Clark Outdoor Designs

Considering travertine for your Dallas pool deck? Here’s what you need to know… If you’re thinking about travertine for your Dallas pool deck , you’re on the right track. After managing lots of pool projects across North Dallas, we’ve seen firsthand how travertine stands up to our harsh climate like scorching August heatwaves, sudden January freezes, and everything in between. A pool deck isn’t just a border around the water. It’s where summer memories are made — kids learning to swim, weekend barbecues with friends, and quiet evenings under the stars. That’s why picking the right material isn’t just practical — it’s personal. This guide cuts through the hype. You’ll get straight talk about costs, durability, and maintenance, plus why Dallas’s tricky clay soil makes installation a make-or-break factor. I’ll share design tips that actually work with Texas homes and help you avoid costly mistakes I’ve fixed for too many homeowners. Let’s start with what matters most when the Texas sun is...

Looking to create a stone walkway that actually works for your Dallas home ? After 8 years of installing paths from Little Elm to Kessler Park, we’ve learned what separates a showstopper from a project you’ll regret. Native Texas and regional stone varieties aren’t just beautiful — they’re practical. Clients often tell us their stone paths become the heart of their outdoor spaces. Not just because they look good, but because they make their yards work better. The right path guides you naturally from one area to the next, like it’s always belonged there. That’s the magic of natural stone. You’ve got endless creative options, whether you want bold drama or understated charm. The trick is working with the stone’s personality instead of forcing it into something it’s not. Today, we’re sharing hard-won lessons from dozens of installations. You’ll learn which stones give real value, which “deals” to skip, and how to avoid the pitfalls that trip up many Dallas homeowners. (Read the original...

Travertine is a very common material that's used in hardscaping projects around DFW homes for a number of reasons, but with all the great options like concrete, stone, and, of course, wood, you might wonder why travertine is so in-demand as a pool decking material. Let's look at travertine pool decks pros and cons, comparing the good with the bad, to understand why we (and many other custom pool builders in Dallas) recommend travertine around pools and adjacent outdoor living spaces. But first, let's cover the basics: what is travertine, where does it come from, and what makes it useful as a pool decking material? What Is Travertine? Travertine is a sedimentary stone formed out of calcium carbonate and characterized by a porous surface covered in small holes and grooves. These uneven surface features were created during its formation in hot springs and limestone caves. Where Does Travertine Come From? Travertine comes from freshwater hot springs and limestone caves where mi...

Most Dallas homes get landscape lighting completely wrong. Drive through any neighborhood at night and you’ll spot the two extremes: yards lit up like prison compounds or properties so dark you’d need a flashlight to find the front door. Great landscape lighting isn’t just pretty — it’s an art that pays for itself. Curb appeal is great, of course, but outdoor lighting is your property’s first line of defense against break-ins. But don’t just slap up a few spotlights -get creative with it. Attractive lighting comes in layers that work together. Those mature oaks in your front yard? They’re perfect opportunities to add depth, drama, and security all at once. Landscaping can hide subtle uplighting along your exterior walls. There are lots of opportunities to make your home feel secure and cozy at the same time. Modern LED systems have totally changed the outdoor lighting game. No need for those harsh floodlights that used to annoy the neighbors. Today’s tech lets you highlight your proper...