Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ area, a relaxed dining spot or a dedicated space for evening entertaining, the right outdoor setup can completely transform how you use your garden. At Outdoor Home Improvements, we specialise in composite decking, landscaping and outdoor design across Devon and the South West, helping homeowners turn underused gardens into stunning spaces built for entertaining.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to design and build an outdoor entertaining area that works for your home, your lifestyle and the British weather. From choosing the right materials to creating distinct zones for cooking, dining and relaxation, here’s everything you need to know.
Summer is when your garden earns its keep. Longer evenings, warmer temperatures and the desire to spend time outdoors make it the perfect season to get the most from your outdoor space. A well-designed entertaining area doesn’t just add enjoyment – it adds genuine value to your property, with estate agents estimating that quality outdoor improvements can add 5-15% to property values.
Starting your project in late spring or early summer also means you’ll have the entire season ahead of you to enjoy the finished result. For guidance on seasonal project timing, read our article on when is the best time of year to landscape your garden in the UK.
The most successful outdoor entertaining spaces are designed around distinct zones, each serving a different purpose. Rather than treating your garden as a single area, think about how you actually want to use the space and plan accordingly.
Position your cooking area on a level, hard-wearing surface like resin bound patio or composite decking. Keep it close enough to the house for easy access to the kitchen, but far enough from seating areas to avoid smoke drifting over guests. Consider built-in storage for utensils and a preparation surface alongside your BBQ or outdoor kitchen.
Your dining area needs a flat, stable surface that’s comfortable underfoot. Composite decking is ideal for this, as it provides a warm, splinter-free surface that requires minimal maintenance and won’t warp or rot over time. Position your dining area where it catches evening light, and consider overhead shelter such as a pergola or sail shade for those unpredictable British showers.
Create a separate area for post-dinner drinks and conversation. This might be a lower-level deck area, a sunken seating space, or a garden corner with comfortable outdoor furniture. Adding soft landscaping around this zone, such as planting beds with fragrant herbs or flowering shrubs, creates a more intimate atmosphere.
If you have children, consider a dedicated play area that’s visible from your entertaining space. Artificial grass is an excellent option here – it stays green all year, drains quickly after rain and provides a safe, soft surface for play without the mud and mess.
The materials you choose will determine how your entertaining space looks, performs and ages over time. Here’s a comparison of the most popular options for outdoor entertaining areas:
Our most popular choice for entertaining spaces, and with good reason. Composite decking combines the natural appearance of wood with exceptional durability and virtually zero maintenance. It won’t splinter, rot, or need annual treatment, making it perfect for bare feet on summer evenings. Our customers in Exeter and across Devon consistently choose composite for its long-lasting finish. See our case study on creating space with composite decking for a real-world example.
For a premium finish, millboard decking offers an incredibly realistic wood-grain texture that’s virtually indistinguishable from natural timber. It’s highly resistant to staining, scratching and fading, making it an excellent investment for high-use entertaining areas. For a full breakdown of decking options and what suits your garden, read our guide to installing decking ready for summer.
Timber decking remains a popular choice for homeowners who prefer a traditional, natural aesthetic. Softwood options offer an affordable entry point, while hardwoods like oak or cedar provide superior durability. Bear in mind that timber requires annual treatment to maintain its appearance and prevent weathering.
For a seamless, contemporary look, resin bound patios provide a smooth, permeable surface that drains naturally and comes in a wide range of colours. Resin is particularly effective for connecting different zones across your garden, creating cohesive pathways between entertaining areas.
If your garden has changes in level, or if your decking is raised, glass balustrades are the perfect finishing touch for an entertaining space. Unlike traditional railings, glass panels provide essential safety without blocking views, creating an open, contemporary feel that makes your outdoor space appear larger and more connected to the surrounding garden.
Glass balustrades also act as a windbreak, which is particularly valuable for exposed gardens in coastal Devon. They’re easy to maintain, require only occasional cleaning, and won’t deteriorate over time like timber railings. For more details, read our comprehensive guide to glass balustrades for decking.
Book your free site visitGood lighting extends the usability of your outdoor space well into the evening and creates an atmosphere that transforms a garden from functional to magical. Consider a layered approach:
Many of these options are straightforward to install alongside a decking or landscaping project. When planning your outdoor space with us, we can advise on cable runs and power points so lighting is integrated from the start rather than added as an afterthought.
Designing an entertaining space in the UK means planning for rain as much as sunshine. Here are some practical elements to consider:
Choosing low-maintenance materials like composite decking means you’ll spend less time preparing your space before guests arrive and more time actually enjoying it.
Costs vary depending on the size, materials and complexity of your project. As a rough guide for Devon homeowners:
A complete entertaining space combining decking, landscaping and finishing touches typically ranges from £5,000 for a modest deck area to £15,000-25,000 for a comprehensive multi-zone garden transformation. We provide detailed, transparent quotes following a free site survey, with no hidden costs.
With over 25 years of experience serving homeowners across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, Outdoor Home Improvements brings expertise, quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship to every project. Our team handles everything from initial design consultation through to installation and aftercare, ensuring your outdoor entertaining space is built to last and designed to impress.
View our case studies for inspiration, including our durable swimming pool decking project that demonstrates the quality of finish we deliver.
Summer is the perfect time to transform your garden into a space you’ll love spending time in. Whether you’re planning a simple decking area for weekend BBQs or a complete garden transformation with multiple entertaining zones, Outdoor Home Improvements is here to bring your vision to life.
Ready to get started? Contact our friendly team today on 01626 323525 or email info@outdoorhomeimprovements.co.uk to book your free consultation. We’d love to discuss your ideas and help you create the outdoor entertaining space your home deserves.
Get In TouchProject timelines depend on scope and complexity. A straightforward decking area typically takes 3-5 days, while a multi-zone entertaining space with landscaping, decking and finishing elements might take 2-4 weeks. We’ll provide an accurate timeline during your free consultation.
Most decking and patio installations fall under permitted development and don’t require planning permission. However, there are exceptions for raised platforms over 30cm, listed buildings and conservation areas. We’ll advise you on any requirements during your consultation and can help with applications if needed.
We recommend composite decking for family spaces. It won’t splinter (safe for bare feet and children), doesn’t require annual treatment, and handles heavy foot traffic without showing wear. The surface dries quickly after rain, reducing slip risk.
For smaller projects, parts of your garden usually remain accessible. For larger transformations, access may be limited during certain phases, particularly groundwork. We always keep disruption to a minimum and maintain clear communication throughout the project.
