Extending the seating capacity of your restaurant through outdoor dining can do wonders for your business. Apart from increasing your restaurant’s space, it also lets your guests dine amidst fresh air. After all, it is uplifting to be around the smell of food lingering in an outdoor setup. Therefore, as a restaurant owner, utilizing your outdoor space appears to be profitable and promising. Still, choosing the best restaurant patio furniture can seem daunting. With so many materials, designs, colors, sizes, etc., it can possibly feel intimidating. However, with proper planning, groundwork, and resources, it shouldn’t be difficult.
Why outdoor dining is a great investment for your restaurant
Who doesn’t like to enjoy dining in the open? Fresh air, scenic views, aromatic ambiance can be therapeutic for any customer. Apart from improving your restaurant’s visibility, outdoor seating makes for an interesting dining experience besides increasing its capacity. The enticing sight of dining outdoors can be a rewarding prospect for your potential customers passing by.
Therefore, investing in creating an outdoor dining area can be a sensible choice that pays off quickly. Sure, it is a considerable investment. But if you choose commercial, high-quality materials, it can be a profitable asset. Although the considerations for outdoor dining furniture don’t vary much from indoor furniture, there are some extra factors you need to account for. Now that you are aware of the additional revenue your patio furniture can generate, here are some crucial parameters to consider.
Choosing material carefully
Be it a windy, snowy, rainy, or sunny day, restaurant patio furniture bears the brunt of harsh weather conditions. Therefore, getting the perfect material is even more crucial for your outdoor restaurant table. Finalizing the material for outdoor dining sets the tone for choosing the other design elements. Some of the most popular materials for patio furniture are:
1. Granite
Granite, one of the hardest materials, offers resistance to scratches or chips and continues to be an excellent choice for outdoor restaurant tables. From left-over stains of foods or beverages to burn marks of grills or hot plates, granite tables can take it all. Essentially, granite is a hardened magma, and different environmental conditions result in unique patterns across the globe. Albeit a costly alternative from its counterparts, the versatile granite can over great returns on your investment.
2. Aluminum
Aluminum, a lightweight, inexpensive, and durable material, is a good choice if you are tight on your budget. It is all-weather proof and resistant to rusting. Also, it is easy to move around and clean, so your staff will love it. Some types of aluminum can hold heat on a warm day, so consider umbrellas or some type of shade for your guests.
3. Resin/Plastic
Resin or Plastic is another popular material for outdoor dining tables. Due to the evolution of molding technology, these tables are available in eye-catching colors, designs, shapes, etc. Moreover, the current minimalistic trend makes them one of the most sought-after materials for outdoor furniture. Plastic furniture is inexpensive, light in weight, offers protection against fade and corrosion, and is effortless to clean.
4. Wood
The classic, evergreen appearance and texture of wood is hard to beat. However, many types of wood are not suitable for outdoors. Thankfully, faux teak, having a protective sealant, is perfect for outdoor use. These are easy to clean and can withstand the outdoor conditions of rain, wind, and sun.
5. Quartz
Quartz restaurant tables are perfect for indoor or outdoor use. They are a smooth natural stone table top material, and are available in a wide variety of sizes and colors. They are easy to clean and maintain. Their glossy sleek look makes them a gorgeous highlight in any commercial dining space.
6. Wrought Iron
Probably one of the oldest materials, the vintage look of wrought iron furniture is sturdy and visually appealing. If cared for properly, they could last a lifetime and even beyond that. This heavyweight, durable material, usually treated with a protective layer, can withstand rainy and windy conditions. Wrought iron furniture requires periodic checkups and maintenance to prevent rust formation and moisture absorption.
Decide Right Shape & Size
When it comes to the outdoor dining area, most restaurant owners tend to crowd the space. Remember, the appeal of your patio lies in its open and airy feel. Make sure you don’t spoil that feeling when you add furniture. Consider more minimalistic options instead of bulky designs that take too much space. That way, you can maximize your restaurant’s seating capacity without compromising on your customers’ comfort. For example, you can consider backless chairs or barstools to complement bar-height outdoor tables. When it comes to their shape, you can either consider identical tables in circular, rectangular, square, etc., or experiment by mixing different ones.
Accessorize your Outdoor Dining Tables
Proper accessories serve many purposes – they create a decorative theme, make the dining experience enjoyable, and help in protecting the tables. For example, umbrellas can offer a comfortable dining experience for your customers on a hot day. High-quality, commercial umbrellas are fade-resistant and can sustain fast winds. Additionally, you can consider investing in air-coolers or mist-fans during the summer season. During winters, create a romantic and surreal experience with bonfires or fire pits. Commercial patio heaters are another way to show that you care for your guests’ comfort.
Consider Theme Consistency
Rather than considering your outdoor dining as a separate entity, think of it as an extension of your indoor dining area. Your restaurant’s indoor design themes, elements, setups, etc., should organically flow to the patio. Although you won’t be able to use the same materials indoors and outdoors, consider complementing furniture. For example, if you have wooden furniture indoors, consider laminate or resin furniture outdoors without compromising durability or appearance. Similarly, using similar colors, artworks, shapes, patterns, etc., along the pathway or sidewalk help in carrying the theme from indoors to outdoors.
Partner with an Experienced Supplier
Buying the perfect restaurant patio furniture can be confusing. As a restaurant owner, you would furniture options to be durable, affordable, functional, attractive, and easy to clean, etc., without compromising your guests’ comfort. This article focuses on some of the most crucial aspects of outdoor dining tables. Hopefully, the points mentioned above guide you in selecting the best restaurant patio furniture that results in a complete dining experience and a profitable business.
When it comes to outdoor restaurant table tops and tables, partnering with a reputed and experienced supplier gives you quality products and peace of mind. At Missouri Table & Chair, with over 40 years of professional expertise, our quality craftsmanship, trendy designs, and personalized products ensure that you get the best outdoor restaurant tables at competitive prices. Explore from our wide range of products or get in touch with us for your custom requirements.
