Outdoor Living Contractors: What to Expect and What It Costs
Straight answers on outdoor living from the team behind 500+ North Texas projects — with a fixed price and a firm schedule before work begins.
Request a Free EstimateCall (817) 800-6920- ★★★★★ 4.9-Star Google Reviews
- 500+ Projects Completed
- BBB Accredited
- Fully Insured
- Fixed-Price Contracts
Outdoor living projects run $15,000 to $120,000 in North Texas. A covered patio starts near $15,000, an outdoor kitchen adds $10,000 to $30,000, and a full outdoor living build with a covered structure, kitchen, fireplace, and finished decking typically lands between $60,000 and $120,000.
What an outdoor living contractor actually does
The phrase covers a wide range, and the difference between a patio company and a general contractor matters more here than in most categories. A structure attached to your house has to tie into the existing roof and framing, carry engineered footings, meet setback rules, and pass inspection. That is construction, not landscaping — and the tie-in to the existing roof is where the failures happen.
Outdoor kitchens add gas, water, drainage, and electrical to the mix. Fireplaces add masonry and code-governed clearances. Each of those is a licensed trade with an inspection attached.
What outdoor living costs in North Texas
| Element | Typical Cost | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Pergola (custom-built) | $8,000–$25,000 | 2–4 weeks |
| Covered patio, attached | $15,000–$40,000 | 4–8 weeks |
| Outdoor kitchen | $10,000–$30,000 | 3–6 weeks |
| Outdoor fireplace | $8,000–$25,000 | 2–5 weeks |
| Full outdoor living build | $60,000–$120,000+ | 10–18 weeks |
These are typical North Texas ranges, not a quote. Birdseye prices outdoor living under a fixed-price contract after a site walk.
Building for the Texas climate, not the catalog
Three things determine whether the space actually gets used. Orientation — a west-facing patio with no shade strategy is unusable from May through September regardless of how it is finished. Airflow — a fully enclosed cover with no ceiling fans traps heat; a slatted or louvered structure moves air. Bugs — motorized or fixed screening is what turns a covered patio from a spring-and-fall space into a nine-month one.
Materials matter too. Texas sun destroys cheap finishes fast, and hail is a real design input on any roofed structure. Stained concrete and porcelain pavers outperform most decking here; powder-coated aluminum and steel outlast untreated wood by a wide margin.
Permits and the roof tie-in
Attached covered structures require a permit in nearly every North Texas jurisdiction, and most require engineered footings and a structural detail for how the new roof connects to the existing one. That connection is the single most important detail in the project. Done poorly it leaks into the house wall — and the damage is invisible until it is expensive.
Planning a project? See our outdoor living and entertainment page for scope and recent work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an outdoor living project take?
A pergola runs two to four weeks. An attached covered patio runs four to eight weeks. A full build with a kitchen, fireplace, and finished surfaces runs 10 to 18 weeks, plus design and permitting ahead of construction.
Does a covered patio add value to a Fort Worth home?
Generally yes — usable outdoor living is expected in the North Texas market and a well-built covered patio photographs well and extends the functional square footage. A poorly built one that obviously does not match the house can work against you.
Do I need a permit for a covered patio?
In most North Texas jurisdictions, yes, for any attached roofed structure. Detached pergolas over a certain size usually require one as well. Setbacks, lot coverage limits, and HOA architectural review typically apply on top of the city permit.
What is the best time of year to build outdoor living in North Texas?
Late fall through early spring is ideal — crews work in better conditions and the space is finished before the season you actually want it. Summer builds are common but heat slows concrete and masonry work.
Can you add an outdoor kitchen to an existing patio?
Usually yes, if the slab is sound and sized for the run of cabinetry. The bigger questions are whether gas, water, drainage, and dedicated electrical circuits can reach the location, and whether the existing cover provides adequate ventilation for a grill.
Let’s price your project
A free walkthrough and a fixed-price scope for your exact project — no pressure, no guesswork. Serving Haslet, North Fort Worth, Northlake, Westlake, Justin, Roanoke, Keller, Southlake, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and North Richland Hills.
Request a Free EstimateCall (817) 800-6920