Spring is finally here, and it’s time to break out those decks and patios. In the mood to host that backyard barbecue or simply want to impress your friends with a barbecue of your own? We know what you’re thinking, but this is no ordinary home renovation project. It can be a big job involving a lot of design, time, and hard work. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a professional interior designer to create the ultimate space for entertaining friends and family on your deck. Here are some simple steps to guide you on transforming your deck into the perfect outdoor entertainment space at home.
Outdoor structures
A major challenge with decks that are fully exposed to the sun is overheating. Your weekend barbecues can start to lag if your guests are sweating and getting agitated, as they eagerly wait for your delicious burgers to be ready. If you intend to host many outdoor events, but your deck lacks natural shade from trees and vines or nearby buildings, you must invest in a shade structure. It’s also worth keeping in mind that every now and again, a deck repair may be necessary, but so long as you follow the tips in this article, these shouldn’t be anything too serious.
Invest in a pergola
One of the most functional and visually appealing structures is a pergola. A pergola is an outdoor garden structure that features vertical posts supporting cross-beams and a sliding or louvred roof to form a shaded sitting area. You can arrange a set of outdoor-friendly chairs or a dining area underneath the structure without the need for an umbrella or parasol. It’s also easy to customize a pergola to match your decking or choose a vibrant hue to make a bold statement.
Besides serving as an outdoor space for kicking back and relaxing, a pergola can also serve as a place for alfresco dining or an outdoor entertainment spot. You only need to accessorize and add the necessary elements to make it serve a specific function.
In case you don’t have the budget to build a pergola, there are other creative ways to add structure to your outdoor space. For instance, if you have a balcony or second-story deck, you can furnish the space underneath it as a small container garden, a quiet breakfast nook, or a relaxing nap spot. To create shade for specific areas on your deck, you can install standing umbrellas or erect a lattice wall and winding vines and plants for extra shading throughout the deck.
Outdoor furniture
Once you’ve finished adding structure to your deck, you can furnish the space with your guests in mind. The deck furniture you choose will depend on your region’s weather. The pieces will have to withstand rain, salty sea air, snow, or the hot sun year-round without fading, degrading, or cracking. To create an outdoor entertainment space that will last a lifetime, invest in patio furniture pieces made from durable, weather-resistant materials like teak wood. If you’re going to get sofas, choose outdoor sofas that are outfitted with quick-drying or waterproof fabric cushions that repel moisture and prevent bacteria buildup.
The perfect deck layout for entertaining
When it comes to selecting deck furniture, particularly for hosting large gatherings, you have to be smart. When setting up the deck layout, ensure you leave plenty of centrally-located space for dancing, chatting by candlelight, and mingling. If your deck is large enough, you can easily accommodate 40 guests or more by spreading out deep seating sets and garden benches along the deck’s perimeter, either integrated into the design or flashed to the wall. You can set aside a couple of seating sets in corners for guests to relax or take a break. Take a look at Dino Decking for more inspiration.
Consider investing in an outdoor fire pit to create a centrepiece that will structure the gatherings on your deck. A fire pit on your deck will help keep the conversation flowing and focus your guests’ attention on one area. Overall, your deck pieces should complement your personality. Every inch of space is unique, and your deck pieces should match your home’s existing decor.
Accent ideas
Accent pieces and decorations are essential if you want to tie everything on your deck together. For instance, large outdoor rugs are great for sectioning out space, which is useful if you’ve designated one area for relaxing, another for standing and chatting, and another for dining. Don’t be afraid to use bright patterns and bold colours, but make sure you leave out adequate space on each side of the rug to move around.
Garden plants
Enhance the charm of your entertainment deck with a dazzle of plant life. Plants add organic charm and sometimes practical privacy to outdoor spaces. When thinking of plant life for your deck, choose versatile, striking, and generally low-maintenan plantsce. It’s also wise to use container gardens on a deck for easier maintenance. Plant a couple of annuals like lantana and hibiscus for vivid colour and easy-maintenance blooms. Verbena and zinnia will look fabulous in railing planters, and they do a great job of attracting butterflies to liven up space.
In case you want to prevent nosy neighbours or people in the street from watching what’s happening on your deck, you can plant a row of tall planters with shrubs or trees. You can also plant evergreens, such as arborvitae, junipers, and cypress along the exterior of your deck to offer more effective privacy. Additionally, lattice walls can allow you to experiment with several options for crawlers, vertical planters, and vines. Remember to invest in some entertainment-ready plants for those occasions when you have to prepare to host gatherings on short notice. Succulents are ideal in such situations because they won’t consume much of your valuable time, and they offer exciting colour combinations and textures without the need for constant watering.
Becoming the favourite outdoor host for your friends and family doesn’t have to be that hard. If you follow these simple steps, you can easily transform any deck or patio into the perfect outdoor entertainment spot at home.