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Outdoor Decorating: Use What You've Got

From patios and decks to porches and sunrooms, there’s much decorating to be done this season.

But wait! You don’t have to run out and spend hundreds of dollars on new decor. First, take a look around your home. What items can do double duty outside?

Do you have a large collection of magazines or books? Bring them outside to make your outdoor space more of a living space.

 

Nice place settings were meant to be shown off. Bring decorative plates, bowls, silverware and glasses out for outdoor dining.

Plant lovers tend to keep plants year-round. But spring and summer are the perfect time to bring them outside and add a little (or a lot) of color to your outdoor space.

Pillows are rugs are the easiest way to add a touch of style outside.

Pillows and rugs are also the perfect solutions for adding pops of color.

What other ways can you use what you already have to decorate outside?

Images from BHG

Hardscape Care 101

Find out how you can save $500 on your next outdoor project!

Depending on the make up of your outdoor foundation, it will need to be cared for in a very specific manner. But how? The best way to know is to check with your contractor or the manufacturer of the product that was installed. But here are some general care and maintenance tips as featured in the May 2012 issue of Triangle Home Improvement:

Composite Wood Hardscapes

  • Should be washed annually.

Concrete Hardscapes

  • Sealant should be applied about six months after the foundation is laid, then every 2-3 years after that to avoid discoloration and staining.

Flagstone Hardscapes

  • Does not require sealing.
  • Stones should be monitored regularly since they can move, adjust and settle.

Natural Wood Hardscapes

  • Be sure to have an inspection performed at least annually.
  • Boards should not be rotting, splinting and screws should not be loose.
  • Cleaning should consist of power washing and application of a good sealant to help prevent discoloration.

Paver Hardscapes

  • No stains, sealants or paint are necessary.

Don’t forget that Outdoor Environments is offering $500 off select outdoor projects. Call us in Overland Park, KS at 913-897-2706 for details! Offer ends April 30!

Get a Custom Grill Enclosure in Kansas City

An awesome grill is a necessary finish touch to any deck, patio or outdoor kitchen. But you can’t just settle for any grill, especially if you consider yourself a king or queen of grilling steaks. For those superior skills, you need a custom grill enclosure.

First, grill enclosures offer an added safety measure. Grills that roll around on wheels can be dangerous when not locked properly, especially when children, pets or large crowds are nearby. Custom grill enclosures allow for the grill to stay secure in one place with no risk of it falling over and causing a major and even life-threatening accident.

How many accessories and ingredients do you require at arm’s reach while grilling? Custom grill enclosures can be built with plenty of storage for all of your seasonings, marinades, utensils and more.

Each grill enclosure pictured here was installed by Outdoor Environments. Are you interested in getting one for yourself? Remember that two of the biggest grilling days of the year – Memorial Day and the 4th of July – are just around the corner! Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 for details.

Decks, Patios and Porches… Oh My!

When a backyard is nothing but endless square feet of grass, it’s quite clear that some pizzazz is necessary. But what type of structure is right for you and your home? Tons of magazines, websites and blogs provide an endless amount of inspiration. But first, you need to know what the possibilities are and how they’ll affect your outdoor space.

Decks

  • Made from: Usually made from wood or composite wood although some are vinyl or fiberglass
  • Best for: Above-ground backyard living areas
  • Pros: Warm, traditional, provides plenty of storage space
  • Cons: Maintenance might be too much for some homeowners, depending on the material; relatively quick installation

Patios

  • Made from: Stone, pavers (composite or permeable) or concrete
  • Best for: Functional, ground-level living areas
  • Pros: Low-maintenance, durable and many materials (like permeable pavers) are eco-friendly
  • Cons: Usually higher priced compared to decks and installation might take longer

Porches

Which outdoor structure is best for your Kansas City home? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to discuss your needs. Don’t forget that you can save $500 on certain projects until April 30th!

Information from Atlanta Home Improvement, April 2012

Perfect Place for a Pergola: The Garage

Click here to save $500 on your next outdoor project in Kansas City!

Pergolas are known to add a unique source of visual appeal and shade to a backyard. But don’t be fooled – there are plenty of other places to put a pergola… like above the garage!

Take a stroll down any suburban street and you’ll notice that, in fairly new neighborhoods and subdivisions, every single garage looks the same. How boring is that?

