Tag Archives: deck builders in Kansas City

Decks, Patios and Porches… Oh My!

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

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

How Long Should a Wood Deck Last?

Save $500 on your next outdoor project!

The Midwest is known for unpredictable weather patterns, particularly over the past year or so. Traditional cold periods have reached record high temperatures, a trend that’s expected to continue.

For homeowners who live in these parts, it can be frustrating to deal with outdoor living areas. Daily weather patterns make it difficult to know when and how you can enjoy your outdoor oasis. And this can be particularly troubling for anyone planning for a custom built or remodeled outdoor space.

But there is some hope, according to The National Association of Home Builders. Their Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components sheds some light on various home features and how long you can expect them to last.

So, how long should a custom wood deck last?

Because they are subject to a wide range of conditions in different climates, the life expectancy of wooden decks can vary significantly. Under ideal conditions, they have a life expectancy of about 20 years.

One sure way to make sure that your Kansas City deck is up to par is by trusting a qualified and experienced Certified Remodeler, which is available right here at Outdoor Environments!

Information from This Old House

5 Simple Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing Decking Material

Considering a new or remodeled deck for this summer? It’s time to start weighing the pros and cons of various decking materials. The material you choose will determine how your deck is enjoyed, cleaned and maintained. Hardwood vs. manmade. Fiberglass vs. vinyl. There’s so many options to choose from! And they all have their benefits and disadvantages, depending on your specific needs and requirements. Here are some questions you should consider:

  1. Will the deck be used by children and/or pets?
  2. Do you hope to use your deck year-round, or just during the warmer months?
  3. Is the deck best suited in the shade or in the sun?
  4. Does it matter to you if the materials are recycled, sustainable or eco-friendly?
  5. How much maintenance and upkeep are you willing to put in to keep the deck safe and looking fresh?

Even though these are good questions to ask, they don’t even scratch the surface of what all needs to be considered. What other questions do you think are important when deciding to have a deck built or remodeled?

Image from Outdoor Environment’s Facebook Photo Gallery

 

It’s Not Too Early to Think Spring!

Sure, spring is still weeks away. But who knows… it may come a little early this year! And if it does, you’ll want your outdoor space to be ready for a season of fun in the sun!

If you’re in the Kansas City area, don’t forget that Outdoor Environments is here to help. Our areas of expertise include the following:

  • Single and multi-level decks
  • Under deck living areas
  • Gazebos, arbors and overheads
  • Hot tub and spa enclosures
  • Screened patios and 3-season rooms
  • Room additions and extensions

Would you like to discuss how we might be able to prepare your outdoor space for spring? Contact us today! And be sure to view our Facebook photo gallery for examples of our completed projects!