Tag Archives: outdoor fireplaces

9 Do’s and Don’t for Safe Outdoor Heating

We’ve written before about the advantages of using fireplaces and fire pits to heat your outdoor living areas as the weather gets colder. No matter which one you choose, they both offer a number of benefits. But let’s not forget that there are certain safety precautions that should be taken to keep your loved ones and your property safe. Here are some tips from the Journal Sentinel:

  1. Follow all directions when setting up your fireplace or firepit.
  2. Don’t place the firepit within 10 feet of a structure or under low-hanging tree limbs.
  3. Don’t have a fire on a windy night.
  4. Use a spark screen if possible.
  5. Never leave a fire unattended. When calling it a night, make sure the fire is out.
  6. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher on hand and a garden hose nearby before you light the fire.
  7. Don’t let children run or play near the fire or heat source.
  8. Make sure you have a first aid kit on hand and read up ahead of time about how to treat burns.
  9. Don’t place a firepit on a wooden deck without proper precautions.

 

 

Outdoor Environments can help you to figure out what outdoor heating features would be ideal for your deck or patio. Contact us today to learn more!

Image from Decor Pad

Fall for Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits

One of the most creative ways to light up your outdoor space this fall is with fire. Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, that is. As the weather begins to cool off, these warming outdoor features can provide a lot of benefits. Once its installed, you can enjoy it year-round! What other outdoor feature allows such flexibility?

Fireplaces and fire pits are great for…

  • Creating a soothing and warming atmosphere outside
  • Being the centerpiece in the midst of a beautiful autumn outdoor setting
  • Patios, decks and other outdoor areas
  • Quickly creating an outdoor gathering space for unexpected guests

Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are the perfect addition to homes all over Kansas City and Overland Park. To speak with Outdoor Environments about your outdoor fire options, contact us today!

Image from iVillage

 

Outdoor Wars: Fireplaces vs. Fire Pits

As the summer slowly winds down and the cool autumn season arrives, keep in mind that there are still plenty of ways to enjoy your outdoor space. Don’t let the cooler weather keep you inside! With an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, you can make the most of your backyard long after the summer is over.

Fire pits

  • Usually serves as an accent piece
  • Great for creating a natural and conversational gathering spot
  • Small, but radiates plenty of heat
  • Very cost-effective
  • Can be portable or custom built
  • Can often be converted into outdoor cocktail table
  • No smoke control

Fireplace

  • Usually serves as the main outdoor focal point
  • Easy to install on a porch, patio or deck
  • Lots of options when it comes to architectural details

Which option is best for your outdoor space? If you need an expert to custom build or install your fireplace or fire pit, contact Outdoor Environments today!

Images from Latte Lisa and Remodelista

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

Get Inspired by HGTV

We came across these inspiring outdoor living spaces on HGTV and wanted to share them with you, our readers. Outdoor fireplaces and kitchens have become very popular within the last couple of years. It makes for a perfect place to spend your evenings.  These additions not only add beauty to your outdoors, but they can add convenience as well.