Tag Archives: deck ideas

Tips for New and Existing Decks

If you haven’t spruced up your deck yet for the summer season, or even if you don’t have one – it’s not too late! Outdoor Environments is here to provide you with a plethora of tips and ideas to get your deck in order for the remainder of the season. Whether you’ve got a deck or not, here are some ideas to keep in mind.

For existing decks:

  • Make sure it’s still in good condition. Issues like damaged boards, loose fasteners and protruding nails may seem minor, but they can be very dangerous when ignored. Click here for our previous articles related to deck safety.
  • Consider a fresh coat of deck stain that’ll not only add life and color to your deck, but it’ll repel water, moisture damage, mildew and fading in high-traffic areas.
  • Add or swap out railings and/or decorative posts. These architectural details can work wonders for a deck and your entire outdoor living motif.

For new deck construction:

  • Top choices for materials include treated lumber (economical and usually comes with a good warranty against rot and decay) and treated wood (stands up against severe weather conditions).
  • For durable and eco-friendly decking materials, composite or PVC decking are other popular options. They look like authentic wood, but require much less maintenance. These materials don’t split, splinter, crack or mold.

For all your deck building and remodeling needs, call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

Information from LVRJ

Image from Pinterest

Charming Pergola Ideas

A pergola is the fine line between an arbor and a gazebo. Just as any other outdoor structure, pergolas are spaces that can be creatively decorated just like the inside of your home.

A pergola that is strong enough to hold a swing (and the weight that comes with it) from its upper beams should definitely have one. Swings provide the opportunity to decorate a pergola with floral pillows and beautiful fabrics.

If you’re going for a more humble look, a small pergola can be just as stylish as a larger one. Particularly with a smaller yard space, a simple, clean pergola is a charming and unobtrusive addition.

Patios and decks are great, of course, but adding a pergola to an already beautiful outdoor space is the perfect way to take it up a notch. Patios and decks provide the perfect foundation for a pergola.

Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 for more information about planning a pergola for your home’s outdoor space.

Outdoor area and pergola shown are by Outdoor Environments

Upgrading Your Patio: Part II

Did you catch our blog post from earlier this week about upgrading your patio? We’ve got even more ideas for you to get your outdoor living space in shape for spring 2011!

Add lights – Outdoor lighting can add such a beautiful touch to an outdoor space, especially on spring and summer evenings. Outdoor lighting also serves as an added security measure. LED are a bit more expensive than incandescents, but you’ll save more money – and energy – over time.

Renew your deck – If you opted for a deck instead of a patio, that’s great! Decks are just as versatile if not more so than patios. There’s plenty of colors, styles and materials available to upgrade your deck board. Many of these choices are resistant to many different types of damage as well.

Wood decks – Again, if you have a deck as opposed to a patio, another alternative is wood. Natural wood decks are more cost-effective than others as far as installation. They do require a bit more maintenance though, requiring a new stain every couple of years.

Upgrading your patio or deck is what we do best! Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to get started on planning for the upcoming spring season.

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments Facebook Gallery