The first hot afternoon of the season hits, and suddenly your backyard feels more like an oven than an oasis. The patio furniture you picked out so carefully is too hot to sit on, the glare makes it hard to relax, and every get-together ends up moving back inside. You imagine this space being the heart of your home in Sherman, TX, but without shade or shelter, it’s just not getting used the way you hoped.
That’s where patio covers completely change the story. By adding a thoughtfully designed cover, you turn a bare slab or deck into a true outdoor room: a place where you can sip coffee on a drizzly morning, host friends without worrying about the sun, and enjoy long Texas evenings without baking in the heat. A patio cover doesn’t just block weather; it reshapes how you live in your home, expanding your usable space in a way that feels natural and comfortable.
For homeowners across Sherman, TX, Lowery Fence & Patio has seen this transformation again and again. A simple roof structure, pergola, or custom patio cover can make a neglected backyard the most-loved “room” in the house. Whether you’re working with a compact concrete pad or a sprawling outdoor living area, the right cover revamps your space, adds value, and makes your home feel bigger without touching your interior walls.
Why Patio Covers Matter
In North Texas, the weather shapes how you use your home. Summers are bright and hot, storms can roll in quickly, and UV exposure is no small concern. An uncovered patio leaves you at the mercy of those elements, limiting how often you can comfortably be outside. A patio cover flips that equation. Instead of planning your time around the weather, you gain a flexible space that adapts to sun, shade, and showers.
There’s also a psychological shift that happens when you add a cover. An open patio feels like “outside” – nice for short bursts, but not where you naturally settle in for hours. Add a solid or partially covered structure, and suddenly the area feels defined and inviting, more like a living room without walls. You’re more likely to bring out cushions, rugs, plants, and decor because the space feels protected and intentional.
From a practical standpoint, patio covers help protect your investment in outdoor furniture and finishes. Cushions fade slower, surfaces don’t crack as quickly, and even your interior floors can benefit because less direct sunlight pours in through patio doors. For many Sherman homeowners, partnering with Lowery Fence & Patio to add a cover is less about a “luxury upgrade” and more about making sure the outdoor space they’ve already paid for actually gets used.
Types Of Patio Covers
Not every patio cover has to look the same, and that’s where customization becomes exciting. One of the first decisions you’ll make is whether you prefer a solid roof-style cover or a more open, pergola-style structure. A solid cover, often tied into your home’s roofline, offers maximum shade and protection from rain. It’s ideal if you envision outdoor dining, TV watching, or year-round lounging. These structures tend to feel like a true extension of the house.
Pergolas, on the other hand, use a series of beams and rafters to create partial shade. They’re perfect if you like dappled light, want vines or string lights woven through, or simply enjoy a more open, airy look. In Sherman, TX, pergolas can also be combined with shade cloths or polycarbonate panels to tailor how much sun protection you get during peak heat. Lowery Fence & Patio can help you decide what balance of light and shade fits your lifestyle best.
Materials also play a big role. Wood offers a warm, classic appearance that pairs beautifully with traditional and rustic homes. Aluminum and steel options deliver durability with less maintenance, resisting warping and pests. Some homeowners choose hybrid designs: wood posts with metal roofing, or a wood pergola with composite accents. The right combination not only complements your home’s architecture but also fits your maintenance preferences and long-term budget.
Designing For Your Lifestyle
A well-designed patio cover isn’t just about looks; it’s about how you actually live. Before construction ever starts, it’s helpful to think carefully about how you want to use the space. Do you picture family dinners outside several nights a week? Do you want a quiet reading nook shielded from the afternoon sun? Are you dreaming of game day gatherings with a mounted TV and ceiling fans overhead? Each of these visions suggests different design choices.
For example, if outdoor cooking is a priority, the patio cover should allow for proper ventilation above grills or outdoor kitchens. You may want a layout that keeps smoke away from seating areas and enough overhead clearance for vent hoods or lighting. For families with kids, the design might emphasize open play space and durable materials that can handle soccer balls, chalk, and plenty of traffic without constant worry.
Lowery Fence & Patio works with Sherman homeowners to align every design detail with real-life use. That can mean extending the cover just a bit farther to shade a playset, angling the roof to block harsh western sun, or positioning posts in a way that keeps pathways clear. When the structure is tailored to how you live, it doesn’t feel like an add-on; it feels like a natural part of your daily routine.
Comfort Features And Add-Ons
Once you have the basic structure in mind, the fun really begins with comfort features. Ceiling fans are one of the most impactful additions for North Texas patios. Even on a hot Sherman afternoon, a steady breeze under a covered space can make the difference between “too hot to be outside” and “this is my favorite spot.” Adding lighting – from recessed fixtures to decorative pendants – extends the usefulness of your patio well into the evening hours.
