How to create an outdoor entertaining area

Australia is a nation of outdoor enthusiasts. From the sweeping coastlines to the vast, sunburnt centre and everything else in between, making the most of our beautiful country can start in our own backyards. For this reason the outdoor entertaining and living space has become a must have in a home. After all, is there anything better than sharing a meal outside on a balmy summer evening – or even rugging up with a warm drink on a cool winter’s night?

For the savvy investor, it’s a great way to give your home the ‘wow’ factor when it comes time to sell. Wondering where to start? Whatever your design choice, a construction loan can help you achieve them – just be sure to speak to your broker about what possibilities are available for your project.

With these tips on hand, you can transform your outdoor space into an entertaining haven.

Deck it

Is there anything more Australian than barbecuing on the deck? Building or extending your deck can add valuable floor space for entertaining and can even act as a whole other room when it’s too hot to stay indoors – minus the major building work! There’s an endless variety of finishes to choose from. Timber is a classic choice, working well with any style of house, while tiles are an elegant alternative that work well in a terrace setting.

The main thing to think about is positioning. It makes sense to naturally extend the kitchen or living room, particularly if you’re opening out onto the garden or pool area. If you want to go the whole hog, you can use your construction loan to install sliding or bi-fold glass doors, creating almost seamless indoor/outdoor flow.

Cover it up

Now that you’ve got the base layer for your beautiful outdoor living space, it needs some protection – not to mention that shade is a big bonus during the scorching summer months! This doesn’t necessarily mean extending the roof. It could be as simple as a pergola or shade sail , or something more elaborate. A modern louvred verandah gives you the option of ventilation, shade, sunlight, as well as water proofing when fully closed.