The allure of outdoor dining areas has undeniably drawn a larger crowd to restaurants, regardless of their specific theme or style. Whether you own a restaurant or a cozy café, you have the opportunity to embrace this trend by rejuvenating your current setup or incorporating an inviting al fresco dining section.
To create the right aura that would make your walk-in customers regular guests, it is essential to take care of the ambiance, which is significantly impacted by the right furniture choice.
In this guide, we’ll help you make important decisions regarding setting up your patio area in terms of style, material, and other important variables. So, let’s get all into this guide and find the best outdoor furniture for your establishment out of the multiple choices you have in the outdoor furniture range.
Factors Affecting Your Outdoor Furniture Choice:
Before we can explore the various options in the patio furniture range, it is better to have an overview of the factors that should be considered while analyzing the specific options.
Size of the Patio – no matter how elegant a furniture piece is, if it doesn’t fit your space, you cannot make it part of your furniture range. This makes it essential to measure the space of your patio and analyze the layout to find the right furniture set.
Aesthetic Considerations – if you have an interior space or an existing outdoor area, you wouldn’t want the new furniture to be out of line with the existing one. So, when choosing outdoor furniture, it is essential to harmonize the outlook of your brand and the new furniture items.
Durability – as the patio furniture has to be used outdoors, it is highly likely to be prone to extreme weather conditions, including rain and direct sunshine. So, when selecting the furniture, you must keep “durability” as the top decision-making factor.
Maintenance Requirement – another important factor to consider when buying outdoor furniture is its maintenance. It actually applies to the purchase of both indoor and outdoor furniture because, in a commercial setting, you cannot opt for fancy items that would need a lot of cleaning and maintenance after every use.
Budget – obviously, you’ll have to remain in your budget when selecting the furniture. Usually, you can find low-end to high-end variety in patio furniture, so selecting the items that fall within your budget is possible.
Material choices Available in The Outdoor Furniture Range:
As outdoor furniture is expected to go through a rigorous amount of wear and tear, it is important to choose the material that can ensure long-term usage of the product.
Here are the primary materials you can find in the market for the outdoor furniture category:
Synthetic Wicker:
It is one of the efficient choices when it comes to outdoor furniture construction. It is made from rattan and weather-resistant fibers that make it a great choice for outdoor settings. Additionally, it is lightweight and affordable, making storage and commercial utility possible.
Synthetic wicker cannot withstand abrasive cleaning and strong detergent, so regular cleaning is the only solution to keep the furniture made with it in good shape.
Teak Wood:
Another material in which you’ll find a large variety of outdoor furniture is Teak Wood. It has high natural oils in it, which automatically repels water, and thus is best for utilization as an outdoor furniture item.
Moreover, the higher strength of the material and maintenance ease make it one of the top choices. You can use the oxygen bleach for cleaning tough stains or mildew. However, chlorine bleach must be avoided as it can damage the fibers.
In most cases, the furniture made from Teak Wood will have an additional sealing as a protective cover. But that works for only 2-3 years. You’ll have to reapply the protective sealing to ensure the furniture’s durability.
Aluminum:
The furniture products made from aluminum are lightweight, sturdy, and easy to maintain. Also, it is easier to find different patterns and designs in furniture items made from aluminum.
Cleaning these products isn’t difficult either. You just need a mixture of water and soap to make the furniture shine again. Protective powder coating might also beaded for a glossy finish and resistance from stains.
Stainless Steel:
Though high-cost material, it offers sturdy and durable material that can withstand strong winds and other extreme weather conditions.
Maintaining the stainless steel furniture is simple. You can clean it with a microfiber cloth dipped in the soap and water mixture. However, it might corrode in a highly humid environment, and you’ll have to ensure regular maintenance to keep furniture in the right state.
Resin:
Common resin outdoor furniture pieces include dining chairs, tables, and lounge seating. The versatility, durability, and low maintenance requirements of resin furniture make it a practical and stylish choice for restaurant outdoor spaces.
When using resin furniture in your outdoor dining area, ensure that it’s placed on a stable and level surface to maximize its longevity and stability. Regular cleaning and inspection can help keep your resin furniture looking its best for years to come.
Plastic
Plastic is a popular material for outdoor furniture in restaurant settings, and it’s known for its durability and ease of maintenance.
Common plastic outdoor furniture pieces include dining chairs, tables, and even lounge seating. Plastic is particularly well-suited for outdoor seating because it can be stacked or easily stored when not in use, which is useful for restaurants with varying seating needs.
Also, it is lightweight, which makes it perfect for the outdoors.
Fabric and Cushion
Fabric and cushion are essential components when adding comfort and style to your outdoor dining area. They enhance the appeal and coziness of your outdoor furniture.
