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4 Ways to Enjoy the Patio This Winter

Don’t make the mistake of closing off the patio just because it’s gotten cold outside. You can still enjoy your outdoor living room in the frigid temperatures and even in the snow. But how?

Don't let a little snow stop you from using your prized patio this winter!

  1. Add a basic outdoor kitchen. These usually include a grill and cabinetry for storing various utensils and cooking tools. For something more elaborate, appliances can also be incorporated.
  2. Invest in warm outdoor seating. Sure, plastic and metal chairs are fine for other seasons. But they can be quite uncomfortable during the winter. Buy cushions with built-in insulated cushions that are also water-proof.
  3. Install outdoor lighting. Since the winter is known for getting darker much earlier in the evenings, you can easily keep the party going with lanterns, string lights and other types of outdoor fixtures.
  4. Get the right outdoor heating source. As we’ve mentioned many times before, don’t underestimate the power of heat for your outdoor space. Even if you don’t want a whole fireplace or fire pit, portable outdoor heaters in sold in general stores.

How do you use your patio during the winter?

Image from wharman on Flickr

Equip Your Deck with a Hot Tub This Winter

Enjoying your outdoor space during the cold winter months may seem like a crazy idea. But did you know that you can incorporate a hot tub onto your deck?

An example of a deck and hot tub combo from our portfolio.

One of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make is to have their hot tub sitting off to the side in the yard or on an elevated platform. This can hurt the overall appeal of an outdoor space. When it’s treated like an eye sore, that exactly what it’ll look like to others.

A better idea would be to incorporate this water feature with your existing deck for a purposeful and useful added value element. Here is an excerpt about hot tubs and decks from Service Magic:

When investing in a deck hot tub, there a few considerations to keep in mind. First, are you building decks around the spa, or are you installing a new unit into a preexisting structure? If adding new construction, the tub is probably sitting on a concrete slab and you won’t have to worry about special modifications. But most people already have a deck, and so accommodating a new hot tub addition will require additional support in the frame. They’re heavy when empty but filled with water and people they can weigh several thousand pounds. So to avoid sagging, cracking, or other mishaps, always fortify the center of your decking with extra braces. Also, you’ll need other forms of support in your plans, including electrical service and plumbing. So hire a professional who has experience with these remodels and can properly calculate the project’s requirements.

Would you like to discuss marrying your hot tub with your deck in Kansas City? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

Room Additions and Extensions

Many home improvement projects will earn you a pretty decent return on investment. Typically, kitchen and bath remodeling will result in very high returns. But what other projects will earn you most of your money back?

Room additions and extensions. And we can do both right here at Outdoor Environments! But what are the benefits to getting a room addition or extension?

  • When you realize that your home has become too crowded or cluttered, your first instinct may be that it’s time to buy a new home. But it’s not! With the right addition, lots of square footage can be added to your current home for just a fraction of the cost of moving!
  • No matter what your addition is used for, there will be an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction and pleasure when it’s done. Whether it’s a home office, game room, play room or whatever, it’ll be custom made just for you and your family’s needs!
  • Depending on the type of addition and where it’s located, you stand the chance of earning back a very high percentage of your investment.

Example of a room/home addition from Houzz.com

Would you like to discuss the possibility of an room addition or extension for your home? Contact Outdoor Environments today if you live in the Kansas City or Overland Park area.

Image from Houzz.com

Outdoor Living Rooms by Outdoor Environments

If your desire has always been to create an outdoor living room, then Outdoor Environments is exactly who you should depend on to make that desire a reality. We can create:

Our work speaks for itself!

For the past 20 years, we’ve turned backyards into masterpieces. Our portfolio includes literally hundreds of decks and outdoor living projects right here in the Kansas City area. And we can do the same for you. Your complete satisfaction is extremely important to us and our goal is to maintain clients for life. We are confident that a project built by Outdoor Environments will be one that provides you with many years of enjoyment.

Call us today at 913-897-2706 to discuss building your dream outdoor living room! And visit our Facebook photo gallery to see more of our work!

 

Fall Inspired Outdoor Rooms

The beauty of outdoor rooms is that they provide a comfortable buffer between outside and inside. If you need some brand new inspiration when it comes to designing and decorating your porch, sunroom or seasonal room, we’ve got all the motivation you need right here!

Outdoor Environments can assist with all of your outdoor room needs. If you’re near Kansas City or Overland Park, contact us today!

Images from BHG (1,2)

Fall Deck Ideas

We know that the weather has gotten a bit frightful over the past few days, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s time to close the deck for the season. Why not enjoy a hot cup of tea on your fall decorated deck? Your outdoor space can still be enjoyed as the seasons change, but only if you can infuse a little bit of creativity.

First, of course, start with a reliable source of outdoor heating. We’ve talked a lot about outdoor fireplaces and fire pits on this blog, but another solution is to buy an outdoor heater. They work exceptionally well!

Comfortable outdoor seating is still a must. Make sure you have plenty of chairs with comfortable cushions.

Don’t forget to incorporate the colors of fall into your deck. Orange, red, yellow and brown come together to create a beautiful and rustic scenery.

From string lights to lanterns to mason jars, outdoor lighting is crucial as daylight ends much earlier. Just be sure to keep lighting in a safe area away from children and pets.

Leave us a comment below to let us know how you have decorated your deck for the fall!

Image from Build Direct

Add an Entryway Arbor

A grand way to welcome your guests this season is with an entryway arbor! A custom arbor can be added to most pathways, door ways and other areas that lead guests right into your home.

  • Arbors can easily be decorated with greenery, roses and even mistletoe to create a true holiday spirit.
  • For a really charming arbor entry, a gate or fence may be added as well.
  • A nicely decorate arbor is a unique way to decorate outdoor for neighbors to see.

Here are some examples of beautiful entryway arbors from Better Homes & Gardens :

Although arbors are available in boxed kits, it’s definitely worth it to invest in a custom built arbor just for your home. Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to discuss the possibilities of building an entryway arbor for your home today!

 

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

Winterizing Your Patio

Fall is a season of preparation. There are many things that need to be done before the frosty cold winter sets in. If you’re a homeowner with a patio, now is the time to start getting things in order before it’s too late. Taking certain precautions now will help to make things easier when the warm spring rolls around again. Here are some tips from Houzz on fall chores that’ll help to winterize your patio.

  1. Clean and store patio furniture.
  2. Scrub patio cushions.
  3. Clean off the grill.
  4. Store garden tools and accessories.
  5. Clean off hammocks.
  6. Clean and store umbrellas.
  7. Freshen up the base of your patio by power washing it.
  8. Continue to enjoy your patio!

In what other ways do you prepare your patio for the winter season?

Image from BHG

Get a Shade Arbor This Fall

You might already have a deck or patio attached to your home. If you need a new addition to your home’s exterior, a shade arbor might be the perfect choice for you.

Unlike most decks and patios, shade arbors are covered and cozy spaces that are perfect for the fall season.

What can you use a shade arbor for?

  • Simple fall outdoor dining
  • Adding a touch of privacy from neighbors
  • Add as an extra feature to your current deck or patio
  • Use it as a display area for greenery, flowers and flower pots
  • Create a comfy sitting or reading area with a bench or cushioned seating
  • Makes a great nook to sit and relax while children and pets play in the yard

Pictured below are examples of our shade arbors:

There are so many ways to add personality to your outdoor space this fall. Outdoor Environments would love to start planning a shade arbor addition for your home. Visit our Facebook photo gallery to see more photos of shade arbors we have built.