Looking for a great way to boost your restaurant’s appeal to customers? If so, you may want to invest in some new outdoor patio furniture. Since plenty of people like to enjoy their meals outdoors, you should make this space available and inviting.

The theme of your restaurant (e.g., upscale bistro, laid back bar and grill) will obviously determine your ideal furniture design, but a more important choice is the material being used.

The Right Material for Your Outdoor Space

The four most popular materials for outdoor furniture are steel, teak, aluminum and plastic – each having its distinct advantages and disadvantages.

The climate where your business is based will have a significant effect on any product you choose, so be sure to take the weather into account. If you live in an area where it rains frequently during the spring and summer months, steel will likely be the best option, as it absorbs heat better than the alternatives and dries very quickly. Wood folding tablesare surely stylish, but they are not suited for wet conditions.

Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons of each material:

*Steel – Highly durable and heavy, you will not have to worry about damage from strong winds and UV rays with this material. Steel’s ability to absorb heat rapidly is also a burn hazard for customers, so always install an umbrella over metal folding chairsand tables.
*Aluminum – A popular alternative to steel, cast aluminum provides all the benefits of a metal surface and is also an extremely low-maintenance solution. As with steel, be wary of direct sunlight contact.
*Plastic – When working on a budget, plastic is the most cost-effective outdoor patio furniture product. In addition, it reflects heat, so stand-alone chairs and plastic folding tables are not affected by sunlight. Its light build makes for easy rearranging, but also more susceptible to blowing over in windy environments.
*Teak – Nothing creates comfortable charm better than all-natural wood. It also reflects heat, but does require more maintenance (e.g., annual sealing for protection against moisture and sunlight) than other patio furniture materials.

No matter what restaurant theme you are aiming for, the right outdoor patio space will make all the difference. Take the time to select an appropriate material for maximum return by browsing through our online selection.