Outdoor Environments Blog

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!

Analysts have predicted that by 2015, U.S. consumers will spend more than $4.4 billion on outdoor furniture. More than half of that will be spent on dining sets alone. Across the U.S., families everywhere have long been married to the idea of backyard barbecues and picnics. This has led to an up-tick in the number of outdoor kitchens and plenty of seating for everyone to relax and enjoy the outdoors. And while traditional love seats and side chairs are dominant, sectional sofas especially for the outdoors are becoming a trend. It also appears that consumers place more emphasis on ample seating, often forgoing more formal dining tables and chairs.

This year, seating is taking on a bright face. As far as color trends go, orange is in. Shades of mandarin, tangerine and carrot are blended with rusty beiges and browns to create the most comfortable and appealing outdoor living space full of earth tones. And don’t forget to toss in a few bright pillows!

Outdoor Environments can help you to achieve this perfect outdoor living atmosphere with plenty of plush and stylish seating for your spring and summer entertaining. Call us at 913-897-2706 for more information about our services around Kansas City and Overland Park.

Information from SacBee

Image from Houzz

Why go through the trouble of investing in a second property or vacation home when you can create your very own patio retreat in your backyard? And have you seen gas prices lately? It’s just another reason for you to invest in a backyard renovation now so that you won’t have to worry about always leaving home to have a good time. Backyard patios can be enhanced with:

• Swimming pools
• Outdoor kitchens
• Landscaping, natural stone and masonry features
• Patio furniture

Speaking of patio furniture, manufacturers are enhancing features to make outdoor relaxing more comfortable. This includes swivels, sofas, love seats and gliding chairs with deeper seats and extra-oversized lounge chairs that encourage curling up barefoot.

A well-designed patio serves as an extensive of the home’s interior. It’s also perfect for this time of year when you may not want to stay indoors, but you also don’t want to leave home. You can have a backyard retreat that feels like an escape without ever leaving home!

Outdoor Environments in Kansas City can help you to achieve the perfect patio. Call us at 913-897-2706 to discuss your outdoor living options today!

Patio shown was designed by Outdoor Environments

It’s still National Deck Safety Month!  And it’s a popular time of year for decks. Since home improvements seem to peak during the spring, it’s important to note that deck construction and upgrades are the third most popular home remodeling project behind kitchen and bath remodels. And what are consumer looking for in upgraded decks this year? They want more deck add-ons, particularly outdoor lighting.

Consumers are interested in adding value. They don’t necessarily have to have the best or biggest deck on the block. They want features that will enhance their outdoor living experience while adding beauty and safety. That’s why outdoor lighting is such a hot commodity.

The types of lighting that consumers can choose from include:

• Tiny, recessed LEDs for deck edges
• LED strips for running underneath deck railing
• Light with remote controlled dimming
• Energy-efficient lighting that incorporates some or all of the above

All of these lighting options help to create a safer outdoor living environment if you plan to use your deck after the sun goes down. If your deck is in need of remodeling and outdoor lighting, call Outdoor Environments in Overland Park/Kansas City at 913-897-2706.

Information from KPVI

Image from Houzz

If there’s any question about whether your deck is safe, you should be calling Outdoor Environments. Our experience with building and remodeling decks in the metro Kansas City area is unparalleled. But if you’re curious about what constitutes a safe deck, the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) has the answer. Take a look at this industry trusted checklist used by professional deck builders to measure and grade the condition of an existing deck.

1. Ledger connection – Fastener type and spacing, signs of rust/corrosion, etc.
2. Posts/footings – Post size, visible signs of rot or cracks, foundation type, etc.
3. Post-to-beam connection – Beam size, post notch, location of girders, etc.
4. Joists and joist connections – Condition of joist hangers, acceptable nails, etc.
5. Stairs – Stair run and stringers
6. Deck boards – Exposure of nails and screws, fastener type, spacing of joists, etc.
7. Handrail assemblies and guards – Guardrail height and grip, signs of corrosion or rust, etc.
8. Miscellaneous features such as rust, corrosion, bolts, fasteners, etc.

You may not understand the industry lingo, but Outdoor Environments does. Call us at 913-897-2706 if your deck is in need of repairs remodeling.

Deck and four-season room performed by Outdoor Environments

You might remember us talking recently about how the addition of a deck can help you to sell your home. And since everyone knows that location is the primary factor in the world of real estate, it’s time to consider where your deck will be located. Have you considered a deck in your front yard? Reliable Remodeler thinks it’s worth a try!

