Tag Archives: deck remodeling Kansas City

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

Families Opt for Luxurious Backyard Havens

Do you think that home remodeling and add-ons have taken a dive since the economy fell into a slump a few years ago?According to a recent Chicago Tribune article, that’s not entirely true. In fact, outdoor remodeling has become a must for many homes across the U.S.

Homeowners have been drawn to many outdoor features:

  • Natural stone hardscapes
  • Gourmet grilling kitchens
  • Major electrical upgrades

Family travel has taken a dip while outdoor entertaining and family time have become more enticing among American households. And what better way to enjoy time with each other than with a custom built or remodeled deck, patio, porch or another outdoor living space?

If you haven’t entertained the thought of sprucing up outside, it’s about time to give it some serious thought. Outdoor Environments is currently offering $500 off select outdoor projects… call us in Overland Park, KS at 913-897-2706 for details!

Choosing Your Deck Materials Wisely

By now, you probably already know that a new or remodeled deck can earn you a huge return on your investment – sometimes as much as 80 percent!

The great thing about a deck is that it provides a wonderful space for parties and gatherings and it’s much more cost-effective than building an additional room onto your home. With a deck, your living space is still expanded; it’s just outside instead of inside.

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to a new or remodeled deck. And the cost can vary greatly depending on what type of material is used. One thing homeowners should know is that it’s not always the wisest idea to penny pinch when it comes to deck materials. That’s because the cheaper the material is, the more maintenance and upkeep you’ll be responsible for. Wood is a popular material, but they need to be cared for regularly and usually require a new coat of staining every couple of years. If maintenance is not appealing to you, consider synthetic materials that require little maintenance over the life of the deck.

If you aren’t sure what type of deck is right for you, that’s what Outdoor Environments is here for. Call us today at 913-897-2706 to speak with us today!

Image from My Home Ideas via Southern Living

Earn Big Bucks with a New or Remodeled Deck

Adding value to the home is a priority for many Americans, particularly during difficult economic times like we’ve been experiencing. So it’s quite exciting to learn that, according to a recent article, adding a new deck (or remodeling your existing one) can earn up to 73 percent of your initial investment. So if you’re ready to add big bucks to the value of your home, take heed to these deck building and remodeling tips.

For a newly constructed deck:

  1. Experts say that consumers have fallen in love with composite decking because splits, splinters, cracks and mold are either rare or non-existent.
  2. Railings are always recommended as an added safety feature, but they also add a unique visual appeal to the deck with architectural details.
  3. Bigger is better when it comes to decks. They’re a great extension of the home’s interior, particularly multi-level decks. They allow for maximum space for entertaining and general enjoyment.
  4. Decorating your deck can and should be just as fun decorating inside your home. Don’t be afraid to play around with colors, furniture, textures and décor.

For a remodeled deck:

  1. We’re in the midst of summer, but it’s not too late to check your deck for safety hazards. Damaged boards, loose fasteners and shaky railings can all be extremely dangerous.
  2. Consider adding a fresh coat of deck stain. Not only does this refresh your deck’s appearance, but stains are also great at repelling water, which can lead to rotting.
  3. Bedazzle your deck by adding new elements like railings or other architectural/decorative elements.

Visit our Facebook page to see examples of our deck installations and remodels.

Image from My Home Ideas via Sunset

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

A Look Back at Deck Safety Month

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!