Tag Archives: Outdoor Environments

Dad Wants a Grill… and an Outdoor Kitchen

Are you stuck trying to figure out the perfect give for your dad or husband for Father’s Day? You’ve only a got about a week left to figure it out. Father’s Day is on June 19th. But Outdoor Environments is here to help speed up the process. Why not get dad a brand new barbecue grill for his big day?

Grills are great not only for dads, but for the entire family. Not only is grilling one of the healthiest ways to prepare food, but it provides an opportunity for the entire family to gather and have fun in the summer sun. And if dad is a true grill master, it’ll give mom a break from cooking dinner for a change. What mom doesn’t want that?

Of course, you can always take your barbecue grill a step further by letting Outdoor Environments plan a whole outdoor kitchen around it. For more information about how we can do this for you, call us at 913-897-2706.

Image from Creative Commons

Perfect Pergolas for Summer

There are so many ways to incorporate a pergola into your outdoor space that we don’t even know where to begin! So, let’s just dive on in. Here are a few ideas to integrate, decorate and jazz up a pergola outside your home.

  1. For garden lovers, pergolas provide the perfect structure for vines and other vertically-grown greenery to flourish. As it surrounds the pergola’s poles and beams, it’ll create a natural, vineyard type of atmosphere.
  2. Pergolas are your space to make all your own. Decorate if however you’d like with colorful accessories, seat cushions, flowers, outdoor curtains and other elements.
  3. If you’ve already got a patio, a pergola is the perfect way to transform it into a covered, more private outdoor room.
  4. Guests can make a grand entrance with a pergola constructed directly over your home’s entry doors.
  5. Although we’re accustomed to seeing pergolas with square and rectangular shapes, keep in mind that you can create more visual interest with other shapes, sizes and architectural details.

Are you ready for your pergola? If so, call Outdoor Environments in Kansas City at 913-897-2706 today!

Information and images from BHG

Add Value to Your Property for National Homeownership Month

The month of June is recognized as National Homeownership Month. Put in place by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), this month is dedicated to teaching homeowners all about the ins and outs of the American home – how to buy one, maintain it and add value. Outdoor Environments knows all about adding value to homes all around the Kansas City area.

According to the NAHB, landscaping your yard is one of the best ways to increase your home’s value.

Along the same lines of thinking as the roof, landscaping can give a great – or not so great – first impression. Backyard landscaping can transform ordinary spaces into incredible entertaining areas by including elegant water features and lush plants. Consider your area’s climate. If you live in an area that receives temperate weather year-round, you’ll find that your new landscaped yard adds value to your home and increases your living space.

Of course, landscaping can include much more than just gardening and planting pretty flowers. Backyard decks, patios, sun rooms, porches, gazebos, pergolas and shade arbors are all great additions to a home’s landscape that will also add to the value of your home.

Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to discuss how we can help to make your home even more valuable for you!

Image from Houzz

Create Your Own Backyard Wicker World

Centuries ago, wicker was the primary material used to craft various items in ancient Egypt and China. But it wasn’t until the 1800s that woven-rattan became a mainstay in the United States. The Victorian motif that wicker often personifies has made it a stylish addition to both indoor and outdoor rooms.

Wicker is timeless and can be mixed with many different materials, finishes and colors. It’s also very durable although it does need to be sheltered from natural outdoor elements. These days, many furniture manufacturers are giving wicker a more diverse, modern twist which makes it even more appealing to the average consumer. It’s also a great furniture choice no matter what outdoor seating trends are hot right now.

If you need some wicker inspiration, take a look at these modern twists on an old time favorite!

Outdoor Environments wants to know: Do you own wicker furniture? Leave a comment below!

Images and information from Elle Decor

A Look Back at Deck Safety Month

We took a little bit of a break last week from talking about National Deck Safety Month. But now that the end of May is finally upon us (can you believe it?) we thought now would be the best time to gather all of the topics we’ve discussed thus far related to deck safety. If you need to catch up, here’s what we’ve covered already:

National Deck Safety Month

Outdoor Lighting for Decks

Industry Checklist for Deck Safety

Safe Deck Railings for Safer Decks

Is it Time for a New Deck?

8 Steps to a Clean Deck

Outdoor Environments is here to help with your deck building and remodeling needs in Kansas City and Overland Park. Call us at 913-897-2706 for more information about how we can build you a safe and beautiful deck!

Trends in Outdoor Seating

Analysts have predicted that by 2015, U.S. consumers will spend more than $4.4 billion on outdoor furniture. More than half of that will be spent on dining sets alone. Across the U.S., families everywhere have long been married to the idea of backyard barbecues and picnics. This has led to an up-tick in the number of outdoor kitchens and plenty of seating for everyone to relax and enjoy the outdoors. And while traditional love seats and side chairs are dominant, sectional sofas especially for the outdoors are becoming a trend. It also appears that consumers place more emphasis on ample seating, often forgoing more formal dining tables and chairs.

