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Designing a Temporary Patio

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. When considering constructing a temporary restaurant patio, check with the local authority in your area regarding the appropriate restrictions. Restrictions may cover such things as appropriate types of restaurant patio furniture, size of outdoor patio allowed, and types of barrier design.

An experienced commercial patio furniture supplier representative will be invaluable in assisting with the selection of restaurant patio furniture which will meet the guidelines provided by your municipality. Here are a few general tips for constructing a temporary restaurant patio, but again, check with your specific locale.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Small square or rectangular tables are preferred. These can be pushed together for larger groups. Most restaurant patio furniture dealers carry a large variety of small durable table tops such as granite, resin and wood.

Simplify your Selection of Restaurant Furniture!

Restaurant FurnitureThe Internet is your number one source for finding just about anything- including commercial seating for your guests.  By using several different browsers, a person can find a multitude of companies that sell products ranging from commercial table tops to wholesale granite tables. Another source for commercial furniture information are trade shows, which are available in many different cities, and are still a viable place to find restaurant table tops and commercial chairs.  For some people, shows at convention centers are even more useful as they are able to touch the product before purchase. Keep in mind however, that the number of vendors available there are a mere fraction compared to businesses available on the Internet.  Trade publications, existing establishments, and word of mouth are additional ways to find the furniture you need.

One underappreciated factor involved in choosing commercial furniture is trust. This point is often overlooked when we are considering the ever important matter of price, but is generally a more important consideration when deciding on a vendor.  Sometimes it seems like there are as many false or “scam” websites on the Internet as there are legitimate businesses.  A picture of an attractive commercial chair with some pretty words about how good it’s supposed to be, can be deceiving- especially when placed next to a photo of the exact same chair, made by a quality company, which now carries a higher price tag.  The phrase “the devil is in the details” is very relevant in this case.

Pictures cannot show the quality of a chair, so this is where you need to begin asking good questions about how the chair was made.  If you have some light use seating areas, then the requirements for the chairs in that area will be lower in regards to manufacturing and durability.  These factors may allow you to choose a lower priced chair.  There has been more than one restaurant owner who tried to save money by buying lower quality chairs at a lower price, who later ended up having to replace all of their chairs inside of a year.  It will save you money in the long run to find a quality vendor you trust who can do an outstanding job the first time. Partnering with an experienced vendor who has the know-how you need to match your requirements, plus the quality details and best prices available, will be a decision you cherish for years to come.

If commercial granite table tops are what you need, then you need to ask not only how they are made, but also about any related warranties or references.  Most commercial furniture vendors will have a one-year warranty for any ‘manufacturing defects’.  A manufacturing defect is a flaw caused by the vendor, not by any use or wear from the purchasing establishment.   A good vendor will usually do it right the first time, but if there is an issue, a quality vendor will take care of the problem quickly and professionally.  Try to pick a vendor that has been in business for at least 10 years and has experienced a wide variety of issues.  Managements’ time, in regard to maintenance, can also be very costly.  As an example, when a busy manager’s time is taken focusing on repairing or replacing equipment, their focus is taken away from other, more pressing customer needs.  This ability to allow each employee to focus more fully on their own duties is yet another reason for finding a quality commercial furniture vendor.

While it is obvious that furniture should match the décor of a restaurant, keep in mind that it also should match the performance of the restaurants’ budget.   Thus, it is best to stick with your pre-determined budget for furniture.  A set of over-priced wholesale outdoor chairs may not improve your sales, and may in fact prove to be an extra burden against profitability; whereas an under-priced chair may not give you the durability you need.  Choose an experienced commercial furniture vendor that can find you the best product in regards to style, comfort, and durability – while still staying within your pre-determined budget.

In conclusion, it is best to find a furniture dealer that you can trust to assist you with everything from color and comfort, to durability and the best possible pricing.  With all of the other responsibilities of opening a dining center, having a trustworthy vendor to assist you will pay off over time by keeping both management time and errors in check.  For more details on making the best furniture purchasing decisions, see an experienced online restaurant furniture dealer today.

