Tag Archives: decks

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

8 Steps to a Clean Deck

Are you thinking about getting your deck ready for spring yet? If not, then you should be! Your deck has probably taken quite a beating from all the harsh winter weather we’ve experienced over the past few weeks. But knowing how to properly clean your deck will make it look brand new in no time. Not sure what to do? Here are some easy tips from This Old House:

  1. Many people assume that power washers are the way to go when it comes to deck cleaning. But they’re actually too powerful and can damage your deck’s wood fiber. Go with a pump sprayer instead.
  2. Use a biodegradable wood cleaner. These are commonly used not only for decks for fences as well.
  3. Mix an equal amount of water with the wood cleaner. (1 to 1 ratio)
  4. Spray the deck with cool, clean water before applying the cleaner to the deck.
  5. Apply the wood cleaner to the entire deck, spraying evenly across the surface.
  6. Wait about 10 minutes.
  7. Scrub the deck surface with an industrial broom. You’ll see the dirt, grime, and algae begin to surface.
  8. Hose off the deck.

Do you need work done on your deck for before the lovely spring weather arrives? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

5 Features Your Backyard Will Need This Spring

We know the weather outside is still frightful, but that’s no excuse for letting your home’s outdoor space go without a makeover for the New Year. There are plenty of ways to prepare your backyard for the warm weather that is only weeks away. So, what exactly do you need to get started? Here are a few product ideas that will turn your outdoor living space into a relaxing retreat.
BEFORE:
Single or multi-level decks added to the rear or side of your home can create an endless number of possibilities. Decks can be built using many types of wood, fiberglass, vinyl and even recycled materials like plastic.
A hearth is a heating option used for outdoor living spaces. Fireplaces (wood or gas) and firepits offer the warmth and coziness you need during the cold winter months, but they’re also perfect for cool nights during the spring, summer and fall.
Outdoor furniture is a must if you plan to truly enjoy your backyard area.  Create an lovely oasis with lounge chairs, tables, umbrellas, a hammock and other comfortable furnishings.
Gazebos, sun-screened rooms, and awnings all provide wonderful shaded shelter for any time of the year. Be shielded from the scorching summer sun or protected from cold wind and rain.
No outdoor living area is complete without some type of water feature. A swimming pool is the obvious choice here. But you can always take it a step further with a spa, hot tub, Jacuzzi or even a pond with a waterfall.
AFTER:
Are you ready to get your outdoor living area ready for spring 2011? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

Gardening Lingo 101

If you’re thinking about dipping your toe into the wonderful world of gardening in 2011, there are many things you need to learn before planting those first seeds. So here’s a short, sweet vocabulary lesson, courtesy of Garden Terms, for all the green thumb colloquialisms you’ve probably heard, but you’re not quite sure what they mean.
Flower garden

Photo Credit: Flickr.com/MattLuckins (Creative Commons)

Annuals: plants that produce seed, then die after just one life cycle or growing season.

Compost: a mixture of organic matter (vegetation or manure) that is (or has) decayed and is used for enriching soil’s health.

Edging: Bordering, separating or trimming sections of a lawn, often with concrete pavers or bricks, to create visual interest.

Fertilizer: liquid or granular plant food (organic or inorganic) used to improve soil, which then supports and increases plant growth.

Germinate: the act of seeds growing, budding or shooting above soil level.

Horticulture: the art or skill of gardening whether it be commercial (fruit, flowers and vegetables) or agriculture and farming.

Inorganic: chemical or fertilizer that did not come from a living or formerly living source.

Insecticide: chemical used to kill or deter insects around plants or people.

Mulch: leaves, straw or peat (all organic) used to cover soil, maintain its temperature and prevent moisture, freezing and weed growth.

Organic: fertilizers or chemicals created from a living or formerly live source.

Perennials: plants that grow repeatedly each season, usually for a few years in appropriate conditions.

Pesticide: a method used to deter or kill pests including insects, weeds, birds, mammals or fish.

Spring will be here before we know it. Contact Outdoor Environments today to discuss your backyard deck and patio options!

Outdoor Living tops list of Remodeling Trends for 2011

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has named their top 12 remodeling trends for 2011 and we are happy to see outdoor living spaces as number 4. It doesn’t come as a surprise to us here at Outdoor Environments that homeowners are looking for more ways to enjoy their backyards.

