How to Plan Your Outdoor Café Seating

In the warmer months, café owners take advantage of the outdoor balconies, patios, and pavements to provide a refreshing dining scene. Their first step is to plan an outdoor café seating that can offer an unforgettable al fresco experience.

If you want to maximise your café’s outdoor space, this article can help you.

Functional and Stylish Outdoor Seating Tips

The tips below will help you make the most of whatever outdoor space you have in your eatery with simple yet effective seating design and layout tips.

Choose the right outdoor furniture.

The weather gets wild in NZ; café chairs, tables, and other outdoor furnishings should be more resistant than their indoor counterparts.

For starters, you need to be sure it is waterproof to keep them safe from the elements. Additionally, opt for portable and stackable furniture for easy storage. Most importantly, it provides comfortable and sturdy seating for a cosy and accommodating dining space.

Install weatherproofing structures.

Although outdoor café chairs can naturally withstand the elements, don’t hesitate to invest in another line of defence: weatherproofing.

Weatherproofing structures, such as awnings or umbrellas, protect your furniture and, by extension, shield your customers. These structures shield customers from harsh UV rays, rain, and hail. Weatherproofing also extends the lifespan of your outdoor furnishings. At the same time, these structures keep your patrons comfortable.

Incorporate greens and other natural elements.

The best thing about eating al fresco is enjoying the great weather while eating in the company of lush foliage. Even if your café is in an urban environment, you can still incorporate natural elements into your space. For instance, you can use pots and climbing plants around a pergola or permanent gazebo.

Additionally, foliage in planters creates a screen between your outdoor patio and the public footpath. This screen improves privacy between dining spaces and sets a clear boundary from footpaths.

Install outdoor decorative and functional lighting.

Don’t just think about your daytime customers when planning an outdoor café. Take advantage of the dark to highlight outdoor functional and decorative outdoor lighting.

Lighting design plays a huge role in attracting customers, especially in front of outdoor seating areas. It is also essential to create an ambiance in a restaurant. Plan your outdoor eating area carefully so you won’t end up with over-lit tables whilst some sits on dark corners.

Set up temperature-regulating fixtures.

It’s possible to regulate your outdoor temperature to make it more comfortable for your customers.

For instance, you may be interested in the benefits of outdoor patio heaters. Patio heating allows outdoor spaces to be functional even during cold evenings or days of winter.

Another option is a parasol patio heater, as they are an easy and convenient way to provide consistent heat for diners. You can also opt for a gas flame patio heater that can surely impress your customers! Don’t forget to follow safety regulations and install all cabling properly to prevent trip hazards!

Hopefully, this outdoor café seating plan has helped you creatively and smartly plan your newly discovered space. Have fun designing!