Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers from Garland’s trusted outdoor living experts.
Every project starts with a conversation. Our FAQ below brings together the answers you need—along with the values, vision, and care that make Garland Decks & Patios truly different. If you have a question we didn’t cover, please reach out: we’re always here for you.
FAQs
Custom Decks
How long will the deck construction take?
Typical timelines vary 3–8 weeks from design approval depending on size, materials and permits. Also, depending on flooding areas.
Can you build multi-level decks or connect to a patio?
Absolutely — we specialize in multilevel designs and seamless patio connections (see our Patio & Hardscapes services).
Which materials best handle Texas weather?
Low-maintenance composites and treated hardwoods are recommended; we will review your specific site with you.
Will my property value increase with a custom deck?
Yes — outdoor living additions from premium builders often boost home value significantly.
Do I need an outdoor kitchen or fire pit to justify a custom deck?
Is financing available for my deck project? Yes — we offer flexible financing options to make your investment smoother, and our team will walk you through approval during the design consultation.
FAQs
Custom Patio Covers
What cities do you serve for patio covers?
We proudly serve Garland, Dallas, Highland Park, Rockwall, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, Plano, Forney, Royse City, Fate, Greenville, Caddo Mills, Murphy, Nevada, Josephine, Celina, Prosper, Rowlett, Richardson, Sachse, Wylie, Mesquite, Sunnyvale and Lucas. No matter which local city you’re in, we provide the same high-quality service.
Does my patio cover require a building permit in Dallas County, Garland, Plano, Highland Park, Prosper, Wylie, Rockwall, Forney, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, and other surrounding areas?
Yes, most attached patio covers in Garland, Dallas County, Rockwall County and surrounding areas require a building permit. We handle the permit application and coordinate inspections for you so you don’t have to manage that process.
How long will it take to build my patio cover in Frisco, Allen, Prosper, Dallas, Highland Park, Forney, Garland, Royse City, Celina, and other surrounding areas?
For a typical patio cover in the McKinney/Frisco/Allen including our other service areas (Garland, Propsper, Wylie, Sachse, Highland Park, Dallas, etc.), once the design is approved and depending on permit lead time, roof system and integration level. The build phase commonly takes 2-4 weeks. For simpler covers, installation can be quicker.
What materials are best for North Texas weather (Dallas/Plano/Rockwall) for patio covers?
We recommend powder-coated aluminum, metal roofing, treated cedar beams, or pressure treated lumber, because they handle Texas sun, hail and storms well. Clear or tinted polycarbonate panels are also a strong option if you want more light. We also recommend adding harder board materials or smart board materials for that special aesthetic appeal.
Can I customize my patio cover with features like lighting, outdoor kitchen pad or fire-feature in Dallas, Highland Park, Mesquite, Frisco, Celina, Garland, Wylie, Forney, Sachse and other surrounding areas?
Absolutely. We offer built-in features & upgrades such as under-cover lighting systems, stair lighting, built-in seating or planter boxes, pad for outdoor kitchen or fire-feature, in all the cities we serve.
Will adding a patio cover increase my home value in Wylie, Caddo Mills, Dallas, Highland Park, Garland, Frisco, Allen, Celina, Prosper, and other surrounding areas?
Yes, in many Texas metro markets, a professionally built patio cover can recoup up to ~80% of its cost in resale value. Combined with increased usable outdoor living, it’s a solid investment.
What is the average lifespan of your patio covers in Murphy, Josephine, Nevada, Garland, Rockwall, Forney, Royse City, Dallas, Highland Park, Frisco, Allen, and other surrounding areas?
Our premium patio covers are engineered to last 20+ years in the Garland/Dallas climate with proper maintenance. You’re making a long-term investment.
Do you offer financing for patio covers in Greenville, Royse City, Fate, Rockwall, Garland, Murphy, Wylie, Prosper, Frisco, McKinney, Dallas, Highland Park, and other surrounding areas?
Yes, we offer flexible financing options across all our service areas so you can begin your project now and spread payments over time.
How do you accommodate HOA requirements in Garland, Frisco, Allen, Celina, McKinney, Dallas, Highland Park, Prosper, Rockwall, Forney, Plano, Richardson and other surrounding areas?
