Decking & Outdoor Entertaining

Even a small deck works for entertaining.

When designing a deck for your home, consider your needs should you decide to entertain outdoors. Just like in your home, a deck should have good flow, ample seating and a space for cooking. Be sure to position your deck to take full advantage of outdoor living by maximizing sunlight and shade.

Your party should flow

This chair does not block the exit gate.

When building a deck, make sure to have more than one exit and entry point to the garden so that your guests don't get stuck coming and going. Consider a low deck without railings, or, if that's not an option, at least two sets of stairs.
Benches should be placed around the perimeter of the deck, or in a semi-circle facing out to the garden, making clear pathways to the stairs.

Lots of seating

The arms on these chairs are perfect for a glass of lemonade.

In addition to built-in benches, several chairs in small groups should be placed about your deck. Double chaise loungers make a party more intimate, as do outdoor couches. Make sure that each conversation area has a small table or two for foods and drinks. If space is an issue, buy Adirondack chairs with large armrests.

Grilling on the deck

Grilled seasonal vegetables are delicious.

Food always tastes better outside, and your guests will appreciate the effort. Be sure to make your cooking area well away from the guests so that the smoke from the grill fire doesn't get too bothersome. For safety, avoid grilling near low overhangs or flammable umbrellas. When designing your deck, include an outdoor electrical outlet and some good overhead spotlights in your cooking area.

This deck is too hot

This cloth gazebo is perfect for entertaining and blocks the sun.

A deck built in full sun gets very hot in the middle of the afternoon. You can invest in umbrellas, fabric awnings, sailcloth shades or build a pergola over the deck to provide relief. Plants hanging in pots or placed in attractive groups about the deck can also provide much needed cooling as well. If you build an overhead pergola, put misters along some the beams to cool your guests off on a hot summer day.

This deck is too cold

These patio heaters can be found in most home improvement stores.

A shaded deck can get cold and mildewy, even in the heat of summer. Gas patio heaters heat up a colder space and extend your entertaining season well into fall or even winter. Overhead patio heaters are mounted to a deck roof around a dining or seating area.

Built-in natural gas fire pits allow you to enjoy your deck all year round. Make a seating area with cozy benches. Your guests will never want to leave.

References

• types of decks
• create your dream deck