Electrical planning is another smart step. If you think you might ever want an outdoor TV, speakers, or even a mounted heater for chilly nights, it’s far easier (and cleaner) to run wiring during the initial build. Lowery Fence & Patio can coordinate these details so you’re not stuck with exposed cords or awkward retrofits later. Outlets in the right places also make it easier to plug in laptops, chargers, or holiday decor without extension cords snaking across the floor.
For added comfort and privacy, some homeowners integrate side elements like privacy screens, decorative panels, or even partial walls. These can block wind, provide shade from low-angle sun, or shield the view from neighboring yards. While Lowery Fence & Patio is known for outdoor structures, many Sherman residents also pair a patio cover with new perimeter fencing or upgrades like an Chain link fence contractors service for the rest of the yard, creating a cohesive, comfortable outdoor environment.
Boosting Home Value And Curb Appeal
Beyond comfort, a well-built patio cover is a strategic investment in your property. Buyers in Sherman, TX, increasingly look for homes with usable outdoor living areas. A covered patio signals that the backyard is more than just grass – it’s an extension of the home. That can make your property stand out in a competitive market and often translates into higher perceived value.
Visually, a patio cover can balance your home’s exterior, especially if the back of the house feels flat or unfinished. Adding posts, beams, and a roofline that ties into your existing architecture creates depth and character. With the right design, it can look like it was always meant to be there, rather than an afterthought. Color choices for posts, trim, and roofing materials can either match your home for a seamless look or intentionally contrast for a bold, modern statement.
There’s also the day-to-day value of simply enjoying your space more. When you step out onto a covered patio every morning or unwind there every evening, the upgrade feels less like a “feature” and more like an essential part of your home. Many Lowery Fence & Patio clients in Sherman report that, after adding a cover, they spend significantly more time outside, host more gatherings, and feel like their home finally matches the way they want to live.
Working With A Local Expert
Building a patio cover isn’t just about putting up posts and a roof. It involves understanding local building codes, weather patterns, structural loads, and how to integrate the new structure with your existing home. In Sherman, TX, that means accounting for sun angles, wind, occasional severe storms, and the specific requirements of local jurisdictions or HOAs. A local contractor like Lowery Fence & Patio brings this regional knowledge to every project.
During the planning phase, they can help you navigate questions like permits, property lines, and how the new structure will interact with drainage and existing landscaping. The goal is to create a cover that not only looks great on day one but also performs well for years, resisting sagging, leaks, and weather damage. Using quality materials and sound construction methods is critical when you’re adding something that’s both structural and highly visible.
Communication is another major advantage of working with a local team. You can walk your property together, point out where the sun hits hardest, and discuss how your family uses the yard now versus how you’d like to use it. This on-site collaboration leads to better design decisions and fewer surprises. And if you ever need adjustments or future additions, you have a trusted partner who already understands your home and your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose between a solid roof and a pergola-style patio cover? The choice largely depends on how much protection you want and how you plan to use the space. A solid roof offers maximum shade and rain protection, making it ideal for outdoor dining, TVs, and year-round use. A pergola provides partial shade and a more open, airy feel, which many people love for visual appeal and natural light. Lowery Fence & Patio can walk you through sun patterns on your property in Sherman, TX, and help you weigh aesthetics, budget, and comfort to find the best fit.
Will a patio cover make my home too dark inside? It can change the light entering nearby windows, but thoughtful design can minimize unwanted darkness. The orientation of your patio, the height and depth of the cover, and the materials used all play a role. In some cases, using lighter roofing materials, incorporating skylight panels, or limiting the projection of the cover helps maintain indoor brightness. During the planning process, you can discuss which rooms you’re most concerned about, and Lowery Fence & Patio can adjust the design to preserve natural light while still providing shade where you need it.
Do I need a permit for a patio cover in Sherman, TX? In many cases, yes, a permit is required for structural additions like patio covers. Requirements vary based on size, design, and local regulations. Working with a professional contractor is helpful because they’re familiar with local codes and can handle the permitting process for you or guide you through it. This ensures your new structure is safe, compliant, and less likely to cause issues if you ever sell your home.
How much maintenance does a patio cover require? Maintenance depends on the materials you choose. Wood structures may need periodic staining or sealing to protect against moisture and sun damage, especially in the Texas climate. Metal or aluminum covers typically require less upkeep, often just occasional cleaning. Regardless of material, inspecting your patio cover once or twice a year for loose fasteners, debris buildup, or minor damage is a good habit. Lowery Fence & Patio can recommend a maintenance routine tailored to your specific design and materials.
Can I add features like fans, lights, or heaters later? Yes, many features can be added after the main structure is built, but planning ahead makes it easier and cleaner. Running electrical wiring during construction allows for built-in lighting, ceiling fans, outlets, or heaters without exposed conduits or complex retrofits. If you think there’s any chance you’ll want these features in the future, mention it during the design phase. Lowery Fence & Patio can incorporate the necessary support and infrastructure so you can upgrade your space over time without major disruption.