Designing an Australian Outdoor Entertaining Area

Plan the Outdoor Area as a Whole

A practical entertaining area brings seating, dining, cooking and circulation together without making any one feature dominate the space. Start by measuring the area and deciding which activities matter most to the household.

Furniture and Circulation

Choose furniture that fits the available footprint while leaving comfortable paths between the house, dining area and cooking zone. Browse Outdoor Furniture for current seating and dining options.

Build the Cooking Zone Around the Appliance

Select the exact BBQ before designing an integrated cooking area. Built-in appliances have model-specific dimensions, ventilation, clearance and fuel requirements that should be incorporated before cabinetry or benchtops are made.

Explore BBQs & Outdoor Cooking and read the Built-In BBQs Australia Guide for planning considerations.

Add a Fire Feature Deliberately

A fire pit can create a separate gathering zone when the location and product requirements suit the space. Check the exact product's fuel, clearances, installation and operating instructions before designing seating around it.

Lighting and Shade

Plan lighting for paths, dining and food preparation, and choose shade according to the site's exposure and the installation requirements of the selected product.

Keep the Design Flexible

Outdoor areas often work better when some furniture can move between everyday use and larger gatherings. Avoid overfilling the space simply to include every possible feature.