The Complete Outdoor Dining Table Buying Guide

Choosing the perfect outdoor dining table can transform your commercial space into an inviting oasis. Whether catering to lunch crowds, hosting special events, or providing a relaxing spot for evening cocktails, having the right table is essential for your customers’ comfort and your establishment’s style.

Our outdoor dining table buying guide will help you navigate the various options, materials, and designs to find a table that fits your needs. From understanding the benefits of different materials like teak, aluminum, and resin to considering the size and shape that best suits your space, we cover everything you need to know to help you select the best option for your outdoor dining area.

Different Types of Outdoor Dining Tables

Different types of table shapes offer various benefits, depending on your preferred seating arrangements and the customer experience you are trying to promote. Understanding these options will help you design a space that maximizes comfort, social interaction, and efficient outdoor area use.

Rectangular Tables

Rectangular tables are a classic choice for commercial outdoor dining. They provide ample seating, making them ideal for accommodating large groups and busy dining periods. The long, linear design fits well in spacious patios and outdoor dining areas, offering a generous surface area for serving food and drinks.

One of the main benefits is their versatility; they can be paired with various types of seating, including benches and individual chairs, to accommodate more guests, enhancing your establishment’s capacity and flexibility.

Square Tables

Square tables offer a more intimate dining experience, often comfortably seating four to six people. They are perfect for smaller patios or cozy garden corners in commercial spaces, promoting a sense of closeness and conversation among diners.

The symmetrical shape makes them an excellent fit for multipurpose areas. They can easily be pushed together to create a larger dining surface when hosting bigger events, providing flexibility and adaptability for your establishment.

Round Tables

Round tables are an excellent choice for encouraging social interaction in a commercial setting, as everyone can see and converse with each other easily. They are a fantastic option for smaller groups, typically seating four to six people.

Round tables work beautifully in compact dining areas, as their lack of corners allows for more fluid movement around the table. Additionally, they often feature a central pedestal base, providing more legroom for diners.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Outdoor Dining Table

Selecting the perfect size for your commercial outdoor dining table is crucial for creating a comfortable and functional dining area. A table that is too large can overwhelm a small patio, making it feel cramped, while a table that is too small may look out of place in a large open area. Achieving balance is key to maintaining a harmonious and efficient dining space.

Use these tips to determine the ideal table size:

Measure Your Space

Accurately measuring your commercial outdoor dining space is essential for selecting the right furniture and maximizing seating capacity. Use a tape measure to determine the length and width of your outdoor dining area, and write down these dimensions carefully. Ensure you account for any permanent fixtures, such as planters, outdoor bars, or architectural features that might affect the layout.

Allow for Clearance

It’s important to leave sufficient clearance around the table for chairs and movement. According to ADA accessibility guidelines, the rule is to allow at least 36 inches (3 feet) of space from the table’s edge to any walls or other obstacles. This will provide enough room for chairs to be pulled out and for customers to move around comfortably.

Calculate Seating Capacity

For rectangular and square tables, estimate about 24 inches (2 feet) of table length per person. For example, a 6-foot-long rectangular table can comfortably seat six people (two on each long side and one at either end).

Use the table diameter to determine the capacity for round tables. A 48-inch (4-foot) diameter round table seats four to six people, while a 60-inch (5-foot) diameter round table can seat up to eight.

Evaluate the Overall Layout

Consider how the table will integrate within the larger layout of your commercial outdoor dining area. Ensure that the placement allows for easy access and doesn’t obstruct pathways, entry points, or essential traffic flow areas such as doors or stairs.

It’s important to provide ample space for servers and guests to move around comfortably, and proper placement will also ensure that emergency exits and other critical access points remain unobstructed.

Test the Space

Before purchasing, mark the table’s dimensions on the ground using painter’s tape or placing a bed sheet or cardboard cutout of the table size in the area. This visual aid can help you better understand how the table will fit and how much space will remain around it.

Guide to Outdoor Dining Table Materials

The material of your outdoor dining table can impact its aesthetics and durability. Numerous materials are available, from wood to aluminum.

Styling Your Outdoor Dining Table

Styling your outdoor dining table can transform the ambiance of your commercial dining area. By thoughtfully selecting chairs and décor, you can create a welcoming and visually appealing outdoor space for your guests.

Chair Styles

The chairs you choose can set the tone for your commercial outdoor dining area. For a classic look, consider teak or faux wrought iron chairs. If you prefer a modern aesthetic, opt for sleek powder-coated aluminum chairs. Woven wicker chairs are an excellent choice for a cozy, casual vibe. Mixing and matching different styles can also create an eclectic, personalized look that appeals to a diverse clientele.

Tablecloths

Tablecloths are an easy way to add color and texture to your outdoor dining tables. Choose weather-resistant fabrics like acrylic-coated polyester or Sunbrella in vibrant patterns or classic neutrals to match your overall theme. For a casual look, consider using placemats or runners instead of full tablecloths, which can be easily changed to suit different occasions or seasons.

Potted Plants

Incorporating greenery into your table setting adds a fresh and vibrant touch to your commercial outdoor dining area. Small potted plants, such as succulents or herbs, make great centerpieces and are easy to maintain. For a more dramatic effect, use larger plants or flowers in decorative pots at the corners of the dining space. Seasonal blooms can also add a splash of color and charm, enhancing the dining experience for your guests.

Select the Perfect Outdoor Dining Table with Seats and Stools

Incorporating the right outdoor dining tables and stylish elements can make your commercial space stand out. At Seats and Stools, we offer a wide range of outdoor tables suitable for any aesthetic and functional need.

Explore our outdoor dining table buying guide and selection today to find the perfect pieces to create a welcoming and impressive outdoor dining area for your patrons. Browse our collection online and discover the ideal outdoor tables for your business. To discuss wholesale or custom orders, please contact us using our convenient online form.