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Landscaping
Outdoor Living in Austin: Combining Patios, Fire Pits & Xeriscape
The trend that is taking over Austin backyards: integrated outdoor rooms that pair stamped concrete, fire features, and drought-tolerant planting.
TSB Project Team 5 min read
The Austin outdoor-living trend
Mild winters, big lots, and 8 months of patio weather have made the integrated "outdoor room" the #1 backyard renovation in Austin. The trick is making it functional in 105°F July and 28°F February cold snaps.
Anatomy of a great Austin outdoor room
- Foundation: stamped or polished concrete pad with 1/4" drainage slope
- Shelter: pergola, louvered cover, or shade sail
- Heat: gas or wood fire pit (38 – 48" diameter)
- Cool: ceiling fans, misting line, shaded west side
- Light: low-voltage LED, dimmable, warm 2700K
- Plants: xeriscape borders so you are not watering your party
Fire pit basics (City of Austin rules)
- Wood-burning fire pits allowed on residential property with min 25 ft clearance from structures
- Gas fire pits require no permit under 65,000 BTU and propane <100 lb
- HOA rules vary — check first
- TSB always pours a 6" reinforced fire pit base & adds a stainless burner pan
Sample project — South Austin
A recent TSB build (78704):
- 480 sq ft stamped concrete patio (Ashlar slate, saddle tan)
- 42" gas fire pit, Lueders limestone veneer
- 14×16 cedar pergola with cafe lights
- Xeriscape border: Agave parryi, salvia, muhly grass, decomposed granite paths
- Total: $34,800
How long does it take?
Concrete + fire pit: 7 – 10 working days. Pergola adds 3 – 5. Xeriscape planting is the last step.
Build your outdoor room
Call (512) 781-8851 — we design and self-perform every trade so quality stays high and the schedule stays tight.
Free estimate
Project in mind? We pour or plant within 5–10 business days.