Tag Archives: decks

How Being Outdoors is Good For Your Health

Image via San Francisco Chronicle

Being Outdoors Helps Health

It’s no new discovery, no surprising news that going outside to ride a bike or take a small hike has positive effects on your health. But did you know just being outside is good for you? Just being in the presence of nature has proven to be beneficial.

A 2009 study done by Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that being within 1000 yards of a green space (a park or a wooded area) causes lessened anxiety and depression. Being around nature and greenery causes people to feel more restored and even less angry. Being outdoors is the ideal environment for calmness and even meditation.

How Does Being Outdoors Help

The biggest benefit of being outside is all the Vitamin D your body receives. More and more studies show the benefit of this particular vitamin. It has been linked to preventing cancer and strengthening your immune system.

The other natural benefits of the sun is that it “sets our internal clock.” Our body naturally syncs with the sun, knowing when to turn on and off, therefore by spending time outdoors during the day, we are able to sleep better at night.

 

As though a beautiful addition to your home wasn’t reason enough to build your custom deck, your health may be. For custom Kansas City deck, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

 

 

 

The Proper Way to Clean and Seal a Deck

 

Photo Courtesy of: www.cabinstain.com

Your entire backyard is a work of art, landscaped and decorated just the way you have always imagined. And you have a schedule for keeping it that way. You regularly clean your outside furniture, repot your plants and reseed your lawn, well what about the deck? Don’t forget it also needs maintenance. A good seasonal cleaning and re-sealing will go a long way in insuring your deck will last for many years to come.

 

  • Sweep the deck thoroughly and then use a putty knife to clean the dirt out from the spaces between the boards. If not removed, leaves and pine needles will rot in between the boards, eventually affecting the boards themselves.
  • Either purchase a deck cleaning product or use a mixture of half bleach and half warm water to scrub the deck. This will kill any algae or mildew. If your deck is oversized you might want to consider using a pressure washer for this step. Any vegetation surrounding the deck needs to be covered before applying the bleach mixture.
  • Rinse thoroughly to remove all remaining debris and bleach. Wait several days for the deck to completely dry then apply a stain or waterproof sealer. This can be done with either a foam roller, brush or stain pad.
  • Let the deck dry completely before replacing furniture, planters and grills.

 

Now that your deck is cleaned and sealed, add deck maintenance to your schedule to be done at least twice a year.

 

Photo: http://www.cabotstain.com/

Consider a Front Yard Deck!

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

Here’s Why You Need an Outdoor Oasis

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

Do You Need a Deck Upgrade?

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

Designing and Customizing a Deck

It’s important to know that when it comes to deck design and layout, the conventional rectangle shape is a thing of the past. Residential Design + Build reports that decks are not a “one size fits all” deal.

According to research,

… “homeowners can take up to two years from the time they think about their deck until the time they actually pull the trigger on a project. Consumers will do everything from Internet research, buying books about design, and visiting showrooms.

Deck design can begin with a simple rectangle, and by cutting back each corner at a 45-degree angle the deck begins to take on character. Add other shapes, spaces, color and levels and it becomes completely unrecognizable as what decks once were. The important step today, though, is making all these variables work together.”

It’s all about customization and making the deck work for the homeowner and their specific needs. Surprisingly, some consumers don’t want a barbecue area or an outdoor kitchen on their deck at all.

Experts say that those considering a deck should consider three main components:

  1. How it looks
  2. How it functions
  3. How much it costs

Also, homeowners seem to be very interested in adding other features to their decks. These features include:

Outdoor Environments builds and remodels decks in the Overland Park and Kansas City areas. Call us at 913-897-2706 to discuss your deck options today!

Image from RDB

Landscape Architects Predict Outdoor Living Trends

This is the time of year when outdoor living trends will be all over the blogosphere. We know, because just last week we told you all about how outdoor kitchens are coming on strong in 2011.