A deck in the front yard is welcoming and neighborly–a place to enjoy mimosas on a Sunday morning or host happy hour on a Friday evening. It adds instant curb appeal with an attribute of friendliness. In the backyard, a deck can extend your living quarters, adding virtual square footage and helping any property show well during an open house.

Even if you still insist on a backyard or even a side deck, you won’t be disappointed! Outdoor Environments is your premiere source for decks throughout Overland Park and Kansas City. Give us a call at 913-897-2706 to discuss your outdoor living options today!

Deck shown is by Outdoor Environments

Deck railings are a necessary feature that not only keeps your outdoor living area safe, it adds beauty and style. But once a deck is installed, many homeowners forgo the railing. Instead, railings seem more popular with consumers who have already invested in decks and are looking for ways to add value to it.

Since it’s Deck Safety Month, we want you to know that railings keep everyone on your deck foundation safe by preventing slips, falls and other dangerous mishaps. Outdoor furniture, grills and other equipment are also kept in place with a railing. Best of all, consumers on a tighter budget can usually expect railings to cost significantly less than their initial deck construction.

In particular, composite railings are gaining more popularity because they are so strong and typically don’t require additional metal reinforcements. Using multi-layer technology, many composite decks are so thick and stiff that they can meet building code with no other materials for reinforcement. Composite decks and railings are extremely durable but still offer the convenience of low-maintenance.

For decks and railings in the Kansas City area, call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

Information from LVRJ

Deck and railing shown are by Outdoor Environments

May is the month officially recognized as National Deck Safety Month. So over the next few weeks, we’ll be providing you with various ways ensure that your deck is as safe and hazard-free as possible. One of the premier sources for deck building information is the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA). Below are three main pieces of advice they offer when it comes to choosing a contractor to build and/or remodel your deck.

1. Ask for referrals. A trustworthy contractor will always have a list of satisfied customers that are willing to share their experiences.
2. Request to see a portfolio. By seeing examples of our past work as well as samples of our decking materials, you’ll get a pretty good picture of what we do and how we work.
3. Inquire about our credentials. From licensing to insurance coverage and professional references, we can prove that we deserve your deck project!

If you’re in Kansas City or Overland Park and need a deck constructed or remodeled, call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

Information from NADRA

Image from Creative Commons

Let’s cut right to the chase: You need a deck. Or a patio. Why?

First of all, you deserve it. A deck, when designed correctly, is a peaceful oasis in which you can forget about all the stressful things that come with life. You work hard and you deserve to treat yourself.

Secondly, if you would like to sell your home (like millions of other Americans) a beautiful deck can be exactly what you need to finally seal the deal.

Let’s elaborate.

Since the economy hasn’t fully recovered quite yet, having a place to relax and get your mind off things is crucial to your mental health. That’s why having a backyard oasis complete with elements like a deck or patio, swimming pool, flower garden, spa and lots of greenery can serve as your very own personal retreat at home after a long day’s or week’s work. If you want privacy and sanctuary at home, these are all great ways to give yourself peace of mind.

Another sign of the shaky economy times is the abundance of homes for sale, but very few of them are actually selling. Too often, homeowners make the mistake of focusing on their home’s interior when they’re in the process of trying to sell their property. They fail to realize that investing in decks, patios, outdoor kitchens and an overall well-designed backyard can make or break a home sale.

This is especially true for those who live in neighborhoods or subdivisions where similar floor plans are pervade the immediate area. If two homes with the same floor plan go up for sale, the one with the outdoor living space will automatically get more points with potential buyers. And ultimately, it will sell faster. An outdoor space that’s put together creatively will gain the edge because they’re unique and they stand out among other homes on the selling block.

Are you convinced? If so, give Outdoor Environments a call for all your outdoor design needs at 913-897-2706 today!

Information adapted from The Statesman

Deck pictured is by Outdoor Environments

The peak season for your deck will be in full force in just a few weeks, if it’s not already. Why not make some deck upgrades that’ll get it ready for the peak season?

1. First and foremost, your deck should be prepped, cleaned, washed, repaired and/or stained if necessary. Many times, just refreshing a deck is enough to make it look brand new again.
2. Just because your deck takes up a lot of yard space doesn’t mean your gardening dreams are out the window. Use large containers and planters to grow flowers and even vegetables right on your deck!
3. Need a major deck change? How about adding a gazebo, pergola or shade arbor?
4. Gates and railings can be multipurpose. Not only can you sit planters and bird feeders on top of some gates and railings, but many of them also come with decorative and architectural features that make your deck even more beautiful.

For all your deck remodeling and upgrading needs in Kansas City and Overland Park, contact Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

Information and image from BHG