Author Archives: admin

Patio Doors 101

Patio decorating can go a lot further than plush seating and a deluxe grilling station. It’s time to start thinking about your patio’s entry and exit point as a bonafide outdoor design element. No patio is complete without the right patio door to complement it. Patio doors, when chosen and constructed selectively, can serve as an amazing focal point that adds to the panache of your entire patio. Here are some trends and ideas to keep in mind when installing or updating your patio doors:

  • Customized doors – Consumer want their choice when it comes to materials, grille patterns, colors, and hardware finishes.
  • Green features – Just like windows, doors also have eco-friendly features. You can easily reduce heating and cooling costs by installing Energy Star doors on your patio.
  • Style – From swinging to sliding doors, there are plenty of options that’ll allow your patio doors to operate in a way that is safe and convenient for your entire family.
  • Privacy – Don’t forget that you can always dress glass patio doors with blinds, curtains, drapes and other decorative panels to keep the inside of your home private. There are also many ways to keep your patio private.

Patio doors can add a stylish and beautiful element to your outdoor space!

Visit the Outdoor Environments Facebook gallery to see examples of our patios and other outdoor spaces.

Image from Houzz

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

Experts Dish on Increasing Backyard Privacy

One of the disadvantages to living in some of today’s modern subdivisions is the loss of privacy. Even if you have a beautiful and fully functional outdoor living space, you won’t enjoy its full potential if the space is open to wandering eyes and nosy neighbors. Backyard privacy is a must. A recent Philadelphia Times article explains it best by saying,

It’s a particular problem for homeowners in close-in suburbs, where backyards abut and you may as well invite the neighbors to everything you do outside since they’re pretty much right there with you anyway. But even spacious yards can feel exposed, with neighboring lots impinging on personal space.

In the article, a handful of landscape designers provided tips and tricks to creating more privacy in the backyard. Here’s what they had to say!

Privatizing your backyard is key to enjoying your outdoor living space.

Santa Barbara-based landscape designer Margie Grace:

“Think ‘screening’ before throwing up a barrier. One of my favorite choices is a screen made of steel-wire reinforcing mesh mounted on wood posts. Let the wire rust for a great look, and add lacy vines. You’ve got a show-stopping art piece, plus the privacy you need. Add architectural details such as screen panels or an iron grill; artistic details like tile mosaic, shutters, shadow box or a mural; or a beautiful gate even if it doesn’t go anywhere. These help make the wall welcoming.”

If a neighbor’s house looms over you, Grace suggests creating an outdoor “ceiling” with canopy trees and overhead structures such as pergolas, shade sails and arbors.

England-based landscape designer Julia Fogg says,

“I prefer the softer look that the Japanese do so well — interwoven bamboo and willow with tightly bound knotted twigs. You can solve concerns about fence-height restrictions or neighbor sightlines with double screens, ornamental grasses and slim, tall trees. Place the deck or patio so you have your back to the problem. Foliage also saps up and absorbs noise.”

Click here to learn more tips mentioned in the article. If you need privacy features in your Kansas backyard, contact Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

Image from Houzz

The Benefits of a Detached Porch

Adding a deck, patio or four-season room to a residential home are all very common projects. But did you know that you can also add a porch?

Detached porches are yet another solution when you’re thinking about adding both value and efficiency to your home. Think about it: how many of your neighbors have a detached porch? Why not start a trend in your neighborhood by letting Outdoor Environments build one for you?

With a detached porch, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds. Not only will you take pleasure in viewing your beautiful garden, but you can do so from the comfort and privacy of a completely enclosed structure. Detached porches are perfect for enjoying beauty of the outdoors without suffering from the unbearable and even dangerous heat. Best of all, you can decorate a porch just as beautifully as you would a room inside your home.

Here are some examples of detached porches we have constructed:

 

To discuss the possibility of adding a detached porch to the exterior of your home, contact Outdoor Environments today!

Outdoor Grill Enclosures

Grills are the perfect accessory for any outdoor living space. But when safety is a factor, you need to put in place every preventive measure you can think of. If your grill rolls around on wheels, it may be time to consider an outdoor grill enclosure. With a custom built enclosure, your grill remains safely in one place, minimizing the dangers that can arise when children, pets or large crowds are in the vicinity.

Grill enclosures are also a great investment because they’re built with all the storage you need to keep up with all your grilling utensils and ingredients. With a rolling grill, it can be difficult to keep up with all of your grilling tools and must-haves. Plus, there’s no need to worry about lugging everything back inside the house – your clean utensils can be stored right inside your new grill enclosure!

Here are some examples of grill enclosures built and installed by Outdoor Environments:

Call Outdoor Environments in Overland Park, KS at 913-897-2706 for more information about our custom grill enclosures.

