How to Choose the Best Commercial Outdoor Furniture for Pubs
For pub owners, the outdoor terrace or beer garden is more than just extra seating; it’s a powerful revenue driver and a vital extension of your brand. A well-curated outdoor space attracts customers, increases dwell time, and directly impacts your bottom line. However, furnishing this space requires far more consideration than simply choosing stylish pieces for a home patio. The relentless demands of commercial use—constant traffic, spilled drinks, changing weather, and the need for easy maintenance—make selecting the right Commercial Outdoor Furniture a critical business decision. This guide will walk you through the essential factors to consider, ensuring your investment enhances your pub’s ambiance, withstands the test of time, and keeps your guests comfortable and safe.
Understanding "Commercial Grade": It’s Non-Negotiable
First, distinguish between residential and commercial-grade furniture. Commercial outdoor furniture is engineered for durability, safety, and heavy daily use. Frames are thicker, joints are reinforced, materials are chosen for UV and moisture resistance, and designs prioritize stability and safety. Investing in true commercial-grade pieces from a reputable Commercial Outdoor Furniture manufacturer means fewer replacements, lower long-term costs, and consistent appeal.
Key Considerations for Your Pub’s Outdoor Space
Before browsing catalogues, assess your unique context:
Space & Flow: Consider customer and staff movement. Leave ample space between tables for easy passage. Will you need to reconfigure the layout for events or different group sizes? Modular setups can offer valuable flexibility.
Client Comfort & Ergonomics: Guests linger longer when comfortable. Seat depth, back support, and table height are crucial. Cushions, if used, should have quick-dry, high-resiliency foam and durable, weather-resistant fabric.
Durability & Vandal Resistance: Pubs in busy urban areas may need furniture that can withstand occasional misuse. Look for robust, anchored designs and materials that are difficult to damage or graffiti.
Selecting the Right Materials: A Breakdown
The choice of material defines the furniture’s longevity, maintenance needs, and style.
Metals: Strength and Style
Cast Aluminum: A top choice for pubs. It’s lightweight, rust-proof, incredibly durable, and can be cast into intricate, elegant designs. Powder-coated finishes add color and an extra layer of protection.
Steel: Heavier and extremely robust. Tubular steel is common for frames, while stainless steel is excellent for table bases and components requiring supreme corrosion resistance. Ensure any steel is properly finished with a powder coat to prevent rust.
Synthetics: Innovation for Low Maintenance
Synthetic Wicker (PE Rattan): Offers the classic, warm look of natural wicker but is UV-stabilized, waterproof, and highly durable. Woven over aluminum frames, it creates a high-end, comfortable aesthetic suitable for any theme.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) & Polypropylene: These plastics are the workhorses of commercial outdoor furniture. Used for stackable chairs, they are exceptionally strong, fade-resistant, and require zero maintenance. Perfect for high-turnover areas where practicality is key.
Wood: Warmth with Responsibility
Teak: The gold standard for outdoor wood due to its natural oils that resist rot and insects. It weathers to a handsome silvery-grey. While an investment, its longevity is exceptional.
Other Hardwoods: Like acacia or eucalyptus, often used and should be certified from sustainable sources. Expect more maintenance than synthetic options to preserve their color and integrity.
Current Design Trends for Pub Gardens
Today’s Commercial Outdoor Furniture blends durability with sophisticated design:
Modular & Flexible Seating: Sectionals, lounge groups, and versatile table combinations that can be adapted for intimate dates or large groups are increasingly popular.
Textured Weaves & Rope Details: Moving beyond plain synthetic wicker, textured weaves, rope-wrapped arms, and intricate patterns add depth and a tactile, welcoming feel.
Biophilic Design: Integrating natural shapes, wood tones, and greenery into the space. Furniture that complements, rather than dominates, the outdoor environment is key.
Bold Accents: While neutral frames (black, grey, slate) remain staples for their timelessness, vibrant, UV-fast cushions in deep blues, mustards, or greens can inject personality and define your pub’s brand.
Partnering with the Right Supplier
Choosing the right partner is as important as choosing the furniture. A specialist Commercial Outdoor Furniture supplier provides more than just products; they offer expertise. Look for a supplier that understands the hospitality industry’s unique pressures. For instance, at CDG Furniture Design, our focus is on creating pieces that are not only aesthetically compelling but are engineered for the rigors of daily pub use. We work with publicans to select materials and configurations that align with their specific space, traffic, and design vision, ensuring the furniture is a true asset.
Protecting Your Investment: Maintenance & Care
Proper care extends the life of your furniture dramatically:
Regular Cleaning: A simple routine of wiping down surfaces with a mild soap solution prevents buildup of grime and pollutants. For synthetic wicker, a soft brush can dislodge debris.
Seasonal Care & Storage: In harsh winter climates, storing cushions and, if possible, stacking and covering furniture in a dry place is ideal. If furniture must stay out, use high-quality, breathable covers.
Immediate Attention: Address spills promptly, especially on wood surfaces. Tighten bolts and screws periodically as part of routine maintenance checks.
Conclusion: An Investment in Your Pub’s Future
Selecting the best Commercial Outdoor Furniture for your pub is a strategic decision that impacts customer experience, operational efficiency, and profitability. By prioritizing commercial-grade construction, selecting appropriate materials for your climate and clientele, and partnering with an experienced manufacturer who prioritizes design and durability, you create an outdoor space that becomes a beloved destination.
Remember, your outdoor furniture is a long-term investment. It’s worth choosing pieces that will look great, perform flawlessly, and tell the story of your pub’s quality for seasons to come. Thoughtful planning and quality execution will ensure your pub garden remains a vibrant, profitable, and memorable extension of your establishment.
