Plan the Perfect Texas Outdoor Entertainment Center

Do you dream of being the “go-to” backyard in your neighborhood for parties, food, drinks and fun? Need the ultimate outdoor hangout to watch the game in style? It’s time to plan your ultimate Texas outdoor entertainment center!

You’ve come to the right place. Since 2009, we’ve transformed 25,000+ Texas backyards into custom outdoor living spaces. Whether you live in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston or San Antonio, Allied Outdoor Solutions turns your property into a one-of-a-kind oasis.

No matter your definition of outdoor entertainment, our design-build experts have you covered. Whether it’s a grill, media center, gaming hub, pool and spa or dining area, let’s create the ideal space for your lifestyle.

How Do You Define a Texas Outdoor Entertainment Center?

The best outdoor entertainment space for your home is defined by your lifestyle — and more importantly, how you and your family have fun!

Are you a Dallas grillmaster, a poolside sunbather in Houston, or want a slice of Austin patio nightlife in your backyard? Hire Allied Outdoor Solutions and collaborate with your very own team of design-build experts — we’ll make your dream backyard a reality!

Here are the top 4 features Texans want in a backyard entertainment area:

1. Outdoor bar and grill
2. Inground pool and spa
3. TV and sound system
4. Dedicated hangout area

Your Outdoor Bar and Grill Checklist

Smoke a brisket, mix margaritas and serve guests in your dream backyard bar and grill space. Texans overwhelmingly list “outdoor kitchen” as their must-have selection for an outdoor entertainment area at home.

Our Outdoor Living Designers and Construction Coordinators built this checklist to kickstart your inspiration and highlight the essential features of a great Texas outdoor kitchen space.

Design a space you’ll never want to leave. Book your free design consultation today!

Appliances

The most important item on your checklist is appliance selection. This is your custom Texas bar and grill, after all — this is no time to skimp on the heart of your kitchen!

Start with a heavy-duty stainless steel grill. Brands like Wolf and Viking offer decades of trust and brand recognition, while Coyote is a premium Dallas grill manufacturer that really “gets” Texas barbecue. 

Add a Big Green Egg into your design for kamado-style grilling in a ceramic oven. It provides even heating, high temps and a unique flavor profile to your barbecue.

Complement your grill with a smoker, an outdoor refrigerator and wine fridge built into your kitchen island. Consider a dishwasher to make clean-up a breeze.

Top the area off with bar appliances like a blender and outdoor ice maker. You’ll be making frozen daiquiris and margaritas in no time! If you’re a beer fanatic, a built-in kegerator is essential for your outdoor bar.

You’ll need to run gas, water and electric lines to your outdoor grill station to let your new appliances shine!

Island with Seating

Start your outdoor island with a highly heat-resistant countertop material. Granite is an optimal choice — not only does it perform well against direct and indirect heat, but you get the aesthetic benefit of beautiful natural stone.

Your grill island needs a sturdy backbone. We use steel tubing and cement board for peak durability. Finish your island with materials that reflect your existing home architecture — stacked natural stone and modified concrete are great local options.

Choose an island layout that leaves plenty of room for prep, serving and seating. Make sure the layout provides enough seating for guests while leaving enough room to move freely throughout the space.

Choose an L-shaped island for corners, twin linear islands for free-flowing cooking, and a U-shaped island for large seating capacity.

Island Storage

Stainless steel storage drawers and compartments are a smart addition for your outdoor island — plus, they pair naturally with your new range, grill and kitchen appliances.

The more built-in storage you want, the more island space you’ll require. Our experts find that 12’ is the shortest outdoor kitchen island where adding storage and appliances is possible. The average size of outdoor islands with storage compartments is around 20 feet.

Need more design inspiration? Check out our outdoor kitchen project gallery!

Patio Cover

Patio covers provide vital heat, moisture and UV protection for your new grill, appliances and outdoor island materials. They also deliver shade and comfort for your guests.

We’ve installed tens of thousands of Texas patios since 2009 — our cumulative data shows that outdoor furniture and appliances last longer and require less refurbishment under covered patio spaces. 

A solid patio cover also allows you to install lights, speakers and fans on the ceiling. Speaking of overhead fans…

Ventilation

Outdoor kitchen ventilation doesn’t just combat the oppressive summer heat in Texas backyards. It helps mitigate the direct heat and smoke from your grills, smokers and outdoor ovens.

This cross-ventilation is especially useful under patio covers and roofs — install smart fans on the ceiling and control your airflow with the touch of an app.

Want an outdoor grill away from your home? Consider an aluminum pergola — lattice, slatted and louvered pergola structures offer built-in ventilation from above.

The Ultimate Backyard Pool and Spa

For Texans, an inground pool and spa is more than a luxury; it’s an essential escape from the summer heat and a vibrant hub for year-round outdoor entertainment. 

Imagine hosting lively pool parties on sweltering days or unwinding in a warm spa. A custom-designed pool and spa elevate your backyard into a resort-style oasis, offering opportunities for family fun, exercise, and relaxation right at home.

Pool Refinishing

Over time, your pool’s interior experiences wear from constant use and the harsh Texas sun. Pool refinishing breathes new life into your existing pool, restoring its vibrant appearance and ensuring its structural integrity. 