Outdoor Decorating on a Dime

So you want to spruce up your outdoor space, but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg to do so. There are plenty of ways to add style, character and panache without breaking the bank. What do you think about these ideas?

  • Instead of buying an outdoor rug that will rip and get dirty, opt for painting. With the right stencils and bright colored paint, you can fool guests into thinking it’s a real rug!
  • Gather unused chairs and stools around the house and use them to position potted plants and flowers.
  • For porches, seasonal rooms and gazebos, use sheet fabrics and curtains to create a bit more privacy. Plus, they look fabulous on breezy summer days.
  • Are you bored with your potted plants and flowers? Buy a can or two of spray paint for less than $5 each and spray each pot a bright, happy shade.
  • Speaking of spray painting, take a look at small chairs, tables and other décor you keep outside. If any of it needs a face lift, it surely can be spray painting for a brand new look.
  • Don’t be afraid of thift shops and dollar stores. You can add color with fake fruits and silk flowers for just a few measly dollars!

What other cost-effective ways have you spruced up your outdoor space?

Image from Decor Pad

Hot Tub + Deck = Love

One unique way to add surprise and true customization to your deck is to add a spa or hot tub. With the right privacy elements in place, an outdoor spa on your deck can be the ultimate way to unwind after a long day. Why pay over $100 to visit a swanky spa when you can visit one in your backyard every single day for free? Below are some examples of spa decks designed and constructed by Outdoor Environments.

Hot tubs can be custom built into many different shapes and designs, depending on your existing deck.

Structural elements and landscaping features like fences and/or tall trees will help you to feel more comfortable and free in your secluded outdoor space.

To speak with us about building a spa or hot tub for your deck, call Outdoor Environments in Kansas at 913-897-2706.

3 Common Deck Materials

You probably already know that a new or remodeled deck can add tons of value to your home. But did you also know that your return on investment will be heavily determined by the type of deck materials used? We stumbled upon this article that outlines the pros and cons of some of the most common deck building materials.

Pressure-treated (PT) wood

  • Most common and least expensive material
  • Requires annual sealing to prevent drying, twisting, cupping, splitting, slivering and warping
  • Usually insect- and fungus-resistant for about 10 years
  • Expensive fasteners are required for building since PT can eat through regular screws and nails

Cedar

  • Boards used to last about 20 year, but now they’re only good for about 5-7 years
  • Lack of natural oils makes it more prone to dry rot, mold and insects

Exotic hardwood

  • One of the most expensive deck materials
  • Very durable and long-lasting
  • Can be harvested under less than ethical conditions from forests in South America
  • Often labeled as sustainable when it may not be

To find out about the decking materials we use at Outdoor Environments, contact us today!

Image from How Stuff Works via cc

Head Out Back to Your Pergola, Gazebo or Arbor

Who needs to go on an expensive vacation when you can have your very own backyard retreat 365 days a year? Luckily, outdoor structures like pergolas, gazebos and arbors can turn your backyard into an escape that you can enjoy whenever you want to. Here are some ideas that’ll get your juices flowing.

Pergolas, gazebos and arbors are perfect for any backyard because alone or combined, they’ll add:

  • The perfect poolside relaxing area for you to rest before your next dip.
  • An outdoor kitchen area that’s perfect for summer barbecues, parties and gatherings.
  • A beautifully welcoming entrance to the backyard.
  • The perfect structures for planting and growing vines, blooms and greenery that’ll wrap around you’re the columns on any pergola, gazebo or arbor.
  • The best setting for extra private dining on a perfect summer day.

Be sure to visit Outdoor Environments on Facebook to see examples of our pergolas, gazebos and arbors.

Images from BHG

Choosing Your Deck Materials Wisely

By now, you probably already know that a new or remodeled deck can earn you a huge return on your investment – sometimes as much as 80 percent!

The great thing about a deck is that it provides a wonderful space for parties and gatherings and it’s much more cost-effective than building an additional room onto your home. With a deck, your living space is still expanded; it’s just outside instead of inside.

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to a new or remodeled deck. And the cost can vary greatly depending on what type of material is used. One thing homeowners should know is that it’s not always the wisest idea to penny pinch when it comes to deck materials. That’s because the cheaper the material is, the more maintenance and upkeep you’ll be responsible for. Wood is a popular material, but they need to be cared for regularly and usually require a new coat of staining every couple of years. If maintenance is not appealing to you, consider synthetic materials that require little maintenance over the life of the deck.

If you aren’t sure what type of deck is right for you, that’s what Outdoor Environments is here for. Call us today at 913-897-2706 to speak with us today!

Image from My Home Ideas via Southern Living