a paver patio. This design has endless potential for creativity. Differently colored stones, differently shaped stones, and custom layout patterns all contribute to a patio deck that is uniquely yours. Just make sure the stones have a sturdy, flat surface to lay on so your patio will last for years without issue.

3) Flagstone

Flagstone patios are similar to pavers in a way, but their design is slightly different. A flagstone pattern is designed to allow water to trickle through and out of the design, rather than simply running off like it would on other materials. Because of its durability and its lovely earth tones that seem to complement any backyard, flagstone is a popular choice for patio materials.

Pro Tip: Flagstone patios use concrete to hold the stones in place, while paver patios only press the stones together without any binding agent.

4) Concrete

Perhaps the most straightforward patio design, a concrete patio involves just pouring and setting a slab of concrete in your backyard. This design isn’t quite as ideal as it may sound. While the installation process doesn’t require a huge amount of time or effort, a solid slab of concrete is somewhat brittle compared to other patio designs and can crack or split with time. You may need to replace or significantly renovate a concrete patio in a few years.

Designing Your New Patio

Choosing the right style and construction materials are crucial steps toward creating your new outdoor space. Your patio should complement your home and be durable enough to last for years without significant repairs. Find your favorite style and start enjoying your new patio!

Connect with us for a preview of what your newly built patio could look like.

Pergola vs Patio Cover: Choose Your Outdoor Kitchen Roof

No outdoor living space is complete without some shade! If you’re designing an entertainment space in your backyard, installing a covering is a great way to add style and functionality. Between a pergola and patio cover, the two structures may sound essentially the same. However, understanding the differences will help you choose the right outdoor covering for your living areas.

Isn’t a pergola and a patio cover the same thing? Learn the differences and find out what kind of outdoor kitchen roof you need! Click To Tweet

Pergola or patio cover? Which outdoor covering is right for your home? Where the pergola might add character with its open rafters, a patio cover brings functionality and protection. Both pergolas and patio covers have benefits, but depending on your lifestyle, there’s undoubtedly one that is right for you.

Pergola vs Patio Cover: Choose Your Outdoor Kitchen Roof, Creekstone, Outdoor Living, Spring, TX

What is a Pergola?

Interestingly, a pergola is usually not defined as a “roof”. Because it is built from a frame with open rafters, it can’t fully protect from weather elements. It can, however, bring shade to your backyard or garden area. A pergola can either be a freestanding structure or attached to your home, depending on the design. Choose from a wide range of high-quality wood stains or rust-proof iron elements to build a pergola with character and style in your outdoor living area.

What is a Patio Cover?

Compared to a pergola, a patio cover is essentially an extension of your home. The roof of a patio cover is usually covered with asphalt shingles to match the attached home or garage and is attached to the exterior siding. Patio covers range in design and customized features including stone, wood stains, height, and built-in light fixtures. To add shade and protection from the rain, a patio cover is a great addition to any outdoor kitchen or living space.

Pro Tip: Design a patio cover to bring your outdoor kitchen, living, and dining areas together under a single roof.

Deciding on an Outdoor Roof

Choosing between a pergola or patio cover depends ultimately on your use. How will you use your outdoor space? If you plan to spend time with your friends and family outdoors, shade is an absolute must but the outdoor roof can vary.

Pergolas are usually less expensive, can be customized for small spaces, and can even house climbing plants. A patio cover, however, is built to fully protect your outdoor living space and is a permanent addition to a home.

Outdoor Living in the Greater Houston Area

Whether you’re adding a covering over your outdoor kitchen or creating a defined space for hanging out, the choice of covering ultimately depends on you. Both a pergola and patio cover offer shade, functionality, and style to your unique backyard. Once you figure out how you’ll be using your back patio and which coverage works best, it’s time to build!

Connect with our team to design a customized and beautiful pergola or patio cover for your home!

Why You Need a Pool Cabana During Texas Summers

Houston weather is wildly unpredictable, as any Houstonian will know. One day the weather might be perfect for a long walk or swim. Meanwhile, the next day will be unbearably hot or filled with heavy rain. Too often, our enjoyment (or lack thereof) of the outdoors hinges on whether or not the weather is cooperating. That doesn’t have to be the case.

Don’t let bad weather chase you inside! With a poolside cabana, you can continue enjoying the fresh outdoor air regardless of rain or sun. Take a look at what installing a new cabana can do for your backyard!

Do you already have a cabana in your backyard to provide a shady spot? If not, here’s why you need to get one right now! Click To Tweet

Relax Outdoors in Protection

Everybody loves a little fresh air, but far fewer people love the heat they have to endure to get that fresh air in Houston. Fortunately, a cabana gives you the best of both worlds! With plenty of shade from the sun and covering from the rain, you can relax outside and enjoy the pleasant summer air without exposure to the less pleasant summer weather. Plenty of homeowners even add ceiling fans to their cabanas for a pleasant breeze!

Increase Your Storage Space & Property Value

Homes that come with a pool, outdoor kitchen, or other custom features have slightly more resale value than the neighbors’ homes would. Installing a cabana can similarly increase your property value. People love the chance to party in comfort outside!

Additionally, a cabana doesn’t have to be open on all sides. Installing even one or two partial walls gives you a little extra storage space protected from the rain. When you aren’t using your grill, bike, or other outdoor valuable, just put it under the cabana for safekeeping.

Pro Tip: Take your cabana a step further by adding a single-stall restroom, small storage closet, or even planting a garden in its shade! Impress your guests with your creativity.

Host Stylish Parties

Your guests aren’t any more thrilled about unpleasant summer weather than you are. With a cabana, you can offer to host dinners or parties in more places than just your crowded kitchen. Bring your friends outside for some fresh air and enjoy the pleasant weather in comfort and style!

Design Your New Cabana!

Your perfectly designed custom backyard just needs one more feature to be complete: a cabana to let you enjoy the outdoors without exposure to the elements. Take advantage of this versatile and stylish backyard feature to make the best of your personal space!

Connect with us to start planning your backyard upgrade.