In the world of hospitality, furniture is more than just a functional necessity—it creates the personality of your space. When furnishing your pub or club, it’s important to invest in high-quality, commercial-grade furniture. These pieces are designed to endure heavy foot traffic, spills, and the daily wear and tear that comes with a busy hospitality environment.
But buying durable furniture is just the beginning. Proper care and maintenance are essential if you want your investment to last for years, keeping your space looking polished and professional.
Today, we’ll walk you through some best practices for caring for materials commonly used in commercial furniture. It’s important to note that while these are general tips, you should always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and maintenance recommendations. Each material has its unique requirements, so understanding these will help ensure your furniture stays in top condition.
- Wood Furniture Care: Keep the Natural Charm Alive
Wood furniture is a timeless choice, offering a warm and inviting aesthetic for pubs and clubs. It adds an organic touch to the interior, making your space feel cosy and traditional and enhancing customer comfort. But without proper care, wood can suffer from scuffs, water rings, and discolouration over time.
Maintenance Tips:
- Dust Regularly: Dust buildup can dull the finish and make the wood look worn out. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dust your wooden furniture weekly.
- Wipe Spills Immediately: Liquids like alcohol, coffee, and soda can cause unsightly watermarks and stains. Always wipe up spills as soon as they happen using a dry cloth or a slightly damp one for sticky spills.
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Stick to a mild soap solution or a cleaner specifically designed for wood. Harsh chemicals can strip the wood’s finish, leading to damage.
- Use Furniture Polish Sparingly: While occasional polishing can bring out the wood’s natural lustre, avoid overuse as it can cause buildup. Polish once every few months, depending on usage.
- Control Humidity: Wood expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes, which can lead to warping. Using a dehumidifier or placing the furniture away from direct sunlight and heat sources can prevent damage.
- Laminate Furniture: Low-Maintenance Versatility
Laminate furniture is a popular choice for high-traffic areas in pubs and clubs. It’s affordable, durable, and comes in a variety of colours and finishes. While laminate is more resistant to stains and scratches than wood, it still requires proper care to maintain its fresh appearance.
Maintenance Tips:
- Clean with a Soft Cloth: Regular cleaning with a soft, damp cloth is enough to keep laminate surfaces looking new. Avoid abrasive sponges or brushes, as they can scratch the surface.
- Use Mild Cleaners: Laminate doesn’t need heavy-duty cleaners. A mixture of water and mild soap will do the trick. Never use wax-based polishes, as these can leave a dull residue on the surface.
- Avoid Excess Moisture: Although laminate is water-resistant, prolonged exposure to moisture can cause warping, especially around the edges. Be sure to dry surfaces after cleaning.
- Fix Minor Scratches: Small scratches can often be buffed out using a laminate repair paste, which can be matched to the colour of your furniture.
- Vinyl Upholstery: The Easy-to-Clean Option
Vinyl upholstery is a favourite in pubs and clubs due to its durability and ease of cleaning. It mimics the look of leather at a more affordable price point and is highly resistant to spills. However, regular maintenance is key to preventing cracks and stains.
Maintenance Tips:
- Clean Spills Immediately: Vinyl is waterproof, but sitting spills can still lead to staining if not promptly cleaned. Use a damp cloth and mild soap to wipe up spills as they occur.
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Strong chemicals can cause vinyl to crack and dry out. Opt for a gentle soap and water solution or a cleaner specifically made for vinyl.
- Prevent Cracking with Regular Conditioning: To keep the material soft and prevent cracking over time, use a vinyl conditioner every few months. This helps maintain flexibility and extend the lifespan of your upholstery.
- Dust and Vacuum Regularly: Like any upholstery, vinyl can collect dust and crumbs. Regular vacuuming and dusting will prevent buildup that could damage the material.
- Protect from Extreme Temperatures: Direct sunlight or heat can cause vinyl to fade or become brittle, so keep it away from windows or radiators where possible.
- Marble Furniture: Elegance with Extra Care
Marble offers an air of elegance and sophistication that can elevate the ambiance of your pub or club. However, it’s a porous material that requires careful maintenance to prevent staining or etching. If you have marble tables or bar tops, special attention is needed to maintain their pristine condition.
Maintenance Tips:
- Clean Spills Quickly: Marble is highly sensitive to acidic substances like wine, vinegar, or citrus, which can cause etching. Always clean up spills immediately using a soft cloth and water.
- Use a pH-Neutral Cleaner: Harsh or acidic cleaners can damage the surface of marble. Instead, use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for marble, or simply use warm water and mild soap.
- Seal the Surface: To protect marble from stains and etching, apply a marble sealant every 6 to 12 months. This creates a protective layer that repels liquids.
- Avoid Abrasive Scrubbing: When cleaning marble, avoid scouring pads or rough cloths. These can scratch the surface, leaving unsightly marks.
- Stone Furniture: Rustic Durability, but Not Maintenance-Free
Stone furniture, whether used for tabletops, bars, or outdoor settings, brings a rustic and durable aesthetic to your venue. It can withstand heavy use, but like marble, stone is porous and requires sealing and regular care to maintain its look and structural integrity.
Maintenance Tips:
- Clean with Warm Water: Avoid harsh chemicals that could erode the stone. A soft cloth and warm water are usually all you need to clean the surface.
- Seal Regularly: Stone furniture should be sealed every 6 to 12 months to protect it from stains and moisture. This is especially important for outdoor furniture, which faces more wear from the elements.
- Use Gentle Cleaners: Acidic or abrasive cleaners can damage stone surfaces. Stick to neutral or stone-specific cleaning products.
- Avoid Heavy Impacts: While stone is strong, it can crack or chip if struck by heavy objects. Be mindful of how you place items like glassware or metal trays on stone surfaces.
- Protect from Weather: For outdoor stone furniture, consider using protective covers when the furniture is not in use to protect against rain and excessive sunlight.
Caring for your pub or club’s furniture is just as important as choosing the right pieces. With proper maintenance, you can extend the life of your investment, keeping your venue looking stylish and welcoming for years to come.
If you’re interested in upgrading or adding new pieces to your space, visit the Have a Seat showroom in Smithfield. We offer a wide selection of durable, stylish, and easy-to-maintain furniture that will meet the unique needs of your pub or club. Whether you’re after classic wood finishes or modern, sleek vinyl designs, Have a Seat is here to help.