Live Chat

Outdoor Restaurant Design Ideas

When the weather allows, patrons have a preference for dining outdoors. The rules for planning the layout and seating capacity for indoor venues also apply to patios. They entail more than just setting some tables, chairs, bar stools, and booths outdoors. Ensuring comfortable seating for your patrons should be a priority as well. Overcrowding guests can make for an unpleasant dining experience which can have ramifications for your business. Not only does having a patio area increase seating capacity but the right amount of spacing can improve the image of your venue as well.

An outdoor restaurant design can also have an impact on profitability. Just as a dining room, kitchen and a bar are integral aspects of a restaurant design, the patio area should not be overlooked. After all, it is the first area that patrons notice at your establishment. Patio and restaurant seating layout ideas extend beyond lighting, seating, decorations and signage for your outdoor space. The furniture, its quality and the creativity put into the design are important areas to consider for your venue as well.

What to Look for in Patio Furniture

Outdoor Seating

The durability of commercial grade furniture for indoor or patio furniture are guaranteed. The functionality design may differ, however. Patio furniture is exclusively made for outdoor use constructed of materials that protect these items from harsh weather conditions. The materials mostly consist of rattan and aluminum. Synthetic teak is also used as well, especially on patio tables and chairs. Patio furniture also comes in plastic and wood. While all patio furniture is designed to withstand outdoor elements to a certain degree, some materials are more weather resistant than others.

Types of Materials

Outdoor Seating

Patio furniture made of plastic presents the most affordable option to restaurateurs, especially those who are budget conscious. Certain types of wood are more resistant to sun and water damages than others. If you choose the type of wood, the patio furniture can last up to 50 years. Wood, however, requires more maintenance than other materials. Synthetic teak is a popular choice as is it weather-resistant, especially to rain, but its lightweight capacity might make the furniture unsuitable for windy climates. Aluminum is the most durable and long-lasting material for patio furniture. With proper care, wrought iron pieces can last for several decades. In comparison, treated aluminum can proof to be exceptionally weather resistant in more ways than others.

In conclusion, one should take a closer look at the materials and weigh the advantages and disadvantages when trying to determine which furniture works best for your patio design. When selecting a more weather-resistant material for your patio furniture, you should factor in the climate, both in the winter and summer. Certain furniture can last year round outdoors. Treating furniture with sealant, wax, oil or corrosion resistant agent can increase its lifespan. RestaurantFurniture.com offers a wide selection of patio furniture available in a range of weather-resistant materials.

Functionality of Outdoor Seating

Outdoor Seating

Much how patio furniture functions differently from restaurant furniture designed for indoor use, so are different types of patio furniture. For instance, patio bar stools work best for outdoor bar designs. You can also place some booths for customers to wait. You can use tables and chairs that are reminiscent of a European café. In regards to the furniture you decide upon, attractiveness and durability are paramount. While you may find outdoor furniture at a local big box store at reasonable rates, a restaurant furniture distributor will carry sturdy patio furniture that is exclusively made for commercial use in various styles to suite your motif or concept. They also tend to be of higher quality and by extension, last longer.

Designing Your Patio

Outdoor Seating

Music can help extend the ambiance in your patio area. A lot of chain eateries prefer to employ this technique.Soft rock or jazz is highly recommended. An overhang for your patio serves multiple purposes. For starters, it shelters patrons from rain as well as sun. It adds a welcoming feel to your venue. You can select colors and designs that suite your restaurant theme. A couple of well-filled planters can dress up the plainest of patios. They are a low fuss and cheaper alternative to decorating your patio, especially in the summer. Synthetic flowers and trees can suffice as well.

Live Locations