Now the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has released their Residential Trends Survey. Included are some very promising finds. ASLA asked a group of professional landscape architects what trends and features they expect to see grow this year. Check out these highlights:

Most popular outdoor living features:

Exterior Lighting – 96.2%

Fire pits/fireplaces – 94.2%

Seating/dining areas – 94.1%

Grills – 93.8%

Installed seating like benches – 89.5

Most popular structures:

Fencing (includes gates) – 85.1%
Arbors – 83.8%
Pergolas – 82.6%
Steps – 79.3%
Ornamental water features such as fountains or splash pools – 77.5%
Decks – 74.4%
Porches – 72.3%

Outdoor Environments specializes in many of these popular outdoor living features including patios, decks, porches, fire pits and fireplaces, grill enclosures, pergolas and arbors. Call us at 913-897-2706 to find out more about how Outdoor Environments can bring life to your outdoor living space! You can also visit our Facebook fan page to see our impressive portfolio!

Outdoor living area shown is by Outdoor Environments

Growing Trend: Outdoor Kitchens

According to Kitchen & Bath Business, experts agree that outdoor kitchens are no longer considered a luxury. They are now a common and standard feature for home remodeling and new home construction. But to achieve the perfect outdoor kitchen area, the perfect patio or deck must first be installed.

So why are outdoor kitchen areas so hot? Experts say there are many reasons. Among them:

  • Homeowners have an increasing desire to invest in projects that increase property value.
  • Plain and empty backyards are boring and uninspiring.
  • Consumers are more interested in cheaper, healthier ways to eat and outdoor grilling helps to fill that void.
  • For those who can’t sell their homes, outdoor kitchens and living areas not only add value, but quality of life.

In order to create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, you must first realize that a custom patio or deck sets the foundation. Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today to get started with planning your outdoor oasis!

Photo from Outdoor Environments

Make Your Deck or Patio More Private

Spring is almost here and if you’re probably already be daydreaming about ways to start enjoying your deck or patio again. How about adding a few touches to make your outdoor space a bit more private and cozy? Check out these tips from Better Homes & Gardens:

Add a Touch of Fabric

Check out the wide variety of outdoor-friendly fabrics to create a perfect screen. Sheets of fabric sewn like curtains and hung from an old curtain rod or wire are quick and easy to put together. Plus, they’re inexpensive — so you can have a couple of different options to fit your mood.

Add the Sound of Water

Background noise from a busy street can be just as annoying as seeing your neighbor’s weedy back yard. Solve this kind of problem by adding a fountain or other water feature to your deck or patio. Even a gentle trickle of water can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your time outdoors!

Add a Great Wall

A privacy fence is one of the most common ways to block a view. Let a simple fence cap off the platform, providing a perfect, secluded retreat. A series of container gardens soften the deck or patio, making it even more inviting.

Incorporate a Tree

Instead of clearing the ground when you add a deck or patio, take advantage of what’s already there. An old apple tree isn’t just a great addition to the yard — it gives the space more privacy by creating a soft, natural canopy, too. Lush plantings around the edge of the deck or patio also help it feel softer and more secluded.

Need help making your patio or deck more personalized and private? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

Photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

Want a Deck? Here’s A Few Thoughts to Ponder

If you have an eye on a new deck add-on for your home, now is the perfect time to start planning and brainstorming. Waiting too long can possibly delay your deck installation and before you know it, the cool fall weather will be here again. Don’t let time pass you by! Here are just a few general ideas to get you started with identifying your deck needs:

  • What will your deck be used for? The purpose of your deck, whether it be simple relaxation or lively entertainment, will weigh heavily on its placement and how it is designed.
  • Decide your style. There are many different ways to go here. You can choose to do something bold and unique, or design your deck much like an existing room inside your home.
  • Start thinking about deck features you might be interested in – furniture, tables, kitchen area, fire pit, etc.
  • What lies beneath? You may not be able to see wiring, drainage systems and gas lines, but they are there. So don’t be surprised if you deck can’t be placed in your desired location. Safety first!

Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to get started with planning your deck in the Overland Park or Kansas City area.

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments’ Facebook Photo Gallery