Category Archives: Tips

One of the disadvantages to living in some of today’s modern subdivisions is the loss of privacy. Even if you have a beautiful and fully functional outdoor living space, you won’t enjoy its full potential if the space is open to wandering eyes and nosy neighbors. Backyard privacy is a must. A recent Philadelphia Times article explains it best by saying,

It’s a particular problem for homeowners in close-in suburbs, where backyards abut and you may as well invite the neighbors to everything you do outside since they’re pretty much right there with you anyway. But even spacious yards can feel exposed, with neighboring lots impinging on personal space.

In the article, a handful of landscape designers provided tips and tricks to creating more privacy in the backyard. Here’s what they had to say!

Privatizing your backyard is key to enjoying your outdoor living space.

Santa Barbara-based landscape designer Margie Grace:

“Think ‘screening’ before throwing up a barrier. One of my favorite choices is a screen made of steel-wire reinforcing mesh mounted on wood posts. Let the wire rust for a great look, and add lacy vines. You’ve got a show-stopping art piece, plus the privacy you need. Add architectural details such as screen panels or an iron grill; artistic details like tile mosaic, shutters, shadow box or a mural; or a beautiful gate even if it doesn’t go anywhere. These help make the wall welcoming.”

If a neighbor’s house looms over you, Grace suggests creating an outdoor “ceiling” with canopy trees and overhead structures such as pergolas, shade sails and arbors.

England-based landscape designer Julia Fogg says,

“I prefer the softer look that the Japanese do so well — interwoven bamboo and willow with tightly bound knotted twigs. You can solve concerns about fence-height restrictions or neighbor sightlines with double screens, ornamental grasses and slim, tall trees. Place the deck or patio so you have your back to the problem. Foliage also saps up and absorbs noise.”

Click here to learn more tips mentioned in the article. If you need privacy features in your Kansas backyard, contact Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

Image from Houzz

You probably already know that a new or remodeled deck can add tons of value to your home. But did you also know that your return on investment will be heavily determined by the type of deck materials used? We stumbled upon this article that outlines the pros and cons of some of the most common deck building materials.

Pressure-treated (PT) wood

• Most common and least expensive material
• Requires annual sealing to prevent drying, twisting, cupping, splitting, slivering and warping
• Usually insect- and fungus-resistant for about 10 years
• Expensive fasteners are required for building since PT can eat through regular screws and nails

Cedar

• Boards used to last about 20 year, but now they’re only good for about 5-7 years
• Lack of natural oils makes it more prone to dry rot, mold and insects

Exotic hardwood

• One of the most expensive deck materials
• Very durable and long-lasting
• Can be harvested under less than ethical conditions from forests in South America
• Often labeled as sustainable when it may not be

To find out about the decking materials we use at Outdoor Environments, contact us today!

Image from How Stuff Works via cc

Who needs to go on an expensive vacation when you can have your very own backyard retreat 365 days a year? Luckily, outdoor structures like pergolas, gazebos and arbors can turn your backyard into an escape that you can enjoy whenever you want to. Here are some ideas that’ll get your juices flowing.

Pergolas, gazebos and arbors are perfect for any backyard because alone or combined, they’ll add:

• The perfect poolside relaxing area for you to rest before your next dip.
• An outdoor kitchen area that’s perfect for summer barbecues, parties and gatherings.
• A beautifully welcoming entrance to the backyard.
• The perfect structures for planting and growing vines, blooms and greenery that’ll wrap around you’re the columns on any pergola, gazebo or arbor.
• The best setting for extra private dining on a perfect summer day.

Be sure to visit Outdoor Environments on Facebook to see examples of our pergolas, gazebos and arbors.

Images from BHG

By now, you probably already know that a new or remodeled deck can earn you a huge return on your investment – sometimes as much as 80 percent!

The great thing about a deck is that it provides a wonderful space for parties and gatherings and it’s much more cost-effective than building an additional room onto your home. With a deck, your living space is still expanded; it’s just outside instead of inside.

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to a new or remodeled deck. And the cost can vary greatly depending on what type of material is used. One thing homeowners should know is that it’s not always the wisest idea to penny pinch when it comes to deck materials. That’s because the cheaper the material is, the more maintenance and upkeep you’ll be responsible for. Wood is a popular material, but they need to be cared for regularly and usually require a new coat of staining every couple of years. If maintenance is not appealing to you, consider synthetic materials that require little maintenance over the life of the deck.

If you aren’t sure what type of deck is right for you, that’s what Outdoor Environments is here for. Call us today at 913-897-2706 to speak with us today!

Image from My Home Ideas via Southern Living

It’s no secret that people spend more time outside during the summer than at any other time of the year. That also means that outdoor accidents are much more common during the summer as well. Whether you’re embarking on your own DIY projects are just enjoying some fun in the sun, keep these safety tips in mind, courtesy of the Home Safety Council – especially if you have children.

• Keep children inside the house or well away from the area you are mowing.
• Before you mow, check the area for broken sticks, stones, toys and anything else that could shoot out from under the mower or damage the blade.
• Wear goggles and hearing protection.

• Never reach under the mower unless it is turned off and the blade has completely stopped turning.

