Design Tips for Weather Protected Outdoor Dining Areas 

Outdoor dining areas are a great way to enjoy time with family and friends. In New Zealand, we love spending time outside, whether it’s a relaxed BBQ or a summer evening meal. But with our strong sun and changeable weather, having proper cover is key if you want to use your outdoor space more often. Canopies and outdoor blinds are two of the best options when designing a weather protected and shaded outdoor dining area that looks good and works well. 

Use a Canopy to Create Strong Overhead Shelter 

A canopy gives you fixed overhead cover and creates the base for your outdoor dining space. It blocks strong sun and protects from rain, so you can enjoy meals outside in most conditions. At Lidgard Shades, we offer a range of canopy options. 

You can choose from our three main canopy styles depending on the look and level of cover you want. Vela is our most popular option, made with a strong aluminium frame and a PVC roof skin. It offers great overhead protection and comes in solid or translucent finishes using Diamond 700 PVC, giving warm shade while letting in soft natural light. Vela is available in Curved, Flatpitch, or Gable styles. 

For a more modern look, Eos combines an aluminium frame with custom glaze polycarbonate roofing. It allows natural light through while blocking UV rays, making it a good middle ground between PVC and high-end options. Eos is available in Flatpitch or Gable styles. 

Our premium option, Sora, features a sleek aluminium frame and Crystalite roofing for a high-end finish. Crystalite gives the look of glass without the weight, offering excellent clarity and strength. Sora is also available in Flatpitch or Gable styles. 

Every home is different, so we make sure our canopies are designed to suit the space. We’ll work with you to choose the right size, shape, and material to match your home and how you plan to use the area. 

Add Outdoor Blinds for Flexible Weather Control 

Outdoor blinds are the perfect way to add side protection to your dining area. They help block wind, rain, and low sun, giving you more control and comfort. Ziptrak blinds are a popular choice because they are easy to operate and don’t use cords, ropes, or zips. You can stop them at any height to adjust for the conditions. 

Our blinds come in a range of high-quality materials. Clear PVC blinds are great for full weather protection without blocking the view. These are ideal if your dining space overlooks a garden or has a scenic outlook. Mesh fabrics allow airflow and reduce heat and glare, making them a smart choice if you want a balance between shade and visibility. 

All our blinds are made in New Zealand to suit our weather conditions. Whether your outdoor dining area faces strong afternoon sun, sea breezes, or needs privacy from neighbours, we can recommend the best system for your space. 

Choose Colours and Materials That Suit Your Space 

Outdoor dining areas work best when they feel like part of your home. That’s why choosing colours and materials that match your home’s design makes a big difference. We offer a wide colour range for both canopies and blinds, so you can find something that looks right and works well. 

Plan Around How You’ll Use the Area 

When designing a weather protected outdoor dining area, think about how you’ll use the space. Will it be used every day or just for special occasions? Do you need it to be private, or do you want to keep it open to the garden? These choices affect the size, shape, and materials you’ll need. Every project starts with a free consultation where we talk through what’s important to you and design a solution that works. 

Let Lidgard Shades Help You Create the Ideal Outdoor Dining Area 

We’ve been helping New Zealanders design and build custom shade solutions for over 50 years. We know how to make outdoor dining areas that are comfortable, practical, and suited to our local weather. 

Whether you’re creating a new outdoor space or updating an existing one, we’ll guide you through your options and install everything to a high standard. From strong canopies to easy-to-use blinds, we’ve got everything you need to build a space you’ll use all year round. 

If you’re ready to create a weather protected, shaded outdoor dining area, talk to our team at Lidgard Shades and book your free consultation today.