Answer: We review HOA guidelines, provide drawings and materials for submission, and assist in ensuring the patio cover design meets local restrictions in all the suburbs we serve.
If I already have a patio slab in Garland, Dallas, Highland Park, etc., can you build on top of it?
Yes, we often build on existing slabs. If new footings or piers are required we’ll assess that during consultation and explain options so you know your total cost.
Will adding a patio cover reduce natural light into my home (Rowlett, Murphy, Wylie, Dallas, Highland Park and other surrounding areas)?
It may reduce sunlight directly above the covered area, but with proper design (e.g., clear/tinted panels or lighter finishes) the effect is minimal and the gain in usable outdoor space typically outweighs the minor loss in light.
What roofing styles do you offer for patio covers in Dallas, Highland Park, Garland, Murphy, Rockwall, Royse City, Forney, Fate and other surrounding areas?
We offer metal roofing, shingle roofing (to match your home), clear/tinted polycarbonate panels for a semi-open look, and powder-coated aluminum systems — all tailored to your home’s architecture and local weather demands.
How much maintenance will the patio cover require in Forney, Rockwall, Wylie, Dallas, Highland Park, Garland, Greenville, and other surrounding areas?
Minimal — our premium materials require only occasional cleaning, and durability coatings protect against fading, corrosion and weather. We’ll provide a maintenance guide at hand-off.
What size should my patio cover be in Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Greenville, Dallas, Highland Park, etc. if I want outdoor dining + lounge area?
We recommend approximately 150-200 sq ft for dining/lounging space, or 300-400 sq ft if adding outdoor kitchen/fire-feature. Depth of at least 14-15′ from the home ensures functional space.
Are your patio covers certified for wind or hail in Garland, Mesquite, Wylie, Murphy, Josephine, Rockwall, Forney, Dallas, Highland Park, Richardson, and other surrounding areas?
Yes, we have a team of engineers who design our patio covers to local code, using hail-rated roofing panels, corrosion-resistant fasteners and wind-rated structural attachments, ensuring safe and durable performance in North Texas conditions.
Can I get a design checklist or questionnaire for planning or a guide for my patio cover in Celina or Prosper (including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
Yes, download our “10-Point Patio Cover Design Checklist” which covers material choice, feature upgrades, layout planning and budget considerations before you commit.
How much will a patio cover cost in Garland, Rockwall, Greenville, Forney, Frisco, McKinney, Dallas, Highland Park and other surrounding areas we proudly
serve?
serve?
Costs vary based on size, materials, roofing type, features and site conditions. We’ll provide you with a detailed estimate after a free on-site evaluation in your city.
What happens if I want to upgrade later (Forney, Murphy, Rockwall, Highland Park, Garland, etc.)
with lighting or fire-feature?
with lighting or fire-feature?
Many of our covers are designed for upgrade. We plan wiring and structural anchors upfront so you can easily add lighting, fire-feature or outdoor kitchen pad later without major reconstruction.
Are you licensed, insured and compliant across all service areas (Dallas, Frisco, Highland Park,
Rockwall, Forney, Richardson, etc)?
Rockwall, Forney, Richardson, etc)?
Yes, we’re licensed and insured to operate in Garland, Dallas, Rockwall and neighboring cities, and we handle permit and inspection requirements in all those areas.
When should I schedule my patio cover build to ensure completion by summer (Rowlett, Richardson -
including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
May–June is peak season in North Texas. To secure materials, permit slots and construction slots in time for summer, we recommend scheduling your free consultation 1–3 months ahead.
FAQs
Custom Gazebos
What warranty do you offer for gazebos?
How long does a gazebo project take in Allen or Royse City (including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
Typical timeline is 3–5 weeks after design approval and permit issuance.
Can I build the gazebo on an existing patio slab?
Are your materials built for Texas weather (Caddo Mills, Murphy, Nevada)?
Can I add lighting, fans or screens later?
Does adding a gazebo increase my home’s value?
Is financing available for gazebos in your service cities?
FAQs
Custom Pergolas
What’s the difference between a pergola and a patio cover?
