Creating Inviting Communal Outdoor Seating Areas with Premium Decking

Being able to enjoy the nice weather (when it’s here), get fresh air and embrace the surroundings while settling down and unwinding are all the benefits of utilising the space. However, for it to be used, it needs to be well-designed and furnished. 

Premium decking is a great way to take your business offerings to the outdoors. These materials are durable, long-lasting and low-maintenance, making them a cost-effective and convenient option.

At Vinyl Solutions, we work with companies to help them and their customers enjoy being outdoors, creating comfortable and appealing communal seating areas thanks to our premium decking solutions. How can you create the ideal, inviting communal area? We’ve got the top tips to get you started:  

Choose the Right Decking Material

There are a range of premium decking alternatives to timber that work well to create a practical yet appealing outdoor communal area.

Popular options include PVC and composite decking. Both are incredibly durable, weather-resistant and long-lasting. Plus, they’re anti-slip, making them safe options for your space. 

Another plus point is they are made in a way that recreates the natural look of wood, creating natural streaks, tones and colouring variations across each board.  

One of the biggest differences however is that composite decking can use recycled HDPE plastics, making it slightly more environmentally friendly than PVC.

When choosing decking, having it match the style of the property is key to make it feel like an extension of your surroundings rather than an add on. This will be influenced by the colour, so when deciding which material to use, one of the biggest considerations should be the colouring options available. 

Not only will you need to decide on the decking materials, but you will also need to consider the various balustrading options. If choosing spindles, there are a few style options for these, or if going for a more modern look, you might want to consider glass.

Carefully Design the Layout

The next important factor will be the layout of the furniture.  

As the balustrading defines boundaries on the decking area, you need to make sure everyone can move around easily without getting in the way of those sitting down relaxing.  

This is where the seating arrangement is key, so everyone can feel a part of the evening but also having a walkway for people to move around.  

Additionally, you will need to think about accessibility. Will you add stairs or ramp for access from the outside, or will guests need to go through your indoor area to get to it?  

Most of the time, people will want to sit outside to embrace nature, so think about integrating natural elements in your layout. Add trees or plants around the area, or maybe line the decking with plants and bushes.  

Incorporate Comfortable Seating

The seating you place on your decking will be determined by the use of the space. If it’s a restaurant, you will want chairs that match your table height, or if you are a spa offering outdoor relaxation areas, then maybe place lounge chairs out.  

No matter what type of chair matches the functionality of your space, you need to make sure they are comfortable. If they aren’t, people won’t be staying long.  

Part of creating a comfortable seating space is building an enjoyable atmosphere through style and look.  

When choosing furniture, try to get something that matches the style and feel the decking material creates. Select colours that complement the decking for an easy-on-the-eye space.   

Of course, you’ll want your furniture to last, so think about how weather-resistant and durable your options are.  

Enhancing Ambiance with Accessories

Lighting and accessories will enhance the ambience you have started to create with the decking and furniture.

Add lanterns to the balustrading pillars for a traditional atmosphere or a low-profile LED for a more modern feel.

Additionally, string fairy lights around or add recessed deck lighting as these aren’t harsh lighting and will create a soft, relaxed atmosphere.

Soft furnishings will go a long way in building a welcoming ambience. Add cushions to your seating and a basket of blankets by the door for when people get cold. Or place the throws at the edge of bench seats for easy access. 

Functional Considerations

While ambience is important for inviting people in, they also want to know they are safe, so you have to balance look, feel and safety.  

Upvc decking is usually anti-slip, so when choosing this option, you’re selecting flooring that people can be sure of, even in the rain.  

If adding stairs or a ramp, you might consider placing a handrail along the side to offer extra support for those who need it.  

In Britain, we experience a range of weather conditions, so you will need to be prepared for anything and everything. Installing a pergola, retractable awning, or umbrella offer protection from strong sunshine and its UV rays in the winter. The larger options could also be used to shield guests from the rain.  

Keep everyone warm with heaters as a perfect complement to the cooler moments of summer and will maintain a comfortable temperature during winter.  

Create Zones or Multi-purpose Areas

The final way you can create an inviting communal area is through building zones and multi-purpose areas.  

For example, you could have a dining area separate from a lounge and a drinks area separate from a play area.  

This allows you to create different atmospheres suited for any and every situation. It also means noise levels can more easily be managed, giving your guests a more enjoyable and relaxed experience.  

Our Experts Can Help

At Vinyl Solutions, we have worked with a range of different companies to provide an inviting communal space.

Our decking solutions are bespoke to your needs, and we use a digital modelling system throughout our process that allows you to see our plans and suggestions.

Our time in the industry has allowed us to build up knowledge of what makes an attractive and appealing outdoor area. So we know how to use different configurations, lighting, accessories and balustrading options to create a style and feel that matches what you are after.

Give us a call at 01202 650 700 or complete our contact form below to request a callback. We are always happy to guide you throughout the design and installation process.