Category Archives: Our Projects

We were pleased to convert a 15-year-old screen porch to a four season room recently for a client. The result is a true room that the client will enjoy more fully and for more months out of the year. To incorporate the space into the architecture, we added tile floor and kept the original finish on the interior. Updates included:

• Enlarging the structure’s footprint.
• Insulating the ceiling and floor areas.
• Installing insulated casement windows.
• Adding a  fireplace and air-conditioning.
• Fresh coat of paint.

BEFORE

AFTER

It was a pleasure for us to work on keeping the cost reasonable while still providing full service and a high-quality structure that will last generations.

For convert your Kansas City screen porch into a 4 season room, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Overland Park. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

As autumn and its cool nights approach, it’s a good time to prepare by building outdoor fireplaces and fire pits. Here are some useful tips, exemplified by projects we’ve completed at Outdoor Environments.

• Stone around base. The surface around the base of a fire pit can be made of many materials. Changing the surface material underfoot from wood to stone adds visual interest. You can visually incorporate the fire pit with the rest of the landscape by matching the stone color.

Fire pit byOutdoor Environments

• Thick ledge. During warmer months, when the fire is not in use every night, the thick ledge of a fire pit is a place for a person to sit.

Fire pit by Outdoor Environments

• Seating wall. A seating wall that follows the contours of the fire pit welcomes guests and divides the deck or patio from the rest of the yard. It is a custom touch that adds a sense of permanence and quality to a property.

Fire pit by Outdoor Environments

Fire pit by Outdoor Environments

• Multiple levels. A deck with multiple levels enables the fire pit to have its own zone, which becomes a destination.

Fire pit by Outdoor Environments

Fire pit by outdoor environments.

For Kansas City fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and more: contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Overland Park. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Arbors add form and function to a home, helping to shade residents from this hot weather we are having in Kansas City.

Arbor by Outdoor Environments

Arbors help prevent glare and support the vines that provide shade. The arbor above, by Outdoor Environments in Overland Park, incorporates seating and planters into its architectural design. The arbor provides a transitional space between indoors and out, and coordinates with the railing. An outdoor environment is about more than square footage. Outdoor space should be divided into distinct and practical zones for a variety of activities.

Image via Outdoor Environments

For Kansas City decks, arbors, and more: contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Overland Park. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

With some exceptions, it’s been a pleasant, sunny summer in greater Kansas City. The perfect time for a deck that can be accessed from several different rooms of the home, offering panoramic views. Since our founding, Outdoor Environments has been known for two-level living spaces. Here are some of our best:

• This deck has over three levels, each one offering a different view and opportunity to socialize.

Outdoor Environments

• Landings also offer an opportunity for architectural interest and more quiet conversation zones, as this project by Outdoor Environments demonstrates. It’s really more than just a deck–it’s a lifestyle.

Outdoor Environments

• A multi-level deck can be incorporated gracefully with existing architecture using good scale, proportion, and complimentary materials.

Outdoor Environments

For a multi-level deck, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Summer has us looking back at one of our favorite projects, which Kansas City Home and Garden profiled in an article. The extensive backyard renovation project was custom designed to increase space and optimize views. The resulting deck included three levels, four staircases, and built-in planters. We appreciated the article and were grateful to the excellent clients for giving us this opportunity.

Image via www.outdoorenvironments.com

The renovated outdoor living area was such a success that friends and family no longer use the front door–they just walk straight to the notable backyard entertaining area.

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For a deck or patio distinguished enough to be in a magazine, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

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Image via Outdoor Environments

This season, Outdoor Environments looks back at past projects as we progress on current installations. Here are some fun before-and-afters:

• This project, which won an award in 2007, transformed a backyard into a dynamic entertaining and living environment. The deck was expanded and tiered to take full advantage of indoor-outdoor living opportunities.

• This fine home has great space and windows, but needed more established landscaping and outdoor entertaining opportunities. That is where Outdoor Environments‘ custom deck and landscaping made a big difference, winning this project an award in 2006. The stucco pillars blend in well with the home’s architecture.

• A deck is a great way to tie together the levels of a multiple-story home. Also, the screened in balcony is great for all seasons.

Outdoor Environments has been featured in national and local publications including Qualified Remodeler, Today’s Homeowner, Executive Real Estate and Kansas City Homes & Gardens. To learn more, visit www.outdoorenvironments.com

Outdoor Environments has designed and built hundreds of decks and outdoor living projects in the Kansas City area. Here is what makes them distinctive:

• Quality design. Our decks and patios are custom-designed to complement the existing architecture and to make outdoor space more livable.

Outdoor Environments

• Proper budget considerations. Each project is completed on-time, within budget, and in accordance with all codes and guidelines.

Outdoor Environments

• Superior craftsmanship.  Outdoor Environments was the annual recipient of NARI Awards for Design, Building and Contracting Excellence.

Outdoor Environments

Outdoor Environments was founded in 1991. We are charter members of the Kansas City National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) as well as the Home Builder’s Association of Greater Kansas City. We have been featured in national and local publications including Qualified Remodeler, Today’s Homeowner, Executive Real Estate and Kansas City Homes & Gardens.

An awesome grill is a necessary finish touch to any deck, patio or outdoor kitchen. But you can’t just settle for any grill, especially if you consider yourself a king or queen of grilling steaks. For those superior skills, you need a custom grill enclosure.

First, grill enclosures offer an added safety measure. Grills that roll around on wheels can be dangerous when not locked properly, especially when children, pets or large crowds are nearby. Custom grill enclosures allow for the grill to stay secure in one place with no risk of it falling over and causing a major and even life-threatening accident.

How many accessories and ingredients do you require at arm’s reach while grilling? Custom grill enclosures can be built with plenty of storage for all of your seasonings, marinades, utensils and more.

Each grill enclosure pictured here was installed by Outdoor Environments. Are you interested in getting one for yourself? Remember that two of the biggest grilling days of the year – Memorial Day and the 4th of July – are just around the corner! Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 for details.

There are far too many shady contractors out there. That’s exactly why it’s so imperative that you find a remodeling professional that has the experience and qualifications needed to get the job done. You’ll find exactly that at Outdoor Environments because our very own Dick DeVuyst recently obtained a new designation from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

Now a Certified Remodeler (CR), Dick holds one of the most sought-out certifications in the remodeling industry. In order to achieve such a title, one must have a minimum of five years continuous service in the remodeling industry and must study for several months before completing an intensive half-day exam.
As a Certified Remodeler, Dick has proven long-term commitment to both his industry and his profession. Custom decks, screen porches, and outdoor kitchens are just a fraction of what Dick can do. To learn more about Dick and the services he provides at Outdoor Environments, visit his website today! You can even come see what we’re all about at the Johnson County Home & Garden Show!

Image by Jamie Grill on GettyImages.com

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:

• Single and multi-level decks
• Under deck living areas
• Gazebos, arbors and overheads
• Hot tub and spa enclosures
• Screened patios and seasonal rooms
• Room additions and extensions

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!