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Weatherproof Outdoor Entertaining Areas
Aussies love the great outdoors. So whether it’s a huge backyard or a small balcony, outdoor entertaining areas are a must for every Australian home.
But even the ‘sunburnt country’ is prone to unpredictable weather, including extreme heat, flooding rain, storms and sometimes snow.
That means weatherproofing outdoor entertaining spaces is vital to ensure comfortable year-round enjoyment of your alfresco area.
Creating a truly weatherproof space requires a little more than an outdoor umbrella. There is a wide range of inclusions to consider and a number of materials that can help make your outdoor entertaining area a hit with guests, come rain, hail or shine.
In this article, we take a look at just some of the ways you can weatherproof your outdoor area.
Define the area
While you could put a roof over your entire backyard if you really wanted to, we don’t recommend it. So it’s important to define the area you wish to have undercover as the first step to weatherproofing your outdoor entertainer’s dream. This might be in the form of a veranda, patio, gazebo or other extension of your home.
Choose waterproof flooring
Some flooring and decking options can be prone to rotting, splitting, or termite damage. Decorative concrete is a long-lasting durable flooring option that comes in a range of finishes including exposed aggregate, coloured concrete, and honed concrete. All of these options can be suitable for an outdoor entertaining area, giving you the opportunity to create a welcoming space that is not only visually appealing but practical in all weather conditions. Asking for outdoor sealer on your decorative concrete will also help to ensure longer lasting water resistance.
Think about drainage
The slope of your block, water runoff, and the positioning of gutters, downpipes, and drainage grates should all be considered when building your outdoor entertaining area. Does the space need to be built up? Will the foundations need to be levelled? Are any other changes needed to reduce the chance of flood damage? These are all questions you should discuss with your builder, concrete installer and other service providers.
Temperature control
If there is minimal air flow in an outdoor entertaining area or balcony, the space can get very warm, very quickly. Installing a few ceiling fans can go a long way to helping make the space more comfortable for you and your guests in warm weather. Similarly, having an outdoor heater available for those chilly evenings or winter weekend barbecues will help to ensure everyone stays warm and enjoys their time.
Opt for durable materials
Regular indoor furniture including tables and chairs, rugs and cushions are not suitable for the outdoors. Using materials and items specifically made to be outside will extend their lifespan and aid in avoiding issues like mould growth, rot or fading.
Plan for all occasions
When we think about weatherproofing, we often think about protecting against rain. But it’s also just as important to create an outdoor entertaining area that provides protection from the harsh sun and windy conditions too. Creating an all-weather outdoor entertaining area requires more than just a beautiful view of the backyard swimming pool. When planning the placement of your outdoor entertainment area, be sure to consider the position of the sunrise and sunset, strong sea breezes or cross winds, and take advantage of natural shade from trees.
Visit the Geostone blog archive for more inspiration and information on decorative concrete, and contact us today for a quote or more details.