The best room in the house isn’t in the house at all! We believe that outdoor entertaining areas should be an integral part of every Sydney home, and why not?

With Australia’s incredible climate that allows for the majority of the year to be enjoyed in the beautiful warmth of the sun, we have a natural longing to be outside. A roofed outdoor entertaining area lets us take full advantage of our climate and enjoy the outdoors in rain, hail or shine.

Not only does an outdoor entertaining area add incredible value to your lifestyle, but it can also add as much as 10% to the value of the home!

If you’re thinking about creating or updating a space to entertain outside, consider the following four elements first:

What will it be used for?

Before you begin, make sure that you know exactly what you want to use your outdoor entertaining area for. Will it be a relaxing atmosphere that’s similar to an outdoor living room or will it be used for quaint dinner parties? If you have a distinct idea of what you’re looking for you’ll be able to plan and meet your goals with ease, whether it’s an open-air deck for cocktail parties or an outdoor kitchen.

Privacy

Remember that a tranquil environment is a place that you feel is 100% your own. If your Sydney outdoor area or yard can easily be seen from your neighbour’s house, then you may want to consider a creeping plant wall or a privacy screen to help create a comfortable and private atmosphere.

Weather-proofing

Roofing! Opening roof systems are becoming more and more popular in Sydney. Their versatility adds an interesting and dynamic extra living space to your home. Our Smartblade opening roofs are a great way to control your patio weather—sunlight, airflow, and temperature, while also protecting your furniture and flooring.

Choosing materials that are able to stand the harsh Australian weather is also essential! Make sure that all wooden materials that you choose have a protective coating, keeping in mind that you’ll need to add varnish throughout the years ahead if you intend to keep the original colour. If you’re considering adding ornaments like sculptures or candles make sure that they’re made from heavy-duty materials to ensure that they can withstand the weather conditions.

Flooring

If you’re planning on having a new floor for your outdoor area, don’t cut corners! If you’re creating an outdoor kitchen or barbecue area, you’ll need a premium non-slip flooring surface if you want your outdoor entertainment area to last a long time. Choose porous material that won’t get slippery when it gets wet from kitchen spillages or rain.

The possibilities are endless with the design and concept of your outdoor entertaining area. And yes, they really are worth it!

If an opening roof system strikes your fancy, learn more about our Smartblade products.