Junio 21

Competency and reliability are essential characteristics a landscaping company should possess to assist you in obtaining your dream landscape. A great landscape can not only make your outdoor living area more enjoyable but also help improve your home’s market value. A number of top landscaping companies in the Kansas City, Missouri metropolitan area are available to ensure that you get the results you want.

Hermes Landscaping

The largest full service landscape irrigation and nursery company in Kansas City, Hermes Landscaping offers a wide variety of options that will enhance your curb appeal and value of your home.

The laying of sod and seed, landscape lighting, and total landscape management are just a few of many services provided by this well-trusted landscaping company.

In business for over 30 years, Hermes Landscaping experts can provide pest management; watering; and routine management needed to help you maintain a professional landscape.

Take the initiative and call Hermes Landscaping at (913) 888-2400 to move one step closer to obtaining your dream of having an attractive and beautiful landscape.

Highland Outdoor

In business for over 20 years, Highland Outdoor was recently named the 9th largest landscaping company in Kansas City by the KC Star newspaper.

Catering to an upscale clientele, the elements of a Highland Outdoor designed landscape range from patio and walkways to the softscape installation of perennials with deciduous and non-deciduous plants.

Highland Outdoor’s projects have been featured in premium magazine publications such as Landscape Management, Lawn and Landscape, and Kansas City Homes and Gardens.

The company’s President and CEO, Jason Cupp was one of Kansas City’s first landscapers to be classified as a certified landscape professional from the Professional Landcare Network.

Call (913) 782-3200 to get moving on your future landscaping project.

KC Pro Landscape

KC Pro Landscape is a full service landscaping firm that provides quality service to commercial and residential clients in the Kansas City metro area.

Designs provided by KC Pro Landscape are properly planned and include a selection of landscape installations such as outdoor kitchens, firepits, and fireplaces; and paver, flagstone, and concrete patios.

A portfolio of KC Pro’s projects is available online at the company’s website, kcprolandscape.com.

Contact the fully licensed and insured business at (913) 710-9858 for a free estimate.

Rosehill Gardens, Inc.

A member of the American Nursery and Landscape Association, Rosehill Gardens is a complete design, build, and installation landscaping company.

This remarkable company has created memorable landscapes throughout the Kansas City area for nearly 100 years with services that include perennial gardens, lighting and irrigation, and walkways.

A past recipient of the South Kansas City Small Business of the Year Award, Rosehill Gardens has received the Gardeners of America Beautification Award; Kansas City Home and Garden Whole House Remodel Award; and countless of accolades for its unique designs.

To schedule a “one on one” consultation, contact Rosehill Gardens at (816) 941-4777.

Wardrip Landscaping

Established in 1980,Wardrip Landscaping is recognized as one of Kansas City’s premier companies that specialize in both commercial and residential landscaping services.

Wardrip Landscaping delivers expertise in areas of residential landscape that range from fine gardens to outdoor lighting.

Wardrip’s team of professionals has the ability to design and construct a complete outdoor living space that is sure to fulfill your dreams of having a beautiful custom landscape.

Fully insured, Wardrip Landscaping is a proud member of Associated Landscape Contractors of America, Better Business Bureau, and several professional organizations.

Contact a Wardrip Landscaping professional at (816) 270-2070 for more information.

Choosing a Landscaping Company

With the planning of any major project, always check for references from past clients.

Judging from the testimonials and portfolios of the previously mentioned companies, I’m sure they’ll provide exquisite landscaping workmanship that will have your neighbors green with envy.

Home Fireplace

Mayo 21

Any room that has a fireplace should feature it prominently. If your fireplace is plain and boring, there are many ways you can dress it up. One classic look that works with many décor styles is a stone façade. Real stonework requires masonry skills, is time-consuming, and can turn into a fairly major project. Hiring a professional to do a stone fireplace can be expensive.

However, creating a faux stone façade around your fireplace is an easy and fairly inexpensive DIY project that anyone can do. It requires only a few basic tools and limited artistic ability.

Things You Will Need for Making a Faux Stone Fireplace

* Blocks of stiff foam
* Tools for carving (knives, chisels, etc.)
* Construction adhesive
* Cement mix
* Cement coloring agent
* Pointed trowel
* Concrete Sealer

Creating a Base for a Fake Stone Fireplace

First, you will need to create rock-shaped forms that you will apply the cement over top of. Carve them out of stiff, small-cell foam. There will be a couple of inches of cement over top of the forms, so make them several inches smaller than you want the finished rock to be. Leave the back side flat for gluing to the wall.

Once the forms are carved, arrange them on the wall in the area that is to be covered with stone. Place them 5 to 6 inches apart and secure into place with construction adhesive.

Mix a small amount of cement without adding any color. Use a pointed trowel to spread the cement in the spaces around the foam forms. This will give the appearance of mortar between the stones.

Making the Fake Stones

If you are uncertain of your ability to do this on the first try, you may want to practice first. Use a scrap piece of plywood to practice making a small area of stones and perfect your technique before moving on to the fireplace.

Mix a batch of cement and add coloring agents to tint it. The color will depend on your taste and decor. Try brown, red, or darker gray. The longer you mix the cement, the thicker it will become. Continue mixing until the cement has a thick, clay-like consistency.

Use the trowel to apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of the colored cement to each rock and smooth it into a natural stone shape. Keep the mixed cement covered while you are working to prevent it from hardening before you get it on the wall.

If needed, a thin touch-up layer can be added to the finished wall. If any colored cement is left in the uncolored mortar lines, you should touch that up as well.

Once the design is finished, spray on a coat of concrete sealer to protect the surface.

Custom Outdoor Fireplaces