Tag Archives: decks in Kansas City

Make Your Deck or Patio More Private

Spring is almost here and if you’re probably already be daydreaming about ways to start enjoying your deck or patio again. How about adding a few touches to make your outdoor space a bit more private and cozy? Check out these tips from Better Homes & Gardens:

Add a Touch of Fabric

Check out the wide variety of outdoor-friendly fabrics to create a perfect screen. Sheets of fabric sewn like curtains and hung from an old curtain rod or wire are quick and easy to put together. Plus, they’re inexpensive — so you can have a couple of different options to fit your mood.

Add the Sound of Water

Background noise from a busy street can be just as annoying as seeing your neighbor’s weedy back yard. Solve this kind of problem by adding a fountain or other water feature to your deck or patio. Even a gentle trickle of water can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your time outdoors!

Add a Great Wall

A privacy fence is one of the most common ways to block a view. Let a simple fence cap off the platform, providing a perfect, secluded retreat. A series of container gardens soften the deck or patio, making it even more inviting.

Incorporate a Tree

Instead of clearing the ground when you add a deck or patio, take advantage of what’s already there. An old apple tree isn’t just a great addition to the yard — it gives the space more privacy by creating a soft, natural canopy, too. Lush plantings around the edge of the deck or patio also help it feel softer and more secluded.

Need help making your patio or deck more personalized and private? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

Photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

Want a Deck? Here’s A Few Thoughts to Ponder

If you have an eye on a new deck add-on for your home, now is the perfect time to start planning and brainstorming. Waiting too long can possibly delay your deck installation and before you know it, the cool fall weather will be here again. Don’t let time pass you by! Here are just a few general ideas to get you started with identifying your deck needs:

  • What will your deck be used for? The purpose of your deck, whether it be simple relaxation or lively entertainment, will weigh heavily on its placement and how it is designed.
  • Decide your style. There are many different ways to go here. You can choose to do something bold and unique, or design your deck much like an existing room inside your home.
  • Start thinking about deck features you might be interested in – furniture, tables, kitchen area, fire pit, etc.
  • What lies beneath? You may not be able to see wiring, drainage systems and gas lines, but they are there. So don’t be surprised if you deck can’t be placed in your desired location. Safety first!

Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to get started with planning your deck in the Overland Park or Kansas City area.

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments’ Facebook Photo Gallery

The Psychology of Color in Landscapes

Last week we blogged about adding color and life to your outdoor space. Have you ever considered the moods that those colors evoke and what they might possibly say about you? The psychology of color is a fascinating concept. Here’s what James Hardie online has to say about the meaning of color and how it relates to your home and landscape:

  • Blue is the color of the sky, water and mountains. In the northeast part of the country, gray-blue shades are associated with weathered wood that’s reminiscent of Nantucket. Blue exteriors are calming, relaxing and fit in with any landscape.
  • Red on a home’s exterior is most commonly associated with nature’s flowers and fruits. Nature uses red in most cases as an accent, especially when seen in bright, clean shades. Deeper, grayer-toned reds are common in Midwestern farm areas and northern areas of the country and therefore have a very warm, friendly rural feeling. Reds are also associated with fall leaves and bark and work well in landscapes that experience all four seasons.
  • Yellow is strongly associated with sunshine. It also has strong links to flowers, especially in the spring. Traditional associations, such as energy and intellect, do not translate well when yellow is used on the exterior of a home. Yellow homes appear to be clean, fresh and happy houses.
  • Green in many parts of the country is strongly associated with nature, new growth, trees and shrubs. Greens that are more yellow-based will be associated with new growth and springtime. Deeper greens are linked to maturity, such as older plants or trees. Keep in mind when working in arid areas of the southwest that there are limited associations to this color in nature, so use it sparingly as an accent color, if at all.
  • White is generally associated with adjectives such as pure, clean, new and bright. These are all positive associations, but be careful of using too much white on your exterior because it can be very boring. If you really want a white house, make sure you use some other colors to add interest, personality and drama.

Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to get your new deck, patio or seasonal room ready for spring!

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful‘s Outdoor Room Design Ideas Gallery

Coming Soon: Greater Kansas City Home Show

Mark your calendars for one of Kansas City’s biggest annual events!

What: Greater Kansas City Home Show & Flower, Lawn & Garden Show

When: Friday-Sunday, March 25-27, 2011

Friday: 10 am-8 pm • Saturday: 10 am-8 pm • Sunday: 10 am-6 pm

Where: Kansas City Convention Center, Bartle Hall

Who attends this event?