• If you run out of gas, stop and let the engine cool down before you add more. Gasoline vapors can easily catch on fire.

• Read the labels of things you use for your lawn and garden. If you see the words “Caution,” “Warning,” “Danger,” “Poison,” or “Keep Out of Reach of Children,” these products can be dangerous for children. Store them in a place with a lock.

• When using a chain saw, make certain it is equipped with an anti-kickback chain that is well sharpened.

• Pick up all garden tools such as rakes, spades, forks, pruning clippers, files and metal plant stakes when not in use.

What other safety measures are you taking this summer? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below!

Image from How Stuff Works via cc

Adding value to the home is a priority for many Americans, particularly during difficult economic times like we’ve been experiencing. So it’s quite exciting to learn that, according to a recent article, adding a new deck (or remodeling your existing one) can earn up to 73 percent of your initial investment. So if you’re ready to add big bucks to the value of your home, take heed to these deck building and remodeling tips.

For a newly constructed deck:

1. Experts say that consumers have fallen in love with composite decking because splits, splinters, cracks and mold are either rare or non-existent.
2. Railings are always recommended as an added safety feature, but they also add a unique visual appeal to the deck with architectural details.
3. Bigger is better when it comes to decks. They’re a great extension of the home’s interior, particularly multi-level decks. They allow for maximum space for entertaining and general enjoyment.
4. Decorating your deck can and should be just as fun decorating inside your home. Don’t be afraid to play around with colors, furniture, textures and décor.

For a remodeled deck:

1. We’re in the midst of summer, but it’s not too late to check your deck for safety hazards. Damaged boards, loose fasteners and shaky railings can all be extremely dangerous.
2. Consider adding a fresh coat of deck stain. Not only does this refresh your deck’s appearance, but stains are also great at repelling water, which can lead to rotting.
3. Bedazzle your deck by adding new elements like railings or other architectural/decorative elements.

Visit our Facebook page to see examples of our deck installations and remodels.

Image from My Home Ideas via Sunset

Over the past few weeks, we’ve provided you with tons of ideas related to porch and sunroom design. Since there are so many possibilities, we’re adding more tips and tricks to the list. These ideas are ideal for maximum summertime enjoyment, but don’t forget that these same concepts can be implemented to enjoy your outdoor room year-round!

1. Plenty of seating for everyone. Wicker and wooden benches make for a traditional room design.
2. Take it a step further by installing seating equipped with storage space. Many wicker and wooden benches have flip seating that allows for storing pillows, reading materials and other items used frequently in your outdoor room.
3. We can’t say enough about color. Cushions, pillows, area rugs and sheer curtains are great ways to implement the shades of summer.
4. Potted plants, flowers and blooms make it easy to bring the outside in.
5. Since outdoor rooms are the perfect divide between inside and out, ceiling fans are great for keeping cool for less the cold blast of central air.
6. For snack time, have a table or station set up to prepare cold drinks and appetizers. This will minimize trips to and from the indoor kitchen.

Outdoor Environments wants to know: What other tips do you have for maximum outdoor room enjoyment? Share your thoughts with us below!

Information and image from BHG

There’s one sure fire way to punch up your patio style this summer and that’s by adding color. Lots of color.

• Treat your patio like you treat the inside of your home. Just like colorful pillows, fabrics, patterns, cushions, and area rugs decorate your common rooms, the same can be done outside!
• Old patio furniture can be renewed with just a bottle or two of spray paint. You can literally choose any color or finish and make your outdoor pieces look brand new.
• A great way to truly enjoy your outdoor space is to choose summer colors that speak to you. Whether you like calming lavender or bright oranges, set the mood any way you wish!

Have you visited our Facebook page yet? You can see tons of examples of our work in the Overland Park and Kansas City areas. Check out our page today!

Image from BHG

Are you stuck trying to figure out the perfect give for your dad or husband for Father’s Day? You’ve only a got about a week left to figure it out. Father’s Day is on June 19^th. But Outdoor Environments is here to help speed up the process. Why not get dad a brand new barbecue grill for his big day?

Grills are great not only for dads, but for the entire family. Not only is grilling one of the healthiest ways to prepare food, but it provides an opportunity for the entire family to gather and have fun in the summer sun. And if dad is a true grill master, it’ll give mom a break from cooking dinner for a change. What mom doesn’t want that?

Of course, you can always take your barbecue grill a step further by letting Outdoor Environments plan a whole outdoor kitchen around it. For more information about how we can do this for you, call us at 913-897-2706.

Image from Creative Commons

We took a little bit of a break last week from talking about National Deck Safety Month. But now that the end of May is finally upon us (can you believe it?) we thought now would be the best time to gather all of the topics we’ve discussed thus far related to deck safety. If you need to catch up, here’s what we’ve covered already:

National Deck Safety Month

Outdoor Lighting for Decks

Industry Checklist for Deck Safety

Safe Deck Railings for Safer Decks

Is it Time for a New Deck?

8 Steps to a Clean Deck

Outdoor Environments is here to help with your deck building and remodeling needs in Kansas City and Overland Park. Call us at 913-897-2706 for more information about how we can build you a safe and beautiful deck!