7 Steps to Create an Outdoor Entertaining Area

Quick Summary

An outdoor entertaining area works best when you measure and plan the space before buying anything. Mark the footprint, call 811 before digging, and divide the yard into dining, lounging and cooking zones. Then add shade and furniture sized to your footprint.

• Call 811 before digging to locate underground utilities.
• Keep a walkway at least three feet wide so guests can move around furniture.
• Allow about 24 inches of table width and 30 inches of depth per diner.
• Leave 36 inches behind chairs, or 42 to 48 inches where guests walk behind diners.
• Buy furniture last, once the footprint and shade structure are fixed.

Table of Contents

• How to Create an Outdoor Entertaining Area: Planning Your Space First
• Measure Your Yard and Mark the Footprint
• Making It Work in a Small or Awkward Backyard
• Defining Zones for Dining, Lounging and Cooking
• Choosing Comfortable Furniture and a Focal Point
• Pergola Ideas for Small Backyards That Provide Shade
• Lighting, Plants and Fire Features for Mood
• Budgeting, Permits and Timeline for Your Project
• Booking Your Outdoor Living Project with D.A.D.S. Construction
• Frequently Asked Questions

How to Create an Outdoor Entertaining Area: Planning Your Space First

Last Updated: November 2, 2026

A good outdoor entertaining area starts with a plan, not a patio. The projects that work best always begin with measurements and a clear idea of how the space will be used. Below, we walk through the steps that help homeowners avoid costly changes later.

Desert sun, wind and sudden storms all shape how a yard gets used. Planning for them early saves money and frustration.

Measure Your Yard and Mark the Footprint

Start by measuring the space you have. Write down the length and width of the yard, the location of the house, and any fences, trees, slopes or utility lines.

Mark the footprint with stakes and string or with a garden hose. Walk the area at different times of day to see where the sun and shade fall.

• Measure from fixed points like the house wall or fence
• Note the height of the house and the sun path
• Call 811 before you dig to locate underground utilities ( 811 Before You Dig)
• Sketch the layout on graph paper at one foot per square

Watch out: Many homeowners skip the utility call and hit a line during digging. Calling 811 before excavation is the standard step for locating underground utilities.

Making It Work in a Small or Awkward Backyard

Small and oddly shaped yards can still hold a comfortable entertaining area. The key is to use vertical space, built-in seating and clear paths.

A narrow yard often works best with a single long run of seating along one wall. A corner lot may suit an L-shaped layout that wraps around a dining table.

When the space is tight, keep the walkway at least three feet wide so guests can move without squeezing past furniture.

Defining Zones for Dining, Lounging and Cooking

Separate the yard into zones before you buy anything. A dining zone, a lounging zone and a cooking zone each need their own space and access.

Place the cooking zone near the kitchen door so you can carry food out easily. Keep the dining table close to the cooking area but far enough away that smoke does not drift onto guests.

Lounging areas work well at the far end of the yard, away from the grill. This gives guests a quiet place to talk without being in the middle of the action.

Choosing Comfortable Furniture and a Focal Point

Pick furniture that handles the weather, then size it to the people who will actually sit in it. Powder-coated aluminum, teak and quality synthetic wicker hold up better in heat and sun than untreated wood, but the frame material matters less than the dimensions and the cushion fabric. Compare deck construction options that can host a fire feature or built-in structure to plan your focal point. Look for solution-dyed acrylic or similar fade-resistant fabrics, and choose cushions that can be stored or covered when not in use.

Use these working numbers to plan seating before you buy:

• Allow about 24 inches of table width per diner and 30 inches of table depth for a comfortable place setting.
• Leave 36 inches between the table edge and the nearest wall or planter so chairs can slide out; 42 to 48 inches is better where guests will walk behind seated diners.
• Keep 18 inches between a sofa and a coffee table, and 30 to 36 inches between facing seating pieces so people can pass.
• Plan roughly 2 feet of sofa or bench length per seated guest.

Seat height and variety matter as much as style. A mix of dining chairs, lounge chairs and a bench lets older guests and guests with limited mobility choose a seat that is easy to get in and out of. Keep at least one armchair with arms near the food and drink area, and make sure paths from the house to the seating stay clear and well lit after dark.

Every good outdoor room needs one strong visual anchor. A fire pit, a built-in stone fireplace or a water feature can serve as the focal point and pull the layout together. Arrange seating to face it rather than spreading pieces around the perimeter, and repeat one material or color from the focal point in the furniture and planters so the space reads as one room.

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Watch out: Buying a full furniture set before measuring the footprint is the most common layout mistake; oversized sectionals can block the walkway and force guests to squeeze past each other.

The article gives these working dimensions for planning seating before you buy furniture.

Pergola Ideas for Small Backyards That Provide Shade

Shade makes an outdoor room usable from late spring through early fall. A pergola is one of the most practical ways to add it without closing in the space.

Adjustable pergolas let you open the roof on mild evenings and close it when the sun is strong. For affordable shade in a small yard, you can compare awning-style pergolas.

!A covered pergola over a compact backyard dining table in Southern Utah late afternoon light, with string lights and shaded seating

Explore the adjustable pergola options from D.A.D.S. Construction if you want shade that you can control.

Lighting, Plants and Fire Features for Mood

Lighting sets the mood after sunset. Use a mix of string lights, path lights and task lights over the grill or serving area. Warm white bulbs feel more relaxed than cool white.

Plants soften hard surfaces and add privacy. Container gardens work well in small yards, and native shrubs handle the Utah climate with less water.

A fire feature extends the season into cooler evenings. Check local fire rules and keep the unit at a safe distance from walls, trees and overhangs.

Budgeting, Permits and Timeline for Your Project

Ask for a line-item quote that separates labor, materials and permits so you can compare bids and decide where to prioritize spending.

A practical sequence is to lock the layout and measurements first, price the hardscape and shade structure second, and buy furniture last, once the footprint is fixed. You can compare deck, pergola, cover and enclosure options side by side before settling on a budget and timeline. That order prevents the common pattern of spending the budget on furniture and then discovering there is no money left for shade or lighting.

Permits and utilities deserve early attention. Permit requirements for covered structures and electrical or gas work vary by location, so check with your local building department before starting. Call 811 before any digging so underground utility lines are marked, and keep fire features at a safe distance from walls, trees and overhangs per the manufacturer's clearance instructions and local fire rules.

Timeline depends on weather and sequencing.

Booking Your Outdoor Living Project with D.A.D.S. Construction

Ready to start? D.A.D.S. Construction works with homeowners across Southern Utah to plan and build custom outdoor living spaces. Contact our team for a current quote for your project.

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