Outdoor Granite Restaurant Tables

outdoor granite restaurant tablesThe percentage of restaurants providing outdoor seating seems to have increased dramatically in recent years.  Restaurant patios are popping up on sidewalks, in strip malls, and just about anywhere a restaurant can carve out space for some outdoor tables and chairs.  Experienced restaurant furniture suppliers provide a vast selection in outdoor furniture for restaurant owners.  Restaurant outdoor furniture comes in many different colors, styles and is manufactured from many different materials.  This blog focuses on granite restaurant tables as a quality choice in outdoor tables.

Granite table tops are an excellent choice for use as outdoor restaurant tables.  Granite tables are a naturally occurring stone created in the outdoors.  Granite is very hard and durable, and is one of the reasons why so many restaurant owners prefer granite tables for use inside their restaurants as well as for their patio tables.  Granite tables come in many different color design options, they are very easy to clean, and require minimal maintenance.

The granite tables sold by Missouri Table and Chair are designed with a plywood core surrounded by granite.  This design makes the table tops much lighter weight than solid granite, which is an important design element for use in outdoor patios where the tables may need to be moved around.  This design also makes it easier and faster to attach or remove a table base using one-inch screws. Also, granite is very easy to clean and maintain which makes it a very practical low maintenance option for indoor use or outdoors.

Why Table and Chair Height Matters

granite restaurant tablesWhen purchasing restaurant booths, commercial bar stools, commercial chairs and restaurant tables, pay careful consideration to their height. Restaurant bar stools and chairs come in different heights, but generally most are considered either dining height or bar height. The approximate range for dining height is 29 inches to 31 inches from the floor; and for bar, height is 40 to 43 inches.

For bar stools or chairs to be comfortable, they must be matched to the correct height of your restaurant table bases. These same height considerations must factor into the design of your commercial restaurant booths. There is a certain ratio for the distance of the seating surface to the dining surface that is ergonomically comfortable to the majority of the adult population. The ratio is approximately 12 inches between the seating surface and the eating surface of the restaurant table or restaurant booth. This ratio is important when matching table bases to barstools and chairs.

Missouri Table & Chair’s commercial bar stools and restaurant table bases come in a variety of heights. We feature a collection of restaurant table bases which include a large selection in dining height, many of which are matched to the commercial chairs we sell. We also feature many bar height restaurant table bases to complete your personal style, which, best of all, you can coordinate with the varieties of commercial bar stools we carry. Many of our restaurant tables, booths and bar stools can also be customized with special finishes and specific sizes and heights if you prefer. Contact an experienced commercial furniture representative at Missouri Table & Chair for specific information.

Restaurant Table or Restaurant Booth

restaurant boothsWould you like to sit at a table or a booth? Everybody’s heard this question before from the restaurant staff, when dining at a restaurant that offers both table and booth seating. This poses the question: why do people prefer one type of restaurant seating over another?

Restaurant Booths

Restaurant booths are frequently preferred by customers because they are extremely cozy. Numerous couples prefer the privacy a booth offers. Single diners may feel less exposed when seated at a booth located next to a wall. A lot of restaurant booth options include thickly padded seats and backs, creating a more luxurious and comfortable seating area.

Restaurant Tables

Restaurant tables are many restaurant patrons’ preference because of their high level of flexibility. Restaurant chair and table seating arrangements accommodate a wide range of people. The space between the restaurant table and chair, depending on the particular restaurant configuration, is extremely adjustable. Restaurant chairs can be pulled back from the table as far as necessary to accommodate each individual diner, and they can be moved, so that no diner is blocked in at the table. Restaurant tables and chairs can be reconfigured and arranged to accommodate any size dining group.

Countless types of restaurants benefit from being able to offer both restaurant booth and table seating. Missouri Table & Chair offers a vast variety of restaurant chair and table options, as well as luxurious restaurant booths, all with budget friendly prices. Contact an experienced commercial furniture representative for assistance.