Outdoor Environments

Whether you are looking for a new deck, gazebo, arbor, hot tub and spa enclosure, a screened patio or a 4-season room we can help fulfill your outdoor living needs for 2011.

Give Outdoor Environments a call at 913.897.2706 for more information.

Outdoor Environments is the Grand Prize Winner for Deckorators Best Deck Contest

We were recently honored to have won the 2010 Deckorators Best Deck Contest. According to Deckorators®, a leading manufacturer of products to enhance your outdoor living space, “the amazingly versatile deck from Richard DeVuyst of Overland Park, Kansas separated itself from the rest by showcasing a depth of pre-planning and innovation to create a series of decks that integrate flawlessly.”

Our multi-level, composite wood deck featured a firepit, outdoor kitchen, fourseason room, ceramic tile bar rail, sunken hot tub and built in planters. Our stained wood railing with Deckorators balusters surrounded this award-winning deck. See the photos below of our entry.

Outdoor Environments' Award-Winning Deck

Outdoor Environments' Award-Winning Deck

Outdoor Environments' Award-Winning Deck

A special thank you to Deckorators for awarding us the Grand Prize in your Best Deck Contest!

For more information on Outdoor Environments please visit us online at Outdoorenvironments.com or give us a call at 913-897-2706.

Outdoor living space can increase the value of your home by 15%

There are many benefits to investing in an outdoor living space. So many people focus on the inside of their home, but the outside is just as important. The exterior is the first thing people see when they visit your home.

We put a lot of emphasis on the importance  of creating an outdoor environment for your friends and family to enjoy and now there is another reason why you should invest in your outdoors.  According to SmartMoney magazine, a new deck, patio or garden can help increase the value of your home by up to 15 percent.

So this fall let Outdoor Environments help you create a beautiful oasis outside. Give us a call at 913-897-2706 or visit us online at Outdoorenvironments.com.

Outdoor Environments

Designing Outdoor Living Spaces for Kansas City

We have been designing and building decks for the greater Kansas City area for almost 20 years. At Outdoor Environments, Inc we want to make the most of your outdoor living space. Whether you are looking for a single or multi-level deck or an addition to your home we can build you the space of your dreams.

Take a look below at some of our work.

If you have any questions please give us a call at 913-897-2706.

Great Ideas for your Deck Decor!

One big mistake that homeowners often commit is over-looking their decks and patios.  Decks are very important to the design of a home.  You should think of your deck or patio as another room in your home, just outdoors.  Adding some visual appeal to your deck can tremendously increase your backyard experience!

Midwest Living created “10 Ideas to Dress Up Your Deck.”  The list of ideas provide you with great inspiration to get started on your home’s deck.

Here are a few tips from the list provided by Midwest Living.

1. Focus on Furniture

When decorating your deck, start with the furniture.  These pieces will take up the most space and should be used as focal points.  Using a minimal amount of furniture  is a great way to maximize your outdoor living space.  The idea is to design, not clutter, your backyard escape.

2. Get Creative with Cushions

Pillows are a great addition to your outdoor living spaces.  Choosing multi-purpose pillows that are suitable for chairs or for sitting on the deck itself can stretch your dollars very far!  Use your cushions to tie in the design elements of your deck.

3. Add Some Greenery

Not only do plants add a splash of color to your deck, they provide privacy from your nearby neighbors.  Getting plants that are at least 5 ft. tall can act as a privacy screen for your deck.  Place the plants on the edge of your deck to get the full privacy affect.

4. Splash Some Color

There are several ways to add color to your deck.  The patterns and fabrics in your furniture are great starts for color.  The color scheme can be tied in through plants, painted terra-cotta plant pots, and wall art.  Personalize your deck with beautiful splashes of color.

Don’t let your deck or patio go unnoticed.  A little bit of design can go a long way!

Click here for more ideas on how you can decorate your deck.

Decorating Outdoors: Making the Most of What you Have

Is it possible to transform your beautiful outdoor space without spending a dime? HGTV.com explores ways to get creative by making the most of what you already have.

First up: Play up the unexpected. Below, a chair makes a great alternative to a side table, and its imperfect patina makes it a charming vignette.

Painting a rug on your porch is a money-saving alternative that’s also waterproof and doesn’t need to be cleaned!

Build a living wall by making your cinderblocks moonlight as planters. Just stack and fill!

Other hints: create vignettes with potted plants in varying shapes and heights, and repurposing indoor furniture from the attic for use outside.