5 Must-have Outdoor Living Features for San Antonio Homes

Shade Structures

With 80% humidity in the morning and rising temperatures as the day progresses, you can never have enough shade. When it comes to outdoor living features in San Antonio, covered patios abound wherever you go throughout the city. As an illustration of a popular trait in backyards, an overhang provides relief from the sun’s intense rays and gives the feeling of stepping into a whole other “room” that’s situated a short distance from the house. Likewise, you can also add a loggia which requires additional support from columns, but this outdoor space makes for an almost seamless extension of the indoors. Both of these options, fortunately, have ample room for seating, a fireplace, and even a kitchen or bar.

One other option is the pavilion if your patio is rather large and sits further away from the house. This structure is designed with a sturdy roof that’s supported by four posts. The four sides are left open to allow for a cool breeze.

Outdoor Kitchen

Along with ample shade, you might as well have a  kitchen if you spend a lot of time outdoors. When the weather allows, there’s nothing like grilling your favorite entrees or snacking on appetizers while relaxing on the patio. While various sizes of smokers and grills make up the common mainstays in outdoor kitchens, a popular trend is to opt for an actual stove or even a pizza oven crafted from masonry or concrete. What’s convenient about this feature is that you can not only bake your favorite pizza or calzone but also breads, desserts, and roasts–without heating up your indoor kitchen. And don’t forget the bar complete with a sink and mini refrigerator!

Water Feature

Many other cool (no pun intended) outdoor living features involve water. While fountains or swimming pools may be the first ideas that come to mind, you have other choices that fit in large or small spaces. On the one hand, we recognize the need for shade and the convenience of an outdoor culinary workspace, but patio misting systems would offer relief from the heat and the stickiness of the humidity. Combined with a ceiling fan, this mechanism uses a small amount of water depending on the weather conditions. Plus, it lowers the temperature on the patio by about 30 degrees.

You can also integrate water features into your landscaping in the form of a pond or miniature waterfall. Another way to incorporate water is by including a pond inside of your outdoor kitchen area or a small pebble stream flowing around it. Or if you’re looking for something decorative and practical, opt for a system that collects rainwater and filters it for reuse. The output component can be a fountain, a set of decorative basins, or even a waterfall.

Lighting

What outdoor living space would be complete without lighting to provide the perfect ambiance? And with San Antonio’s signature warm weather, you can stay outside later in the evening. When it comes to lighting, you have endless choices, depending on your access to electricity outside, or you can even choose solar-powered lights or the variety that comes with rechargeable batteries.

One of the most popular selections is the string lighting with LED bulbs that resemble their incandescent counterparts. The lights can be hung around the edge of the overhang or roof or threaded along rafters for a festive look. Another possibility if you have electrical wiring installed, is to add recessed lighting along the outer edge of the shade structure and a ceiling fan with a light fixture attached to the middle. This formation is known as layered lighting, and you can adjust the brightness by turning off one light source or the other.

An important consideration to keep in mind as you choose your outdoor lighting is the spring/summer invasion of bugs, especially mosquitoes. Luckily, some lights offer visual appeal–and resistance to bugs. Some lights come equipped with a gadget that’s infused with citronella which effectively wards off mosquitoes. Others come in a yellow hue which repels all types of bugs including spiders.

Outdoor Seating and Dining Areas

And of course, out of all the outdoor living features, another vital must-have is comfortable seating. Living sets that include chairs and loveseats can mimic your indoor color scheme, thus providing a connection to the outdoor space. On the other hand, built-in benches made from concrete or wood and covered with comfortable cushions give a nominal amount of seating for your guests. This can also be expanded to a rectangular formation of benches that surround a first pit. A similar choice is the platform seat which is usually installed along a wall. Either choice pairs well with a beautifully set table for dining or set up as for buffet-style serving. Furthermore, you can always add an eclectic set of chairs if you need to accommodate for a bigger crowd.

Conclusion

While the basics for outdoor living in San Antonio include shade, seating, and lighting, additions like water features and an outdoor kitchen or oven can really pull together an enjoyable entertainment or dining space. All you need is to consult with the right professionals who excel at designing and building the perfect covered patio that gives a welcoming, luxurious vibe to your backyard. Are you ready to start creating your dream outdoor living space? Call Easter Concrete Contracting for a free estimate.