Outdoor entertaining spaces are perfect for hosting gatherings while enjoying fresh air and natural ambiance. Whether you have a deck, patio, porch or other type of outdoor space, you have an excellent opportunity for outdoor living.
To help you learn more about the different types of outdoor spaces, here are some basics:
What are outdoor living spaces called?
There are many types of outdoor spaces included in residential homes. The main terms you’ll encounter include:
- Patio.
- Porch.
- Balcony.
- Veranda.
- Patio.
- Deck.
All these different spaces have advantages and disadvantages, including style and building material choices.
Which outdoor entertaining space is right for me?
It might seem tricky to decide which type of outdoor area works best for you and your home. Some key things to consider when making your decision are:
- Cost of labor & materials.
- Ongoing maintenance needs.
- Entertaining goals.
With the right decor, any outdoor space can serve as an excellent venue for entertaining guests. The choice depends on your budget and personal preferences.
How to build an entertaining space
No matter the amount of space you have in your backyard, you can set up an outdoor entertaining area by focusing on three basic elements: shade, seating and lighting.
Shade will help provide relief from harsh sun and hot temperatures, keeping you and your guests cool and comfortable. Seating is also crucial for entertaining outdoors, so make sure your guests have a comfy place to relax and enjoy. Lighting can come in several forms, including an outdoor fireplace or simple string lights.
How to create an outdoor space on a budget
You don’t need to break the bank to set up an outstanding outdoor environment at home. Some great budget-friendly outdoor upgrade tips include:
- Build custom DIY outdoor furniture like lounge chairs from wooden pallets.
- Set up an outdoor fire pit using regular concrete bricks.
- Include soft decorative touches like throw pillows and an area rug to make the space extra inviting.
About the Author
Carolyn Andrews
Carolyn Andrews has over 30 years licensed Brokerage experience in both California and Colorado. Born in England, Carolyn moved to California in 1980, then relocated to Denver, Colorado in 1991. Carolyn has also received recognition for Top Sales at RE/MAX Alliance Aurora in 2007-2008 and is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame & Chairman’s Club, as well as a recipient of the ReMax Lifetime Achievement Award. Carolyn has sold over 2000 homes personally in her career. Carolyn has been actively involved in many aspects of the Real Estate business including investment property, luxury homes, mountain resort property, skiin/ski out, REO/default management, loss mitigation, valuations, and disposition. She has been a speaker and panelist at several conferences and has been consulted on many occasions by various organizations in the REO/financial industries for her expertise and served on many boards. She has attended numerous ongoing classes to stay abreast of changes in the ever-evolving Real Estate industry. She is the prior State Director for Colorado for VAREP(Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals). She is a member of 3 boards of Realtors including Metro Denver, Colorado Springs and Summit County mountain areas. She heads up The Andrews Group and is or has been an active member of NAR, CAR,REOMAC, CIPS, CRS, AREAA, NAPW, NAHREP, and is an original member of the ELITEReal Estate network. She was ranked #1 for most homes sold in Denver 2007 by Denver Board of Realtors, #2 for 2008, and #2 for 2009, #5 in 2010 and #4 in 2011 and has been consistently in the top 10 ever since. Carolyn Andrews has been a top rated Endorsed Local Provider for the Dave Ramsey Organization and also a Top Producing agent for 2018 for the Homelight Company.
