Category Archives: Tips

Kansas City has finally begun to experience below freezing temperatures after an oddly mild start to the winter season. And one of the reasons many locals love this area is because of the winter weather. So if you’re an avid fan of snow, ice and freezing temperatures, now is a good time to take advantage of your outdoor space. With the right heating mechanism in place, you can enjoy warmth in the middle of a winter wonderland!

But first, here are some outdoor heating safety tips to keep in mind:

• Never use any outdoor heating without first reading the instruction manual and other important documentation it may have come with.
• Keep the heater away from walls, outdoor furniture and other items that could potentially burn, melt or catch fire.
• Never leave any outdoor heating device unattended, especially when children or pets are around.
• Don’t leave without first making sure the heater is completely turned off.
• Make sure there’s a first aid kit nearby to immediately treat any accidental burns.
• A fire extinguisher should also be nearby in case it’s needed.

Are you brave enough to hang outside in this cold weather… even with an outdoor heater?

Image by Chris Pittock on GettyImages.com

When the first snow of 2012 finally descends upon Kansas City, you had best be prepared. Taking certain precautions now will not only preserve your yard, but it’ll keep everyone safe from the hazards that come along with snow and ice.

• Before it snows, insert stakes along the pathways, driveways and garden beds. This way you’ll know where to stop shoveling.
• Avoid using giant and/or heavy shovels. If overloaded with too much snow, you’ll risk back pain and other bodily injuries.
• Don’t become overly concerned with shrub that are covered in snow. Shaking the snow off can be very damaging.
• If time and energy permit, it’s best to shovel several times instead of letting snow pile up into massive heaps. You’d rather shovel two inches of snow than seven, right?
• Avoid piling snow onto retaining walls. Once the snow melts and refreezes, it can crack and damage the structure.
• Keep sand or kitty litter on hand to spread onto icy surfaces once the snow has been cleared. It’ll provide much-needed traction and avoid slips and falls.

Tips adapted from This Old House

Image by Danielle Donders on GettyImages.com

Homeowners over the past couple of years have spent a lot of time finding ways to go green at home. They’ve invested in everything from Energy Star appliances to updating water fixtures. But don’t forget that you can also incorporate eco-friendly features outside the home as well!

1. Choose native, shade-providing, wind protective, drought-tolerant plants.
2. Divide, re-root and re-plant existing plants instead of buying new.
3. Use permeable pavement for patios, sidewalks, and hardscaping to prevent soil erosion from runoff, filter pollutants and allow tree roots to grow.
4. Place rain barrels under downspouts to collect water for plants and other household uses.
5. Use solar or geothermal energy to heat pools and spas.
6. Save healthy, old-growth trees when renovating to help shade the house.

Is your home’s exterior green in any way?

Tips from the January 2012 issue of Atlanta Home Improvement

Image by Steve Cole on GettyImages.com

Outdoor Environments would like to wish you a very happy holiday weekend!

If you’re having guests for the weekend, here are some last minute safety tips from the Home Safety Council:

If you have an outdoor hot tub, it’s a magnificent way stay warm while enjoying the outdoors. Still, some homeowners would rather put a lid on their hot tub and keep it closed until warmer weather rolls back around.

But what exactly does a hot tub cover do?

1. Keeps it protected from unwanted or dangerous contaminants like leaves, dirt, sand, etc.
2. Keep children and pets safe.
3. Prevent mildew.
4. Keeps pests, bugs, and rodents away.
5. Provides insulation, which maintains water temperature if you choose to keep it running during the winter.
6. Gives the hot tub a stylish look since many colors, styles, shapes, sizes and materials are available.

One of our completed hot tubs shows how a cover can be an inconspicuous accessory.

Visit our Facebook photo gallery to see more examples of our completed hot tubs and spa decks around Kansas City!

Tips adapted from ServiceMagic.com  

Whether you enjoy chestnuts roasting on an open fire or toasting jumbo marshmallows, you can’t deny the fact that outdoor fire pits and fireplaces are perfect for family bonding time.

