Entertaining outdoors in the warmer months is a must, especially with South Africa’s climate, but we know too well that the weather can change in seconds – from sunshine to thunderstorm. Liza Watermeyer, Tile Africa’s Retail Display's Manager, explains why an enclosed outdoor area is the perfect investment and gives top tips to make it an entertainer’s dream

However much you love your patio, entertaining in the wind, rain and cold is not ideal. By enclosing your patio, you’ll be able to entertain in style all year around. And choosing the right building materials, furniture and finishes, this outdoor area will be as comfortable as any other room in your home.

This project doesn’t have to cost a fortune as there are options to suit every budget – go all out with French sliding doors or simply add pull down screens to the side of the area. Here are some easy ways to ensure this space is weather-proof, stylish and comfortable:

An element of privacy

There are various ways to enclose a patio, including fixed screens, retractable doors or simple pull down material shields. Your choice will depend on the type of style you are going for. Because this is quite a big job, I’d recommend chatting to a contractor or architect.

A simple transition

Because this area is going to be off of your house, it is important to make the transition from outdoor area to indoor space a seamless one. Be sure to include loads of greenery and make natural light a priority for this space.

The right materials

When enclosing your outdoor area, it is important to weather-proof the area. While the sliding doors or screen will keep most of the rain or cold out, flooring needs to be a focus more than anything. Choosing the right tiles – the perfect combination of slip resistant, hardy and suited to various conditions – will ensure a long lasting flooring solution. At Tile Africa, we have a range of tiles to suit your every need and requirement. Ceramic and natural stone are both great choices.

Focus on comfort

Thanks to the fact that this area is enclosed, you can go wild when it comes to furniture and appliances. Because the space is going to be used for entertaining guests, it’s important to ensure you have enough comfortable seating and everything you need for a great event. An added bonus is that there is no need to move everything inside when you head to bed, just lock up and you can deal with the mess in the morning.

If you work smartly and focus on smaller details, this transition can be simple and cost effective. Planning this project over a couple of months will give you time to save, too. So what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to start planning.