More than 80% of U.S. homeowners say their outdoor space is just as important as the inside of their home, and spending on patios and decks has surged in the last few years. That shift is easy to see in North Texas neighborhoods: backyards that once held a simple concrete slab and a grill are evolving into full outdoor living rooms, complete with shade structures, custom hardscapes, and integrated lighting. Patios and decks are no longer “nice extras” – they’re core parts of how families relax, entertain, and add value to their homes.
In Sherman, TX, this trend is shaped by our climate, our love for gathering outside, and the desire to make every square foot of property work harder. Homeowners are looking for spaces that feel comfortable in the heat, stand up to sudden storms, and still look great years down the road. That’s where thoughtful design, smart materials, and professional construction from companies like Lowery Fence & Patio come into play. The goal isn’t just to pour a slab or build a platform and call it done; it’s to create an outdoor environment that functions like a well-designed room, tuned to the way you really live.
As outdoor living continues to evolve, the most exciting trends with patios and decks focus on usability, low maintenance, and seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor areas. From covered patios that feel like extensions of your living room to elevated decks that capture evening breezes, the latest ideas are all about maximizing comfort and flexibility. If you’re considering an upgrade in Sherman or the surrounding Texoma region, understanding these trends can help you invest in a project that feels current now and stays relevant for years.
Outdoor Rooms With Purpose
One of the biggest shifts in patio and deck design is the move from “open space” to clearly defined outdoor rooms. Instead of a single multipurpose area, homeowners are carving out zones for dining, lounging, cooking, and even working from home. A patio might include a shaded dining area near the kitchen door, a separate conversation nook around a fire pit, and a quiet corner for morning coffee. This zoning approach makes the space feel organized and intentional, much like the layout of rooms inside your home.
In Sherman, TX, where families often host barbecues, game nights, and holiday gatherings, these distinct zones keep the backyard from feeling chaotic. A dedicated grilling or outdoor kitchen area keeps smoke and traffic away from the lounge seating. A defined play area for kids or grandkids can be placed where it’s visible from the house and the main patio, but still has its own boundaries. Lowery Fence & Patio often uses changes in materials, steps, or low walls to signal these transitions without making the yard feel chopped up.
Furniture choices also play a major role in defining these outdoor rooms. Sectional sofas, outdoor rugs, and coffee tables can transform part of a patio into a bona fide living room under the sky. Dining sets with enough seating for extended family help anchor the entertaining zone. Well-planned layouts ensure there’s enough circulation space so people can move between areas comfortably, even when the backyard is full of guests.
Lighting and accessories round out the sense of “rooms” outdoors. String lights might highlight the dining area, while recessed lighting under a covered patio roof illuminates the lounge space. Planters, privacy screens, and railings can serve double duty as visual boundaries and decorative elements. When Lowery Fence & Patio designs a project in Sherman, the team often treats the backyard like a floor plan, asking how each part of the space will be used, and then building the patio or deck to support those activities.
Shade, Comfort, And Climate Control
North Texas sun can turn a bare patio into an oven by midafternoon, which is why shade and comfort solutions are at the center of today’s outdoor living trends. Homeowners are looking beyond simple umbrellas and investing in more permanent structures like covered patios, pergolas, and hybrid roof systems. These features don’t just block the sun; they also define the architectural style of the backyard and add significant value to the property.
Covered patios are especially popular in Sherman because they offer reliable protection from both sun and sudden rain. A solid roof tied into the home’s structure can include recessed lighting, ceiling fans, and even speakers, turning the space into a true outdoor great room. Lowery Fence & Patio often designs these covers to match the home’s existing roofline and materials, so the addition looks like it was always meant to be there rather than an afterthought.
Pergolas are another strong trend, especially when homeowners want filtered sunlight and a more open feel. Modern pergolas can be built from wood or low-maintenance materials and customized with slat spacing to control the amount of shade. Many people in Sherman are also adding retractable canopies or shade sails to pergolas, giving them flexibility to adjust based on the time of day or season. Climbing plants like jasmine or wisteria can soften the structure and add fragrance and color.
Comfort goes beyond shade. Ceiling fans help move air on still summer evenings, while outdoor-rated heaters or fire features extend the usable season into cooler months. Cushioned seating with weather-resistant fabrics makes patios and decks feel like indoor lounges. Thoughtful orientation can catch prevailing breezes, and privacy fences or screens can block wind when needed. With the right combination of shade, airflow, and shelter, Sherman homeowners can comfortably use their outdoor living spaces for much more of the year.
