Tag Archives: firepit

How to Build the Perfect Outdoor Fire

 

The temperature has started to drop but that doesn’t mean you have to move all your entertaining indoors. Many backyard patios now have a built-in fire pit or a portable chiminia making outdoor gatherings possible right up until that first snow fall. But nothing is more frustrating than a fire that just won’t light. Listed below are some helpful tips to get that fire roaring in no time!

 

Image Courtesy of : www.thisoldhouse.com

 

  • While it’s important to clean your pit out after every use, always leave about ½ inch of ash in the bottom. This old ash acts as insulation and helps capture the heat pushing it back to the top.
  • Small pieces of dry wood called kindling is the first step. Place the first layer of kindling all going in the same direction and then stack several additional layers in alternating directions.
  • For best results insert a fire starter into the center of the stack. You can purchase logs of compressed sawdust or make your own out of newspaper rolls.
  • Light the starter which will then start the kindling burning. Normally a fire with just kindling will last about 15-30 minutes.
  • For a longer lasting fire, after the kindling is totally engaged place larger logs on in the same pattern as the kindling. Continue to add larger pieces through-out the evening as needed.

 

Remember that safety is paramount. Don’t leave the fire unattended anytime during the evening and make sure it’s completely out before retiring for the night.

 

Photo: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,1636191,00.html

Tips for Outdoor Entertaining

Color Talk

Go for color. Use bright color like melon, fuschia and lemon-yellow to pop against the green. The inclination to use green botanical prints in a garden setting is a natural one, but they will disappear when surrounded by shrubs and plantings.

Trash Talk

Don’t forget to place an attractive trash can nearby to prevent trash from piling up on the table. And make sure it starts out empty!

Sun Salutations

If your party is a daytime event, be sure to provide shade. You remember that we install gazebos, pergolas and shade arbors, don’t you? There’s nothing worse than watching your guests turn lobster-red before dessert.

Bug It

If you’re not averse to chemicals, spray your terrace or patio with insecticide before the party. For a green approach, plant marigolds around the patio, which are a natural bug deterrent. But for a more permanent approach, consider a screened porch or seasonal room.

Light a Fire

Invest in a fire pit and you won’t be able to make your guests go indoors. The mesmerizing effect of the fire works as well outdoors as in and can save your party from a chilly night.

Information and image from My Home Ideas

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

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!

Heating Your Patio During the Winter

If you’ve invested time and money into creating a beautiful backyard deck or patio, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to enjoy it year-round. Unfortunately, many homeowners assume that once the cold winter weather rolls around, these outdoor areas are no longer usable. But with the right type of patio heating method, patios and decks can be enjoyed 365 days a year. Here’s some basic information from Patio Heater Expert about the main types of heaters you can consider:
Outdoor gas patio heater

Photo Credit: Flickr.com/Steve Parker (Creative Commons)

Gas heaters are a good choice if you need to heat a rather large patio area (up to about 20 ft. wide). If you’re likely to plan large family gatherings and need to keep everyone warm, this may be your best option. Gas heaters operate on either propane or natural gas, which comes with many stipulations on how and where they should be stored.

Electric heaters are a choice many people prefer because they don’t require the purchase or storage of fuel or wood. However, these heaters are not as efficient when it comes to heating larger areas or groups of family and friends. Electric heaters are best for smaller patios or decks utilized by only a few people.

Wood heaters are usually nicer looking than the other two options. Wood heaters look like tables with a large groove or pit in the middle for
fire flames. These are a definite plus for homeowners living in a woody area with access to plenty of free firewood.

If you’re not sure which patio heating option is best for you, give Outdoor Environments a call at 913-897-2706.

Great Porches for Entertaining

We love creating outdoor spaces for our clients that can be multi-functional. Porches are great because they can be used for entertaining friends, relaxing after a long day at work, a place for the kids to cool off from summer’s heat… the list is endless. We recently found some great ideas for porches on the My Home Ideas site. Here are a few we like:

In this inside out style, a clever pass-through leads to an outdoor kitchen with all the necessities, including a sink, grill, and under counter storage. The barn doors allow the owners to close the area off completely when the weather doesn’t cooperate with outdoor plans.

Screened porches are a great ways to bridge the gap between the indoors and outdoors.  They also extend the living area of the home to accommodate guests, as well as serve as an extra kitchen.

The indoor kitchen in this screened cabana includes a professional grade grill, draft beer dispenser, and a warming drawer. With indoor and outdoor seating, as well as the small pool and firepit, this porch is the ultimate place for entertaining all year long!

Check out My Home Ideas to see the rest of their favorite porches for entertaining. Find something inspirational? Let us know so we can help create the porch of your dreams!

Photo credit: Myhomeideas.com.

Spotlight on Decks: A Patio Primer

In Kansas City, harsh winters and extreme temperatures mean our porches and decks can take quite a beating. This means putting forth extra time and efforts towards making sure the materials used are extra tough—without sacrificing aesthetics.shellyafter

We’ve designed hundreds of decks and outdoor living spaces in the Kansas City area, so let us help you maximize the potential of your backyard, whether it’s a screened-in porch, room extension, multi-level deck or a hot tub and spa enclosure.

As you begin to settle in for a long winter’s rest, here’s a little primer from our friends at Kansas City Homes & Gardens on some of the most popular (and sustainable!) decking options out there—from mahogany and redwood to cedar or pressure-treated wood.

By Samantha Wells

Wintertime Outdoor Living

Looking to extend your outdoor entertaining and BBQ season into the cooler months? Here’s how to create warm, cozy outdoor living rooms this winter:

Outdoor Decorating

  • Think fireside chats. When temperatures dip, is there anything more festive than a crackling outdoor fire? Whether it’s a double-sided fireplace, freestanding firepit or charming chimenea, create a romantic focal point where family and friends can retreat and unwind on a cold winter’s day.
  • Add distinction with decorative elements. Outfit your outdoor living room as you would inside: Place decorative vases on the fireplace mantel. Choose comfortable seating with weather-resistant cushions for lounging. Stock plenty of candles for glass hurricanes, and keep cozy blankets on hand for extra ambiance.
  • Adjust your space for year-round living. Add a spit to the gas grill and use it to roast a Thanksgiving turkey. Heavy-weight curtains employed to block the summer sun can alternatively serve to discourage drafts in winter. Illuminate the space–without making it too glaring–with combination lighting such as lanterns, brick lighting or spread lighting.

What are some of the elements you would install in your ultimate outdoor entertaining spot to add warmth and beauty to your home this winter?

By Samantha Wells