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How to Build an Outdoor Entertaining Area in Queensland

November 2, 2016

Last Updated: September 2026

Building an outdoor entertaining area in Queensland involves more than choosing a deck or patio. The layout, materials, shade, roofing, ventilation, lighting, privacy and connection to the rest of the home can all affect how comfortable and useful the space will be.

A well-planned outdoor entertaining area might include a timber or composite deck, patio roof, pergola, outdoor kitchen, seating area or screening. The right combination depends on your home, available space, budget and how you want to use the area.

Queensland’s hot summers, strong sun and periods of heavy rain also need to be considered during the design process. In this guide, we’ll look at the key decisions to make when planning an outdoor entertaining area, from choosing the location and layout through to shade, roofing and finishing touches.

At a Glance: What Are the Steps to Creating an Outdoor Entertaining Area?

  1. Decide how you want to use the space.
  2. Assess the available area.
  3. Consider the position of the sun and prevailing weather.
  4. Choose between a deck, patio, pergola or combination.
  5. Decide whether you need a roof.
  6. Plan shade, airflow and privacy.
  7. Choose suitable materials.
  8. Consider lighting, power and outdoor cooking.
  9. Check relevant approvals and requirements.
  10. Work with professionals to finalise the design and construction.
How To Build An Outdoor Entertaining Area In Queensland

How to Create an Outdoor Entertaining Area in Queensland

What Does an Outdoor Entertaining Area Include?

Your new outside living space could be:

  • a deck
  • patio
  • pergola
  • covered entertaining area
  • outdoor kitchen
  • BBQ area
  • dining area
  • lounge area
  • poolside entertaining zone
  • screened or partially enclosed space

Why Choose a DIY Outdoor Entertaining Area?

So you’ve decided you’d like to build an outdoor entertaining area? And perhaps you’re thinking of a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach? For basic outdoor entertaining areas, DIY can be a cheap and effective way of creating a bit of extra space.

In fact, we sell two different DIY decking kits to help you build your own entertaining areas. These come in set sizes and styles and are a great low-cost solution.

But if you want something to take your entertaining area to the next level, and build a space with a sense of luxury that your family and friends will adore, let us help you build it. After all, a DIY space will only ever be as good as your DIY skills.

What Should You Consider Before Building an Outdoor Entertaining Area?

Make sure to go through the following checklist:

  • How many people will regularly use it?
  • Will it mainly be used for dining, relaxing or entertaining?
  • Do you need protection from sun and rain?
  • Do you want it connected directly to the house?
  • Will it overlook a garden or pool?
  • Do you need privacy from neighbours?
  • Will you need stairs or balustrades?
  • Where will furniture, BBQs and outdoor kitchens go?
  • Do you need electrical points or lighting?
  • How much maintenance are you comfortable with?

What Type of Roof Is Best for a Queensland Outdoor Entertaining Area?

Roofing optionMain consideration
ColorbondSolid shade and weather protection
CorrugatedTraditional appearance and weather protection
Clear roofingAllows more natural light
Insulated roofingDesigned with thermal comfort in mind
Open pergolaKeeps the area more open and airy
Flyover roofCan create additional height and airflow

Would You Prefer to Build a Luxurious Outdoor Entertainment Area?

To create a relaxing and memorable outdoor entertainment area you need professional designers and builders.

At DeKing Decks, we have years of experience creating and building beautiful outdoor entertainment areas with timber products that can match and enhance the look of your home.

We can create pretty much anything your imagination can dream up. So give us a call, and think big with DeKing Decks.

How To Build An Outdoor Entertaining Area In Queensland

What kind of outdoor entertainment area would you like?

The ideal outdoor entertainment area will be different for everyone. So an important step is to decide what kind of outdoor area you would like and what kind of entertaining you’re likely to do.

If you have a pool, this tends to become the centerpiece of most outdoor entertainment areas, so you might decide you’d like some pool decking and a pool house.

Alternatively, if you don’t have a pool, your focus might be on building a deck or patio with patio roof and extending your inside entertainment area outside as far as you can.

What Kinds of Outdoor Entertainment Areas are Possible?

Whatever your preference, DeKing Decks can help make this a reality.

**We can create all kinds of entertainment spaces with a range of solutions, including: **

We also have a range of eco decking options for environmentally friendly solutions that use recycled materials. With eco decking you can get the look you want for your outdoor entertaining area while helping to look after the planet.

How Much Does an Outdoor Entertaining Area Cost?

Costs widely vary and can depend on:

  • size
  • deck material
  • roof type
  • height
  • access
  • site conditions
  • screening
  • stairs/balustrades
  • electrical work
  • outdoor kitchen
  • drainage
  • structural requirements

Learn More

If you’re looking to build an outdoor entertaining area in South East Queensland, see our average cost to build a deck with or without a patio. Or use our Decking Calculator, Patio Roofing Calculator or Deck and Patio Roofing Calculator to get a more accurate estimate from the experts at DeKing Decks. We can transform your home by building a range of spaces using the best quality timber products.

We’ve been building outdoor entertainment spaces in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Lockyer Valley and beyond since 2003. Whether you’re after a new deck, patio, patio roof, verandah, pergola, gazebo, or pool house, we can build you the perfect outdoor entertaining area you’ll be sure to use all-year-round.

Deking Decks Service Areas:

DeKing Decks service Brisbane, Redlands, Bayside, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Gold Coast, Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does Queensland’s Climate Affect an Outdoor Entertaining Area?

Your new outdoor entertaining area needs to handle the strong summer sun, heat, humidity, and UV exposure. It also needs to be strong through heavy rainfall and storms, with proper airflow and drainage.
humidity. Durable materials that help insulate and waterproof are often preferred.

Should You Build a Deck, Pergola or Patio?

Deck: creates a defined outdoor floor/living area.
Pergola: provides an overhead structure that can offer shade and support roofing or screening.
Patio: generally refers to a ground-level outdoor area, often covered or connected to the home.

How Can You Add Privacy to an Outdoor Entertaining Area?

Options include decorative screening, louvred screens, plants, outdoor curtains, partial walls, and strategic landscaping.

Can You Turn an Existing Patio or Backyard Into an Entertaining Area?

Homeowners don’t need a completely blank backyard. An existing concrete patio, deck, paved area, verandah, or poolside area may provide a starting point, depending on its condition and the proposed design.