It’s often been said that families who sit together at the dinner table reap many benefits. The children perform better in school and the family communicates on a healthy level. Why not take that precious family time outside this winter? Gathering around the fire outside is a fun and adventurous activity for both kids and adults.

Around the fire you can:

• Make gooey s’mores
• Read stories together
• Share the day’s events
• Enjoy the beautiful view of a crackling fire
• Admire the falling snow

Would you like an outdoor fire pit or fireplace? Outdoor Environments specializes in these custom features and more! Visit our Facebook page to see examples of our work all over the Kansas City area.

Image by Trinette Reed on GettyImages.com

Homeowners that have invested in a deck or patio have an advantage over others. You have the freedom to enjoy your outdoor space throughout the winter season. By incorporating an outdoor heater (electric, natural gas or propane), you can easily spend time outside and still stay warm and toasty!

Do outdoor heaters really work?

Take a look at local establishments around Kansas City. You’ll notice that restaurants, bars and other public venues frequently use outdoor heating methods to keep patrons and employees warm. Now think about how that can benefit your deck or patio. You can stay warm while watching the kids play in the snow!

Types of outdoor heaters

There are plenty of styles to choose from. The most popular ones are freestanding units with round, hat-like tops (like the one pictured above). They provide a ton of heat to large, open spaces, and they’re portable. There are also wall mounted electric units, natural gas heaters and radiant heating methods that can be attached to outdoor ceilings or walls.

Are you using an outdoor heater this winter? If so, what kind?

Information adapted from ServiceMagic.com  

Image by Chris Pittock on GettyImages.com

Nothing is better than the taste of a nice juicy hamburger right off the grill and just because the temperature has dropped doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice that simple pleasure.

While you will probably want to move the grill closer to the back door, just remember these few simple tips:

1. The grill needs to be at least 10 feet away from any outdoor structure, placed on a level surface and away from all combustible materials such as leaves or mulch.
2. Never operate any type of grill, gas or charcoal, in an enclosed area such as a garage or back yard shed.
3. Always make sure if using charcoal that all embers have died out or if it’s a gas grill that it is completely cooled down before covering and storing.
4. Because nothing is worse than standing outside freezing while waiting for that steak to cook, try to pick recipes that require minimal time on the grill.
5. While you need to dress for the weather, don’t wear anything like long scarves or bulky coats that could possibly catch on fire, especially if it’s windy.

Are you doing any grilling this holiday season?

Image by Jakob Fridholm on GettyImages.com

All of us at Outdoor Environments would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Here is a look back at some previous blog posts that might help you to prepare not only for Thanksgiving, but the entire holiday season ahead.

• 8 Do’s and don’ts for safe outdoor heating
• Holiday safety tips
• Avoid kitchen fires this Thanksgiving
• How to spruce up your outdoor living space this holiday season

Image by Rob Melnychuk at GettyImages.com

Don’t make the mistake of closing off the patio just because it’s gotten cold outside. You can still enjoy your outdoor living room in the frigid temperatures and even in the snow. But how?

Don't let a little snow stop you from using your prized patio this winter!

1. Add a basic outdoor kitchen. These usually include a grill and cabinetry for storing various utensils and cooking tools. For something more elaborate, appliances can also be incorporated.
2. Invest in warm outdoor seating. Sure, plastic and metal chairs are fine for other seasons. But they can be quite uncomfortable during the winter. Buy cushions with built-in insulated cushions that are also water-proof.
3. Install outdoor lighting. Since the winter is known for getting darker much earlier in the evenings, you can easily keep the party going with lanterns, string lights and other types of outdoor fixtures.
4. Get the right outdoor heating source. As we’ve mentioned many times before, don’t underestimate the power of heat for your outdoor space. Even if you don’t want a whole fireplace or fire pit, portable outdoor heaters in sold in general stores.

How do you use your patio during the winter?

Image from wharman on Flickr