Tag Archives: patios

What Patios Are Made Of – Part II

Earlier this week we featured two types of materials that will make a beautiful patio. But the list of possible patio materials doesn’t end there. Here are two more popular materials to consider for your backyard patio: Tile – The type of tile used indoors for your kitchen or bathroom is much different from tile used for an outdoor patio. But they can still make a great transition from the outside in. Out tile should be nonporous and able to withstand most sever weather conditions. Tiles can be glazed, but keep in mind these can be very slippery. Unglazed tiles are popular as well.

Brick – One of the most popular building products in the world, patio bricks vary slightly from those used in home building. Like tile, patio bricks should not be porous and should also last in various climates and weather conditions. Although red brick is the most well-known color, patio bricks come in various shades of brown, black and even pinkish tones.

Don’t forget to contact Outdoor Environments to find out what kind of patio foundation materials we have for your outdoor space. You can reach us at 913-897-2706.

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments Facebook Gallery

What Patios Are Made Of – Part I

Patios can be just as diverse as the homes they’re attached to. To get the best out of your patio, you’ll need to consider size, how the patio will be used, and the overall impression you want to make. One of the basic things you’ll need to know is what type of materials decks are made from. Again, patios are diverse, so there are many options available. Below are just a few of the most common patio materials.

Stone – Patios made of stone are some of the most durable and natural looking. Choosing your stone locally is the eco-friendly way to go and it’s more likely to blend in with your yard’s natural setting. Types of stone used for patios include limestone, bluestone, quartzite and slate.

Concrete pavers – If you’re looking for a way to simulate the look of brick or natural stone with unique shapes and/or colors, concrete pavers are a great economical choice. Pavers can be replaced easily and when they interlock, they’re less likely to shift or become loose.

Stay tuned to the Outdoor Environments blog as we’ll discuss other types of patio materials in the coming days and weeks.

Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to find out what materials we offer for patio installation in the Overland Park/Kansas City area.

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments Facebook Gallery

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!

Outdoor Living tops list of Remodeling Trends for 2011

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has named their top 12 remodeling trends for 2011 and we are happy to see outdoor living spaces as number 4. It doesn’t come as a surprise to us here at Outdoor Environments that homeowners are looking for more ways to enjoy their backyards.

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Whether you are looking for a new deck, gazebo, arbor, hot tub and spa enclosure, a screened patio or a 4-season room we can help fulfill your outdoor living needs for 2011.

Give Outdoor Environments a call at 913.897.2706 for more information.

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.

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Great Ideas for your Deck Decor!

One big mistake that homeowners often commit is over-looking their decks and patios.  Decks are very important to the design of a home.  You should think of your deck or patio as another room in your home, just outdoors.  Adding some visual appeal to your deck can tremendously increase your backyard experience!

Midwest Living created “10 Ideas to Dress Up Your Deck.”  The list of ideas provide you with great inspiration to get started on your home’s deck.

Here are a few tips from the list provided by Midwest Living.

1. Focus on Furniture

When decorating your deck, start with the furniture.  These pieces will take up the most space and should be used as focal points.  Using a minimal amount of furniture  is a great way to maximize your outdoor living space.  The idea is to design, not clutter, your backyard escape.

2. Get Creative with Cushions

Pillows are a great addition to your outdoor living spaces.  Choosing multi-purpose pillows that are suitable for chairs or for sitting on the deck itself can stretch your dollars very far!  Use your cushions to tie in the design elements of your deck.

3. Add Some Greenery

Not only do plants add a splash of color to your deck, they provide privacy from your nearby neighbors.  Getting plants that are at least 5 ft. tall can act as a privacy screen for your deck.  Place the plants on the edge of your deck to get the full privacy affect.

4. Splash Some Color

There are several ways to add color to your deck.  The patterns and fabrics in your furniture are great starts for color.  The color scheme can be tied in through plants, painted terra-cotta plant pots, and wall art.  Personalize your deck with beautiful splashes of color.

Don’t let your deck or patio go unnoticed.  A little bit of design can go a long way!

Click here for more ideas on how you can decorate your deck.