It may be hard to imagine while stepping outside in late August, but some of the best backyard evenings of the year are still ahead.

Fall in Texas has a way of turning patios back into living spaces. The grill gets used a little more often. Saturday football moves outside. Dinner on the patio suddenly sounds appealing again. And after months of looking at the backyard primarily through an air-conditioned window, homeowners start thinking about what they might want to change.

For homeowners in Villages at Lakepointe, this weekend could be a good time to start making that list — but perhaps not the best time to start building it.

The National Weather Service is warning of another stretch of dangerous August heat across much of Texas. In the Houston area, a Heat Advisory is in effect through Saturday, Aug. 22, and forecasters said Friday that it could be extended into Sunday. Inland temperatures are expected to reach roughly 100 to 103 degrees, with a few locations potentially climbing even higher. The Austin-San Antonio region is also under a Heat Advisory through Sunday.

In other words: that pergola, paver patio or major landscaping project can probably wait.

But patio season won't.

Start with the question: What would make you use your backyard more?

Before buying furniture or calling a contractor, spend a little time thinking about how you actually want to use the space.

Maybe the patio has plenty of room but nowhere comfortable to sit. Maybe the afternoon sun makes half of the backyard unusable. Perhaps there's a grill in one corner, a table in another and no real connection between them. Or maybe the space simply needs better lighting to make it inviting after sunset.

Walk outside in the early morning or look around from inside and ask yourself a few simple questions:

• Where does everyone naturally want to gather?
• Does the patio have enough shade?
• Is there enough lighting to comfortably use it after dark?
• Is there a place to eat as well as a place to relax?
• Would more privacy make the space more enjoyable?
• What's keeping your family from using the backyard more often?

You may discover that the biggest improvement isn't necessarily the most expensive one.

Bigger patio projects worth planning now

Late August can be a great time to research, measure and gather ideas for projects that can be tackled when temperatures become more manageable.

Create a conversation area. Outdoor spaces tend to feel more inviting when furniture is arranged for people to actually talk rather than simply lining the edge of the patio. A sectional, a few chairs around a small table or even rearranging furniture you already own can help define the space.

Add some shade. A covered patio, pergola, retractable shade, large umbrella or other shade solution can make a backyard more comfortable well beyond fall.

Upgrade the lighting. String lights aren't the only option. Outdoor sconces, landscape lighting, pathway lights and subtle lighting around a covered patio can change the feel of a backyard once the sun goes down.

Create a better grilling area. That could mean a full outdoor kitchen, but it doesn't have to. Additional counter space, weather-resistant storage or a more convenient place for grilling tools may be enough.

Think about fall football outside. Homeowners who enjoy watching games outdoors might consider a weather-protected television setup, additional seating or better lighting around the patio.

Add privacy. Decorative screens, landscaping, fencing enhancements or outdoor curtains can make a backyard feel more secluded, especially in neighborhoods where homes are relatively close together.

Plan a fire pit or gathering space. Once genuinely cool evenings arrive, a fire pit can become a natural gathering point. Homeowners should check local regulations and HOA restrictions before moving forward with one.

Refresh the patio itself. Aging decking, stained concrete, worn pavers or an awkwardly sized patio may be worth addressing if the space no longer works for your household.

This is also a good time to measure carefully, research materials, compare costs and request estimates rather than rushing into a project simply because fall is approaching. Just be sure to submit any exterior modification projects to your HOA for approval before work begins.

There are still a few easy things you can do now

Preparing for patio season doesn't have to involve a construction project — or several hours working in the August sun.

With extreme heat continuing, health experts recommend limiting exposure to hot conditions, staying hydrated and taking steps to reduce the risk of heat-related illness when working outdoors.

For Villages at Lakepointe residents who want to get a head start this weekend, consider keeping outdoor projects light and doing them during the cooler early-morning hours or later in the evening after temperatures begin falling.

Give the patio furniture a good cleaning

After a long summer of heat, humidity, pollen, rain and everyday use, outdoor furniture may be ready for some attention.

Wipe down frames, clean cushions according to their care instructions and check for loose screws, fading, mildew or other wear. Outdoor rugs can also be cleaned if their material allows it.

It's a relatively small job that can make the entire patio look noticeably fresher.

Clean the things you normally overlook

Outdoor light fixtures, ceiling fans, side tables, planters and corners of the patio can collect plenty of dust, insects and debris over the summer.

A quick cleanup can make a surprising difference without becoming an all-day project.

Rearrange before you replace

Before shopping for an entirely new patio set, move things around.

Try pulling chairs together rather than lining them against a wall. Move a planter into an empty corner. Shift the dining table to see whether another layout creates better flow.

Sometimes the outdoor space you want is already there — it just needs a different arrangement.

Take measurements for that future project

Thinking about an outdoor rug? New dining table? Sectional? Television? Grill station? Pergola?

Measure now.

Keep the dimensions in your phone so you'll have them when you're shopping, comparing products or talking with a contractor later.

Make a fall patio wish list

Divide it into three categories: things you can do with what you already have, small purchases that could improve the space and larger projects that require planning or professional help.

That can keep a casual backyard refresh from unexpectedly turning into a much bigger expense.

Don't forget about mosquitoes

A patio can look great and still be miserable if mosquitoes take over.

While you're outside, look for places where water has collected around flowerpots, plant saucers, toys, buckets, gutters or other containers. Removing standing water around the home can help eliminate places mosquitoes breed.

It takes only a few minutes and is worth adding to any backyard cleanup routine.

(Source: My Neighborhood News)

The goal isn't a perfect patio

Social media can make outdoor living look like it requires a built-in kitchen, designer furniture and a resort-sized pool.

It doesn't.

For one homeowner, a better backyard might mean adding a couple of comfortable chairs and cleaning the grill. For another, it might mean finally building the covered patio the family has talked about for years.

The better question is simply: What would make you want to spend more time outside?

The calendar may be getting closer to September, but no one in Texas needs to pretend fall weather has arrived. This weekend's heat is a good reason for homeowners in Villages at Lakepointe to leave the heavy lifting for another day.

Clean a chair in the morning. Measure the patio. Move a few things around. Make a wish list.

Then, when that first comfortable evening finally arrives, your backyard might be a little more ready for it.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.