Which outdoor furniture is suitable for the hospitality industry?
A great terrace is more than just a few tables and chairs. It’s an extension of your hospitality business. Guests want to sit comfortably, enjoy the atmosphere and, of course, savour good food and drinks. At the same time, your furniture needs to withstand heavy use, changing weather conditions and frequent cleaning.
So, which outdoor furniture is best suited to the hospitality industry? We’ve put together the key things to consider.
Durable and hard-wearing: furniture that can handle the demands of the hospitality industry
Outdoor furniture in the hospitality industry gets plenty of use. Chairs are moved several times a day, tables are wiped down regularly and, during a busy lunch or drinks service, your terrace may be full for hours at a time.
That’s why it pays to invest in strong, durable outdoor furniture. Look for a sturdy construction, high-quality materials and a finish designed to withstand long-term outdoor use.
The last thing you want as a hospitality business owner is furniture that looks fantastic but starts showing signs of wear and tear after just one season.
Choose weather-resistant materials
Terraces in the Netherlands have to withstand quite a lot. Sunshine, rain, wind and changing temperatures are all part of the deal.
That’s why materials that can handle these conditions are a smart choice for the hospitality industry. Plastic, for example, is popular because it’s lightweight, durable and easy to clean. Metal outdoor furniture can also be an excellent option, provided it’s designed for outdoor use and properly protected against the elements.
When choosing your furniture, don’t just think about the summer sunshine. Your outdoor furniture needs to stand up to the entire outdoor season.
Comfort is just as important
Even the sturdiest terrace chair won’t do much good if your guests want to get up after just twenty minutes.
Comfort is therefore essential. Choose chairs with a comfortable seating position and tables at a height that works well with the chairs.
The space between tables also deserves attention. You want to accommodate as many guests as possible while keeping the terrace comfortable and accessible for both guests and staff.
A well-designed hospitality terrace feels spacious, even when every square metre counts.
Stackable outdoor chairs: ideal for the hospitality industry
At the end of the day, you want to be able to clear your terrace quickly. That’s where stackable chairs come in handy.
They’re easy to store when your terrace closes, when bad weather sets in or when you need to rearrange the space for an event. A stack of chairs also takes up relatively little storage space.
Flexibility is worth its weight in gold in the hospitality industry.
Don’t forget about style
Functionality is important, but atmosphere matters just as much. After all, your terrace is a calling card for your hospitality business.
Going for a sleek, modern look? Minimalist chairs and tables might be the perfect fit. Does your business have a more cheerful, colourful style? Then colourful outdoor furniture can create a real eye-catcher.
Colour can even help give your terrace its own identity. A row of brightly coloured chairs along the front of your building? That’s sure to turn heads.
Lightweight or sturdy?
It all depends on the location.
On a sheltered city terrace, lightweight chairs can be incredibly practical. Staff can move tables and chairs quickly and easily adapt the layout as needed.
In a windy location, however, extra stability is more important. Take a good look at the conditions your terrace is exposed to. Is it fully sheltered, or does it catch a lot of wind? This can make a big difference when choosing the right furniture.
Which outdoor furniture is right for your business?
Ultimately, the best outdoor furniture is the furniture that suits the way you run your business.
A busy city-centre restaurant might need stackable, lightweight chairs. A beach bar may prefer materials that can withstand sunshine, wind and sand. A cosy café, on the other hand, might place extra emphasis on colour and style.
There’s no single perfect hospitality chair or outdoor table that works for everyone.
The ideal outdoor furniture for the hospitality industry combines comfort and style with plenty of durability.
That way, you can create a terrace where guests love to linger and you can rely on your furniture for years to come.
a terrace worth showing off
Your terrace is where guests enjoy their first drink, linger over lunch, catch up with friends or decide to order just one more round. Good outdoor furniture helps make those moments even more enjoyable.
So choose furniture that can withstand intensive use, is easy to maintain and matches the atmosphere you want to create.
Investing in your terrace for the long term
As a hospitality business owner, you don’t want to have to replace your outdoor furniture every year. That’s why it’s worth looking beyond the initial purchase price.
High-quality furniture that lasts for years, is easy to maintain and can withstand intensive use can prove much more cost-effective in the long run.
When choosing your outdoor furniture, consider the following factors:
- Durability
- Ease of maintenance
- Comfort
- Stability
- Weather resistance
- Flexibility
- Style
Easy to clean = less hassle
Coffee, wine, sauce, sun cream and the occasional unexpected downpour: all sorts of things can happen on a hospitality terrace.
That’s why easy-to-maintain materials are a smart choice. A smooth surface that can be wiped clean quickly saves staff time and helps keep your terrace looking neat throughout the day.
Because let’s be honest: the less time you spend cleaning, the more time you have for your guests.