Tips for Finding the Best Outdoor Dining Tables for Your Restaurant

Prioritize Durability

Restaurant furniture takes a beating. Between the spills, stains, and the non-stop use by customers, your tables and chairs must be tough enough to handle it all. Durable furniture helps your pieces last longer, saving you from the constant replacement cycle.

It also shows your customers that you care about quality. So, when picking furniture for your restaurant, aim for materials known for their toughness, like heavy gauge steel, galvanized aluminum, and thermoformed plastic.

The Jackson Outdoor Table combines style with durability, featuring a rugged aluminum frame and sturdy imitation teak slats on the tabletop. This table blends well with various décor themes and is built to handle heavy use.

Choose Weather-Resistant Options

Your restaurant’s outdoor area should feel like a natural extension of the inside, keeping the same design vibe flowing from the inside out. But remember, your outdoor tables and chairs need to be hardy enough to stand up to the weather, especially if you don’t have the luxury of storing them indoors when the weather turns sour.

It’s best to skip upholstered furniture for the outside; even materials like vinyl can crack and peel after too much sun. Instead, go for metal, plastic, or synthetic wicker chairs. These materials are built to repel water, prevent rust, and hold up against the sun without fading or deteriorating.

The LaSalle Outdoor Aluminum Table, featuring imitation teak slats and a sleek gray finish, is a sturdy and stylish choice for any outdoor dining area. Its aluminum construction ensures weather resistance, making it ideal for commercial settings.

Emphasize Easy Maintenance

When selecting outdoor dining tables for your restaurant, choose chairs and tables that are easy to maintain to streamline upkeep and ensure a clean, inviting atmosphere for your guests.

Select tables with smooth, non-porous surfaces like stainless steel or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). These models are resistant to stains and easy to wipe down with a damp cloth or mild detergent. Avoid materials like solid wood that require regular sealing or treatments to preserve their appearance; they can be more time-consuming and labor-intensive to maintain.

Consider features that allow for easy mid-service and end-of-service cleaning, such as slatted surfaces, to prevent water accumulation and make wiping spills a breeze. Look for tables with smooth edges and corners to minimize dirt and grime buildup, and consider investing in furniture with rust-resistant hardware to withstand frequent cleaning with water and chemical solutions.

Depending on your outdoor layout, consider investing in stackable or foldable tables to streamline maintenance by allowing you to quickly clear and clean the dining area at the end of each day.

The Galvanized Steel Outdoor Dining Table offers effortless maintenance and convenience. Crafted from galvanized steel, it resists moisture, while the smooth tabletop surface simplifies mid-service cleaning for faster turnover. Additionally, its stackable design improves your dining area’s space efficiency and is perfect for hassle-free storage when not in use.

Ensure Stability

Although many outdoor dining areas have some kind of protection against the wind and other elements, you still need to ensure that your tables are secure and stable. This prevents them from blowing over when not being used.

Opt for models with four legs or a wide, weighted pedestal base when shopping for sturdy tables. Because the base is as broad as the table, it prevents the tabletop from becoming top-heavy and toppling, especially when loaded with food and beverages.

Other essential features to look for include struts or cross bars to provide added stability. Leg levelers are also vital in outdoor spaces if the ground isn’t paved or finished or has grassy or gravel areas because they allow you to adjust the leg height to ensure the table is balanced.

The Clark Outdoor Table has a slimline 30” tabletop with a silver powder coating for easy maintenance and moisture resistance. The aluminum frame features a four-prong pedestal designed for stability in all directions, and the leg levelers enable you to adjust the base to fit uneven surfaces.

Ensure You Have Sun Protection

While al fresco dining offers a relaxing experience for guests, you also need to ensure that your customers are shielded from the sun. Tables designed with center holes provide an excellent solution for sun protection, allowing you to easily integrate stylish umbrellas for much-needed shade. This feature ensures that everyone can savor their outdoor meal comfortably, free from the glare and heat of direct sunlight.

These umbrellas also offer a fantastic opportunity to enhance the ambiance of your dining area. You can choose umbrellas that complement your restaurant’s theme, from bright and bold colors to create a lively atmosphere to elegant and subdued tones for a more sophisticated vibe.

But why stop there? Consider weaving twinkling lights through the umbrella spokes for an enchanting evening setting, creating a magical glow. This not only adds a touch of whimsy but also elevates the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space.

This Black Mesh Top Table with Umbrella Hole comes in square and round options, with a cool black mesh top and a handy 2" hole for an umbrella. Its sturdy design and chic black finish make it perfect for sprucing up your summer dining space.

Consider Space-Saving Solutions

Foldable or stackable tables are perfect for maximizing space and efficiency, especially when outdoor areas serve various functions or are limited in size. They provide the flexibility needed to adapt to different needs throughout the day.

For example, a restaurant with a rooftop space that boasts stunning views can use foldable tables to transform the area from a daytime café setting to an open space for evening events. This adaptability ensures that the space can be quickly rearranged to accommodate reservation fluctuations or private gatherings, making the most of the stunning panoramic views.

If you have a restaurant featuring a garden setting capable of hosting events ranging from wedding receptions to brunches, modular tables are a great option. These tables can be effortlessly rearranged, combined, or separated, facilitating customized layouts for any occasion. This level of flexibility ensures that the garden area can be tailored for intimate gatherings or accommodate larger groups, optimizing the use of space.

During off-peak hours or seasons, foldable or stackable tables can be neatly tucked away, freeing up space for other activities.

The 30" x 30" Square Indoor/Outdoor Table in a sleek black finish is a versatile choice for any space. Its folding design and perforated metal top make it practical and stylish, perfect for adding a modern touch to your outdoor dining area.

Explore Customization Opportunities

Tailoring your outdoor tables allows you to design unique pieces that fit your establishment’s look and feel. You get to pick everything from the materials and shapes to the sizes and colors, ensuring they perfectly complement your décor or brand. This touch of customization can make your outdoor dining area feel more inviting and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Custom options can also address your restaurant’s practical needs. You might need materials that can withstand specific weather conditions or require tables of varying heights to accommodate different seating arrangements, from casual lounging areas to more formal dining spaces.

For instance, if your restaurant is located near the coast, the salty sea air can be harsh on most materials. Tables made from marine-grade stainless steel or weather-resistant synthetic materials can prevent corrosion and wear, ensuring your outdoor furniture lasts longer.

If your restaurant has an outdoor space used for various events, from casual afternoon teas to fancy evening dinners, consider tables that can adjust in height. During the day, lower tables can offer a laid-back lounge atmosphere perfect for coffee and snacks. You can raise these tables in the evening for a more formal dining experience.