Although it’s been winter and cold, spring will be here before we know it. It’s time for restaurant owners to consider preparing for outdoor dining and purchasing outdoor furniture. Whether a restaurant is purchasing outdoor restaurant tables and chairs for a new or existing patio or deck, taking into consideration the following four things should offer valuable assistance in achieving the type of restaurant patio you desire.
Things to Consider While Purchasing Restaurant Patio Furniture
Business owners will benefit from considering their type of patio space, the climate of their locale, the theme of the restaurant’s patio, and the lead time for various outdoor restaurant furniture options.
1. Outdoor Space
One of the most important factors outdoor restaurant furniture customers must consider is the size and type of space they have for outdoor dining at their restaurant. Is there room for a large outdoor deck attached to the restaurant? or an indoor area that can open up to the outdoors with some feature such as garage style doors? Is there space for a small concrete patio? Restaurants who lease may be able to obtain permission to use seating on a boardwalk or sidewalk area for outdoor dining. The size of the outdoor patio space may partially dictate the size and style of outdoor restaurant tables you will purchase, and the styles of outdoor barstools and chairs to complement the table.
Businesses with smaller patios might consider purchasing smaller two to four person square tables. Some restaurant patios even place small square tables against the storefront to maximize space. Square tables seat more people leaving space to move between than round tables. Small square tables are also easy to push together to form larger seating groups.
Restaurants that have the capacity for a larger patio area can consider creating visually appealing groupings of different heights and shapes to add dramatic interest to the patio. Matching bar height tables and dining height tables with mix and match chair and barstool styles always looks great. Integrating a few outdoor restaurant sofa sets adds comfort and drama. The options are limitless.
2. Climate or Weather
Another important consideration when purchasing outdoor commercial patio furniture is the type of climate where the business is located. Many southern states are fortunate enough to be able to feature an outdoor patio year round. These climates, especially if they are near salt water or experience a lot of wind, will need to take this into consideration when purchasing patio furniture. Also, if there tends to be a rainy season or prolonged sunlight, these weather conditions will also need to be taken into consideration.
Midwest or northern states where outdoor patios are used normally only part of the year will need to consider storage. Lightweight outdoor restaurant tables such as laminate or granite are a good choice for these areas. Metal outdoor barstools and chairs that are lightweight and stackable are great options in these areas.
3. Theme of Outdoor Restaurant Furniture
Many different types of restaurants are designed around a certain color scheme, style or theme. A lot of times this color scheme or design theme can be carried out to your outdoor dining area as well. Consider purchasing chairs and barstools in the same style or color as the indoor restaurant furniture. Outdoor patio table options such as Werzalit or plastic laminate are available in a large variety of colors and patterns.
Outdoor chairs and barstools are available in a huge array of color options, as well as many unique materials such as metal, plastic, wrought iron and wicker, among others. Many barstools and chairs are designed in the same color & style to make easier for customer to get consistent look. Some tables, such as teak inlay outdoor table can be ordered in multiple sizes, matching chair & barstool options.
4. Lead Time
With the wide selection available in outdoor restaurant furniture, there is always a choice that will fit the space, climate and theme for any restaurant patio. To maximize their investment, though, business owners will also want to consider the lead time. Some of the most popular options can take longer to receive. If a restaurant wants a specific type or color of outdoor restaurant chairs, tables or barstools, shopping early is advisable.
