What it costs, up front: a simple paver or concrete patio runs roughly $3,000–$10,000. A covered patio — the most-wanted project here — typically lands $12,000–$30,000. Full outdoor-living builds with kitchen, fireplace, and structure go well above that.
In this climate, the shade structure is usually worth more than the floor. A beautiful patio nobody can sit on in July is a common and expensive mistake.
Concrete, pavers, or flagstone.
Open shade structure, cedar or steel.
Roofed structure tied to the house.
Kitchen, fireplace, full build.
In Central Texas, shade is the whole point
Six months of the year here, an uncovered patio in the afternoon sun is unusable. That’s why the most-requested backyard project in Williamson County isn’t a deck — it’s a covered patio or pergola, ideally oriented to block the brutal west and southwest sun.
Two situations drive most of the demand. Sun City and the newer subdivisions ship with bare, builder-graded backyards and homeowners who want to actually use them — often retirees who want low-maintenance shade close to the house. And established Round Rock and Cedar Park homes have 15-year-old wood decks that the sun has finished off, due for a rebuild in composite.
Wood vs. composite in Texas heat
A cedar or pine deck looks great for a couple of years, then the Texas UV and heat check it, gray it, and splinter it — and it needs re-sealing constantly. Composite decking costs more up front but doesn’t rot, doesn’t splinter, and holds up to the heat with almost no maintenance. One caution: dark composite gets genuinely hot underfoot in full Texas sun, so pair it with shade or choose a lighter color. Ask each builder to quote both.
Covered patio, pergola, or pavilion?
Covered patio
A solid roof tied into your house, usually matching the roofline. Full shade and rain protection, and it can host a fan and lights. The most popular — and the one most likely to need a permit and HOA approval because it attaches to the home.
Pergola
An open structure of beams — partial shade, more air movement, freestanding or attached. Cheaper than a roofed cover, and adjustable-louver versions give you sun-or-shade on demand.
Freestanding pavilion
A roofed structure out in the yard, away from the house — good for pools and larger lots. Priced like a small building.
How this works
Tell us what you’re picturing
Covered patio, pergola, or just a patio floor — and which way your backyard faces. Sun direction changes the whole design.
We match you locally
We pass your request to independent outdoor-living builders working in your city — not to everyone who’ll pay for it.
Up to three get in touch
They contact you directly, usually within a business day. Three is the cap, so your phone doesn’t ring for a month.
You choose and hire
Compare the quotes, check insurance, pick one. You contract with them and pay them directly — we never touch your money.
Your phone is not going to ring for a month
You already know what usually happens when you ask for a quote online. That is not how this works, and here are the three rules we run on.
We don’t sell your information.
Not to data brokers. Not to list resellers. Not to anyone outside the contractors serving your city. You can ask us to delete your request at any time.
Three contractors. Not thirty.
The big lead sites sell one request to everyone who’ll buy it — which is exactly why people stop picking up. Three is our hard cap. Want one? Say so and you’ll get one.
You’ll never pay us a cent.
Contractors pay us for referrals. We don’t hold deposits, don’t take a cut of your project, and aren’t a party to your contract — you hire and pay whoever you choose, directly.
Two more things, since they’re fair to ask. We require a current certificate of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance before referring anyone — that’s a screen, not a guarantee, so verify it yourself before you authorize work. And we publish real cost ranges, which almost nobody in this trade will do.
What drives the price
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Structure vs. floor | A roof or pergola is engineered and often permitted — the biggest cost jump over a bare patio. |
| Decking material | Concrete and pavers vs. composite vs. wood — big spread, and composite is worth it in this heat. |
| Size and roofline | Bigger cover and tying cleanly into an existing roof cost more. |
| Extras | Outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, fans, and lighting each add up — and the electrical and any gas must be done by licensed trades. |
| Permits & HOA | Attached covers usually need a city permit and HOA sign-off; setbacks matter on smaller lots. |
Full cost breakdown and how to read a quote →
Common questions
Covered patio or pergola — which should I get?
If you want to use the space in July, a covered patio is the answer — full shade and rain protection. A pergola gives partial shade with more airflow and costs less; louvered versions let you adjust. In this climate most people who start with a pergola wish they’d gone with a cover.
Do I need a permit?
Usually yes for an attached covered patio, since it’s a structural addition. A freestanding pergola sometimes doesn’t. Your builder should pull the permit, and most subdivisions also need HOA approval. Confirm both before materials are ordered.
Wood or composite decking in Texas?
Composite, in most cases — no rot, no splinters, minimal upkeep, and it survives the heat far better than wood. One caveat: dark composite gets hot underfoot in direct sun, so choose a lighter color or keep it under the cover.
Is this really free?
Yes. Contractors pay us a fee for referrals. You are never charged, and there’s no obligation to hire anyone.
How many companies will call me?
Three at most. If you’d prefer one or two, say so in the notes and we’ll honor it. We’re deliberately not in the business of selling one request to ten companies.
Who actually does the work?
Independent local contractors. We are not a contractor and we don’t perform, supervise, or manage any work. You contract with the company you choose and pay them directly. We’re a referral service operated by Retort Labs LLC in Georgetown.
Get quotes from local builders
Tell us what you’re picturing. We’ll route it to independent outdoor-living builders — up to three — who cover your city.
Where we work
Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Hutto, Liberty Hill, and Pflugerville — all of Williamson County. See all areas →