Tag Archives: patio

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

Growing Trend: Outdoor Kitchens

According to Kitchen & Bath Business, experts agree that outdoor kitchens are no longer considered a luxury. They are now a common and standard feature for home remodeling and new home construction. But to achieve the perfect outdoor kitchen area, the perfect patio or deck must first be installed.

So why are outdoor kitchen areas so hot? Experts say there are many reasons. Among them:

  • Homeowners have an increasing desire to invest in projects that increase property value.
  • Plain and empty backyards are boring and uninspiring.
  • Consumers are more interested in cheaper, healthier ways to eat and outdoor grilling helps to fill that void.
  • For those who can’t sell their homes, outdoor kitchens and living areas not only add value, but quality of life.

In order to create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, you must first realize that a custom patio or deck sets the foundation. Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today to get started with planning your outdoor oasis!

Photo from Outdoor Environments

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!

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

3 Ways to Add Privacy to Your Patio

A backyard patio is a great addition to your home if you enjoy relaxing (when weather permits) and entertaining just outside your back door. But you may want your space to feel a bit more private than it actually is. There are plenty of ways to add a touch of privacy to your patio. Here are just a few:

Walls – If you want to separate your space from the view of your neighbors, a patio wall would be an excellent option. Permanent walls require more work to install and may make your patio feel cramped while removable walls are temporary barriers that can collapse for storage.

Fencing – For a less restricted place, fencing as a more charming feel to your patio area. Add more visual interest by allowing plants and vines to grow up the face of the fence. Bamboo fences are perfect for this.

Plants – For an incognito way to shield your patio from the view of others, use flowers! Large, colorful planters and tall planted trees will appear more like decoration than a wall of armor.

For more ideas on how to make your Kansas City area patio more exclusive, call Outdoor Environments 913-491-0900 today!

More Ideas to Beautify Your Backyard

Hopefully you read our post from earlier this week about the features you should be thinking about adding to your backyard this spring. Just in case you needed some more inspiration, we’ve rounded up five more ideas to take your outdoor living space from drab to fab!

Outdoor flooring is one of the best ways to add value to your home. Even with a deck or patio already installed, accenting it with concrete pavers, a brick walkway or other hardscapes products adds a nice touch to any backyard.

What backyard is complete without a grilling area? It may be a bit nippy outdoors, but a grill, open faced brick oven and a wet bar are all great ways to enhance outdoor entertaining once the weather warms up.

The right lighting can make or break your home’s outdoor living area. Be creative with walkway lighting, candles or customized landscape lanterns.

Finally, there are many ways to accessorize once you added all the right outdoor living elements and features. Have you thought about statues or sculptures? What about picket fencing or a booming sound system?

For assistance getting your outdoor living area up to par for spring, call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments

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!

Shop now for your outdoors

You finally have the outdoor living area of your dreams now all you need to do is accessorize to add your own personal style to the space. We know that you probably aren’t enjoying the area as much as you’d like since the weather here in Kansas has turned colder, but that doesn’t mean that come spring you can have the perfect place to lounge outside. Now is a great time to buy outdoor furniture and accessories with all the holiday sales and discounts. We have pulled together a few of our favorite must have accessories for your outdoor environments.

If you haven’t already done so you’ll need to purchase your patio or deck furniture. We love the look of this room below from House Beautiful. This outdoor living room is like another extension of your home.

From House Beautiful

Add a pop of color to your outdoors with these below accessories. The pillow and rugs will surely bring some needed pizzazz to any neutral palette. And the candles and lanterns are also a must have for your outdoors.

via Shelterpop

We’d love to hear any deals you have seen on outdoor furniture.