Materials That Work Hard
Another major trend in patios and decks is the move toward materials that are both attractive and low-maintenance. Busy homeowners in Sherman want to spend their weekends enjoying their backyards, not sanding, staining, or scrubbing surfaces. That’s why you’ll see more composite decking, high-quality concrete finishes, and durable railings that hold up to sun, rain, and temperature swings without constant upkeep.
Composite decking has become a go-to choice for many elevated decks and multi-level projects. Unlike traditional wood, composites resist rot, warping, and insect damage, and they don’t require regular staining or sealing. Modern products also offer realistic wood-grain textures and a wide range of colors, allowing homeowners to match their home’s style or create a striking contrast. When Lowery Fence & Patio designs a deck in Sherman, they often recommend composites for families who want long-term performance and minimal maintenance.
On the patio side, concrete is no longer just a plain gray slab. Stamped, stained, or textured concrete can mimic the look of natural stone, brick, or tile at a more affordable price point. This opens up a lot of design possibilities: a rustic flagstone pattern for a country-style home, or a sleek, large-format tile look for a modern design. Concrete’s durability makes it especially appealing in North Texas, where temperature fluctuations and heavy use demand resilient surfaces.
Railings and structural details are also getting an upgrade. Powder-coated metal railings, cable systems, and modern horizontal designs offer clean lines and minimal visual obstruction, which is ideal when you want to preserve views across your yard. For homeowners who prefer a warmer feel, wood accents can be incorporated strategically where they’re easy to maintain. The key trend is smart material selection: combining beauty, durability, and ease of care so your outdoor investment looks good year after year.
Integrated Features And Smart Add-Ons
Today’s patios and decks often include more than just a place to sit. Homeowners in Sherman are embracing integrated features that make outdoor spaces more functional and fun. Built-in seating, planters, storage, and lighting are becoming standard elements rather than afterthoughts. These additions reduce clutter, streamline the look of the space, and make it easier to enjoy daily life outside.
Built-in benches are a good example of this trend. They can be incorporated along deck edges, around fire pits, or as part of low retaining walls. This increases seating capacity without the need for extra chairs, and it can also provide hidden storage for cushions, games, or garden tools. Planter boxes integrated into deck or patio designs allow for herbs, flowers, or even small shrubs to become part of the architecture, softening hard surfaces and bringing color closer to where people gather.
Lighting is another area where trends are moving quickly. Instead of relying solely on a porch light, homeowners are choosing layered lighting schemes. Recessed lights under steps and along deck edges improve safety and add a subtle glow. Sconces on posts or columns create visual interest, while string lights or lanterns add charm and ambiance. Lowery Fence & Patio often incorporates wiring and fixtures during construction so the finished space looks clean and intentional, with no exposed cords or makeshift solutions.
Technology is showing up outdoors too. Weather-resistant outlets, charging stations, and even outdoor-rated TVs make it easier to work, stream movies, or watch the big game on your patio. While you’re upgrading your backyard, it’s also common to coordinate with other improvements like fences or gates; for example, homeowners looking for Electric gate installers often plan that project alongside a new patio or deck to create a cohesive, secure outdoor environment.
Blending Patios, Decks, And Landscape
The most inviting outdoor living spaces in Sherman don’t stop at the edge of the patio or deck. A major trend is blending hardscapes with the surrounding landscape so everything feels connected. Instead of a stark transition from concrete to grass, designers are using pathways, planting beds, and elevation changes to create a smooth flow from one area to the next.
Multi-level designs are especially effective on sloped lots common in some North Texas neighborhoods. A raised deck off the back door can step down to a lower patio, which then transitions into lawn or garden areas. Each level can have its own purpose—dining up top, lounging in the middle, and a fire pit or play zone at ground level. Lowery Fence & Patio often works with the natural grade of the yard rather than fighting it, turning potential challenges into opportunities for creative layouts.
Planting design plays a big role in softening the edges of patios and decks. Beds along the perimeter can provide color, seasonal interest, and privacy. Ornamental grasses, shrubs, and small trees create a sense of enclosure without feeling boxed in. Native and drought-tolerant plants are especially popular in Sherman, as they reduce water use and maintenance while standing up to the local climate. When hardscape and landscape are planned together, the result feels cohesive and comfortable.
