How to Choose Furniture for Al Fresco Dining That Attracts AND Endures

As Technology tantalizingly (what with Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence, Bots and more) takes over our lives, conversely, ironically, Nature and the Outdoors bewitchingly beckon.

Nowhere is this more apparent than the rash of restaurants and cafes with patios, rooftops, verandahs and just plain front and back yard spaces. Al fresco dining (dining in the outdoors) is now a universal favourite from California to Chennai, and includes avatars in Tier 2 and 3 cities, not forgetting big towns.

What is it about the outdoors that attract diners?

The instinctive human yearning to be close to nature: in good weather, nothing charms the mind and soul, as the picturesque scene of a flowering, leafy tree, gently swaying in the breeze, amidst verdant greens and colourful, scented flowerbeds or pots.

Relaxed, restful ambience: No amount of artificial lighting, however LED-lit or eco-friendly can substitute the natural lighting bestowed by the glorious rays of the sun. A natural setting naturally propels the endorphins (happiness hormones) to flow through the mind and body, inducing a sense of rest and well-being. Studies indicate that it affects the senses, including that of taste, and makes the food taste better, fresher, which on many occasions leads to increased orders – good news for the restaurant.

Informal, festive, community feeling: The social animal that man is, he looks to camaraderie (connection, conversation and closeness) with friends in an informal setting. Outdoor seating caters perfectly to this sense of festivity and fun among a group of diners. With Experience becoming a key determiner in all aspects of life, from learning to travelling to dining, this piece of enhanced experience is what a lot of diners look for while entertaining family and friends.

What kind of furniture is ideal for your outdoor restaurant?

Stylish, yet sturdy, weather-resilient furniture: This is probably the most important consideration that one must have. Look for attractive pieces that offer convenience and durability. Furniture kept outside is subjected to the harsh elements. The sun’s ultraviolet rays break down the structure of many natural plant materials, and constant humidity causes fungal growth and corrosion. Tables and chairs used for outdoor dining need to be resistant to these conditions.

The following materials are the preferred options:

Teakwood: While wood in general is susceptible to mould and mildew, teak is one noteworthy exception. Grown sustainably on plantations in Southeast Asia, teak has always been known for its exceptional weather-resistant qualities. Fine boat fixtures are made of teak for this reason. Teak tabletops provide the warmth and appeal of natural wood, while offering unmatched durability. Teak is rated to last a minimum of 50 years. It can be allowed to weather naturally to a silvery grey or can be oiled twice a year to preserve the rich colour.

Powder-coated MS steel: MS or Mild Steel (with a higher carbon content, making it malleable and easy to fabricate) with a resilient powder coating offers a corrosion-resistant option for restaurant owners who prefer the sleek, modern look of metal outdoor chairs.

Resin Wicker: Wicker can be an excellent choice for patio furniture, offering a sleek, sophisticated silhouette and a durable, stylish appearance. They are a popular choice for outdoor patios because they are lightweight and comfortable, but wicker woven from natural rattan or reeds deteriorates quickly from the effects of UV radiation. PE wicker (sometimes called “resin wicker”) provides the same artisan aesthetic and lightweight in a material that’s resistant to UV radiation. Manufactured PE canes have expanded the potential uses of wicker and have made it a popular choice for outdoor restaurant chairs.

At Artisans Rose, teak and weather-resistant metal are variously used for neat, quirky and stylish designs of community dining tables, bar stools and chairs.

Here’s a glimpse of our work at Off The Record, a restobar in Chennai, which is fast becoming the most popular watering hole in the city. We worked with Sid Ninan, of Sidharth Ninan Architecture (SNA), Chennai, acclaimed Architect, to design and create the teakwood community dining table, teakwood tables and the metal bar chairs.

If you like what you see, drop us a line at [email protected] and visit our website, https://artisansrose.com/
You can also call +91 90727 87773, Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 7 pm.

We spearhead interior design and architecture projects along with our esteemed partners and elevate and enhance spaces (home and commercial) to our clients’ complete satisfaction.