  • >>
  • 90% are homeowners
  • >>
  • 86% are between 30-65 years of age
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  • 65% attend the show to gather ideas and see new products
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  • 58% spend 3 to 4 hours at the show
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  • 76% of attendees plan on spending money in the next year on home improvements AND
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  • 60% of those specific attendees plan to spend more than $2,000

This year’s event will be packed full of fun, informative and educational features including:

  • BBQ Pit
  • Construction Zone
  • Design Gallery
  • Fit Kid area
  • Garden Market
  • Garden Pavilion
  • Green Build Destination
  • Pet Park
  • Remodelers Row
  • Universal Design

Professional work by local builders, designers, landscapers, remodelers and many others will be showcased. For more information about this year’s home show, visit the Home Builder’s Association of Greater Kansas City online.

Outdoor Environments specializes in outdoor living solutions such as patios, decks, seasonal rooms, arbors, pergolas, deck cleaning, restoration and much more. Call us at 913-897-2706 to find out how we can help you.

Logos courtesy of KCHBA

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!

8 Steps to a Clean Deck

Are you thinking about getting your deck ready for spring yet? If not, then you should be! Your deck has probably taken quite a beating from all the harsh winter weather we’ve experienced over the past few weeks. But knowing how to properly clean your deck will make it look brand new in no time. Not sure what to do? Here are some easy tips from This Old House:

  1. Many people assume that power washers are the way to go when it comes to deck cleaning. But they’re actually too powerful and can damage your deck’s wood fiber. Go with a pump sprayer instead.
  2. Use a biodegradable wood cleaner. These are commonly used not only for decks for fences as well.
  3. Mix an equal amount of water with the wood cleaner. (1 to 1 ratio)
  4. Spray the deck with cool, clean water before applying the cleaner to the deck.
  5. Apply the wood cleaner to the entire deck, spraying evenly across the surface.
  6. Wait about 10 minutes.
  7. Scrub the deck surface with an industrial broom. You’ll see the dirt, grime, and algae begin to surface.
  8. Hose off the deck.

Do you need work done on your deck for before the lovely spring weather arrives? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 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

5 Features Your Backyard Will Need This Spring

We know the weather outside is still frightful, but that’s no excuse for letting your home’s outdoor space go without a makeover for the New Year. There are plenty of ways to prepare your backyard for the warm weather that is only weeks away. So, what exactly do you need to get started? Here are a few product ideas that will turn your outdoor living space into a relaxing retreat.
BEFORE:
Single or multi-level decks added to the rear or side of your home can create an endless number of possibilities. Decks can be built using many types of wood, fiberglass, vinyl and even recycled materials like plastic.
A hearth is a heating option used for outdoor living spaces. Fireplaces (wood or gas) and firepits offer the warmth and coziness you need during the cold winter months, but they’re also perfect for cool nights during the spring, summer and fall.
Outdoor furniture is a must if you plan to truly enjoy your backyard area.  Create an lovely oasis with lounge chairs, tables, umbrellas, a hammock and other comfortable furnishings.
Gazebos, sun-screened rooms, and awnings all provide wonderful shaded shelter for any time of the year. Be shielded from the scorching summer sun or protected from cold wind and rain.
No outdoor living area is complete without some type of water feature. A swimming pool is the obvious choice here. But you can always take it a step further with a spa, hot tub, Jacuzzi or even a pond with a waterfall.
AFTER:
Are you ready to get your outdoor living area ready for spring 2011? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

A New Deck complete with a Flat Screen TV

We love creating innovative outdoor spaces for our clients that exceeds their expectations.  Currently we are working on constructing a deck that when completed will be the perfect outdoor living space for our clients.  Below is a photo of the original deck.

Homeowner's Original Deck

The below photo is the removal of the original deck.  As you can see nothing remains of the original structure.

Removal of Old Deck

The below photo shows the new lower deck and the framing for the upper deck.

Building of new lower deck

The photo below shows the concrete board underlayment for tile floor.  We made the upper deck tile flooring waterproof to protect the dry deck below.

Floor of Upper Deck

The photo below lets you see the installation of the spiral staircase .  Yes, we added a spiral staircase to allow the homeowners easier access to the lower deck from their master bedroom.

Installation of spiral staircase

The lower level dry deck will be equipped with can lighting, an overhand fan and a flat screen TV.  The columns and the outdoor cooking area will be dressed with stone.  Overlooking the deck from the front will be a full patio, water feature, sitting wall and firepit that will be accessed from the wide open front staircase.

Take a look at the below rendering of the final project.

Final Rendering of project