While outdoor seating can offer a relaxing way for guests to dine, it can lead to storage woes for most restaurant owners. Whether you live in a state with warmer climates and heavy rainfall or a state with snowy winters, outdoor table storage can be a hassle for restaurant owners. Since chairs tend to be easier to store due to their smaller size, some tables get overlooked and become more susceptible to seasonal damage. Tables are an expensive line item for restaurants with INC. reporting an average cost of $40,000 on furniture alone for a new restaurant. With a few helpful tips, you can make sure you see a long-term return on that hefty investment.
Clean Tables before Storing
The most important aspect of outdoor table storage is properly cleaning tables prior to storage. If tables are stored dirty or not completely dried, they will most likely incur damages based on the materials the table is constructed from. Always give tables enough time to dry before storing. For certain materials, consider applying a paste for extra protection.
The Matter of Where
Another important part of planning your outdoor table storage is where you will store them. If you have tables that can be easily stacked or folded, storage can be a simple matter of sliding them into a corner of a stock room or in a garage. While most plastic tables and metal tables are easy to stack on top of each other, granite tables can be harder to store if they do not offer folding as part of their design. In fact, any table too bulky or heavy to move to another area can be protected by a thick tarp but if you are able to move tables to an inside storage space that is still preferable. Always store your commercial furniture somewhere dry and free from any moisture to avoid damages. Consider investing in a shed or storage unit for a place to store tables easily.
Safety Matters
You should also consider not just the safety of your tables when planning storage, but also the safety of your staff and guests. Never store tables in a way that may cause injury or harm to anyone, such as stacking tables not meant to be stacked or leaning up against a wall where they may fall on someone.
