Patio Season Is Around the Corner. Is Your Furniture Ready?
Whether you’re opening your patio for the first time or preparing for another busy season, selecting the right patio furniture is a critical investment in both guest experience and operational success.
Patio furniture does more than provide a place to sit. It influences how long guests stay, how comfortable they feel, and how your business is perceived by foot traffic and on social media. An inviting, well-designed patio acts as a form of passive marketing projecting professionalism, comfort, and style to everyone who passes by.
Common Patio Furniture Mistakes Operators Make
When purchasing patio furniture, many restaurants and foodservice operators fall into a few common traps:
· Choosing non–commercial-grade furniture
· Overlooking guest flow and foot traffic patterns
· Treating colour and design as an afterthought
Big-box and online retailers may offer attractive price points, but these options often come with hidden risks:
· Not commercial grade: Non-commercial furniture may pose liability and insurance concerns.
· Poor durability: Patio furniture must withstand frequent use, harsh weather, and constant cleaning over multiple seasons.
· Short lifespan: Budget furniture may look good initially, but often fades, loosens, or breaks down well before the season ends.
In the long run, replacing furniture annually or managing guest safety issues can cost far more than investing in the right solution from the start.
What to Look for in Commercial Patio Furniture
Durability
Always confirm that furniture is commercial grade. Look for materials such as wrought iron, steel, aluminum, and high-quality synthetic wicker that can handle weather exposure and daily use.
Comfort
Comfort directly impacts dwell time and average spend. Thick, supportive, weather-resistant cushions are essential for patios that see steady traffic throughout the season.
Design
Your patio should reflect your brand. Colour, style, and table size all matter. While smaller tables may increase seating capacity, they should still comfortably accommodate your menu and service to avoid spills and guest frustration.
Price Point
While affordability matters, higher-quality furniture typically delivers better value over time. Commercial-grade products are safer, more durable, and reduce replacement costs making them a smarter long-term investment.
Patio
Layout Effective patio design considers traffic flow, accessibility, storage, security, and umbrella placement. A well-planned layout improves service efficiency and guest comfort while reducing congestion.
Compliance
Local regulations may dictate spacing, accessibility, and safety requirements. Always confirm your patio design complies with municipal or regional guidelines before finalizing your setup.
Supplier Spotlight: Russell Hendrix
Russell Hendrix is a trusted Canadian supplier of commercial foodservice equipment and furnishings, offering patio furniture solutions designed specifically for hospitality environments. Their product selection balances durability, comfort, and design, helping operators create outdoor spaces that perform as well as they look.
With access to reputable commercial-grade manufacturers, Russell Hendrix supports Foodbuy members with expert guidance, reliable sourcing, and furniture built to withstand the realities of busy patio service. Whether you’re refreshing an existing space or launching a new patio, working with an experienced supplier ensures your investment delivers long-term value.