After completing a new construction, remodeling or addition home project, you can often be left with an unsightly yard in need of some much deserved attention. Deciding how to coordinate your hardscape with your landscape and tie them together with your new home can seem overwhelming. This is a perfect time to let the professionals assist you with their hardscaping services in Kansas City. Continue reading
Source: DecorPad
Adding a fire pit to your Kansas City area backyard is one of the most popular outdoor remodeling trends. The fire pit extends the use of your outdoor living space from spring until late fall. Some people even enjoy the fire pit during the winter holiday season if there’s no rain or snow.
A fire pit can be any size or shape. It can sit in the ground or above on any size patio as long as the area is open and ventilated. A fire pit can stand alone or it can be part of a stone wall built around the patio. The fire can be gas, charcoal or wood.
A sunken fire pit can suggest a rustic campfire or it can be paved with stone or brick. Seating can be built-in with stone and decorated with colorful cushions that are removed during wet weather.
A raised tiled or stone fire pit can also be a welcome addition to the patio designed so that it doubles as a barbecue with a grill placed over the fire. Marshmallows and hot dogs can be roasted on a stick over any fire pit.
Contact Outdoor Environments for a fire pit for your patio.
A deck can accent your home and add value when done right. There’s a large variety of decks to select from and hiring a professional to assist with your ideas can help you achieve your goal. For Kansas City homeowners needing exterior remodeling services, consider Outdoor Environments where you will receive expert advice and assistance on the right deck for your backyard.
Decks in Kansas City range from platform to multi-level decks. At Outdoor Environments we can help you decide which one is best. For the simplest style consider a low to the ground, platform deck.
It’s built on leveled ground and doesn’t require railings. Pressure treat the wood and give coats of protective sealer to preserve the deck for many years to come. A freestanding deck isn’t connected to the house, requires little expense or work.
A raised deck is higher off the ground, needing railings and stairs for added safety. You can hide exposed posts with vines and plants. A two story deck allows you to enter your backyard from the second floor. A multi-level deck is connected through stairways and walkways and is ideal for uneven lots. Become creative on how to hide exposed posts with decorative boards and skirting.
Consider these options when choosing the right deck for you. Contact us if you’re looking for professional help.
Whether it’s the dirt it came with or polished granite, every outdoor space has a floor. Unfortunately, Mother Nature will wreak havoc on any material that is not up to the challenge of resisting the elements. For this reason a homeowner should carefully consider their needs when installing one. Here are some flooring suggestions:
Grass or Mulch – While nature provides, it does not always give the best results. Use grass in an area where it is well lit and watered and mulch in areas that will see a lot of foot traffic.
Crushed Stone – Another inexpensive option for much-used and well-traveled areas is crushed stone. It is easily applied and will last for years even in the worst weather.
Paver Options – Pavers are a very versatile option that can be used in a variety of places from wide-open, entertainment spaces to winding garden paths.
Brick & Stone – For a more finished look, consider brick or tile. They are available in a wide variety of shapes, styles and colors.
For more outdoor flooring options or if you need professional landscape help, please contact us at the Outside Environments. Reach us online at OutdoorEnvironments.com or call us directly at 913-897-2706.
Source: Pinterest
One of the true joys of the summer is spending time in the backyard. Unfortunately, the weather conditions of late July and August bring excessive heat that can make sitting under the sun unbearable. Homeowners are always looking for alternative ways to block out the sun. Here are some helpful suggestions to give yourself some shade this summer:
The Pergola Look
One of the most popular structures used to block out the sun is a pergola. This look is better-suited to cover a patio or deck, which can be built as an added feature or as a freestanding structure. Homeowners love how the pergola perfectly extends the roofline of their home.
Retractable Awnings
The best inexpensive choice is retractable awnings, as they are very practical for areas where it rains often. The primary feature of retractable awnings is that they can be used at various angles during the course of a day to block out the sun.
Umbrellas
An umbrella is a very functional item that reduces the sunlight in your backyard. Additionally, they’re perfectly designed for year-round use, as a quality umbrella can provide protection on windy afternoons. Remember, the effectiveness of an umbrella is determined by its style and fabric material.
Contact us for more information about outdoor furniture that can help you beat the heat this summer.
Image via Pinterest
Creative outdoor lighting is one of the leading outdoor remodeling trends. Universal design in lighting leads the way to your front door safely and makes your patio and outdoor eating area more pleasant at night.
Universal design refers to safe and easy accessibility to residential and commercial buildings for people of all physical abilities, including those with disabilities, children, and seniors. Good outdoor lighting helps people of all ages and abilities see clearly where they are walking and stay safe on a path at night.
Well designed outdoor lighting creates zones to help people determine borders at the edge of paths and stairs. Swimming pools and other landscaped water elements should also be illuminated at night for safety.
