Restaurant Patio Furniture: Outdoor Commercial Patio Guidelines

outdoor granite restaurant tablesCreating an outdoor dining space for your restaurant in locations where the weather permits can increase your dining capacity and bring increased revenue.  Outdoor dining is relaxing and very enjoyable for your customers.  Creating an attractive outdoor dining space and purchasing the right restaurant patio furniture are invaluable in creating the right space.  Before you start though, it is necessary to begin with your local authority to find out what specific codes and regulations exist for creating a patio for commercial use.

Permanent Restaurant Patios

For restaurants who are constructing permanent outdoor dining spaces, there will most likely be a commercial construction code that applies.  Filing the proper blueprints and plans, and getting the proper permits will be essential.  Each municipality will have its own regulations covering permanent restaurant patios.  Here are just a few of the general topics the code might cover to consider before you begin.

Much of the code may have to do with the site setback and parking issues.  If the restaurant serves alcohol, the regulations may have specific rules on where the patio can be placed in relation to the restaurant building.  Of course, there will be standards that apply to outdoor dining and food service.  Smoking and fire safety are also additional topics that may be covered.

Other topics that may relate to your consideration of what restaurant patio furniture is appropriate are patio dimensions, walkways, and necessary clearance.  These topics may impact your dining capacity.  Selecting the right commercial patio tables and chairs can help maximize your outdoor dining space, increasing your return on investment.

Temporary Restaurant Patios

Some restaurants may be located in historic or entertainment districts where they are allowed to erect temporary patios on a sidewalk or in a central entertainment area. Many locales that allow temporary patios in public spaces have strict codes covering design elements and materials permitted. Restrictions may cover such things as appropriate types of restaurant patio furniture, size of outdoor patio allowed, and types of barrier design.

Here are a few general tips for constructing a temporary restaurant patio, but again, check with your specific locale.

All furniture must by sturdy and not blow over in normal winds. This is one of the reasons only commercial patio furniture should be used. It is manufactured to be much stronger and durable than other patio furniture.  All commercial outdoor furniture must be complementary in design and style. Some codes even require only certain colors be used to maintain a consistent theme. Many commercial patio tables, chairs, barstools and umbrellas are available in complementary, matching pieces.  Small square or rectangular tables are preferred. These can be pushed together to accommodate larger groups. Most restaurant patio furniture dealers carry a large variety of small durable table tops such as granite, resin and wood

Once you have determined the types and sizes of commercial patio furniture you are allowed to place on your restaurant patio, discuss the specifics with an experienced commercial furniture supplier.  They will have experience in working with these regulations, but also many other aspects of purchasing outdoor patio furniture, such as the weather impact on various patio furniture options, and the differences in durability and design of your desired products.