Tag Archives: outdoor

Top 5 Tips on Keeping Your Deck Private: Part II

Continuing our previous post on Keeping Your Deck Private, these are other great easy and attainable suggestions on keeping your deck private and serene:

 

  • Plants.  Plants are the most beautiful, as well as the easiest way to add privacy to your deck or patio. We recommend decorating your deck with beautiful plants anyway, so why not use them as a source for additional privacy? Line the side that faces the most open spaces with tall, lush plants.
  • Canopy. In the summer times, you’ll appreciate this addition more than ever, but it can add much desired privacy all year around. Awnings, canopies and sails are offered in a multitude of styles, some even retractable.
  • Trees. Planting trees doesn’t just make you seem more caring of the environment, but it brings a sweet reminder of childhood, too. (The largest tree was always “base” in tag games.)  Trees aren’t just aesthetically and environmentally pleasing, but they create shade to keep you cool in the summer months as well as a barrier to keep away the nosy neighbors.
For the Kansas City deck or patio to enhance your home, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Overland Park. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.
All Images via Google Images

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.

 

 

 

Top 3 Tips For Creating an Eye-Catching Patio

Just because colder weather is about doesn’t mean your Kansas City patio has to be dull. Make your custom deck pop with these top 3 tips for creating an eye-catching patio!

 

Photo Credit: Desire to Inspire

  • Use bright colored chairs to add a little an eye-catching effect. Distressed, colored wooden or metal chairs add a vintage touch and an eclectic flair effortlessly.

Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

  • Paint something! If you were gifted a patio set, or love one just the way it is but still want to add a little pizzazz, be unconventional. Paint the back of your patio door a color that will truly stand out.

Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

  • If a small and simple change is what you’re looking for, never overlook the power of accessories. For a chic, stylish patio or deck, add color by using bright pillows and accessories.

 

Every season brings great reason to decorate your outdoor oasis. Let Outdoor Environments build you the deck you’ve always dreamed of.

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!

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.

Backyard Oasis: Part Two

We’ve talked a little about the upper deck in our post earlier this week and now we wanted to move downstairs (by way of the spiral staircase) to the lower level deck. The lower deck features a dry living space for the family to enjoy.

Outdoor Environments would love to create an outdoor living space just for you, give us a call at 913-897-2706 or online at Outdoorenvironments.com.

Backyard Oasis

Earlier this summer we talked about an outdoor living space we were creating that featured a two level deck and patio. We completely transformed our client’s backyard into an oasis complete with a water feature and even an outdoor TV. The project was so extensive that we are breaking it up into three parts. The upper deck, the lower deck and the patio.

How to Spruce Up Your Outdoor Living Space

We are heading into prime outdoor living time.  Pools are now officially open and everyone is spending more time outdoors.  We recently came across  Good Things for Outdoor Living on marthastewart.com and we decided to share a few of our favorite ideas with you.

One of my favorite tips on marthastewart.com is to collect a few apothecary bottles and fill them with lamp oil and wicks, then arrange the bottles under a large hurricane for protection.

In typical Martha Stewart fashion, a gardening center is created using a carpenter’s nail belt.  I love the bucket in the center, perfect for storing larger items or even debris.

Marthastewart.com recommends using tiki torches to bring a little of the islands to  your home.  For a path that is a little less paved you can anchor the torches in a bucket filled with gravel.

For more ideas on sprucing up your outdoors click here.

Go Outdoors This Saturday for National Get Outdoors Day

Participate this year in the 2nd annual National Get Outdoors Day on Saturday, June 12th by heading outdoors.  National Get Outdoors Day hopes to promote healthy living by having America take part in outdoor activities.  Whether you go fishing or biking, make sure you encourage the family to turn off the television set and enjoy nature.

There is a slight chance of a thunderstorms on Saturday so make sure you check the weather before you venture outdoors.