A pergola adds a beautifully crafted focal point that’ll boost your home’s curb appeal immediately. By adding a pergola, you can achieve many different things…

 

As we’ve mentioned before, pergolas also fit well as an entryway structure.

 

A car port can certainly benefit from a pergola structure.

Painting a pergola the same color as your home’s trim helps to add an extra layer of depth.

What do you think about garages adorned with pergolas?

Images from Houzz

Less Than 30 Days Left to Save $500

It’s that time of year when most Americans begin planning for the next few months of outdoor living. And if you live in the Kansas City area, boy are you in luck!

Outdoor Environments is still offering a discount of $500 off projects over $15,000. But hurry! This offer is only good until April 30, 2012.

Just print out the coupon and bring it in to our very own Dick DeVuyst, the best Certified Remodeler in the city!

Can’t decide on what type of outdoor project would best suit your home? Dick can certainly help you to weigh your options. In the meantime, catch up on some of our recent and most popular outdoor living posts:

Remember, you can only save $500 until April 30, 2012! Don’t let this deal pass you by, Kansas City!

Just call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to get started with your consultation and estimate.

Planning for an Outdoor Room?

An outdoor room can enhance the beauty of your home and help increase your property value. However, creating an outdoor room takes planning. So expense, design and functionality are all things you want to consider.

Budget – This will naturally be the first thing you think about when you’re planning an outdoor room. Unfortunately for most people, the sky is not the limit, so how much you have to spend will directly determine how elaborate your outdoor room will be.
Design – Take into consideration whether you want an open air room or an enclosed room. Open air rooms are terraces or decks with no cover. While this type of outdoor room is nice, it is limited as far as livability goes. You can increase livability in an open air room by adding a cover such as an awning, pitched roof or trellis. An enclosed seasonal room gives you more outdoor living options because it offers protection from the rain and other harsh conditions.

Planning an outdoor room can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, if you don’t know where to start, you can enlist the help of the experts at Outdoor Environments. Contact us today!

Fusing Green Elements with Outdoor Living

Outdoor living spaces are becoming a green trend for homeowners. Whether you’re surrounded by a garden or deck, these spaces can add to the quality of your life and even keep you in touch with nature. These outdoor rooms can be created according your own tastes and lifestyles. In designing your outdoor living space, take into consideration how you will use it.

Are you a gardener? You might want to create a cottage garden with lots of flowers, a sitting bench and a tree or two for shade.

Are you an entertainer? Then your outdoor room should probably have a built-in bar, a grilling area and plenty of counter space. Fireplaces and fire pits also offer a good spot to gather around.

Don’t forget to add patio furniture with lots of colorful cushions.  And outdoor lighting should also be a part of the plan.

Whatever you do, just keep in mind that outdoor living spaces are not a one-size-fits all approach. Your space should be customized and specific. To see examples of our work in the Kansas City area, visit our Facebook photo gallery.

Spring for an Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit

Don’t be fooled into thinking that outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are just a wintertime luxury. These heavenly features can be enjoyed during spring and summer too!

Glowing fireplaces and fire pits are great for outdoor spaces not only for the warmth they provide on cool nights, but also because of the beauty, uniqueness and personality they’ll provide.

Adding fire features to a patio will help to create a very calming and soothing atmosphere. Why waste money going out when your family and friends can gather in a space customized just for them?

Don’t wait another year to create the home of your dreams. The time is now! Contact Outdoor Environments and ask us how you can save $500 on select outdoor projects!

Image from Pinterest

How Long Should a Wood Deck Last?

Save $500 on your next outdoor project!

The Midwest is known for unpredictable weather patterns, particularly over the past year or so. Traditional cold periods have reached record high temperatures, a trend that’s expected to continue.

For homeowners who live in these parts, it can be frustrating to deal with outdoor living areas. Daily weather patterns make it difficult to know when and how you can enjoy your outdoor oasis. And this can be particularly troubling for anyone planning for a custom built or remodeled outdoor space.

But there is some hope, according to The National Association of Home Builders. Their Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components sheds some light on various home features and how long you can expect them to last.

So, how long should a custom wood deck last?

Because they are subject to a wide range of conditions in different climates, the life expectancy of wooden decks can vary significantly. Under ideal conditions, they have a life expectancy of about 20 years.

One sure way to make sure that your Kansas City deck is up to par is by trusting a qualified and experienced Certified Remodeler, which is available right here at Outdoor Environments!

Information from This Old House