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The Durability of Trex

At Outdoor Environments we work with all types of materials when building outdoor living spaces for our clients. One option that we offer our clients is Trex, the country’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking, railing and fencing products. Trex products not only offer superior durability, but it helps eliminate plastic waste. Trex uses over a million pounds of recycled and reclaimed plastic and waste wood each year when creating their products. Trex alone recycles over 1.3 billion grocery bags annually.

If you decide to use Trex products for your outdoor environment you can relax in knowing that your deck won’t rot, warp or splinter. You can even rejoice in knowing that staining and painting the surface is no longer necessary, the product holds on to its great look.

Click here to see how we used Trex on this deck.

To learn more about Trex please give us a call at 913-897-2706.

Backyard Oasis: Part Two

We’ve talked a little about the upper deck in our post earlier this week and now we wanted to move downstairs (by way of the spiral staircase) to the lower level deck. The lower deck features a dry living space for the family to enjoy.

Outdoor Environments would love to create an outdoor living space just for you, give us a call at 913-897-2706 or online at Outdoorenvironments.com.

Backyard Oasis

Earlier this summer we talked about an outdoor living space we were creating that featured a two level deck and patio. We completely transformed our client’s backyard into an oasis complete with a water feature and even an outdoor TV. The project was so extensive that we are breaking it up into three parts. The upper deck, the lower deck and the patio.

Outdoor living space can increase the value of your home by 15%

There are many benefits to investing in an outdoor living space. So many people focus on the inside of their home, but the outside is just as important. The exterior is the first thing people see when they visit your home.

We put a lot of emphasis on the importance  of creating an outdoor environment for your friends and family to enjoy and now there is another reason why you should invest in your outdoors.  According to SmartMoney magazine, a new deck, patio or garden can help increase the value of your home by up to 15 percent.

So this fall let Outdoor Environments help you create a beautiful oasis outside. Give us a call at 913-897-2706 or visit us online at Outdoorenvironments.com.

Outdoor Environments

Kansas City Parade of Homes begins this Weekend!

The Kansas City Parade of Homes begins this weekend, Saturday, October 2nd and will run through Sunday, October 17th.  The Parade of Homes has been providing the metropolitan Kansas City area with the latest in homes for the last six decades. Homes featured on the Parade of Homes have been divided into four markets to satisfy any home buyer- Urban, Kansas, Missouri North and Missouri South. There are 199 homes on this year’s Parade of Homes so visit KCParadeofhomes.com for the latest information such as price, location, builder, floor plan and subdivision. Below is some information from the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City about the Parade of Homes.

Features:

  • 199 brand new homes ranging from single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area.
  • Homes are open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. during this two-week event and admission to all homes on the tour is free.
  • Free copies of the Parade Guide are available at each home on the Parade and at the Home Builders Association (after Sept. 30) office located at the northwest corner of Interstate 435 and Holmes Road on 103rd Street.
  • Look for the red and white directional arrows leading to each participating new-home community.

Winterize Your Deck this Fall

With the arrival of fall you need to start thinking about how to prepare the exterior of your home for the cold winter months. During the next couple of weeks we are going to help you get your home winter ready starting with your deck.

Chances are the summer heat had an effect on our deck. You’ll need to clean, repair and protect the wood on your deck before the upcoming winter months. Make sure you clean your deck and remove all dirt. Check to see if any of the wood is warped or damaged and make sure all nails are correctly in place. You can use a deck cleaner for a thorough cleaning to remove any mildew or stains.

If you are considering staining or sealing your deck now is the time to do so, just wait at least 24 hours after cleaning to apply the stain. Make sure you check the color of the stain before you use it on your entire deck. Apply the stain evenly and we recommend staining the rails before the floor for easier clean up. And try and avoid staining or sealing your deck before it rains.

Outdoor Environments

Outdoor Environments

You’ll probably need an entire weekend, or more depending on the size of your deck, for this project so make sure you give yourself enough time to get the job done. Also check the forecast and make sure the weekend is rain-free. For help you can give Outdoor Environments a call at 913-897-2706 or visit us online at Outdoorenvironments.com.

Stylish Outdoor Furniture by Sutherland

We are in love with Sutherland’s outdoor furniture collection. In 1991, David Sutherland and John Hutton transformed the outdoor furniture industry and made our job of creating beautiful outdoor living spaces a whole lot easier.  Sutherland has “inspired designers to consider outdoor rooms as a continuum of their stylish interiors.” And with top designers such as Philippe Stark, Terry Hunziker and Nick Berman creating collections for Sutherland, it is easy to see the appeal.

Take a look at some of their stylish outdoor furniture below.

From Sutherland

From Sutherland

From Sutherland

From Sutherland

From Sutherland

One of the best things about Sutherland is that their pieces are designed using sustainable materials such as teak, a hardwood that is resistant to the harsh outdoor elements. Their latest collection, Great Lakes, even uses recycled milk cartons for table tops and chair backs. Nothing says nature better than Sutherland!

Special Offer Available at Outdoor Environments

We are currently offering a special deal at Outdoor Environments to help you get ready for the cooler fall weather. Please print out the below coupon and bring it into our store before October 31, 2010 to receive a $500 savings on your next Outdoor Environment outdoor living area (minimum purchase of $15,000).  You will also receive a complimentary design from one of our experts.

Great Outdoor Entertaining ideas from CasaSugar

Step up your outdoor entertaining this fall with these great ideas from CasaSugar! From making a recycled glass chandelier to making use out of your pool during the fall months, these end-of-season décor  ideas will have your guests talking about your party well into winter.

From CasaSugar

What better way to serve your drinks than with this great drink dispenser.

From Interior and food stylist Paul Lowe. Source: Photo by Frances Janisch

Interior and food stylist Paul Lowe advises, “When you work with flowers you will always have some flower heads that fall of the stems. Don’t throw them away. Fill eggcups with water and place the flower heads in them. ” Thanks for the tip Paul, we love the look!

From Alison Events

We love the floral arrangements displayed in this pool. Although most of you are closing your pools in anticipation for the winter months, this is a perfect way to highlight the area one last time before you close it.

From CasaSugar

Exercise your three R’s (reduce, reuse and recycle) this month with this outdoor chandelier. Visit casasugar.com for details on how to make this incredible outdoor light.

For more ways on how to entertain your guests this fall check out the article on Casasugar.com.