Light up the night and add ambiance with a fire pit or fire table to extend the use of your outdoor space.

Fire pit and fire tables, with their glowing fires, will be an enjoyable way to sit outside with friends and family.    Enjoy your outdoor space without the mess and clean-up of a wood burning pit.  No need to wait for the fire, just flip on the switch.  No need to worry about clean up, just turn the switch off.

Finish your outdoor space with a fire pit or fire table at 15% off with the purchase of a deck by Outdoor Living Inc. Then you can start enjoying the fall evenings in your outdoor space with family and friends.

Our propane fire pits and fire tables are available in a wide variety of styles, heights, and shapes.  Traditional or contemporary, choose from coffee table, dining or pub heights to create the setting you desire.  Table top choices include granite, porcelain, glass, Supercast concrete or stainless steel. Traditional or contemporary shapes like a round fire bowl, “L” shaped table or a unique set of burners woven to create a wave effect allow you select a design that works for you.

The value of our fire pits or fire tables starts with the stainless steel burners that come with a limited lifetime warranty.  That means longer performance for your pit.  The ignition and electronics have a 1 year warranty.  When you buy from Outdoor Living Inc. you can be confident that any support you need for using your product will be local, prompt and courteous.

You can see several of these gas fire pits and fire tables at our showroom in Kirkwood, MO.  Stop by at 845 S. Holmes in Kirkwood, MO or call us at 314-966-3325.  We are open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays.  Let us show you why a fire pit or fire table from Outdoor Living Inc. is great way to enhance your outdoor living space.

Aging decks create the possibilities of deck failures throughout the area.  Here are some steps to prevent your deck from failing in the future.

Ledger Pulls Away from House

One of the most common and potentially most damaging reasons for deck failures is for the ledger board to pull away from the house.  The ledger board is usually a 2×10 or 2×12 that is attached to the house.  The joists for the deck are attached to the ledger board.  The ledger board should be attached to the house with ½” lag screws or 1/2” carriage bolts.  Many decks were installed over the years using nails to attach that board.

Because of the weight carried by that board and the constant movement of the structure as it is used, those nails can loosen.  At some point they will eventually fail and the deck could fall off of the house.

SOLUTION—Inspect your ledger board to see how it is attached.  If it is nailed, supplement the nails with ½” lag screws or LedgerLocks at 12” intervals.  This inspection is especially important if the deck is over 15 years old when building codes did not require lag screws.

Ledger Board Splits

If a ledger board is installed with lag screws, but they are all in a straight line there is a risk of the board splitting.  If that happens, it may not be able to carry the weight and cause the deck to fall.  Today’s codes require that the lag screws be staggered to prevent the board from splitting.

SOLUTION—Inspect the ledger board to see what pattern was used for the lag screws.  If they are in a line there are a couple of options.  Look to see if there are signs of splitting that align with the lags.  If there are no signs, inspect the board annually to look for signs of splitting.  You could also install new lags in alternating spaces to create a staggered pattern.  You would then need to remove the ones you are replacing and plug the holes.

Improper Joist Installation

Joists are usually installed using joist hangers (galvanized metal braces) that have flanges.  The hangers have holes in them that should have a galvanized  joist hanger nail in each hole.  If the nails are not galvanized they can fail causing that joist to fail.  One joist failure won’t make your deck fall, but enough of them failing will create a structural problem.

SOLUTION—Inspect the joists to see how they are attached to the ledger board or band board.  If there are holes in the hangers without nails, put hanger nails in them.  If the nails are rusting, try replacing them one by one.

Improper Post Installation

All of the weight for your deck is transferred to the posts, so they are supporting your deck.  Properly installed posts will sit on concrete footings that go about 30” deep.  Some installation methods

may have the concrete above the ground with the post attached to it.  Another method is to bury the post in the hole, but it will still sit on a concrete footing.  If they sit on anything else, there is a risk that they will cause your deck to sag.  You could eventually have a deck failure.  It is also important the beams sit on or attach to the post correctly.  Beams should be attached to the posts with carriage bolts and/or sitting fully on the post.

SOLUTION—Inspect the posts and beams to make sure they are properly installed.  If not, this is a job that is best handled by a professional.  Contact your deck builder or a skilled carpenter to remedy the problem.

Whether you want someone to build your deck or you are building it yourself, at Outdoor Living Inc. we can help you with these types of questions and more.  Protect the safety of your family and friends by assuring that your deck is structurally sound.

A custom wood fence is aesthetically pleasing and can create privacy for your yard.  Western Red Cedar is the #1 choice of experts for wood fences.

Real wood fences have been the choice to improve the value of a home for generations.  The natural beauty of wood can be the perfect option for fencing your yard.  Choosing the right type of wood will make a difference in the appearance and the longevity of the fence.

Western Red Cedar has been used for outdoor projects like fences for centuries.  It grows in the Pacific Northwest and Canada and has a natural resistance to rot, decay and insects.  Ranging in color from a chocolate brown to a light tan color, Western Red Cedar has a distinctive look that makes it perfect for use in outdoor applications like wood fences.

