What to look for when buying outdoor furniture for the hospitality industry?
A great hospitality terrace starts with the right furniture. Guests want to sit comfortably and enjoy the atmosphere, while you want your outdoor furniture to last for years. And that can be quite a challenge: tables and chairs have to withstand a lot of daily wear and tear.
So, what should you look for when buying outdoor furniture for the hospitality industry? From materials and comfort to maintenance and style, these key considerations will help you make a choice you’ll be happy with in the long run.
Make the opening more engagingStrengthen the hospitality-specific focus
1. Choose furniture that can withstand heavy use
A chair on a private patio might only be used for a few hours each week. On a hospitality terrace, it’s a completely different story. Chairs are moved dozens of times a day, while tables are used and cleaned constantly.
That’s why it’s worth choosing sturdy outdoor furniture designed for heavy use. Pay attention to the construction, the quality of the materials and how the different components are joined together.
Furniture that can handle a bit of rough and tumble simply makes life easier in the hospitality industry.
2. Choose the right material
Outdoor furniture needs to withstand the Dutch weather. Rain, sunshine, wind and temperature changes can all take their toll on furniture.
Plastic, for example, is a practical choice for hospitality terraces. It’s durable, lightweight and easy to clean. Metal furniture is also popular thanks to its sturdy appearance and long lifespan.
The best choice depends on your terrace, how the furniture will be used and the look you want to achieve.
So don’t just focus on what looks good. Think about what works best for the conditions your furniture will be exposed to.
3. Comfort makes all the difference
Of course, you want your guests to feel comfortable. A comfortable chair encourages them to stay a little longer. And let’s be honest, that extra drink or dessert is always a bonus.
Pay attention to seat height, seat depth and support. Also, consider how the chairs and tables work together. A table that’s too high or too low can make the whole dining experience less enjoyable.
A well-designed hospitality terrace feels comfortable from the moment your guests sit down.
4. Stackable furniture is incredibly practical
A hospitality terrace needs to be flexible. During the day, you want to accommodate as many guests as possible, while in the evening or during bad weather, you may need to free up some space.
Stackable chairs are ideal for this. They’re quick to store away, easy to move and help you save valuable storage space.
Furniture that’s easy to move is also a real advantage if you regularly change the layout of your terrace.
5. Make cleaning easy
A hospitality terrace needs to look neat and tidy throughout the day. Unfortunately, coffee, drinks, food scraps and bird droppings are all part of outdoor life.
That’s why it’s worth choosing materials and surfaces that are easy to clean. The quicker a chair or table can be wiped down, the less time your staff need to spend on maintenance.
A practical rule of thumb: if you can quickly clean a piece of furniture with a cloth, it’s often a good choice for the hospitality industry.
6. Consider wind and weather conditions
Not every terrace is the same. A sheltered terrace in the city has different requirements from one on the coast or in an open square.
Is your terrace often exposed to strong winds? Pay extra attention to the stability of your furniture. In a sunny location, good UV resistance is more important.
So, think carefully about where your furniture will be placed before making a decision. That way, you can avoid discovering later that your outdoor furniture isn’t actually suitable for your location.
7. Don’t forget about style
Practicality and durability are important, but your terrace should look inviting too.
Your terrace is often the first thing potential guests notice. An attractive outdoor setting can therefore play an important role in shaping the image of your business.
Going for a calm, modern look? Neutral colours and clean lines could be a great fit. Prefer something more cheerful and eye-catching? Colourful outdoor chairs and tables can instantly give your terrace more character.
Colour can turn a practical terrace into a space full of personality.
8. Consider the total investment
When buying outdoor furniture for the hospitality industry, it’s tempting to focus mainly on the price per chair or table. But the cheapest option isn’t always the most cost-effective.
Furniture that lasts for years, requires little maintenance and can withstand heavy use may ultimately be a better investment.
So, consider the total cost over the furniture’s lifetime. What’s the point of buying a cheap chair if you have to replace it after just two seasons?
9. Plan ahead
A terrace evolves alongside your business. Perhaps you’ll want to expand next year, open an additional terrace or change the layout.
That’s why it’s worth choosing furniture that can be used in different ways. Stackable chairs, easy-to-move tables and a range that you can expand later give you more options.
That way, your terrace can grow with your business.
The perfect outdoor furniture for the hospitality industry is about more than just a good-looking chair
Ultimately, choosing outdoor furniture for the hospitality industry is all about finding the right balance. You need furniture that is durable, comfortable, easy to maintain, weather-resistant and attractive.
Before making a purchase, ask yourself these questions:
- Can the furniture withstand intensive daily use?
- Is it suitable for long-term outdoor use?
- Will my guests find it comfortable?
- Is it easy to clean?
- Can it be moved or stored away easily?
- Does it match the style of my business?
- Is it a worthwhile long-term investment?
If you can confidently answer “yes” to all these questions, you’re probably making a good choice.
Turn your terrace into a place where guests love to linger
A great terrace does more than provide seating. It creates atmosphere, comfort and an inviting setting. With the right furniture, you can create a space where guests love to settle in and stay a little longer.