Outdoor Environments Blog

If you’re an avid fan of do-it-yourself projects, small updates around the yard are no sweat for you. In keeping up with our Deck Safety Month theme, now is a good time to remember that your entire back yard should be a safe place to hang out – not just the deck. These simple projects might help:

1. Power wash the patio, porch or deck to remove any and all outdoor debris that has collected over the past few seasons.
2. Decks and railings can certainly benefit from a coat of paint or water-seal.
3. Trim overgrown plants and grass around the patio.
4. Chips or cracks in your driveway’s concrete can be easily filled or patched.
5. Apply an anti-skid coating to any exterior steps.

Outdoor Environments is a certified remodeling company in the Kansas City area. For major projects – or even small ones that you can’t handle on your own – contact us today!

Royalty-free image by Olger Fallas Painting on Flickr

The North American Deck and Railing Association officially recognize May as Deck Safety Month. It’s the best time of the year to have your deck inspected to ensure that it is a safe structure for the upcoming season.

Multi-level deck by Outdoor Environments

NADRA suggests that the following deck features should constitute a full and complete deck safety check:

• Wood that shows signs of splitting or decaying – The section where the deck attaches to the house is known as the ledger board and is a common source of deck failure. Support posts, joists, damp areas and holes should also be checked.
• Flashing  – This metal or plastic guard is supposed to keep moisture and debris from collecting in between the house and the deck’s ledger board.
• Loose or corroded fasteners – This includes screws, anchors and nails that may be protruding or completely removed. Those that are rusted should also be replaced since they can eat away at the surrounding wood.
• Railings and banisters – These features should be sturdy enough as not to move or sway when pushed. Rails should be close enough in proximity so that children and pets cannot easily slip through.
• Stairs – Handrails should be firmly in place. Also, items like toys, plants and decor that can cause accidental falls should not be placed on the stairs.
• Cleaning and maintenance – Wet leaves and debris can promote the growth of mildew, so the deck should be cleaned regularly as needed. This can even be done with a waterproof coating.
• Grills, fire pits, chimneys, heaters and candles – These items should be placed far from anything that’s flammable. All manufacturers instructions should be followed for safe use.
• Lighting and electrical – Fixtures should be operable, clean and located where they do not cause a tripping hazard. Childproof and waterproof features are always recommended.
• Outdoor furniture and storage – Furnishings should never be placed near the edge of the deck. Storage boxes should have childproof latches for safe keeping.
• Surrounding trees – Hanging branches and tree limbs should be trimmed to prevent them from falling onto the deck and near grilling areas.

Would your Kansas City deck pass an inspection? If not, let Outdoor Environments make your deck a safer and happier place to hang out. Call us at 913-897-2706 to discuss your deck needs.

Outdoor grilling is one of America’s favorite pastimes during the warmer months of the year. And recently, a new trend has hit backyards everywhere: custom stone or brick pizza ovens.

Best of all, a customized outdoor pizza maker won’t cramp your style if grilling is a priority. These ovens make for a great complement to more traditional grilling stations.

Now for the fun part… how the heck to you make a pizza outside? These recipes should provide all the inspiration you need.

• Brick oven pizza – Brooklyn Style
• Multiple wood-fire recipes
• Emilia’s sausage, mushroom and red pepper pizza
• Ginger chicken pizza
• Pizza margherita

Outdoor Environments is the certified contractor you need for custom outdoor kitchens in Kansas City. Contact us today to get started on yours!

Image from This Old House

Time is quickly running out, Kansas City! What are your outdoor design dreams? Decks, patios, outdoor kitchens and sunrooms do not have to be a figment of your imagination. You can have your dream backyard if you entrust Outdoor Environments.

For the month of April, we’ve been offering $500 off most projects totaling $15,000. Now is the time to get going on the projects you’ve been dreaming of before these savings disappear.

Need some inspiration? Take a look at some of our recent posts!

• Get a custom grill enclosure in Kansas City
• Decks, patios and porches… oh my!
• Perfect place for a pergola – the garage!
• Spring for an outdoor fireplace or fire pit
• 5 Amazing uses for the sunroom
• Here’s why you need an outdoor oasis
• Worthy backyard patios
• Perfect pergolas for summer
• Elements of a perfect porch

Please don’t hesitate to call us at 913-897-2706 to learn more about how we can help with your outdoor projects.

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

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!

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.

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

• Made from: Wood, concrete or composite pavers
• Best for: Entrance areas
• Pros: Adds curb appeal and a functional outdoor space,  great source of natural sunlight
• Cons: Not always as much space as a homeowner might think

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

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

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:

• Planning for an outdoor room?
• Spring for an outdoor fireplace or fire pit
• 5 Amazing uses for the sunroom
• Families opt for luxurious backyard havens
• Decorating outdoors: Making the most of what you have
• Make your deck or patio more private

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.