How to Design Outdoor Restaurant Furniture

Outdoor restaurant furniture provides a comfortable location for the guests at your dining establishment to enjoy their meals. In addition to serving the current customers, the furniture you choose to use outside of your restaurant has an effect on the new customer base you bring in. The furniture you use and the way it is designed needs to reflect the type of restaurant you own.

• Construct a flat surface as the dining area that slopes slightly towards the opposite direction of the restaurant building. This design allows water to flow away from the building so that it does not puddle around the customers’ feet. When constructing the modifying a deck or patio dining area, ensure that the flooring is stable and that are no cracks or loose bricks that can cause customers to trip and fall.


• Plan to install umbrellas, awnings or sun sails to protect the outdoor diners from adverse weather conditions and extreme sunlight. If your outdoor restaurant dining area is constructed with a permanent covering, make sure that you install ceiling fans to keep air circulating during the warmer months.


• Install a wooden or wrought iron fence to separate the dining area from the outside walkway. Consider bordering this area with plants that repel insects such as pennyroyal, marigolds and lavender.


• Include a servers’ station so that everything your customers need is nearby. Make sure this station has a sink and a napkin holder so that waiters and waitresses do not have to go far. If your establishment serves breakfast or brunch, include a coffeepot holder to keep the coffee and tea warm.


• Install lighting for the outdoor patrons to enjoy their meals at night. Lanterns, candles or gas lights are ideal and depend on the type of restaurant you own.


• Purchase directors’ chairs and wicker furniture for casual-type restaurants. Purchase identical furniture for the outdoor dining that matches the indoor dining if your restaurant is more formal.


• Build an outdoor bar so your guests can be served outdoors. Depending on the type of restaurant you have, install locks on the cabinets; this is the ideal option so you do not have to transport the alcohol indoors whenever you close the doors at night.