A pergola typically uses open slatted or partially covered roofing for aesthetic shade, while a patio cover or gazebo offers full overhead shelter. We design both to your lifestyle and budget.
How long will my pergola build take in Prosper or Celleina (including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
Standard timeline is 1–4 weeks after design approval and permitting, with larger or feature-rich builds requiring 4–6 weeks, depending on the size and scope of the pergola project. Along with other amenities/accessories that are being installed (lighting, ceiling fans, etc.)
Which materials are best for Pergolas in Mesquite or Richardson (including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
We recommend cedar or redwood for natural aesthetics, or architectural aluminum/steel for low-maintenance modern look—both choose materials suited for North Texas exposure.
Can a pergola integrate with my outdoor kitchen or fire-feature in Royse City (including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
Absolutely, our designs often include built-in lighting, trellises, seating and can integrate fully with your outdoor kitchen or fire-feature plan.
Will adding a pergola increase my home’s value?
Yes, custom pergolas add architectural interest, enhance outdoor living appeal and can boost resale positioning in the Dallas-Rockwall area.
Is financing available in all service areas Rowlett, Sachse, Murphy (including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
Yes, we offer flexible financing solutions across all cities served to help you begin your project now and pay over time.
FAQs
Deck Repairs
How do I know if my deck needs full replacement or just repair?
If structural members (joists, ledger, posts) are compromised, replacement may be necessary; cosmetic issues typically only require repair.
What checks are performed during inspection?
We inspect ledger connections, posts at grade, fasteners, surface wear, structural alignment and compliance with current code standards.
How long will repairs take in Garland or Plano (including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
Most deck repair jobs are completed within 1 day or up to 2 weeks, depending on the size of the deck, the scope, and materials.
Will repair affect my daily life and backyard use?
We coordinate to minimize disruption, provide staging plans and ensure safe access throughout the process.
Do you offer new finishes after repair?
Yes — we include finish upgrades (stain/sealer) tailored to North Texas conditions to extend lifespan.
Is financing available?
Yes — we provide financing options across all service areas to help you move forward without delay.
FAQs
Patio Cover Repairs
How long will the repair of my patio cover take in Allen or Royse City (including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
Do I need a permit for patio cover repair in Murphy or Celina (including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
Does repair rather than replacement reduce resale value potential?
Can you add upgrades (lighting, fans etc.) while doing the repair?
Is financing available for patio cover repairs?
FAQs
Deck Waterproofing, Staining & Sealing
How often should a deck be waterproofed or resealed?
Will the finish change the look of my deck?
Do I need to remove furniture or plants?
Is caulking really necessary before painting or sealing?
Can you work with composite decks or only wood?
FAQs
Patio Cover Waterproofing, Painting, Caulking & Sealing
Does my patio cover need resealing or repainting?
Signs like peeling, leaks, warped framing, failing caulking or fading finish indicate it’s time for restoration.
Will repainting alone solve leaks or structural faults?
Can you caulk and paint my patio cover with minimal disruption?
Is exterior caulking important?
Is financing available in your service cities Forney, Murphy, Celina (including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
FAQs
Outdoor Kitchens
How much does an outdoor kitchen cost in Garland or Plano (including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
Do I need special permits for outdoor kitchens in Rockwall or McKinney (including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
What appliances should I include in my outdoor kitchen?
How do you protect outdoor kitchen materials from Texas weather?
Will an outdoor kitchen increase my home’s value?
What size outdoor kitchen suits my home in Garland or Frisco (including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
Can an outdoor kitchen be built on a patio or deck in Allen or Plano (including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
How long will my outdoor kitchen last in the Texas climate?
Is covering or roofing important for my outdoor kitchen in Rockwall or Royse City (including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
What layout options should I consider for my outdoor kitchen in Caddo Mills or Murphy (including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
Can I add an outdoor kitchen in phases if the budget is limited?
What maintenance is required for my outdoor kitchen in Mesquite or Sachse (including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
How do I choose the right appliances for my outdoor kitchen in Allen or Wylie (including our other service areas we proudly serve)?
Still Have a Question?
We’re happy to answer any additional queries and make sure you feel fully prepared before your project begins.