Water management is another practical aspect of this blending trend. Proper grading, drainage channels, and strategic plantings can help move water away from structures and prevent muddy spots. Permeable pavers or gravel areas might be used in parts of the yard to allow rainwater to soak in rather than run off. By thinking about patios, decks, and landscaping as one integrated system, homeowners can avoid problems and enjoy a more attractive, functional backyard.
Working With A Local Expert
While online inspiration is helpful, translating trends into a patio or deck that truly works for your Sherman home requires local knowledge and craftsmanship. Building codes, soil conditions, and weather patterns all influence how a project should be designed and built. That’s where partnering with an experienced company like Lowery Fence & Patio makes a real difference. They understand how North Texas heat, wind, and occasional ice can affect materials and structures over time.
A good design process starts with listening. How many people do you typically host? Do you grill three times a week or only for special occasions? Do you need a quiet corner to work from home outside, or a safe space for kids and pets? The answers to these questions shape everything from the size and placement of the patio or deck to the choice of shade structures and railings. Rather than forcing a trendy layout onto every yard, a local contractor tailors ideas to fit your lifestyle and property.
Professional installation also ensures that the less visible but critical details are handled correctly. Proper footings, framing, drainage, and attachment to the home protect both your investment and your safety. In Sherman, where soil movement and sudden storms are realities, shortcuts can lead to cracks, sagging, or structural issues down the line. Lowery Fence & Patio focuses on solid construction as the foundation of every beautiful outdoor space they create.
Finally, a local expert can guide you on long-term maintenance and realistic expectations. Even low-maintenance materials need occasional care, and design choices can either simplify or complicate that upkeep. By choosing the right combinations of materials, finishes, and features, you get an outdoor living space that looks impressive on day one and remains a practical, enjoyable part of your home for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I decide between a patio and a deck for my Sherman home? The choice often comes down to your yard’s elevation, soil conditions, and the look you prefer. Patios are usually built at ground level with concrete or pavers and work well on flatter lots. Decks are ideal when you need to transition from a higher back door down to the yard, or when you want better views and airflow. In Sherman, many homes use a combination: a small elevated deck off the house that steps down to a larger patio. A professional from Lowery Fence & Patio can evaluate your property and help you compare costs, aesthetics, and long-term maintenance for each option.
What size should my patio or deck be for comfortable entertaining? A common guideline is to allow at least 3 feet of clearance around tables and seating for people to move comfortably. For a dining area that seats 6–8 people, a patio of roughly 12×16 feet is a practical starting point, but larger gatherings may call for more space. In Sherman, where outdoor entertaining is frequent, many homeowners choose to create multiple zones instead of one oversized slab—for example, a dining area near the house and a separate lounge or fire pit area farther out. Thinking about how many guests you typically host and what activities you enjoy will lead to the right dimensions.
Which materials hold up best in the North Texas climate? In our hot summers and variable winters, materials that resist UV damage, moisture, and movement are essential. Composite decking is popular for elevated decks because it doesn’t rot, warp, or require frequent staining. For patios, high-quality concrete with the right reinforcement and finish performs very well, especially when paired with proper drainage. Metal railings with durable powder coating and shade structures built with treated or engineered lumber are also common choices. Lowery Fence & Patio can walk you through pros and cons of each material based on your budget, style, and willingness to perform maintenance.
How can I make my outdoor space more comfortable in the summer heat? Shade is the first priority: covered patios, pergolas with canopies, or strategically placed shade sails can dramatically reduce surface temperatures. Adding ceiling fans under a cover helps move air, while lighter-colored surfaces reflect more heat than dark ones. Including a mix of sun and shade areas lets you choose where to sit at different times of day. Plantings like trees and tall shrubs can provide natural shade and cooling over time. In Sherman, many homeowners also orient seating to catch evening breezes and schedule most entertaining for later in the day when the sun is lower.
Do patios and decks really add value to my home? Well-designed outdoor living spaces are high on many buyers’ wish lists and can absolutely enhance the appeal and value of your Sherman property. While exact returns vary, patios and decks often recoup a significant portion of their cost at resale, especially when they feel like natural extensions of the home. Features such as covered areas, quality materials, and integrated lighting tend to make the strongest impression. Beyond resale value, you also gain daily lifestyle value—more room to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors without leaving home.