At Outdoor Living Inc. we install custom cedar fences.  You can choose the standard 6’ high privacy fence, but you can also choose from a variety of other

styles.  Whether a board on board privacy, a horizontal semi private or a shadow box style fits your backyard design, we can design a fence for you.  Our fence crews are experienced fence installers that are Outdoor Living employees.

Custom gates will complete the look of your newly installed wood fence.  A properly constructed, well designed gate makes access to your yard easy.  We have been installing quality wood fences and decks in the St. Louis area since 1991, which means we have the experience and integrity to complete our projects to our customer’s satisfaction.

By visiting our showroom and talking with our sales staff, you can learn more about the styles of cedar fences that are available.  Our showroom is located at 845 S. Holmes in Kirkwood, MO.  Call us at 314-966-3325 or check out the wood fence pictures on our website.

Bufftech vinyl fence is a long-lasting, low-maintenance alternative to wood or other fence types available at Outdoor Living Inc. 

Bufftech fence will redefine your outdoor living space with a wide range of styles, colors and textures.  Certagrain is an authentic woodgrain texture available in multi-chromatic colors that will enhance the look of your property.  This easy to maintain fence has a limited lifetime warranty and Colorfast fade protection.

Bufftech’s innovative styles include a concave or convex top rail.  Or you can choose S curves or Swoops to transition from one height to another.  Made in the USA to strict standards, the fence

meets building code requirements and ASTM standards.

When you combine the proprietary texturing process with the unique shades and blends you have choices that are not duplicated by other products in the market.  The low-maintenance feature means you will never have to paint or stain your fence again.

The heavyweight pickets, routed rails and posts, and concealed fasteners ensure that your Bufftech fence will outlast and outperform other vinyl fences.

If you would like to have a Bufftech vinyl fence by Certainteed installed, we can have our trained, experienced fence crews do that for you.  If you choose to do the installation yourself, our sales staff can help you work up a list of material that you will need.

Bufftech vinyl fence is one example of the high quality products offered by Outdoor Living Inc.  We continue to search for products that perform better, look better and provide a better value for our customers.

To see the Bufftech vinyl fence as well as a complete selection of other fencing, railing and decking stop by our Kirkwood showroom.  The showroom is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays.  Our showroom is located at 845 S. Holmes in Kirkwood, MO.

Outdoor furniture by Trex provides the ultimate in style, comfort and durability to your outdoor living space.

Made from recycled material, Trex Outdoor Furniture is durable and beautiful.  It’s also low maintenance.  That means you can spend more time sitting on it than painting or staining it.  You can

relax knowing that your furniture has a 20 yr. warranty.

The classic design of the Cape Cod Collection is captured in the Adirondack chairs. The furniture will give you years of comfort and relaxation on your deck or patio.

Bring the comfort of indoor living to your outdoor living space with the Rockport Collection of Trex Outdoor Furniture.  The frames are built with durable HDPE recycled lumber while the cushions are covered with sturdy Sunbrella fabrics for long-lasting performance.

Simple elegance radiates from the Monterey Bay Collection.  Whether you are interested in simple entertaining or a dining experience, the Monterey Bay Collection offers different heights to choose.  From bar height tables and chairs to sit and chat with friends to dining tables and chairs for eight you can select from several colors.

Whether you are looking for outdoor furniture for your deck or patio you need to check out Trex furniture.  This eco-friendly furniture is available in a wide range of designs, colors and styles that don’t need painting or waterproofing.

 Class, style and comfort are what you will find in your new Trex Outdoor Furniture.  But don’t take our word for it, stop by our showroom.  See for yourself the style and function of this exceptional furniture.  Our showroom is at 845 S. Holmes in Kirkwood, MO 63122.  It’s open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays and most Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Our knowledgeable sales staff will help you select the right furniture for you.

Work has begun on our outside composite deck displays.  We are tearing off the existing decking so we can install new colors like Trex Havanna Gold.

Keeping our composite deck displays fresh with the most up to date products is important to Outdoor Living Inc.  When you visit the showroom at Outdoor Living, you should expect to see the latest and most innovative products available.  New colors, like TimberTech Legacy Ashwood or Trex Transcend Havanna Gold and Island are some of the new colors available.  New product lines like Decorators Vista and Heritage or Azek Vintage pvc are two lines you may not see anywhere else.

You can see more of some products like aluminum rail on our composite deck displays than you will see other places.  Westbury aluminum railing is a good, attractive rail that you may see other places.  But our display will include 3 or 4 other brands such as the Trex Reveal, Keystone and Prestige aluminum rails.

Our composite deck displays not only show off the products that we stock or sell, they can provide you with some inspiration for a design or look that you would like to include on your new deck.  Adding parting boards, boarders or lights to your deck can make it look distinctive and different from your neighbor’s.  Our trained sales staff can help you with proper installation techniques, building codes and much more.

Our new deck displays will be ready for the Outdoor Living Inc. Deck Expo on April 11, 2015.  At that show you can visit with Rep’s from deck and rail manufacturers to help you plan your deck project.  We also hope to have our new fence displays finished by then.

Visit our showroom anytime.  We are open week days from 7:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  We are at 845 S. Holmes in Kirkwood, MO  Call us at 314-966-3325 or check out our website at outdoorlivinginc.com.