Cushions and fabric covers are commonly used for outdoor dining chairs, lounge seating, and outdoor sofas. They elevate the comfort and aesthetics of your outdoor furniture while adding an extra layer of customization and style.
You might not find a cushion on all the variety of outdoor furniture found in the market, but you can surely consider it as an add-on to make your place look better.
Commercial Outdoor Furniture Options
You’ll have different options to choose from when it comes to restaurant furniture, bar stools, table tops, table bases, and booths. Let’s discuss each of these in detail:
Outdoor Restaurant Tables
In the commercial setting, you can mostly find the table bases and table tops to be sold separately. The purpose here is to provide more flexibility to the establishment owners, not only in terms of adjusting the patio layout but for storing these items as well.
When it comes to the material of the outdoor restaurant tables, there’s a variety available. Before we get into the different options available, you’ll have to keep in mind the particular setting of your patio. If it is covered, you can consider a different range of products, but if the outdoor space isn’t covered, you might want to opt for sturdier options.
Laminate, quartz, granite, and melamine are some of the options available. Laminate tops are usually known for easy maintenance, while melamine offers multiple color options. Similarly, the selection of granite or quartz table tops can add a luxurious finish to the outdoor settings. But if you’re more concerned about choosing eco-friendly or sustainable options, then wooden table tops and bases are your go-to choice.
In the outdoors, you might want to install umbrellas for protection against direct sunshine. In such a case, look for outdoor furniture with umbrella holes within the table tops and table bases. Here’s a complete guide on how to attach table tops with table bases; read through it to learn more.
Commercial Outdoor Chairs
The outdoor restaurant chairs are often without a cushion or padding. The comfort of these chairs is often gauged by the contours of the seat and back. Also, the presence of arms in the chair can increase the comfort level of the customers.
In fact, you’ll see that most of the variety of the outdoor chairs have arms as compared to the indoor chair variety. However, you can opt for any of the designs depending on your restaurant theme and the seating space available.
In outdoor settings, folding chairs can also be used, but they are generally not considered a viable option for permanent seating arrangements like outdoor cafes or patio areas. They are more used in temporary event settings.
Outdoor Umbrella
One of the simple yet important elements of outdoor furniture is the outdoor umbrella. It is not only used in rain but can also help during the daytime.
You can consider fixing your umbrellas to the table; in that case, you’ll need the table holes in the table tops and bases. However, that’s not the only option. You can even opt for standalone umbrellas that can be moved to different locations and adjusted as required.
Crank lift and pulley lift are the two systems that govern the opening and closing of the umbrellas. If you choose to install the umbrella in the outdoor setting, make sure the staff is available nearby to open and close them for your customers. It will not only be counted as great customer service but also involve lesser chances of problems with your furniture items.
Also, take active measures to clean the patio umbrellas clean all the time.
Lounge Seating
Lounge seating is an integral part of creating a comfortable and inviting outdoor dining area. It provides a relaxed atmosphere for patrons to unwind, have conversations, and enjoy a leisurely meal or drinks. Lounge seating typically includes Sofas and Loveseats, booths, coffee tables, and Side Tables. Outdoor Ottomans and Poufs. These are designed for two or more people and offer a cozy and intimate seating option.
In addition, you can also find specialized chairs. These lounge chairs are perfect for single diners who prefer a more laid-back dining experience. They come in various styles, from cushioned to reclining.
Lounge seating comes in a range of materials and styles to match your restaurant’s theme and desired ambiance. Consider incorporating weather-resistant cushions and pillows to add comfort and style to your lounge area.
Bar and Counter Seating
Bar and counter seating offers a dynamic and social dining experience, making it an ideal choice for establishments with a more casual or lively atmosphere. Here are the main furniture items included in this type of seating:
- Outdoor Bar Stools: These high stools are designed for seating at bar-height or counter-height tables. They encourage interaction and a sense of community among patrons.
- Bar Tables and Counters: These are typically higher than traditional dining tables and create an elevated dining experience. They are often used in combination with bar stools.
- Outdoor Bar Sets: These sets include both the bar table or counter and the accompanying stools, ensuring a coordinated and stylish look.
Bar and counter seating is an excellent choice for patrons who prefer to sit higher and enjoy a view of the surroundings. It’s also a space-efficient option for outdoor dining areas, maximizing the use of available space.
Outdoor Accessories
When setting up an outdoor dining space, outdoor accessories are the finishing touches that can enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your establishment.
You don’t have to incorporate all of these, but you can pick and choose from the following to decorate your place.
- Outdoor Cushions and Pillows: These provide extra comfort and add a pop of color and style to your outdoor furniture.