Various styles of outdoor lighting can illuminate pathways, entries and parking areas while adding elegance to your home. A pathway lined with ground-level LED lights can show the way to your front entry, backyard deck or your garden. Illuminate your raised deck area with colorful lights under the railing.
Lights mounted next to or under steps will make them easier to ascend and descend at night. Lights can also be added to the stairway bannister by your front or back door.
Outdoor Environments will work with you to create safe and elegant lighting for the exterior of your Kansas City home.
Pergola by Outdoor Environments
Making proper use of your pergola space is important. Adding custom lights to your pergola can give it a romantic feeling that’s hard to match. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so if you’ll be spending any time outdoors, this idea is probably right up your alley!
As outdoor remodeling trends continue to grow more sophisticated, people are continually looking for ways to transform their plain Jane pergola into a warm, romantic haven, and a well-planned lighting scheme is the perfect way to accomplish this.
Good lighting schemes add an ambiance of warmth and coziness to your pergola, not to mention a romantic touch. Imagine a romantic resort vacation. Now imagine it in your own backyard. Whatever type of feel you’re looking to accomplish, there is a lighting scheme that will fit the bill. Some lights can even be left out for use all year round.
And generally there’s no need to worry about whether or not they will scorch your greenery, because outdoor lights for structures are designed not to get too hot. The options truly are limitless as you can choose from normal string lights, colored lights, LED lights and many more.
If your Kansas City outdoor space isn’t yet equipped with a pergola, why not have us add one for you? Visit the Outdoor Environments Facebook page to see examples of our work all over the city!
image via Outdoor Environments
New Sunroom by Outdoor Environments
Sunrooms are great additions to many homes, but deciding that you want or need one isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. Where should it be located? What will you use it for? And how much does a sunroom even cost?
Location
Since your new sunroom may well become a family hang out, putting it in the right location is key. Choosing an area close to the kitchen will ensure that meals will be pleasurable, and food will be accessible. Even still, there are plenty of other uses for a sunroom, all of which will directly affect where it can and should be located.
Function
If you plan on using your sunroom solely for dining, then off of the kitchen is ideal, but a sunroom can be so much more than a dining area. If you have a green thumb, you may consider putting it on the south side of your home to increase its amount of time in the sun.
Cost
There’s no magic formula to predict the cost of your sunroom. Every project is a custom job that’s specified to your exact needs. One tip that may help is that you can save a chunk of money by adding a sunroom to an already existing door, as opposed to adding both a sunroom and an entry/exit point.
Exterior remodeling is a big commitment. Take the time to analyze all aspects of its creation. If you would like help planning your sunroom addition, or for more exterior remodeling ideas, contact Outdoor Environments for your project needs.
image via Outdoor Environments
This outdoor room is perfect for children to curl up in and read
Exterior remodeling is often planned for the purpose of adding function and value to a home. But have you ever thought about how changes can enhance playtime for your kids or grand kids?
The design of the outside of your home can completely affect the way that kids enjoy their time once spring arrives. It doesn’t hurt to think about how upcoming projects can benefit them too!
For example, a gazebo can make a perfect playhouse or reading room. And if the structure is a short distance from the house, which they usually are, it can give children a sense of privacy while you can rest assured that they are still close to home.
Another idea that kids might enjoy is a small sunroom addition to prevent that cooped up feeling that lots of children experience when they’re at home.
Whatever your desire, we here at Outdoor Environments can help you explore exterior remodeling ideas. Our staff can consult you and help you with any project, large or small, from start to finish.
image via Outdoor Environments
Being immersed in the dead of winter makes homeowners long for the days of sitting outdoors in the with a cold drink and a delicious meal fresh off the grill. A popular trend moving its way into 2013 is adding outdoor living rooms and kitchens to a backyard space. Planning that remodel to your home make take a few months, which is why now is the perfect time to prepare for the summer.
Image via Outdoor Environments
Outdoor kitchens are the perfect addition to a backyard space because it allows the entertaining to occur outdoors. Clean-up and storage is made easy with smart design, allowing for less back and forth trips between the home’s kitchen and the outdoor area. Additionally, pests are kept at bay as homeowners do not need to keep opening their screen doors to go in and out of the house. The food is hot and fresh, and the cook can be a part of the backyard party.
Combine an outdoor kitchen with with an outdoor living space complete with couches, chairs and a fire pit for a backyard that will be the premier hosting spot of the neighborhood. You can add awnings and fans in order to enjoy the room in all weather.
For help designing and building a gorgeous outdoor space before warm weather returns to Kansas City, contact Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.
One of the biggest outdoor...
Include in your exterior remodeling ideas...
It’s a refuge, a playground,...
7304 Black Oak Circle
Stillwell, KS 66085
913-897-2706
