Clark Outdoor Designs

Do you have standing water on your patio or pools of water around your drainage, gutter downspout, or foundation? When you've got too much groundwater accumulation and your patio's drainage systems aren't working, or weren't installed properly, you can create a vicious circle where rainwater collects, does damage, and makes it more likely for rain to collect next time. Water will slowly penetrate and cause cracks in masonry surfaces and patios are no exception. But don't worry, this is a common problem and (fairly) easy to resolve. ( Read the original post on Medium ) Why Do I Have Patio Drainage Problems? Patio drainage issues are fairly common in Dallas. North Texas' clay-heavy soil and occasional heavy rainfall causes all kinds of wear and tear. This and your home's foundation shifting can lead to water accumulation in challenging places that cause damage your outdoor space. Standing water on your patio indicates insufficient sloping (or grading). A flat...

One of the best parts of living in Texas is the almost always sunny Spring, Summer, and Fall but the endless exposure to the sun can also be one of the hardest parts of living here. The intensity of the sun is harsh on your eyes and skin, to say nothing of your outdoor furniture... The sun will bleach fabric, dry and cause cracking in paint, plastics, and even masonry installation like walls and surfaces. The only real defense against wear and tear from the sun is blocking the UV rays with materials made specifically for that purpose. Let's talk about some of the best ways to keep those damaging rays off yourself, your outdoor furniture, your masonry -easily one of the most costly investments in your home. (Read the original post on Medium) Beat The Heat: Patio Shade Options for Dallas Homes Dallas homeowners have plenty of choices when it comes to creating cool, comfortable outdoor spaces . Here are some popular patio shade options that can help you (and your ...

A patio all by its lonesome looks a little strange in your yard and nothing softens those hard, awkward edges than the organically-shaped beds and vibrant plant life of a well-designed landscape. The perfect patio landscaping design blends the harsh edges of your patio into the more natural elements of your yard using organically-shaped beds and greenery to soften the hard edges of your masonry. But a blank canvas can feel very overwhelming, so let's take a look at some of the most popular patio landscaping styles trending right now for inspiration. Enhance your patio with landscaping that softens edges and blends masonry with nature. Explore trending designs to transform your outdoor space. (Read the original post on Medium) Popular Patio Landscaping Styles Rustic and Natural Drought-resistant native Texas plants, shrubs, and grasses create a rustic look that stays vibrant all year long. Making use of simple, organic layouts that lack clear distinctions betwe...

The right patio lighting has the power to transform any outdoor space , setting whatever kind of mood you want at the flip of a switch -or even the press of a button on your phone, if you install smart technology. Strategic illumination sets a mood, and creates an atmosphere, that extends your home's comfortable setting outside. A well-lit patio space allows you to enjoy the outdoors after the sun sets, making it perfect for entertaining guests or unwinding with family. Atmosphere and Ambiance Patio lighting sets the mood for your outdoor space, and you've got many options to work with, like string lights draped overhead, lanterns placed around your seating areas, and uplighting on trees or features. By layering different types of lights you can create a dynamic space that adapts the mood with the flick of a switch. Safety and Functionality Beyond aesthetics, patio lighting also serves several practical purposes. Lighting pathways and steps prevent accident...

  Hardscaping Shapes Your Landscaping (And Makes It Useful) Hardscaping, the creation of hard surfaces for convenience and comfort, transforms your outdoor space with functional and attractive masonry like patios, pathways, retaining walls , and other elements. When it comes to surfacing your outdoor spaces, it's not just about aesthetics; it's about creating usable areas that you and your family will love and use regularly. Defining Spaces with Purpose Hardscaping elements like patios, pool decking, fire and water features, and even just landscape edging, delineate specific zones in your yard. A well-designed patio can function like an outdoor living room. Well-placed walkways guide visitors through your garden. Pool coping and decking simplify entering and exiting your pool and staying safe with non-slip surfaces. Landscape edging prevents erosion, but it also shapes landscapes and adds height and interest to your outdoor space. Reducing Maintenance ...

A few years ago, the term "outdoor living" mostly referred to backyard barbecues (and there's nothing wrong with that). But, in recent years, a broader set of ideals around spending more time outside (comfortably) and making use of more of your yard for entertaining and enjoying, has been gathering steam. These days, every upscale home has a few outdoor features, from a covered patio lounge to full-scale outdoor kitchens and entertaining spaces. Now that everyone's paying attention, the market for backyard renovations and new outdoor construction is booming! Thanks to the internet, a lot of unique and creative landscape designs have caught on and now outdoor living is a trending topic with some very in-demand products and features. Let's look at a few of 2024's most interesting landscape designs and where these trends might be heading in the years to come. Key Takeaways Sustainable landscaping and xeriscaping are rising Dallas design tre...