Referral Network

Tucson Patios & Outdoor Living

Rosie on the House only refers contractors who have successfully made it through our rigorous prescreening process. We call the contractors we recommend "partners" because we believe they support our vision of being every Arizona homeowner's best friend. Like us, they're here to protect and serve homeowners. If you know any contractors who you think can pass our prequalification process, nominate them here, or have them fill out our prequalification form. Please note that filling out the form does not guarantee that the contractor will be accepted into our trusted Referral Network. In fact, fewer than 25 percent of contractors who fill out the form never become Rosie on the House partners.

Young Block

FAQs about Patios and Outdoor Living in Tucson

Do I need a building permit to build a patio cover or ramada in my yard?

Each Arizona city makes its own rules about building permits, and most require one for any kind of roofing - including a patio cover. Read more about permits for patio covers.

What are my options for a durable patio cover?

Read about four great options for patio covers in the desert.

How to do aluminum awnings compare with fabric?

Each kind has its strengths. Aluminum awnings are not as beautiful or elegant as fabric, and, in fact, are banned by some homeowner’s associations that identify them with manufactured homes. Still, the latest generation of aluminum awnings features designs that look like wood, yet are in no danger from termites.

What should I look for when shopping for a patio floor?

Before you invest thousands of dollars in a backyard patio floor, driveway or sidewalk, investigate your options.

What kind of sealer should I choose for my stone or concrete patio?

If you decide to seal your patio yourself, start with a high-quality sealer. Choose the wrong product, and you’ll wind up with a seal that flakes, peels and discolors—and you’ll have to chemically strip it before you can re-seal your patio. See our suggestions for quality patio sealers.

What was the result of Rosie's temperature test for patio surfaces?

The test took place at 2 p.m. when the outdoor temperature was 112 degrees in the direct sun (no shade). Rosie took the temperature with an infrared thermal imaging gun. See surface temperature test results.

What are the pros and cons of building a:

See full lists of FAQs

Catch Rosie and Romey Saturday mornings on their call-in home improvement radio show on all things related to your house, home, castle or cabin. Below are a few clips from the shows that covered topics relating to patios and outdoor living.

Robert (3:35 into segment) I want to build a detached patio from my house. Where do I start? June 7th, 2008 Archive Page

Radio show archives and show times.

Applying Sealer to your stone or concrete patio is a two person job

    You’ve seen those ugly white streaks on natural stone and concrete patio floors - maybe even on yours.
    They’re caused by water. Arizona’s water is “hard” and it contains minerals that can discolor your concrete and stone. The only way to prevent them is to keep water from penetrating the floor.
    The best way to do that is to seal your patio. Sealing will also help it resist sunlight, food stains and scuffs.
    You can seal your stone or concrete patio yourself, or you can hire a professional do it for you.
    Sealing is a two-person job and it will take you about an hour for every 200 square feet of patio space.
    The sealer will cost you 20 cents to 40 cents a square foot. If you hire a professional, you’ll pay between $1.50 and $2 a square foot for products and labor.
    Here are some tips for sealing the deal yourself.

Read our tips for sealing the patio.

Alfresco kitchens done right pays

    Stainless steel appliances. Granite countertops. Natural stone floors. They’re not just for your kitchen anymore.
    They’re also for your other kitchen—the one outdoors on or near the patio that your family uses almost year-round.
    Americans spend $150 billion a year on home remodeling—and one-third of that goes toward outdoor living areas, estimates the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. In fact, outdoor kitchens are the second-most popular home remodeling project—after indoor kitchens.
    Installing an outdoor kitchen isn’t cheap. Depending on how elaborate—and how permanent—you want your alfresco cooking and eating space to be, you can spend anywhere from $3,000 to $60,000 on appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting, storage and heat.

Read full article on outdoor kitchens.