This year, seating is taking on a bright face. As far as color trends go, orange is in. Shades of mandarin, tangerine and carrot are blended with rusty beiges and browns to create the most comfortable and appealing outdoor living space full of earth tones. And don’t forget to toss in a few bright pillows!

Outdoor Environments can help you to achieve this perfect outdoor living atmosphere with plenty of plush and stylish seating for your spring and summer entertaining. Call us at 913-897-2706 for more information about our services around Kansas City and Overland Park.

Information from SacBee

Image from Houzz

Worthy Backyard Patios

Why go through the trouble of investing in a second property or vacation home when you can create your very own patio retreat in your backyard? And have you seen gas prices lately? It’s just another reason for you to invest in a backyard renovation now so that you won’t have to worry about always leaving home to have a good time. Backyard patios can be enhanced with:

  • Swimming pools
  • Outdoor kitchens
  • Landscaping, natural stone and masonry features
  • Patio furniture

Speaking of patio furniture, manufacturers are enhancing features to make outdoor relaxing more comfortable. This includes swivels, sofas, love seats and gliding chairs with deeper seats and extra-oversized lounge chairs that encourage curling up barefoot.

A well-designed patio serves as an extensive of the home’s interior. It’s also perfect for this time of year when you may not want to stay indoors, but you also don’t want to leave home. You can have a backyard retreat that feels like an escape without ever leaving home!

Outdoor Environments in Kansas City can help you to achieve the perfect patio. Call us at 913-897-2706 to discuss your outdoor living options today!

Patio shown was designed by Outdoor Environments

Outdoor Lighting for Decks

It’s still National Deck Safety Month!  And it’s a popular time of year for decks. Since home improvements seem to peak during the spring, it’s important to note that deck construction and upgrades are the third most popular home remodeling project behind kitchen and bath remodels. And what are consumer looking for in upgraded decks this year? They want more deck add-ons, particularly outdoor lighting.

Consumers are interested in adding value. They don’t necessarily have to have the best or biggest deck on the block. They want features that will enhance their outdoor living experience while adding beauty and safety. That’s why outdoor lighting is such a hot commodity.

The types of lighting that consumers can choose from include:

  • Tiny, recessed LEDs for deck edges
  • LED strips for running underneath deck railing
  • Light with remote controlled dimming
  • Energy-efficient lighting that incorporates some or all of the above

All of these lighting options help to create a safer outdoor living environment if you plan to use your deck after the sun goes down. If your deck is in need of remodeling and outdoor lighting, call Outdoor Environments in Overland Park/Kansas City at 913-897-2706.

Information from KPVI

Image from Houzz

Industry Checklist for Deck Safety

If there’s any question about whether your deck is safe, you should be calling Outdoor Environments. Our experience with building and remodeling decks in the metro Kansas City area is unparalleled. But if you’re curious about what constitutes a safe deck, the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) has the answer. Take a look at this industry trusted checklist used by professional deck builders to measure and grade the condition of an existing deck.

  1. Ledger connection – Fastener type and spacing, signs of rust/corrosion, etc.
  2. Posts/footings – Post size, visible signs of rot or cracks, foundation type, etc.
  3. Post-to-beam connection – Beam size, post notch, location of girders, etc.
  4. Joists and joist connections – Condition of joist hangers, acceptable nails, etc.
  5. Stairs – Stair run and stringers
  6. Deck boards – Exposure of nails and screws, fastener type, spacing of joists, etc.
  7. Handrail assemblies and guards – Guardrail height and grip, signs of corrosion or rust, etc.
  8. Miscellaneous features such as rust, corrosion, bolts, fasteners, etc.

You may not understand the industry lingo, but Outdoor Environments does. Call us at 913-897-2706 if your deck is in need of repairs remodeling.

Deck and four-season room performed by Outdoor Environments

Consider a Front Yard Deck!

You might remember us talking recently about how the addition of a deck can help you to sell your home. And since everyone knows that location is the primary factor in the world of real estate, it’s time to consider where your deck will be located. Have you considered a deck in your front yard? Reliable Remodeler thinks it’s worth a try!

A deck in the front yard is welcoming and neighborly–a place to enjoy mimosas on a Sunday morning or host happy hour on a Friday evening. It adds instant curb appeal with an attribute of friendliness. In the backyard, a deck can extend your living quarters, adding virtual square footage and helping any property show well during an open house.

Even if you still insist on a backyard or even a side deck, you won’t be disappointed! Outdoor Environments is your premiere source for decks throughout Overland Park and Kansas City. Give us a call at 913-897-2706 to discuss your outdoor living options today!

Deck shown is by Outdoor Environments