Outdoor seating areas create a well-loved dining experience, especially in sunny Australia. On many occasions, diners specifically request outdoor spots when booking, and cafes and restaurants that offer outdoor dining make it easy for people to stop by with their pets.
But one thing that patrons don’t want to see in outdoor areas is worn out and run- down furniture. Unfortunately, this happens all too commonly by hospitality establishments that use their indoor furniture outdoors.
Although we always ensure our styles use the highest quality materials and pass strenuous tests, indoor furniture isn’t designed to fight the elements and therefore struggles to handle life outdoors. When used outside, indoor hospitality furniture will quickly show signs of wear and shorten the lifespan of your investment.
We want to ensure that you’re getting the best value from your furniture, which is why our outdoor furniture ranges have been manufactured to withstand the tests of time. We’re able to advise you on the best way to furnish your outdoor areas, so they’re functional and inviting for the long-run.
What makes outdoor furniture more suitable to fight the elements?
Materials – choosing the right materials ensures outdoor furniture is durable and low maintenance. Some of the materials used in the ranges we stock include anodised aluminium, wicker, polypropylene, galvanised steel, and more.
Treatment – high-tech treatments on materials help to extend the lifespan of the furniture without comprising the beautiful finish. For example, our popular Parisian range is made from UV Protected PU Wicker. Other treatments include galvanisation and oil treating.
Fabrics – the fabrics used on cushions and seat pads are designed to withstand weather such as rain, wind and sunshine without quickly deteriorating. They’re also less likely to fade with increased sun exposure than other options.
We can help you choose the chair and table styles that best suit your venue and then it just becomes about looking after it. Here are our tips to protect your outdoor hospitality furniture:
- Keep your furniture as clean as possible – dirt, dust, city grime or sea spray (if you’re by the ocean) can eat away at the protective layers of treatment on your furniture and cause them to begin to break down. To prevent any rusting or discolouration, it’s best to give your furniture a regular clean.
- Store them inside overnight – keeping your furniture out of the elements when it’s not in use is one of the easiest ways to protect its longevity. If you don’t have space to store it inside, you should use a waterproof cover.
- Position them under shade cloths or umbrellas – the sun can be pretty harsh on outdoor furniture over long periods and cause them to fade. If your establishment is in a particularly hot and sunny spot, both your customers and your furniture will benefit from a shade cloth.
- Take note of the best cleaning methods – not all chemicals and cleaning methods are right for every type of outdoor furniture. We can advise you on the best way to care for your choices, and then we recommend creating a guide for your team, so maintenance is easy to follow.
To view our full range of outdoor chairs, click here. If you need any guidance, don’t hesitate to get in touch by sending us an email to sales@haveaseat.com.au or calling 1300 715 937.