Notes from the studio.
Guides, project stories, and honest takes on remodeling and building across Greater Houston. Filter by city or by the kind of project you're planning.
How much does an outdoor kitchen cost in Houston? 2026 cost drivers
What actually drives outdoor kitchen cost in Houston — roof structure, appliances, utilities, counters and permits — and how to keep the budget under control.
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Stamped concrete vs pavers for a Houston patio or driveway
How stamped concrete and pavers compare on cost, cracking, clay-soil movement, heat, maintenance and repairs in the Houston area.
Read articleOutdoor kitchens in Houston: heat, humidity, storms and materials
What to plan for when building an outdoor kitchen in Houston — shade, drainage, materials that survive the weather, and the utility work involved.
Read articleConcrete in Houston: driveways, patios and slabs on clay soil
What makes concrete last on Houston's expansive clay — base prep, reinforcement, joints, drainage and curing.
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Outdoor living in Houston: covered patios, outdoor kitchens and shade
How to design a covered patio or outdoor kitchen that works in Houston heat, humidity and summer storms — materials, shade, drainage and permits.
Read articleOutdoor living in Katy, Sugar Land, and Cypress: what survives a Houston summer
Covered patios, outdoor kitchens, and shade strategy built for Gulf Coast heat, humidity, and clay soil — with real 2026 pricing.
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