How to elevate your outdoor entertainment area

Your outdoor space is an extension of your home, reflecting your style and becoming the center of countless priceless, happy memories. It should also add value to your property. Investing in top-notch materials for your patio, pool deck, garden, or braai area can pay off handsomely in the long run.

When it comes to renovating these precious havens, a tricky question arises: cheap and cheerful vs. top-notch investment? Italtile is here to tell you – go premium and thank yourself later.

Build to outlast the elements

Let’s face it; South African weather can be a fickle beast. One minute you’re basking in golden sunshine, and the next you’re bringing the washing in off the line and dodging hailstones the size of golf balls – harsh extremes that can cause incalculable damage. Investing in durable, weather-resistant tiles, paving tiles, and pool finishes from Italtile ensures your outdoor space will withstand the elements, not just for a season but for years to come. Let’s not have any more flaking, faded pool decks, cracked pavers, or sun- and water-damaged pool mosaics turning your oasis into a fixer-upper’s nightmare.

Italtile’s hardy, slip-resistant INOUT tile collections are not only beautifully functional but also impeccably eco-chic. For even greater durability, consider its exclusive 600 x 900 2cm Paving Tiles, available in gorgeously earthy tones and featuring a safe, slip-resistant finish. These resilient pavers offer uncompromising quality and durability, making them perfect for creating steps, extending your patio, elevating your pool area, or transforming your thirsty lawn into a waterwise checkerboard interspersed with low-maintenance indigenous planting.

The return on investment

Your outdoor renovation should be a sensible, well-planned, smart investment, not just a fun splurge. Research by privateproperty.co.za indicates that homes with well-maintained outdoor areas can fetch significantly higher prices than others in the area that may not be as well cared for. According to leadhome.co.za, buyers are increasingly prioritising attractive outdoor spaces in their search for dream homes. Imagine the potential return on investment when showcasing a stunning, durable outdoor oasis crafted with top-quality Italtile products.

Eco-chic meets value chic

Sustainability is no longer just a cool hashtag; it’s a smart choice when creating a future-facing home. Italtile offers a range of LiveGreen outdoor solutions, from 100% recycled glass mosaics to local EcoTec porcelain tiles. Not only do Italtile’s sustainable home improvement products align with your values, but they also resonate with eco-conscious buyers, potentially boosting your home’s appeal (and price tag) in the future.

Quality speaks volumes

There’s a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ about a carefully considered and well-designed outdoor space. From Italtile’s sleek Porcelain Paving Tiles to the timeless elegance of its beautiful slip-resistant INOUT stone-look tiles and wood-look tiles, Italtile products instantly elevate an outdoor area.

Peace of mind

No more nagging worry about cracked tiles or tarnished outdoor showerheads. When you invest in Italtile’s superior quality and craftsmanship, you are protected by its guarantees and warranties on products, backed by after-sales service. You can relax, knowing your investment is protected, and your outdoor space is built to last.

Outdoor renovations for resale value

When it comes to prioritising outdoor renovations for maximum resale value, it’s all about striking a balance between eye-catching curb appeal and functional living spaces that resonate with potential buyers. Here’s a breakdown:

Curb appeal

You may have heard this term from real estate agents – it’s the first impression you make on guests and house hunters. Often ignored as less important, but take it from us: you never get a second chance to make a powerful first impression. Wow potential buyers with a scrupulously clean, well-swept, prettily planted verge. If it’s on a slope, ensure you have safe access with slip-resistant tiled steps.

Front yard/garden and entrance

Invest in low-maintenance landscaping, attractive paving, a stylish and durable front door, and well-maintained walkways. The front door should be beautifully oiled if it’s gorgeous wood or gleaming with fresh paint. Outdoor walls should be impeccably painted or tiled. Pay attention to window frames.

Patio or deck

Ideally, this space should be a natural extension of the indoor living space, preferably undercover (so you and your guests can be protected from blazing midday sun and occasional rain). Focus on functionality with comfortable seating, shade options, and a braai or fire pit. The fully functional outdoor kitchen is an element Italtile has been recommending for an outdoorsy nation in love with home entertaining – it rose to prominence during lockdown and then became an outdoor standard for luxury living afterward. The outdoor kitchen includes proper prep bowls and sinks, splendid waterwise taps, storage areas, and stunning countertops. Ensure you have smart entertainment solutions with excellent outdoor sound, screens, and lighting.

Pool

Sparkling blue pools are universally loved, but remember, maintenance costs can deter some buyers. Prioritise only if your neighbourhood and target market warrant it. Italtile is seeing some homeowners transforming their pools into more waterwise, wild-style swimming ponds or filling them in and turning them into a sunken entertainment area.