Author Archives: Gayla

5 Key Factors When Looking for Restaurant Patio Furniture

outdoor granite restaurant tablesRestaurant patios are fantastic additions that help pull in lots of extra diners during pleasant weather. Of course, selecting outdoor patio furniture is not as simple as one may think; these chairs and tables need to withstand the weather, the customers, and the food and drinks. Here are five characteristics to look for in a potential set of restaurant patio furniture.

1. Resistance to Exposure

Exposure to the elements can be dangerous for any dining furniture, no matter how sturdy and strong it may seem. In particular, the sun can wreak slow but deadly havoc on many materials, including wood, woven fibers and plastic. While the sun bleaches away color and weakens the structure of the furniture, rain and other precipitation can exaggerate the destructive process by causing cracks and rust. Accordingly, it’s important to use furniture that is resistant to water damage, and furniture should be kept out of direct sunlight whenever possible.

2. Weight

Heavy chairs and tables will be very difficult to move around, while light furniture is prone to being knocked over by wind. Choose something that will stay put but also allow for a little movement.

3. Durable Materials

Teak is the most weather-resistant wood, which makes it a popular choice for commercial patio chairs and tables. Stainless steel and durable plastics are also good choices, since they are water-resistant and reasonably strong.

4. Ease of Maintenance

Restaurant patio furniture is probably some of the most well-cleaned furniture in the world, since it needs to be attractive and safe around food and drinks. Keeping that in mind, outside tables and chairs should be easy to clean. It’s better to wipe a chair clean with a soap cloth than to have to scrub the upholstery after every splash or spill.

5. Corrosion Resistance

The most common form of furniture corrosion is rust. Stainless steel is only temporarily resistant to water and humidity in the air, so it isn’t ideal for tropical climates. On the other hand, dry air and cold weather can break down plastic chairs and cause them to crack. Restaurant designers should always use furniture materials suited to the environment, then make sure they are cleaned and maintained regularly.

Choose well and the restaurant patio furniture will happily seat thousands of diners!

 

 

Why is Granite Perfect for Outdoor Restaurant Tables?

outdoor granite restaurant tablesGranite provides a beautiful solution for restaurant designers and owners who want to avoid the costs and hassles of replacing outdoor restaurant furniture every few years.  Other types of patio restaurant tables may not hold up for as long as granite, and may age more quickly due to weather exposure or heavy use. To keep a patio looking fresh and new, restaurants would possibly have to maintain and replace outdoor restaurant furniture often. Choosing granite tables can decrease costs over the long-run. Keep these facts about the benefits of granite in mind when choosing restaurant table bases and tops.

Granite Is Naturally Weather Resistant

Granite is one of the hardest substances on earth. It’s composed of interlocking grains of minerals and is unlike other types of rock that are often loosely held together. Granite is naturally weather resistant, especially granite containing high amounts of quartz, which is itself one of the most weather-resistant minerals found on earth.

Granite Is Easy to Clean

Because granite is nearly as hard as diamonds, it’s naturally resistant to spills and stains. Granite has a very low absorption rate, so spills such as juice, mustard, or wine do not stain the surface. Granite is almost non-porous depending on the type of granite, which means it is difficult for food to gather and germs to multiply.  This property makes granite a good choice where a clean table is necessary, such as in a restaurant. When the table top does need cleaning, it’s as easy as using some warm water and a clean cloth.

Granite Is Extremely Durable

Granite is resistant to scratches and chips. Unlike marble or wood, granite really stands up to wear and tear and heavy use. Granite table tops are also heat-tolerant. Placing hot dishes or pans directly on table tops will not damage the surface.

Granite Is a Natural and Sustainable Material

Because granite is a natural product, using the material in table tops will not cause further damage to the environment. Natural stone materials like granite do not have chemical emissions like plastics, paints or many manufactured products, so they are more eco-friendly.   It is interesting to note that some granite can give off radiation, but very unlikely will exceed the normal dose from soil and rocks in everyday life.

Granite restaurant tables are a terrific long-term investment for any restaurant. Granite provides a natural ambiance, plus each cut is unique and table tops are available in a variety of colors. Low maintenance costs and durability round out the many reasons to consider natural granite when selecting new restaurant tables.

 

 

 

 

Value versus Price | Restaurant Tables and Chairs

restaurant_tables_chairsOften, price is the number one consideration for restaurants and other hospitality businesses when they decide to purchase restaurant tables and chairs. The products’ durability and delivery lead time follow just a short distance behind price in the purchasing research process.  It may be more important to consider the value of the restaurant furniture, instead of the specific price of the table or chair.

When researching products on the Internet, you will find many different price points for the items that look essentially the same.  Although two chairs look the same, they may not be of the same quality or constructed the same.  When it comes to value, a great question to consider is whether the restaurant table or restaurant chair fits the application it is intended to be used for.  For example, foreign manufactured wooden chairs in a heavy-traffic fast food restaurant may not last 6 months, whereas the same chairs in a quiet coffee shop may last for years.  If the fast food restaurant paid $75 per foreign chair and replaced them all in one year, the total expenditure is $150 per chair for the first year.  But if the fast food restaurant purchased American-made wooden chairs for $125 each, which held up to the high traffic, then their net cost would have been $125 per chair for the first year, versus $150 for the foreign chair.  Sometimes, paying more up-front is the better way to go.  Consider that if 100 chairs were purchased, and you saved $25 per chair for the first year, the total savings would have been $2,500. To decide which restaurant chair is a better value for your business, you need an accurate estimate of how many people will be sitting in each chair every day to try to anticipate how customers may treat the furniture.  Other considerations may impact the value also, such as when cleaning is being done, will staff be stacking the chairs on top of the restaurant tables which causes additional wear on the tables and chairs?  Or will the staff gently sweep around each chair?   Paying for a better chair than you need can also affect the value of the furniture, because you would be tying up your business dollars in fixed assets that you don’t need.

