Tag Archives: Outdoor Environments

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1. Subscribe to our blog and get posts sent straight to your inbox! You’ll be alerted as soon as we post new content about outdoor patio/deck living, trends and so much more! You’ll find the subscription box located on the right side of our blog’s homepage.

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Facebook/Twitter logo on homepage courtesy of Business Week.

Seasonal Rooms 101

Outdoor Environments is experienced with creating custom three and four-season room additions in the Overland Park and Kansas City areas. But many people are not clear about what the difference is between the two. Here’s a quick lesson:

Three-season rooms or porches

  • Can be used for up to three seasons in a year, usually spring, summer and fall
  • Insulation is common, but they’re not meant to be heated during the winter
  • Serves as a comfortable area that’s not really inside or outside
  • Uses can include exercising, reading or relaxing with a spa or hot tub

Example of three-season room by Outdoor Environments:

Four-season rooms

  • Can be used year-round, regardless of season or weather conditions
  • Provide extra benefits for the extreme Midwestern winters
  • Can be heated and/or cooled just like any other room in the house
  • Usually portray the same architectural style as the rest of the house

Example of four-season room by Outdoor Environments:

So the choice is up to you. Which type of outdoor room do you think would best suit your needs? Leave a comment and let us know!

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

Caring for Patio Pavers

If you’ve ever gone through the process of home remodeling or adding new features to increase your property value, you already know that it can take a lot of time and patience. But once you’re a step closer to living in your dream home, how do you keep it up? Here are some tips on keeping your new patio looking new: 

  1. Stop weed growth by applying a mixture of water and white vinegar to the patio surface. This should stop weeds dead in their tracks. Although there are plenty of herbicides on the market, many of them are not safe for patio pavers. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s label first.
  2. To remove general stains, wash the patio surface with a mixture of warm water and a mild, general detergent. Recent stains can be scrubbed gently while older stains may need more rigorous care with a hard bristle brush.
  3. Paint thinner is the magic ingredient to remove paint stains from patio pavers. Just wipe the thinner away with a damp cloth and rinse the patio surface with water.
  4. Regular sweeping keeps your patio looking bright. Pressure washing also keeps the color in tact. Adding a layer of sealer will make the material last longer.

If you need professional patio care in the Overland Park or Kansas City areas, call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

Make Your Outdoor Space Cozy for Winter

Just because it’s still cold outside doesn’t mean you have to wait until spring to enjoy it. Here are a few ways you can create an amazing winter outdoor living space: 

  • You’re sure to find deals on fire pits and fireplaces as winter gradually comes to an end. This is perfect for entertaining family and friends without having to be crammed into the kitchen or living room. Click here to read more about heating your patio.
  • Don’t forget to decorate outside just like you would inside. Large planters, table cloths, outdoor rugs, oversized blankets and candles will make it look like a cozy room in no time.
  • Since it gets darker earlier during the winter, good lighting for your outdoor space is key. Many lighting systems can been set to automatically dim during the day and brighter as it gets darker outside.

Have you been enjoying your patio or deck despite the cold winter weather? Leave a comment and let us know!

Photo courtesy of Flickr

Add Life and Color to Your Outdoor Space

We can’t stress enough how important it is to start planning your home’s outdoor space for spring. Whether you’ve have (or plan to have) a deck, patio, porch, sunroom or another structure, making it look good is a key factor in actually enjoying it. Take these tips from Sensational Color about adding life to your backyard:

  1. Take a look around your backyard and make a note of the colors surrounding your home. The flowers, landscape, and even the color of your deck and other outdoor structures set a mood.
  2. Treat your outdoor space just as you would treat a room inside your home by coordinating colors. Fences, sunrooms, gazebos and decks all look their best when their styles are connected.
  3. Color is great, but limit yourself to a three-color palette to avoid a confusing theme.
  4. Always keep in mind the mood you want to set. Will the space be used for entertaining family and friends? Or will it be a space for child’s play? Whatever you do, your outdoor décor should relate to its use.

Want more tips about creating the perfect outdoor space? Click here! And don’t forget to call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to get started building your outdoor oasis in the Kansas City area!

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments Facebook Gallery

Coming Soon: Greater Kansas City Home Show

Mark your calendars for one of Kansas City’s biggest annual events!

What: Greater Kansas City Home Show & Flower, Lawn & Garden Show

When: Friday-Sunday, March 25-27, 2011

Friday: 10 am-8 pm • Saturday: 10 am-8 pm • Sunday: 10 am-6 pm

Where: Kansas City Convention Center, Bartle Hall

Who attends this event?

  • >>
  • 90% are homeowners
  • >>
  • 86% are between 30-65 years of age
  • >>
  • 65% attend the show to gather ideas and see new products
  • >>
  • 58% spend 3 to 4 hours at the show
  • >>
  • 76% of attendees plan on spending money in the next year on home improvements AND
  • >>
  • 60% of those specific attendees plan to spend more than $2,000

This year’s event will be packed full of fun, informative and educational features including:

  • BBQ Pit
  • Construction Zone
  • Design Gallery
  • Fit Kid area
  • Garden Market
  • Garden Pavilion
  • Green Build Destination
  • Pet Park
  • Remodelers Row
  • Universal Design

Professional work by local builders, designers, landscapers, remodelers and many others will be showcased. For more information about this year’s home show, visit the Home Builder’s Association of Greater Kansas City online.

Outdoor Environments specializes in outdoor living solutions such as patios, decks, seasonal rooms, arbors, pergolas, deck cleaning, restoration and much more. Call us at 913-897-2706 to find out how we can help you.

Logos courtesy of KCHBA

What Patios Are Made Of – Part II

Earlier this week we featured two types of materials that will make a beautiful patio. But the list of possible patio materials doesn’t end there. Here are two more popular materials to consider for your backyard patio: Tile – The type of tile used indoors for your kitchen or bathroom is much different from tile used for an outdoor patio. But they can still make a great transition from the outside in. Out tile should be nonporous and able to withstand most sever weather conditions. Tiles can be glazed, but keep in mind these can be very slippery. Unglazed tiles are popular as well.

Brick – One of the most popular building products in the world, patio bricks vary slightly from those used in home building. Like tile, patio bricks should not be porous and should also last in various climates and weather conditions. Although red brick is the most well-known color, patio bricks come in various shades of brown, black and even pinkish tones.

Don’t forget to contact Outdoor Environments to find out what kind of patio foundation materials we have for your outdoor space. You can reach us at 913-897-2706.

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments Facebook Gallery

What Patios Are Made Of – Part I

Patios can be just as diverse as the homes they’re attached to. To get the best out of your patio, you’ll need to consider size, how the patio will be used, and the overall impression you want to make. One of the basic things you’ll need to know is what type of materials decks are made from. Again, patios are diverse, so there are many options available. Below are just a few of the most common patio materials.

Stone – Patios made of stone are some of the most durable and natural looking. Choosing your stone locally is the eco-friendly way to go and it’s more likely to blend in with your yard’s natural setting. Types of stone used for patios include limestone, bluestone, quartzite and slate.

Concrete pavers – If you’re looking for a way to simulate the look of brick or natural stone with unique shapes and/or colors, concrete pavers are a great economical choice. Pavers can be replaced easily and when they interlock, they’re less likely to shift or become loose.

Stay tuned to the Outdoor Environments blog as we’ll discuss other types of patio materials in the coming days and weeks.

Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to find out what materials we offer for patio installation in the Overland Park/Kansas City area.

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments Facebook Gallery

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