About TCP Custom Outdoor Living

TCP Custom Outdoor Living is DFW’s only luxury pool and patio builder, specializing in custom outdoor spaces including covered patios, outdoor kitchens, pools, and fire features—designed and built for upscale homes across Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.

Who is TCPdfw?

TCP Custom Outdoor Living (TCPdfw) is the most experienced “design + build” outdoor living space builder in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our team focuses on designing and building outdoor living projects that 1) look original to the home, 2) built using best building practices, and 3) function as intended (prioritize space planning). We design and build unique outdoor living for all sizes and scopes with projects ranging from $40k up to $1M+. We love challenges so if you have a large project with a pool, patio cover, pool house with a golf simulator, etc….let’s chat.

What does “TCPdfw” stand for?

When TCP was started in Houston a few decades ago, our name was “Texas Custom Patios” (TCP) and we solely focused on building patio structures. As we evolved, we started expanding our scope to include designing and building larger complex structures like pool houses, pools, and even designing and building entire homes (while still building patios). It became clear that we needed homeowners to know that we do much more than just design and build patios (only). So, we started using the term “outdoor living” to highlight the broader scope of who we are. Today, we go by “TCPdfw” because we want to acknowledge where we started (TCP- Texas Custom Patios), our location (dfw - Dallas / Fort Worth area), and we also just like the simplicity of “TCPdfw”. If you still want to call us Texas Custom Patios, we will never object.

What solutions does TCP provide?

TCP specializes in partnering with homeowners to provide a turnkey design + build experience. We can design and build your pool + pool house project so you can work with ONE COMPANY for everything. AND, you don’t pay for designs. We will work with you to design your space, and you don’t pay us until we sign a contract. No other company in Texas has designed and built more custom outdoor living spaces than TCP. Check out our Services page to learn more.

Texas Custom Patios (Our History)

TCP Custom Outdoor Living started in Houston in 2009 as Texas Custom Patios, specializing in patios, decks, and pergolas. Founders, including Steven Schell, focused on high-quality materials and seamless designs that complement existing homes.

By 2015, the company had expanded beyond patios to create full "outdoor living" spaces, including pool houses, room additions, balconies, fireplaces, and pools. To reflect its broader services, it rebranded as TCP Custom Outdoor Living, keeping "TCP" to honor its roots.

Today, TCP Custom Outdoor Living operates two independently owned locations. The Dallas-Fort Worth office, led by Steven Schell and Justin Barnett, O.D., showcases its projects at TCPdfw.com, with an extensive portfolio also available at texascustompatios.com.

TCP Today

TCP DFW upholds the legacy of Texas Custom Patios, evolving with modern building practices, technology, and materials. With over 3,000 custom outdoor living projects completed—more than 700 of them right here in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex—we bring unmatched experience to every build. From simple patio covers to large, complex custom projects, we are your full-scope design and build partner for outdoor living spaces.

Thoughtful design and planning are key to homeowner satisfaction. We focus on space functionality and maintaining the home’s aesthetic while exploring opportunities to incorporate creative, modern touches, even in traditional designs common in Texas homes.

Internally, we host regular educational sessions to stay current on best practices. Externally, we prioritize educating homeowners and maintaining clear communication throughout every project.