How to Weatherproof Your Outdoor Entertaining Area

Outdoor living goes hand in hand with the Australian lifestyle.

From firing up the BBQ to spending the weekend surrounded by family and friends, outdoor entertainment areas are booming in popularity across the Mornington Peninsula. With more and more Victorians looking to create functional, stunning entertainment areas, staying safe outdoors is key.

Thanks to unpredictable weather your personal oasis is at risk from the rain, wind, harmful UV rays, and heat. Not to mention mosquitos and the neighbours who will be inviting themselves over every weekend now.

Weather proofing entertaining areas doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, there’s a weather proofing solution suited to every home and every budget.

We’ve rounded up the guaranteed ways to protect your outdoor entertaining areas from the weather no matter what budget you’re working with.

Outdoor alfresco structure
An outdoor alfresco area provides protection from the sun and rain all year round.

As an outdoor area attached to your existing home you can create a seamless flow from inside to out using the same materials as your house. This guarantees weatherproofing while creating a highly functional space for enjoying meals or relaxing with friends.

As an outdoor alfresco area is an extension of your home this requires a registered builder with planning permits, creating additional cost. Requiring a considerable investment, this is a premium option for those looking to add permanent weather protection as well as value to their overall property.

Benefits:

• Additional living space
• Increase property value
• Easy to customise
  
  

Budget: High End

Pergolas

Looking to spend a little less without compromising the elegance of your space?

A pergola is a stunning addition to your property, creating breezy Mediterranean vibes perfect for sharing a meal or enjoying the warm weather. Pergolas may be free-standing or attached to your current property - so it’s important to check if building permits are necessary.

While the classic pergola - lattice supported by beams - requires weatherproofing, there are a range of simple and eye catching ways to protect your space. Climbing plants can be introduced to create leafy protection from the sun’s rays, though this will take time.

Outdoor blinds in clear or tinted style can also be used to protect the outer walls of your pergola, keeping rain and wind out while retaining the feeling of being outside.

Benefits:

• Flexible designs
• Multi-purpose space
• Durable & low maintenance

Budget: Mid to High End

Retractable Awning

Imagine pushing a button and weatherproofing your yard with the click of a finger.

Now you can! Retractable awnings, as the name suggests, can be extended and collapsed to provide instant protection from the sun and the rain. Available in a range of materials - aluminium, fabric, acrylic, plastic, polycarbonate, these flexible design options can be set to various slope configurations.

This allows you to control how much shade is cast over your yard, but keep in mind you’ll need to position your awning in the correct spot to maximise its functionality. As a cheaper option than pergolas or alfresco entertaining areas, you can keep even more money in your pocket by opting for a retractable shade sail which still provides up to 95% UV protection.

Benefits:

• Easy to use
• Block UV rays
• Reduces cooling costs

Budget: Low to Mid Range

Outdoor Cafe Blinds

Outdoor cafe blinds are a versatile addition to your home, able to integrate with existing pergolas or alfresco entertainment areas.

Offering the freedom to soak up the sun with built in UV absorption, without any risk of rain damage, outdoor blinds provide complete visibility. Whether you’re watching the sunset or watching the kids in the backyard, there’s no risk of missing anything important.

As a highly affordable option, cafe blinds provide heat reduction and insulation so you won’t just keep harmful rays of the sun out, you’ll keep the warmth inside for lower power bills too.

Keep in mind you’ll need to roll up your blinds after use if you don’t want to leave them permanently down. Lucky for you you’ve got the perfect place to sit back and relax with a cool drink when the job’s done.

Benefits:

• Affordable
• Energy efficient
• Zero blind spots

Budget: Low to Mid Range

Heating and cooling options

Weather proofing entertaining areas will keep UV rays, wind, rain and bugs out. You’ll also need to find the most efficient way of keeping heat in during the colder months, as well as cooling down your space during the Victorian summer.

A fire pit is a popular heating choice that’s romantic and rustic, but keep in mind you’ll need an open space for this to be suitable - like a pergola or retractable awning area. If your space is enclosed a gas heater may be a better fit without sacrificing any of the cosy warmth you’re after.

In summer you’ll need to stay cool, with overhead fans able to turn an alfresco space into a summer paradise. If you’re after a low-cost solution, adding plants can cool your entertaining area through the shade they bring and their natural ability to cool the air around them.

Outdoor flooring options

When it comes to outdoor spaces for entertaining, one of the most overlooked flaws...is the floors!

The flooring options you choose should be comfortable to stand on, add visual appeal, and stand up to the Mornington Peninsula elements. Decking, in either traditional wood or composite, is a classic choice that won’t go out of style and is extremely durable.

You may also consider natural stone which is maintenance free and can be customised to suit your personal style. These types of all-weather surfaces can withstand the wind and direct sunlight and will finish off your outdoor space in style.

Outdoor living is a way to share your creative vision, bring your family together, and enjoy life outdoors without putting yourself in harm’s way.

With options for all budgets, it’s never been easier to create a stunning oasis in your own home.

The only challenge now is choosing your favourite option.

Are you looking to design your own outdoor entertaining area? Claim a FREE design consultation today.