The late afternoon sun was blazing across the backyard, bouncing off the patio and sending everyone inside just when the conversation was getting good. The grill was ready, the kids wanted to stay outside, but the heat won again. If you live in or around Sherman, TX, this probably sounds familiar. North Texas weather has a way of deciding when you get to enjoy your own outdoor space—unless you design that space to work with the climate instead of fighting it.
That is where a dedicated patio cover builder changes everything. Instead of a slab of concrete that is only usable a few weeks out of the year, a well-planned, professionally built patio cover transforms that same space into a true extension of your home. It becomes a shaded living room in summer, a cozy retreat in cooler months, and a reliable spot for family dinners, game nights, or quiet mornings with coffee. For homeowners in Sherman, TX, companies like Lowery Fence & Patio are helping people rethink what their backyards can be.
Extending your living space is not just about adding square footage; it is about adding function, comfort, and value. A thoughtfully designed patio cover invites you outside more often, protects your furniture and finishes, and creates a defined outdoor room that feels just as intentional as your interior. From the materials you choose to the way the roof ties into your home, every decision shapes how you will use your patio for years to come.
Why Patio Covers Matter
In North Texas, weather extremes are part of daily life. The sun can be harsh, storms can appear out of nowhere, and temperatures can swing dramatically between seasons. An uncovered patio may look simple and open, but it rarely gets used at the times you want it most. A patio cover solves that problem by providing permanent shade, shelter from rain, and a more comfortable microclimate, making the space usable for far more days of the year.
Beyond comfort, a patio cover adds definition. Instead of a vague outdoor area, you gain a specific, purposeful room. You can arrange furniture with confidence, plan for lighting, and even integrate features like ceiling fans, TVs, and outdoor heaters. The covered space naturally becomes an extension of your daily routine: a place to work remotely, a spot for kids to spread out homework, or a quiet corner to unwind at night.
There is also a protective benefit that homeowners in Sherman, TX often underestimate. Sun and rain can quickly wear out patio doors, thresholds, and outdoor furnishings. A properly designed cover shields these elements from direct exposure, reducing fading, warping, and water damage. Over time, that protection can save money on maintenance and replacement, while keeping your outdoor space looking fresh and inviting.
From a financial standpoint, a well-built patio cover can boost perceived square footage and overall home appeal. Buyers increasingly look for outdoor living areas that feel turnkey and ready to enjoy. When a cover is integrated with the home’s architecture and built to professional standards, it becomes a standout feature rather than an afterthought.
Designing Your Outdoor Room
Working with a patio cover builder is not just a matter of picking a roof and some posts. It is a design process that should start with how you live. Do you envision big gatherings with lots of seating? Quiet evenings for two? A play area that stays shaded all day? Lowery Fence & Patio in Sherman, TX typically begins by asking lifestyle questions before talking about materials or shapes. That way, the cover is tailored to real-world use, not just a generic idea of “outdoor space.”
Size is one of the first major decisions. A cover that is too small will feel cramped and underwhelming, while one that is too large can dominate the yard and block too much natural light from entering the home. Builders consider how far the sun travels across your property, how close neighbors are, and where doors and windows are positioned. The goal is to strike a balance between shade, openness, and interior light levels so that your indoor rooms do not become dark caves once the cover is installed.
Shape and layout matter just as much. Some homes benefit from a simple rectangular cover, while others look better with a more complex footprint that wraps around corners or steps down in sections. You might want part of the patio covered and part open to the sky, creating “zones” for different activities. A skilled builder pays attention to traffic flow, so people can move comfortably between the house, yard, grill, and seating areas without feeling squeezed or blocked.
The interior feel of the covered space is another key design element. Ceiling height, beam placement, and the style of the posts all influence how the area feels when you are standing or sitting underneath. High, open ceilings can make the space feel expansive and airy, but they may catch more wind. Lower, more intimate ceilings can feel cozy and sheltered. The right choice depends on your preferences and how exposed your yard is already.
Material Choices That Fit North Texas
In Sherman’s climate, material selection is not just about looks; it is about long-term performance. Sun, humidity, and temperature swings can punish inferior products. Many homeowners choose wood for its warmth and traditional look. When properly treated and maintained, wood beams and posts can create a classic, inviting patio cover that pairs beautifully with brick and stone homes common in the area.
However, wood does require periodic maintenance, including staining or sealing to prevent rot, warping, and insect damage. For those who prefer a lower-maintenance option, aluminum or steel framing can be a strong choice. These materials resist rot and pests and can be finished in a variety of colors to match or complement your home’s exterior. Modern metal patio covers can be made to look sleek and contemporary or more traditional, depending on the detailing.
Another important material decision is the roof itself. In Sherman, TX, patio covers are often designed with either a solid roof or a pergola-style top. Solid roofs provide full shade and rain protection, essentially turning your patio into an outdoor room that functions in most weather. Pergolas, with their open slats, offer dappled shade and a more open feel, which can be ideal if you want to maintain more natural light or support climbing plants.
Roofing materials must also integrate with the main house. Matching shingles or complementary metal roofing helps the addition look like it was always part of the home, rather than an add-on. A builder like Lowery Fence & Patio looks at roof pitch, drainage, and tie-in details to make sure water runs off correctly and that the structure can handle the wind loads and storms that pass through North Texas.
Customization: From Simple Shade To Full Retreat
Once the structural decisions are made, the fun really begins: customizing your covered patio to match your lifestyle. Some homeowners in Sherman want a simple, shaded area with comfortable seating and a fan overhead. Others are turning their patios into full outdoor retreats, with kitchens, fireplaces, mounted TVs, and integrated sound systems. A good patio cover builder plans for these features in advance, ensuring that electrical, gas, and structural support are in place.
