BLOG →SUPPLIERS GUIDE: CARE & MAINTENANCE GUIDE
A Guide to Specifying Outdoor Furniture for Al Fresco Dining, Outdoor Cafes & Terraces
By Kirkdale Studios
How to Specify Outdoor Furniture
Mastering the art of al fresco dining requires more than just high-quality furniture; it demands a curated guest experience. Whether designing an intimate garden patio or a sweeping rooftop terrace, the selection of commercial outdoor tables and chairs defines the venue’s atmosphere.
By blending creative design flair with the durability required for hospitality environments, interior designers can craft inviting “outdoor rooms” that mirror a restaurant’s brand identity. Strategic furniture specification not only elevates the guest experience but also ensures an efficient layout for staff, maximising both comfort and operational performance in high-traffic outdoor spaces.
Kirkdale Studios is one of the leading suppliers of contract furniture and offers an extensive range of outdoor furniture.
What you should consider when specifying outdoor furniture:
Outdoor Materials
Not all materials are created equal and, in a commercial setting, using the wrong specification can lead to rapid degradation and safety issues. When selecting materials for an outdoor hospitality venue, it’s important to consider:
Weather Resistance:
Outdoor furniture must act as a permanent fixture against the elements. Beyond simple waterproofing, consider how materials react to prolonged UV exposure and temperature fluctuations.
Durability:
Outdoor contract furniture works significantly harder than its indoor counterparts. It must withstand not only heavy guest turnover but also environmental stressors like high winds, salt spray, or frost.
Maintenance:
Because outdoor spaces are inherently more prone to dust, pollen, and debris, ease of cleaning is a major operational factor. Opt for surfaces and finishes that can be cleaned quickly and easily.
Some of the best outdoor materials:
Kirkdale Pro Tip:
Discover the best outdoor materials:
Check out our comprehensive guide to contract-grade outdoor materials for table tops.
Teak & Iroko
Powder-Coated Aluminium
Stainless Steel
Cast Iron
Plastic
Laminate
Colours
Colours play an important part when it comes to the style and vibe of a venue, but when specifying outdoor furniture, colour can become a comfort choice.
The Heat Trap:
Black or dark anthracite furniture can reach temperatures that are uncomfortable for skin contact in mid-day sun.
The Glare Factor:
Conversely, high-gloss white or polished metal tables can create a “blinding” reflection for diners.
If you are ready to make your hospitality project a reality, contact our team today.
Kirkdale Pro Tip:
If the furniture will stay under the sun for many hours, we recommend picking UV-resistant furniture.
Storage
Efficiency is the backbone of hospitality.
It’s important to consider how the furniture will be handled during daily cleaning or seasonal transitions.
To maximise the waiting team’s efficiency, we recommend stacking chairs with a high “stack count” and flip-top tables with nesting bases, which allow an entire terrace to be condensed into a narrow storage footprint in minutes.
Small details, such as integrated glides or stack-protectors, can significantly extend the life of the furniture. Without the stack-protectors, the friction of metal-on-metal or plastic-on-plastic during daily stacking could scratch the finish, leading to premature wear or rust.
Kirkdale Pro Tip:
For maximum versatility, specify lightweight chairs. They allow for effortless layout changes and ensure that one person can safely clear or stack the entire area.
Can Upholstered Furniture Be Used for the Outdoors?
Yes, upholstered furniture can be used outdoor.
It’s a great way to creating a “lounge” atmosphere that encourages guests to linger, but it requires a specific technical specification to survive a commercial environment.
While indoor fabrics rely on natural fibers, contract outdoor fabrics are engineered from solution-dyed synthetics. This ensures the colour is “baked into” the yarn, making it impervious to UV fading and allowing for the use of bleach-based cleaners without damaging the finish.
A good outdoor fabric is usually easy to clean, UV resistant, mould resistant and water resistant.
Kirkdale Pro Tip:
We do not recommend leather for outdoor furniture, but faux leather can be used as it’s more resistant.
Parasols
Another essential for outdoor dining: parasols.
What to consider when specifying a parasol for an hospitality space:
When selecting parasols for a commercial project, the focus should be on operational ease and stability.
Mechanism & Durability:
In a busy environment, ease of use for staff is paramount. While crank-handle models are common, many designers prefer manual pulley-and-pin systems for their mechanical simplicity and proven durability under frequent daily use.
Stability & Ground Fixings:
To ensure the parasol remains a permanent asset to the terrace, the base must be carefully matched to the canopy size. In high-exposure areas like rooftops or open courtyards, bolt-down or “in-ground” sleeves provide a sleek, trip-free solution that ensures the shade remains secure regardless of the weather.
Textile Resilience:
Much like the seating, the canopy should be specified with high-grade, solution-dyed polyester or acrylic to ensure it maintains its vibrant appearance and structural integrity through years of exposure to the elements.
Kirkdale Pro Tip:
Are you specifying for a terrace? Consider the “Wind Load.” If your venue is in a high-wind area, look for parasols with integrated wind vents in the canopy, which allow gusts to pass through rather than lifting the entire structure.