We expertly repair cracks, update outdated surfaces, and apply durable new finishes like blue quartz aggregate plaster and porcelain tile, preventing future issues and making your pool look brand new. 

Pool refinishing protects your investment and maintains the pristine beauty of your backyard entertainment area.

Spa (or Jacuzzi Tub)

A dedicated spa or Jacuzzi tub provides a luxurious retreat, perfect for unwinding after a long day or warming up on a crisp Texas evening.

Integrating a spa into your pool design creates a hydrotherapy haven. Our clients often request an elevated spa situated right next to their inground pool for seamless enjoyment. 

It’s also a great opportunity to incorporate a small waterfall from spa to pool!

A backyard spa is an intimate setting ideal for quiet evenings or conversations with close friends. It’s an indulgence that extends your outdoor enjoyment across all seasons.

Pool Deck

Your pool deck serves as the critical transition between your home and your aquatic sanctuary. It must offer both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality for Texas weather. 

We design and construct durable, slip-resistant pool decks using materials like Carvestone modified overlay, porcelain pavers and travertine that stand up to intense heat and constant foot traffic. 

A thoughtfully designed pool deck ensures safe, comfortable access, provides ample space for lounging and entertaining, and seamlessly integrates with your overall backyard design.

Design Your Outdoor Media Center

Transform your backyard into the ultimate game-day destination or outdoor movie theater with a custom-designed outdoor media center. 

Texas evenings are perfect for gathering friends and family under the stars to watch your favorite teams or enjoy a movie in the backyard. 

Dreaming of a backyard upgrade? Book your design consultation today. 

Outdoor Television

An outdoor television is the cornerstone of any Texas outdoor media center. Forget rolling out indoor TVs — we install robust, weather-resistant outdoor televisions engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight. 

These specialized displays offer superior brightness and glare reduction, ensuring a crisp, clear picture even on the sunniest afternoons. Mount them strategically under a patio cover for optimal viewing and climate protection.

Outdoor Speakers

Elevate your entertainment center with crystal-clear sound. Our experts strategically place high-fidelity outdoor speakers throughout your entertainment zone, delivering immersive audio that complements your outdoor television. 

We utilize durable, weather-resistant speakers that blend seamlessly into your landscape, providing rich bass and crisp highs without distracting from your backyard aesthetics. 

Control your entire sound system with ease from your smartphone. You’ll create the perfect ambiance for any occasion, from lively parties to relaxing evenings.

Comfortable Furniture

Comfortable outdoor furniture is essential for any media center, inviting guests to relax and enjoy their favorite shows, sporting events, movies and games for hours. 

Choose from deep-seated sofas, reclining chairs, and expansive sectionals crafted from quick-drying fabrics and sturdy frames that withstand sun, heat, and occasional rain. 

Relax In Your Elevated Outdoor Hangout

Every Texas backyard deserves a dedicated spot for pure relaxation and conversation. An elevated outdoor hangout creates a distinct zone for unwinding, separate from the high-energy pool or kitchen areas. 

Design this space to reflect your vision of a personal sanctuary — a place to read, chat, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of your backyard.

Looking for backyard inspiration? View our before & after gallery. 

Outdoor Furniture

For Texas outdoor spaces, prioritize materials that withstand intense heat and UV exposure without fading or degrading. 

We recommend durable options like wrought iron, powder-coated aluminum, or high-quality all-weather wicker with fade-resistant cushions. 

Want a unique personal touch? Add in-pool chaise lounges directly into your pool’s shallow end, or outdoor recliners near your outdoor fireplace.

Custom Fire Pit

A custom fire pit serves as a captivating focal point for your outdoor hangout, drawing guests together as the sun goes down.

Imagine gathering around a crackling fire, sharing stories, roasting marshmallows, or simply enjoying a warm conversation. 

Select custom fire pit and fire table materials that complement your backyard aesthetic, using materials like natural stone, stacked concrete, porcelain tile and tempered blue glass. 

Choose from gas or wood-burning options to create an irresistible gathering spot for year-round enjoyment.

Outdoor Fireplace

For a more substantial and architectural statement, an outdoor fireplace provides both warmth and a dramatic focal point for your Texas backyard — especially on a covered patio. 

These structures extend your home's interior elegance outdoors, creating a cozy and luxurious setting for cooler evenings. 

Choose materials that combine durability and beauty — stacked stone and brick for rustic charm, or concrete and metal for a more modern feel.

An outdoor fireplace enhances your patio’s style, offers superior heat, and becomes a timeless centerpiece for your elevated outdoor hangout.

Let’s Design Your Custom Outdoor Entertainment Center

Creating the ultimate Texas outdoor entertainment center demands expert vision and execution. Allied Outdoor Solutions brings unparalleled design-build expertise directly to your backyard, transforming your dreams into your new outdoor reality. 

We understand the unique demands of the Texas climate and the desires of Texas homeowners, ensuring every element of your outdoor space is perfectly suited for lasting enjoyment and entertainment.

Collaborate with your personal team of experts — an Outdoor Living Designer, Construction Coordinator and Construction Supervisor offer dedicated service, decades of local expertise and a seamless design-build project experience from start to finish.

Your perfect Texas outdoor entertainment center awaits. Take the first step towards transforming your backyard into the envy of the neighborhood.