How to Improve Your Outdoor Entertaining Space for Summer Fun

We’re well into summer, which often means lots of hanging out with friends and family in outdoor spaces. If spending time on your patio, out by your pool, or on your front porch has you thinking about ways to make your hangout space even better, we’re here to help.

Here are just a few ways to make your outdoor space one that everyone wants to spend more time in.

For a backyard retreat in Nashville, SUNDEK of Nashville resurfaced a pool deck using Classic Texture and Aggregate Effects, reviving the space to make it more welcoming and enjoyable to spend time in.

Upgrade your concrete surfaces

You know we had to put this one at the top of our list! Whether you have an existing outdoor space that needs some love or are just looking for a refresh, there are many ways to upgrade your surface.

• For cracked or damaged surfaces: Resurfacing is probably your best bet. Often, property owners think that resolving a damaged surface requires removing the existing concrete and starting from scratch, but that’s not always the case. As long as the concrete is viable, the entire slab can be resurfaced, making it look brand new! Taking this approach saves time, money, and the mess that comes along with demolishing concrete (it’s also much more environmentally friendly). Learn more about repairing cracked surfaces.
• For surfaces that are faded or need a makeover: Did you know your existing concrete can be colored to give it the oomph it needs to look like a new surface again? There are several ways to color surfaces, and the best one depends on the state of your existing surface and what your goals are. Coloring options include staining, dying, and resurfacing.
• For surfaces that look good but need a little TLC: Sometimes a deep clean and a reseal is really all a surface requires to get the refresh it needs. Sealers do more than just protect—they can enhance colors and add to the appearance of a concrete surface. See below for information about deep cleaning and read more about sealers.

A clean and well-maintained surface will last for years. Here, a pool deck resurfaced to create the look of stone. Work by SUNDEK of Houston.

Clean surfaces

This sounds like a no-brainer, but anyone who has done a thorough cleaning of their outdoor surfaces knows that this chore isn’t exactly an easy one. Just like anything else, if you stay on top of your maintenance, it makes it easier to clean your concrete each time you take on the task. Here are some basic points to keep in mind:

• Regularly sweep or hose off debris from concrete. This will prevent staining from things like dirt and leaf litter.
• Every so often, give your surface a more thorough cleaning using a hose with a high-pressure nozzle or a power washer. This will remove dirt and grime and prevent it from building up. It’s good to do this at least a few times a year, or when you notice your surface needs it.
• Address spills or hard-to-remove spots and/or stains with a non-abrasive cleaner as soon as possible. The sooner you take care of those, the less likely they are to become permanent fixtures on your surface.
• Seal your surface and reseal when necessary. Sealers are a must when it comes to protecting decorative concrete. They protect concrete from things like stains and UV damage, and they also make it easier to clean the surface since they provide a repellant coating.

Read more about decorative concrete maintenance.

At this backyard residential property, SUNDEK of Austin resurfaced the large concrete pavers and patio area to match, and turf strips were placed in between to create a gorgeous hangout spot.

Add greenery

We like concrete surfaces, but we strongly believe that balance is key! Adding greenery helps soften hard surfaces. Together, greenery and your hardscaping can work together to create a serene setting. Here are some easy ways to do this:

• Add hanging planters on your pergola or covered patio area (ramp up the green by choosing trailing plants).
• Create a grouping of pots to keep in the corner of your patio for a pop of green. When choosing containers, bigger is better—for aesthetic reasons, and larger pots retain water longer.
• Include a trellis to grow vertically. Choosing climbing plants such as passionflower, honeysuckle, clematis, bougainvillea, or other blooming beauties that will add to the ambiance of your space.

Looking for a different way to add green? We love that concrete pavers with grass in between have become more and more popular. See more about this growing trend.

Cushy outdoor seating next to the outdoor fireplace makes this a comfortable spot to hang out for hours on end. Surface completed by SUNDEK of Austin.

Create comfy spots to lounge and converse

Make your outdoor space more inviting by prioritizing comfort. Hard materials may look stylish, but without soft cushions, they’re often unpleasant to sit on—so it’s worth investing in seating and cushions that encourage people to linger. When choosing outdoor furniture, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose durable materials that hold up to sun and rain (yes, it’s worth it to get covers to extend the life of your furniture).
• When choosing cushions and pillows, opt for UV-resistant fabric that won’t fade quickly. Keep in mind that removable covers make cleaning easier.
• Think about how you use your space. If you don’t have plans to dine outside, skip the table and focus on lounge seating.
• Plan your layout with traffic flow and conversation in mind to ensure your furniture fits well and feels functional.

Step lights not only add to the ambiance of this space, but they also make it safer for homeowners and guests to walk up and down the stairs after the sun sets. Surface by SUNDEK of Nashville.

Ramp up the ambiance with lighting and warmth

To extend the time you and your guests want to spend outdoors, invest in lighting and warmth.

• For lighting, venture into your outdoor space in the evening to determine where light might be lacking. Uplighting on plants, lighting that illuminate walkways, hanging lights on your patio and pergola, hanging lanterns, tiki torches, and motion censor lights where it makes sense are all good additions.
• For warmth, space heaters and fire pits are game-changers for outdoor spaces. There are so many options available when it comes to portable fire pits. If you do opt for a built-in fire pit or fireplace, keep in mind that SUNDEK can add coatings to these elements so they match or coordinate with the rest of your outdoor space.

Need help with your outdoor space?

SUNDEK has contractors all over the country ready to help you figure out how to make your outdoor space one that you’ll want to spend more time in. Contact us to get a free quote!

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