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Why December Is the Best Month to Plan Your 2026 Outdoor Living Project in Austin, TX

  • Writer: Jose Jimenez
    Jose Jimenez
  • Dec 4
  • 3 min read

Planning an outdoor living project might not be top of mind during the holidays — but for Austin homeowners, December is actually the best possible month to start designing, budgeting, and securing your project timeline for 2026.


While most people wait until spring, those who plan in December get faster schedules, better material availability, and the opportunity to lock in spring or early summer completion dates.


Why December Planning Gives You the Advantage


Outdoor living companies in Austin see December as a “pre-season” planning month. Starting now gives you:


  • Faster design turnaround

  • Priority construction dates

  • Better pricing on materials

  • More time for revisions

  • Easier HOA + city approval timelines

  • Access to a wider selection of materials


Winter Design + Build Calendars Are More Flexible


From February to June, Austin outdoor living contractors get fully booked. Homeowners may wait 4–8 weeks just to start.


In December and early winter:

  • Designers have more openings

  • Site visits can be scheduled within days

  • Revisions move faster

  • You can secure earlier build slots


If you want your outdoor space ready for spring gatherings, the planning phase needs to start now.


Materials Are Cheaper and Easier to Source Before Spring


Once the spring rush hits, lead times increase across the industry — especially for:


  • Artificial turf

  • Composite decking

  • Steel planters

  • Pergolas & patio covers

  • Native plants

  • Pavers & gravel

  • Landscape lighting systems


Ordering early = no backorders + no price jumps.


Permits & HOA Approvals Move Faster in Winter


If you live in areas like Bee Cave, Lakeway, Barton Creek, or Steiner Ranch, HOA approvals can delay outdoor projects significantly.

In winter:


  • Review committees meet faster

  • Fewer neighbors are submitting projects

  • Austin city permits move quicker


This alone can save several weeks.

Best Outdoor Projects to Start Planning in December


Outdoor Living Structures:

  • Pergolas

  • Patio covers

  • Composite decks

  • Outdoor kitchens

  • Fire pit lounges


Perfect for Austin’s drought-prone climate:

  • Turf terraces

  • Pet turf

  • Putting greens

  • Xeriscape

  • Steel planter layouts

  • Native & drought-tolerant plants


December is ideal for:

  • 2D & 3D design plans

  • Material palette selection

  • Plant planning

  • Drainage/irrigation layout

  • Lighting integration


Outdoor Living Trends for Austin in 2026

Here’s what homeowners are requesting most heading into the new year:

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Modern Steel Planters + Xeriscape

Clean, architectural, and drought-friendly.


Composite Deck + Patio Cover Combos

A premium look with low maintenance.


Turf Terraces & Multi-Zone Backyards

Defined zones for kids, pets, cooking, and lounging.


Entertainer Backyards

Kitchens + fire pits + ambient lighting.


Full Design-Build Master Plans

One company handling everything from concept → construction.

December Is Ideal for Budgeting & Financing

Most clients don’t know that outdoor living projects can be financed.

Starting the planning phase in winter lets you:


  • Review financing options

  • Strategize larger builds ($30K–$100K+)

  • Lock in current prices

  • Complete designs before construction season begins

Explore Our Most Popular Services


Ready to Begin Your Outdoor Living Project for 2026?


At TopGrass Modern Landscapes, we design and build outdoor environments that match the Austin lifestyle — modern, functional, and low-maintenance.


Now booking design consultations for January.

✔ Outdoor Living Design✔ Artificial Turf & Xeriscape✔ Hardscaping + Patios✔ Decks, Pergolas & Shade Structures✔ Steel Planters & Native Planting✔ Full Design-Build✔ Financing Available


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