Tag Archives: outdoor living spaces

outdoor-materials

Flooring for the Outdoors:Which Materials Work Best

Whether it’s the dirt it came with or polished granite, every outdoor space has a floor. Unfortunately, Mother Nature will wreak havoc on any material that is not up to the challenge of resisting the elements. For this reason a homeowner should carefully consider their needs when installing one. Here are some flooring suggestions:

outdoor-materialsGrass or Mulch – While nature provides, it does not always give the best results. Use grass in an area where it is well lit and watered and mulch in areas that will see a lot of foot traffic.

Crushed Stone – Another inexpensive option for much-used and well-traveled areas is crushed stone. It is easily applied and will last for years even in the worst weather.

Paver Options – Pavers are a very versatile option that can be used in a variety of places from wide-open, entertainment spaces to winding garden paths.

Brick & Stone – For a more finished look, consider brick or tile. They are available in a wide variety of shapes, styles and colors.

For more outdoor flooring options or if you need professional landscape help, please contact us at the Outside Environments. Reach us online at OutdoorEnvironments.com or call us directly at 913-897-2706.

outdoor living design

Give Yourself Some Shade This Summer

outdoor living design

Source: Pinterest

One of the true joys of the summer is spending time in the backyard. Unfortunately, the weather conditions of late July and August bring excessive heat that can make sitting under the sun unbearable. Homeowners are always looking for alternative ways to block out the sun. Here are some helpful suggestions to give yourself some shade this summer:

The Pergola Look
One of the most popular structures used to block out the sun is a pergola. This look is better-suited to cover a patio or deck, which can be built as an added feature or as a freestanding structure. Homeowners love how the pergola perfectly extends the roofline of their home.

Retractable Awnings
The best inexpensive choice is retractable awnings, as they are very practical for areas where it rains often. The primary feature of retractable awnings is that they can be used at various angles during the course of a day to block out the sun.

Umbrellas
An umbrella is a very functional item that reduces the sunlight in your backyard. Additionally, they’re perfectly designed for year-round use, as a quality umbrella can provide protection on windy afternoons. Remember, the effectiveness of an umbrella is determined by its style and fabric material.

Contact us for more information about outdoor furniture that can help you beat the heat this summer.

outdoor living spaces

Enhance Your Outdoor Storage With Beautiful Built-in Solutions

Finding enough storage space for all of your things can prove to be quite the chore sometimes. Perhaps the best solution is to get creative with some storage solutions for your patios, decks, outdoor living rooms and kitchens. So here are a few ideas to get you thinking.

  • Deck Space: The most obvious place, start storing things underneath your deck.
  • Storage Bench: Why not make your seating double as storage for gardening supplies and toys?
  • Mesh Bags: A must have for pool toys. The mesh helps them dry off and avoid mildew, putting it in a bag means that you can hang it from a wall too.
  • Recycled Tires: It sounds a little odd, but stacking a few recycled tires together makes a great storage area for kids toys. Just paint the outside to match the play area.
  • Milk Crates: These make an excellent storage place because not only are they stackable, but they’re easy to organize once the crates are all labelled.

outdoor living spaces

Source: Outdoor Environments

What kind of creative storage have you come up with to maximize your free space? Tell us below or come join the discussion on Facebook.

outdoor design ideas

Flagstone: Versatility and Beauty for Your Kansas City Yard

Flagstone is such a versatile workhouse.  From garden paths to patios, flagstone is a material that can bring style and longevity to your outdoor projects.

outdoor design ideas

Source: Pinterest

Flagstone is usually sold by the ton or the pound, with differing price tags depending on what type you choose even the budget savvy can find a nice style in their price range.

Here are some ideas on where to use flagstone in your outdoor spaces:

  • Patios – Depending on what you are looking for you can fill in joints with gravel for a casual feel or if you are looking for something that will last through the years then you will want to mortar the joints.
  • Seating areas – Stacking and mortaring flagstone can create a beautiful seating area.  Think the outside of your patio or even surrounding a flagstone fire pit.
  • Steps – Flagstone is an excellent choice for adding steps into your garden.  Its natural look and feel keeps with the flow of your garden.
  • Paths – Narrow or wide pathways look great in flagstone.  Your imagination is the only limit to building garden paths with this versatile stone.

Contact the outdoor living rooms and kitchens experts at Outdoor Environments for more great outdoor living ideas.

outdoor design ideas

Add a Pond for Reflection and Relaxation in Your Backyard

outdoor design ideas

Source: Pinterest

While backyard pools and barbecue spaces offer great ways to enjoy the summer with family and friends, your exterior spaces can also yield a soothing and calming sanctuary if you take a little time to create one. Foremost on this list is a water feature that combines the cooling effects of running water, its soft gurgling sounds and the view of it is simply tranquil. We mean, of course, the highly regarded backyard pond.

For the most part, backyard ponds are remarkably easy to install and require a minimum of infrastructure to run. In most cases, a professional landscaping company can do all the work in one day. Afterwards, you will have created an excellent focal point for your garden, a place for birds to congregate and a naturally soothing place for yourself.

Downtime is as important as activities for a healthy and stable family life. Do not overlook this simple fact when considering plans for your backyard. For more information about outside spaces in general or outdoor living rooms and kitchens in particular, please visit our website or call us at 913-897-2706.

outdoor living spaces

Need Ideas for a Renewed Outdoor Living Space in Kansas City?

outdoor living spaces

Image via Outdoor Environments

If you want to bring a bit of a resort feel to your home, you need to look no further than your own yard. Consider these design ideas to turn your backyard into a a relaxing spot that can be a vacation spot in your own home.

