Under the beautiful weather, there’s no denying the fact that restaurants with outdoor seating areas provide a quaint charm and brief escape from our largely boxed-in everyday lives. Having a beautifully cozy open air addition to your establishment naturally enhances your ambience like no other—when it’s done right.

For your convenience, our onestop team has compiled an easy guide of things to consider for outdoor furniture in F&B-related businesses.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE OF FURNITURE

Material

Vulnerable to the whims of tropical weather, having the durability to withstand different weather conditions is a must. Most designers and contractors should be able to provide you with adequate advice as long as you’ve a clear concept in mind. Depending on the type of restaurant you’re building, certain materials might be better suited than others.

• Wood is a natural, light, and considerably weather-resistant material that helps to create a cozy atmosphere. It also adds a contemporary touch to your space. To withstand the hot and humid weather in tropical countries, we suggest Teak that has natural protective oils that prevents the wood from drying out and cracking too quickly.
• Metal (powder-coated Aluminum or Stainless Steel) is a fine alternative that will last a lifetime, and can be welded or cast to create any design you wish. Check with your contractors or contact us to find out what grade of Stainless Steel would best suit your location and intended space.
• Cushioned fabrics – such as seats with pillows, love seats, or chair lounges – are comfortable alternatives that allow for easier replacements to do minor makeovers in the future. We recommend Quick Dry Foam (QDF) as it is porous and does not hold water, but just as soft and comfortable as regular foam. There are also other water-resistant synthetic fabrics with UV protection to prevent fading under harsh sunlight.

Colour

Bright or neutral? Funky or trendy? Colours are the key to unlocking the full potential of your area. Being the most prominent feature that is noticed, they reveal the personality of a place to potential customers at a glance—even down to the type of food being served. That’s why it’s important to research competitors and find out what the most used colour schemes are, before making a decision. For a closer look at the effects of certain colour combinations and recommendations, do visit our previous blog post on colours trends.

CREATE THE PERFECT AMBIENCE

Aside from furniture, there are more than a couple of ways for you to jazz up your space as you see fit.

Signages

You can put your name up in neon lights, icons that represent your concept, or stick to the traditional business ones such as outdoor menu board displays and street signages. Having them as a noticeable element will make for a good first impression.

Lighting

Now, it’s time to get lit! It may be a necessary safety feature for your customers and staff, but choosing a suitable lighting source will also enhance the mood of your space. And if chosen well, lighting can even act as a decorative piece during the day. From fairy lights and lamp posts to white or yellow lights, the choices are endless. Learn more tips from us here.

Shade & Shelter

The sun’s kisses can sometimes be a little too unbearable. If your cozy little corner has no natural shade available, it’s essential to prop your spaces up with an appropriate shelter to shield from the sun and rain. Nowadays, the options extend beyond patio umbrellas to awnings, retractable canopies, patio covers, pergolas, gazebos and more.

KEEP YOUR FURNITURE PRISTINE

When you’ve got your outdoor spaces down perfectly, you’ll want to make your investments last with some old-fashioned care and maintenance. Looking after your outdoor furniture will add years to its life. Protect them from the elements by storing them indoors or covering them when not in use and clean simply with mild soap and water. For certain materials, do take care to follow the recommended methods and products to avoid damaging the furniture beyond repair.

• Steel and wrought iron need to be weatherproofed or painted regularly so they don’t rust. We recommend Stainless Steel – pricier than its similar counterparts but it will save you time and money spent on maintenance down the road.
• Timber furniture will need to be oiled or coated with a preservative. To prevent corrosions in wooden furniture, it is also important to remember to use screws and hardware that are outdoor grade. Understanding the type of cut and joinery methods used in your wooden furniture would also help to prevent warps, splits and cracks in the long run.
• Rattan, wicker and natural grasses may also need to be weather proofed occasionally. A more favourable option would be to switch to synthetic alternatives that will provide the same look and feel, but lasts longer than natural materials that disintegrate and get mouldy over time.

To learn pre-emptive measures to protect your outdoor furniture, peep one of our previous blog posts here.

NOW YOU CAN GO ALL OUT!

Let your creativity shine! As long as you keep these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create the perfect outdoor dining area that will stand the test of time and bring flocks of customers to your door. If you’ve got an idea but don’t know where to start, feel free to contact the onestop team for any enquiries. We’d be more than delighted to assist you in your F&B needs.

21 April 2020