Outdoor Environments Blog

It’s been two years since we started this blog. And we hope that we have provided you with valuable tips and ideas when it comes to outdoor living. Since we’ve reached such a huge milestone, now is a good time to take a look back at the blog posts that you, our readers, have deemed the most popular.

Outdoor Environments’ Top 5 Blog Posts:

1. Decorating Outdoors: Making the most of what you have
2. Make your deck or patio more private
3. Screened-in porches
4. Privacy please
5. 6 Tips to cleaning your grill

We truly thank you for taking the time to read our blog. We’ll continue to post timely and relevant news, ideas and trends related to all of your outdoor living needs and desires. And don’t forget that there’s plenty of ways to keep in touch with us!

• Blog
• Facebook
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• Website

Image by Rubberball/Mike Kemp via 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

Enjoying your outdoor space during the cold winter months may seem like a crazy idea. But did you know that you can incorporate a hot tub onto your deck?

An example of a deck and hot tub combo from our portfolio.

One of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make is to have their hot tub sitting off to the side in the yard or on an elevated platform. This can hurt the overall appeal of an outdoor space. When it’s treated like an eye sore, that exactly what it’ll look like to others.

A better idea would be to incorporate this water feature with your existing deck for a purposeful and useful added value element. Here is an excerpt about hot tubs and decks from Service Magic:

When investing in a deck hot tub, there a few considerations to keep in mind. First, are you building decks around the spa, or are you installing a new unit into a preexisting structure? If adding new construction, the tub is probably sitting on a concrete slab and you won’t have to worry about special modifications. But most people already have a deck, and so accommodating a new hot tub addition will require additional support in the frame. They’re heavy when empty but filled with water and people they can weigh several thousand pounds. So to avoid sagging, cracking, or other mishaps, always fortify the center of your decking with extra braces. Also, you’ll need other forms of support in your plans, including electrical service and plumbing. So hire a professional who has experience with these remodels and can properly calculate the project’s requirements.

Would you like to discuss marrying your hot tub with your deck in Kansas City? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

Many home improvement projects will earn you a pretty decent return on investment. Typically, kitchen and bath remodeling will result in very high returns. But what other projects will earn you most of your money back?

Room additions and extensions. And we can do both right here at Outdoor Environments! But what are the benefits to getting a room addition or extension?

• When you realize that your home has become too crowded or cluttered, your first instinct may be that it’s time to buy a new home. But it’s not! With the right addition, lots of square footage can be added to your current home for just a fraction of the cost of moving!
• No matter what your addition is used for, there will be an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction and pleasure when it’s done. Whether it’s a home office, game room, play room or whatever, it’ll be custom made just for you and your family’s needs!
• Depending on the type of addition and where it’s located, you stand the chance of earning back a very high percentage of your investment.

Example of a room/home addition from Houzz.com

Would you like to discuss the possibility of an room addition or extension for your home? Contact Outdoor Environments today if you live in the Kansas City or Overland Park area.

Image from Houzz.com

If your desire has always been to create an outdoor living room, then Outdoor Environments is exactly who you should depend on to make that desire a reality. We can create:

• Single and multi-level decks
• Under deck living areas
• Gazebos, arbors and overheads
• Hot tub and spa enclosures
• Screened patios and seasonal rooms
• Room additions and extensions

Our work speaks for itself!

For the past 20 years, we’ve turned backyards into masterpieces. Our portfolio includes literally hundreds of decks and outdoor living projects right here in the Kansas City area. And we can do the same for you. Your complete satisfaction is extremely important to us and our goal is to maintain clients for life. We are confident that a project built by Outdoor Environments will be one that provides you with many years of enjoyment.

Call us today at 913-897-2706 to discuss building your dream outdoor living room! And visit our Facebook photo gallery to see more of our work!

The beauty of outdoor rooms is that they provide a comfortable buffer between outside and inside. If you need some brand new inspiration when it comes to designing and decorating your porch, sunroom or seasonal room, we’ve got all the motivation you need right here!

Outdoor Environments can assist with all of your outdoor room needs. If you’re near Kansas City or Overland Park, contact us today!

Images from BHG (1,2)

We know that the weather has gotten a bit frightful over the past few days, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s time to close the deck for the season. Why not enjoy a hot cup of tea on your fall decorated deck? Your outdoor space can still be enjoyed as the seasons change, but only if you can infuse a little bit of creativity.

First, of course, start with a reliable source of outdoor heating. We’ve talked a lot about outdoor fireplaces and fire pits on this blog, but another solution is to buy an outdoor heater. They work exceptionally well!

Comfortable outdoor seating is still a must. Make sure you have plenty of chairs with comfortable cushions.

Don’t forget to incorporate the colors of fall into your deck. Orange, red, yellow and brown come together to create a beautiful and rustic scenery.

From string lights to lanterns to mason jars, outdoor lighting is crucial as daylight ends much earlier. Just be sure to keep lighting in a safe area away from children and pets.

Leave us a comment below to let us know how you have decorated your deck for the fall!

Image from Build Direct