Create a Comfortable Outdoor Sitting Room

Have Kansas City contractors create a roof over your deck or patio. Add comfortable outdoor furniture and the space becomes a welcoming outdoor sitting area. You can also add other amenities, such as water features or interesting lighting.

Bring the Kitchen Outdoors

Take advantage of warm seasons by cooking and eating outdoors. Outdoor kitchens are increasing in popularity as more homeowners understand how practical and enjoyable these can be. With cabinets, a mini refrigerator, a worktable and more, an outdoor kitchen is many steps above having a simple grill.

Stone or Stone Veneer Adds a Luxurious Touch

Natural stone or stone veneer brings rustic luxury. These materials may be used for outdoor kitchen backsplashes, patio walls or anywhere you want the ambiance natural stone can bring.

Add Style and Sustainability

You won’t give up style by using sustainable materials in your design. New eco-friendly pavers and other hardscape products look beautiful while offering a greener alternative to traditional concrete.

Contact us at Outdoor Environments by calling 913-897-2706.

deck safety

How Safe is Your Kansas City Deck?

deck safety

Image via Pinterest

Summer barbecue season is on its way, and this means decks in Kansas City need to be prepared for the throngs of party guests. Deck Safety Month is nearly over, but if you have not checked your deck yet, now is the time. Here are common safety issues you may encounter during your investigation.

  • Cracks: Cracks deeper than ¼ inch mean the board needs to be replaced. The crack will only grow worse as the deck is walked upon, and the board may eventually break.
  • Rotting wood: Rotting wood is not always obvious. Look for soft, spongy spots in the wood.
  • Loose Hardware: Bolts and screws can loosen over time, or may pull away from wood if the wood is rotting or the ground has shifted. Check all bolts and screws for tightness.
  • Loose Railing: Rails should move very little. If they are easily jiggled, they need to be tightened or replaced.

Deck maintenance should be part of all your annual outdoor maintenance. We at Outdoor Environments can examine your deck for all safety issues. We can tell you how to take care of these and how to best prepare your deck for the season.

outdoor lighting

Light Your Outdoors with Universal Design in Mind

outdoor lighting

Image via Pinterest

Creative outdoor lighting is one of the leading outdoor remodeling trends.  Universal design in lighting leads the way to your front door safely and makes your patio and outdoor eating area more pleasant at night.

Universal design refers to safe and easy accessibility to residential and commercial buildings for people of all physical abilities, including those with disabilities, children, and seniors. Good outdoor lighting helps people of all ages and abilities see clearly where they are walking and stay safe on a path at night.

Well designed outdoor lighting creates zones to help people determine borders at the edge of paths and stairs.  Swimming pools and other landscaped water elements should also be illuminated at night for safety.

Various styles of outdoor lighting can illuminate pathways, entries and parking areas while adding elegance to your home. A pathway lined with ground-level LED lights can show the way to your front entry, backyard deck or  your garden. Illuminate your raised deck area with colorful lights under the railing.

Lights mounted next to or under steps will make them easier to ascend and descend at night. Lights can also be added to the stairway bannister by your front or back door.

Outdoor Environments will work with you to create safe and elegant lighting for the exterior of your Kansas City home.

outdoor spaces design

May Maintenance for Your Outdoors

outdoor spaces design

Image via Houzz

As spring weather arrives in Kansas City, our thoughts head to spending time outdoors.  May is the perfect time to spruce up your outdoor areas and have them ready for the warmer weather of summer.

Here are some maintenance tips for your outdoor living rooms and kitchens:

  • Stain Away – Protect the wood in your outdoor areas by washing them down thoroughly then re-staining them.
  • Follow the Paths – Take a look at your garden paths and see what needs fixing.  Re-do edges to give them a clean look, fill in any gravel and fix or replace broken areas in your paths.
  • Clean Out – Get into the garden shed and garage and get rid of any expired products and anything you don’t need anymore.
  • Ready to Grill – Make sure your grill is clean and ready to go.  Give the cooking areas a good scrubbing.
  • Mending Fences – Check over your fences and make sure there is no splintering, cracking, or holes.

If your yard needs a general spruce-up but you can’t find the time, contact the outdoor experts at Outdoor Environments.  Our services include deck and outdoor living maintenance. We can have your outdoor living rooms and kitchens ready for you to enjoy all summer.

outdoor spaces tips

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Patio

outdoor spaces tips

`Image via Better Homes & Gardens

Now that the weather is warming up in Kansas City, you’re going to be making much more use out of your patio.  Get your patio ready for spring activities and guests by giving it a thorough spring cleaning and get rid of the layers of pollen that have gathered.

Use the following tips to clean your patio:

  • Ceiling – Clean the ceiling first so that you don’t end up cleaning the floor twice. Use a long duster and clean any fans that you have as well.
  • Floor – If your patio uses gravel, then rake it to straighten it out. Look for any debris and be sure to remove them. If you have a loose flagstone patio, then pull any weeds that have grown between the stones.
  • Plants – Water your potted plants and trim any hedges, trees or plants around the patio that are beginning to grow over.
  • Furniture – Clean your patio furniture by dusting it and wiping it down. Any patio furniture cushions should be washed or sent to the dry cleaner.

For more advice about patios in Kansas City, or to update or build a new patio, contact us at Outdoor Environments.