Lighting is often the first upgrade that transforms a covered patio from “nice” to “incredible.” Recessed lights, pendant fixtures over dining tables, and subtle step or post lighting help extend usability well into the night. Dimmers allow you to shift from bright task lighting during a cookout to soft, ambient light for late-night conversations. Considering wiring and switch placement early in the design process keeps everything tidy and convenient.
Comfort features like ceiling fans and infrared heaters can dramatically increase the number of days your patio is enjoyable. In Sherman’s hot summers, well-placed fans keep air moving and help the shade work harder. In cooler months, heaters take the edge off the chill so you are not confined indoors. Some homeowners also add roll-down shades to block low-angle sun or provide extra privacy from neighboring lots.
For those who truly want to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, built-in elements such as stone columns, outdoor bars, and seating walls can be integrated with the patio cover. These features give the space a “finished” look and make it feel like a natural continuation of the home’s interior design. Whether your style leans rustic, modern, or traditional, your builder can help you choose finishes that tie everything together.
Working With A Local Builder
Choosing a patio cover builder is as important as choosing the design itself. Local experience matters, especially in a place like Sherman, TX where soil conditions, wind patterns, and building codes have specific quirks. A company like Lowery Fence & Patio brings familiarity with regional regulations, HOA requirements, and practical construction details that might be overlooked by less experienced contractors.
During the planning phase, a local builder can advise on siting and orientation based on the actual path of the sun across your property. They may suggest adjustments that significantly improve comfort, such as extending the cover a few extra feet in a certain direction or altering the pitch to improve drainage and headroom. This level of insight comes from working on many homes in the same general area and learning what performs best over time.
Permitting and inspections are another area where an experienced Sherman-based builder is invaluable. They know which documents are required, how to submit plans, and what inspectors typically look for. Proper permits not only keep you compliant with local law; they also protect the value of your home if you ever decide to sell. A documented, permitted patio cover is much easier to represent accurately in listings and appraisals.
Finally, working with a local team means easier communication and accountability. If you have questions during construction or want to discuss changes, your builder is close by. Should you decide later to add a fence, upgrade your outdoor space, or explore options like Chain Link Fencing, an established company such as Lowery Fence & Patio can coordinate these projects so they work together aesthetically and structurally.
Planning Your Project Timeline And Budget
Extending your living space with a patio cover is an investment, and planning ahead helps you get the most from your budget. The first step is usually an on-site consultation, where the builder evaluates your existing patio, measures the space, and listens to your goals. From there, they can provide a preliminary design concept and cost range, which you can refine together.
Budget is influenced by size, materials, roof style, and the level of customization. A straightforward, smaller cover with basic finishes will cost less than a large structure with integrated lighting, fans, and outdoor kitchen components. Being honest about your budget allows the builder to suggest smart trade-offs, such as choosing durable but more economical finishes now while leaving room to add extras later.
Timeline expectations are also important. Design, permitting, and material ordering can take several weeks, especially during busy seasons. Once construction begins, weather and complexity will affect the schedule. A reputable builder communicates clearly about each phase, from setting posts and framing to roofing and finishing details, so you know what to expect and when the space will be ready to enjoy.
For many Sherman homeowners, the best time to start planning is before peak season. Beginning the process in late winter or early spring, for example, can position your project to be completed just in time for summer. Regardless of when you start, thoughtful planning ensures the final result feels cohesive with your home and ready for years of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big should my patio cover be? The ideal size depends on how you plan to use the space and how much room your yard allows. As a general guideline, you want enough area for comfortable furniture placement with walkways around seating and tables, typically at least 10 to 12 feet deep. In Sherman, TX, builders like Lowery Fence & Patio also consider sun angles and existing windows, aiming to provide shade without darkening your interior rooms too much. A site visit is the best way to determine the right footprint for your specific home.
Will a patio cover make my house too dark inside? It can if it is not designed carefully, but a good builder takes this into account from the start. By adjusting the depth of the cover, the roof height, and even the placement relative to key windows, it is possible to create shade outdoors while still allowing plenty of natural light indoors. In some cases, partial covers, strategically placed openings, or lighter roof finishes can help balance shade and brightness. Discussing your concerns early in the design process ensures the cover complements, rather than competes with, your interior lighting.
Do I need a permit for a patio cover in Sherman, TX? In most cases, yes. Structural additions such as patio covers generally require permits to ensure they meet local building codes and safety standards. A professional builder like Lowery Fence & Patio typically handles the permitting process for you, preparing drawings and submitting them to the appropriate office. This step protects you from potential issues with code compliance and makes future home sales smoother, as the work is documented and approved.
What maintenance will my patio cover require? Maintenance needs depend on the materials used. Wood structures usually require periodic staining or sealing to protect against moisture, UV damage, and insects. Metal or aluminum covers often need only occasional cleaning and inspection for any signs of corrosion or fastener wear. Roof surfaces should be checked after major storms to ensure they are intact and draining properly. Your builder can provide a maintenance schedule tailored to your specific design and materials so you can keep the structure in top condition.
How long does it take to build a patio cover? The total timeframe includes design, permitting, material ordering, and construction. For a typical project in Sherman, TX, the design and permit phase may take a few weeks, depending on complexity and local review times. Once construction begins, many patio covers are completed within one to three weeks, again depending on size, weather, and the level of customization. A clear schedule from your builder will outline each phase so you know when work will begin, what will happen each step of the way, and when you can start enjoying your new outdoor living space.