- Outdoor Rugs: Outdoor rugs define dining areas, add texture, and can contribute to the overall design of your space.
- Planters and Greenery: Potted plants, flowers, and greenery can soften the look of your outdoor area, adding a touch of nature and enhancing the ambiance.
- Tableware and Decor: Outdoor-appropriate tableware, candles, and decorative elements can elevate the visual appeal of your dining space.
- Heaters and Umbrella Stands: These accessories are functional additions for all-weather outdoor dining. Heaters keep guests warm, while umbrella stands provide shade and protection.
- Lighting Fixtures: Outdoor lighting can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere during evening dining. Options include string lights, lanterns, and wall-mounted fixtures.
Where to Buy Restaurant Outdoor Furniture
Buying the right furniture for the outdoor seating area is essential to attract more customers. Here are a few options where you’ll find the right variety:
Local Retailers and Suppliers
When it comes to sourcing restaurant outdoor furniture, local retailers and suppliers offer several advantages, including customization possibilities, showroom experience, support from the team, and immediate availability.
However, local options may have limitations in terms of variety, and prices can sometimes be higher due to overhead costs. It’s important to compare options and ensure that the local supplier can meet your specific outdoor furniture requirements.
Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces offer a vast and diverse selection of restaurant outdoor furniture. You can expect extensive variety, convenience, price comparisons, and access to more customer reviews to analyze the products before you buy them.
Installation and Setup
Once you have bought the furniture, the next process will be its installation. The choice between DIY (Do-It-Yourself) and Professional Installation is a critical decision when setting up restaurant outdoor furniture:
- DIY Installation: Opting for DIY can be cost-effective, and it gives you a sense of control over the setup. If you have experience with assembling and arranging outdoor furniture, this may be a viable option.
- Professional Installation: Professional installation ensures that your outdoor furniture is set up correctly and securely. It can help avoid potential safety hazards, and experienced installers can optimize the arrangement for maximum space utilization.
Choosing between DIY and professional installation often depends on your expertise, the complexity of the furniture, and your restaurant’s specific needs. For more intricate or large-scale setups, professional installation is recommended to ensure safety and stability.
Safety and Stability
Ensuring the safety and stability of your restaurant’s outdoor furniture is paramount. Here are key considerations:
- Anchoring: In regions with strong winds or inclement weather, consider anchoring your outdoor furniture to the ground to prevent it from being moved or tipped over.
- Level Ground: Ensure that the ground where the furniture is placed is level to prevent wobbling or instability.
- Weight Distribution: Properly distribute the weight on tables and chairs to avoid tipping or imbalance, especially on uneven surfaces.
- Secure Umbrellas and Shade Solutions: If your outdoor area includes umbrellas or shade solutions, make sure they are securely anchored to prevent accidents during windy conditions.
- Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect your outdoor furniture for signs of wear and tear, loose screws, or damage. Replace or repair items as needed to maintain safety.
Prioritizing safety and stability is essential to protect your patrons and ensure the longevity of your restaurant’s outdoor furniture. If you have any doubts or face challenges in this regard, consider seeking professional assistance to guarantee the safety of your outdoor dining area.
Mistakes to Avoid when buying Outdoor Furniture:
Below are the main mistakes to avoid when buying the outdoor furniture:
- Always check that you’re buying commercial outdoor furniture for your establishment, as it is more durable
- Be sure to purchase the outdoor items instead of the furniture for the indoor patio.
- Select the right number of items according to your space. Don’t overcrowd the space.
- Try adding different decoration items to the outdoor establishment. But don’t overdo it, as you’ll ruin the entire aura of the facility.
Summing Up
In the ever-evolving world of dining, the allure of al fresco dining has transformed the restaurant industry.
Outdoor spaces have become cherished extensions of restaurants, inviting patrons to savor their meals amidst the beauty of the great outdoors. To curate the perfect al fresco dining experience, one essential element stands out: restaurant outdoor furniture. It not only provides functionality but also sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey.
In our guide, we’ve covered the ins and outs of outdoor furnishings, helping you choose the right materials and styles for your restaurant’s outdoor space. From dining tables and chairs to lounge seating and bars, we’ve explored the types of outdoor furniture. Materials like plastic, resin, fabric, and cushions are essential for comfort and durability. We’ve also emphasized the importance of accessories, safety, and stability.
Whether you’re giving your existing outdoor dining area a makeover or creating a new one, use this guide as your trusted companion.
Craft the perfect al fresco dining experience, and watch as your outdoor space transforms into a welcoming haven, a stage for delightful moments, and a canvas for unforgettable culinary adventures. Your restaurant’s journey toward outdoor dining excellence begins right here.
If you want to buy outdoor furniture from Chair Up, contact us today!
