If you're looking to make the most of your space, an outdoor dining area is a great idea to have, so you can eat outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. A backyard, patio, balcony or even a small deck can be transformed into a great outdoor dining experience that can enhance the everyday meal, the weekend gathering or a summer party.
The combination of the right outdoor dining furniture, materials, lighting, shade and layout are the key. This is a guide to design an outdoor dining area that is comfortable, functional and attractive.
1. Choose the Right Location
The first thing is to determine where your outdoor dining area should be. Think about how you plan to utilize your outside area and how far the dining area will be from the kitchen.
Having an area near the kitchen will make serving food and cleaning up so much easier. Try to find a flat area like a patio or deck, an outdoor surface made of concrete or cinder blocks, or a stable outdoor floor.
Also consider:
- Sun exposure throughout the day
- Prevailing wind direction
- Privacy from neighbors
- Access to the house
- Drainage after rain
- Available space for chairs and movement
In smaller spaces, a compact round dining table might facilitate movement around the table. Larger yards can accommodate a rectangular dining table with six to eight chairs.
2. Measure the Available Space
Take measurements to purchase the right outdoor furniture for dining. One problem people often have is selecting a table that is big enough physically, but not big enough to allow them to pull chairs out from under it.
Leave room between the table and chairs for people to sit comfortably behind their chairs. Here is a general rule for planning: Have about 36 inches or more of space around the dining table whenever possible.
Consider how many will need to be accommodated. For a small patio, a two to four-person table might be appropriate, or a six- or eight-person table is best for family time.
For those who entertain often, an extendable outdoor dining table is a good option. It provides flexibility without permanently taking up additional space.
3. Select Durable Outdoor Dining Furniture
Outdoor furniture should be able to handle the elements. When buying a table and chairs, opt for a design that is made for outdoor use.
Popular options include:
Aluminum
Aluminum furniture is lightweight, resistant to corrosion and easy to maintain. It's especially helpful if you have to frequently change the position or setup of your dining area.
Teak and Other Hardwoods
Teak is self-resistant to moisture and weather. It offers a classic look and can achieve a silver-gray finish with age.
Resin and Plastic
Lightweight, low-priced and easy to clean resin and plastic furniture are available. There are even some newer models that look very similar to wood, but do not need as much maintenance.
Steel and Wrought Iron
Metal furniture can offer great strength and an authentic look. But protective coatings are necessary as exposed metal may eventually form rust.
When selecting materials, take into account your climate, maintenance requirements, budget and styling.
4. Choose Comfortable Outdoor Dining Chairs
Technology is more than just a dining table. A cozy chair will help people to sit down and stay longer, as well as making outdoor dining more pleasant.
Search for chairs that have supportive backrests and seat height that is suitable. Cushions can be easier to sit on, but should be outdoors rated and resistant to moisture, fading and mildew.
Try to have stackable or light weight chairs that can be put away when not in use for a more flexible arrangement.
Where space is small, benches can be helpful, too. A bench will occupy less visual space than several individual chairs, and have the benefit of being able to seat multiple people.
5. Add Shade for Hot and Sunny Days
During the day, it can be difficult to enjoy an outdoor dining space when the heat keeps you from enjoying your meals. Spending a few bucks on some shade is one of the best ways to enhance outdoor dining.
Popular options for shades are:
- Cantilever umbrellas
- Market umbrellas
- Pergolas
- Retractable awnings
- Shade sails
- Covered patios
Because of the cantilever umbrella's offset design, it can be extremely helpful to create shade without having a central pole running through the dining table.
Select a shade solution according to the size and angle of your dining room. If using an umbrella, you will need a larger size, or a permanent shade structure, for a larger table.
6. Install Outdoor Lighting
Use of your outdoor dining area is possible after the sun sets as a result of good lighting.
String lights make for a casual ambiance and pendant lights or wall-mounted lights provide more illumination. Another handy solar lighting idea for walkways and decorative lighting is the solar-powered light.
When lighting for dining, minimize bright lights and lights right on the eye level. Ambient and functional lighting typically make for a more comfortable environment.
Lighting can be installed around the table and close to pathways and food preparation areas to help guests navigate safely after dark.
7. Protect the Dining Area from Weather
The term "useful life" refers to the number of years that a structure will serve the intended purpose before the building needs to be replaced.The useful life of an outdoor dining area can be extended by providing weather protection.
In the event that your space is subject to rain, take into consideration a covered patio, pergola with an appropriate roof system, retractable awning or waterproof furniture covers.
Furniture covers for outdoor furniture are particularly useful when the dining area isn't used at regular intervals. When bad weather is forecast, store cushions in a dry storage box.
Cushions, table accessories, candles and other outdoor dining supplies can be stored in an outdoor storage box that is weather-proof.
8. Add Outdoor-Friendly Accessories
Decorate an outdoor dining area to make it a part of your house.
Consider adding:
- Outdoor rugs
- Decorative planters
- Weather-resistant cushions
- Table centerpieces
- Lanterns
- Serving carts
- Outdoor storage
- Decorative screens
Use products that are formulated for outdoor use. Some fabrics and accessories used indoors can fade, get damp or break down rapidly when left in the sun and rain.
An outdoor rug can also help to separate the dining area from the rest of the patio space, particularly if the dining area is located in a separate area of the patio.
9. Create a Functional Dining Layout
The proper outdoor dining design isn't all about looks. The arrangement should facilitate ease of daily activities.
Maintain adequate clearance from walls, planters, grills or other furniture to the dining table. When using an outdoor kitchen or grill, set up the table not too close so you can easily toss food over but not too near to smoke and intense heat.
If you have a larger entertaining space, break it down into functional zones:
Dining zone: Table and chairs for meals.
Cooking zone: Grill, outdoor kitchen, or food preparation area.
Relaxation zone: Outdoor sofa, lounge chairs, or coffee table.
Storage zone: Outdoor storage box or cabinet for cushions and accessories.
This approach makes a large outdoor area easier to use and visually organized.
10. Consider Maintenance Requirements
A stunning outdoor dining space also should be easy to keep.
Check the material to be used for furniture before buying and know how to clean and protect it. Aluminum and resin furniture usually only needs a light dusting; if the wood is natural, it may need to be dusted and buffed periodically to keep it looking good.
Wash up any spills as soon as they happen and frequently clean up dirt, leaves and any standing water. Inspect metal furniture regularly for corrosion or deterioration of protective finishes.
Use covers or store portable furniture in places of protection if possible during winter or during severe weather.
11. Design for Year-Round Use
Looking for a year-round outdoor dining option? It's not all about summertime.
Depending on the climate conditions, you can install an outdoor heater, a fire feature, a weatherproof structure, or a retractable cover. Heating may be less important in warmer climates because shade and ventilation are more important.
The idea is to design a space which is flexible and will be able to change with the seasons.
Conclusion
The first step in creating an outdoor dining area is determining its location and planning its space. Next, pick furniture for outdoor dining that's much more durable, and choose chairs that are comfortable, shade, effective lighting, and weather-resistant accessories.
A large and an expensive outdoor dining area may not be the best. It fits your lifestyle, comforts just a few people, weather-proofs your home in extreme heat and cold and doesn't require a lot of maintenance.
Even a modest patio or backyard can be a functional outdoor eating space for daily enjoyment, family get-togethers and hosting visitors, with careful planning.