Think of your restaurant tables and chairs just like you would your food specialties. For example, suppose your restaurant specialty is steak.  Certainly, you would know the difference between round steak, top sirloin or filet mignon.  These differences affect your cost, what your customer would expect to pay, and what your customer expects from each serving of your steak.  No matter what a restaurant serves, someone has gone through and researched which items to serve, the value they provide, and how to price them.  Other equipment such as restaurant chairs and tables are no different.  You need to become knowledgeable about restaurant furniture, so you can receive full value, just as you would your restaurant’s specialty.

What Furniture Should I Buy for My New Restaurant

Selecting the right furniture for a restaurant, bar, cafe or hotel can be one of the most rewarding elements of the design process. There are nearly endless combinations of furniture and tables, which means restaurant owners should understand what kind of atmosphere they want, how furniture materials work in relation to color schemes and lighting and how the furniture can enhance the overall customer’s experience.

Wood Restaurant Tables

Wood is a classic choice for restaurants, bars and cafes that can fit most decor. It’s also resilient, easy to care for and ages well. There are many styles of wood restaurant tables available, including round solid oak models and wood tables that can be stained with the desired color.  Wooden table tops usually draw restaurant owners and designers who want to offer a great dining experience or a simple, clean design.

Butcher Block Table Top

The butcher block table top is a specialty table that comes in a variety of woods.  It fits great in a steakhouse, sports bar or any restaurant that wants to add a timeless piece of furniture to its interior design.

Butcher block restaurant tables can last a lifetime with a polyurethane top coat to protect against water damage and spills. There are many stains available to choose with a butcher block table as well, meaning you have customization options to make your restaurant furniture stand out.

Granite Restaurant Tables

Granite has a gorgeous, polished look that guests love. This sturdy material comes in a variety of colors, patterns and shapes, meaning you can find the right piece of granite for virtually any interior design. Granite also offers a smooth, reflective surface that can work well with accent lighting and add a special splash of color that’s enhanced by its polished finish.

Hospitality businesses who want their tables to become a focal point often choose granite restaurant tables. That’s why they’re a popular choice in cafes, restaurants with patios, and eateries that simply want to add a beautiful piece to their establishment.

Resin Tables

Resin restaurant table tops combine wood, heat, resins and special craft techniques to produce a unique table. In fact, the process of making these tables provides nearly endless options for designs and colors based on your needs.

Choose detailed designs that emulate works of art or simply choose a solid color. Resin tables are durable and work well both indoors and outdoors. This type of table attracts owners who want the great look of wood but want more customization than typically seen in standard wood table tops.

Restaurant Table Bases

Standard metal and aluminum bases offer a very solid support for tables and come in a variety of shapes and styles. Bolt down bases are also a great option for restaurants and businesses that want to ensure their customers’ comfort. This option is especially popular in bars and restaurants where owners know exactly what kind of fixed layout they want.

At the same time, ornate and designer bases are also a very popular option for those who want a base that speaks directly to a customer. These bases offer patterns and flourishes that are surely to receive a positive response and accentuate a table’s overall look.

 

Cleaning Metal Chairs

Part of being a responsible business owner is ensuring routine maintenance and cleaning are performed properly to all the equipment under the scope of your operation. While most restaurants have strict systems in place for cleaning the essentials, such as ovens, grills, and floors, some of the more visible parts of a restaurant may not get the cleaning they need. Your furniture is one of the first things your customers see when they enter the door of your business. Dirty chairs can be a real eye-opener for customers and can tarnish your reputation. When it comes to cleaning metal chairs, there are a few simple suggestions to keep in mind for chairs that can really impress your customers.

Cleaning Metal Chairs

One of the most important factors when cleaning metal chairs is to make sure the chairs are not Outdoor Metal Restaurant Furnitureunnecessarily exposed to the elements. While many restaurants employ the use of metal chairs for the inside space, most use them in an outdoor setting because of their durability. Don’t let the intense durability of metal chairs fool you into thinking they can be left without proper care. Make sure chairs are out of heavy rain to avoid rust and receive as much shade as possible to avoid damage. When cleaning chairs, it is easier when they are free from chipped paint or rust. If you have damage of this nature, it is recommended to scrub it with a solution designed to even out these problem areas. If the problem area is too far gone, you may need to have it sandblasted away and repainted.

Always make sure when cleaning metal chairs to use the proper cleaning products. Avoid products with ammonia or trisodium phosphate because they can cause severe damage to metal based furniture. When cleaning metal chairs always remember to allow it to dry thoroughly to avoid accumulation of rust. It is recommended to use a coat of wax similar to those for wood furniture as it can protect from damage.

Keeping a restaurant looking great takes a lot of hard work. With these cleaning suggestions, you can work smarter, not harder!