In today’s fast-paced world, outdoor spaces are becoming more essential for commercial establishments. Whether it’s a restaurant, hotel, or event venue, having well-designed patios and outdoor areas can attract more customers and provide an inviting atmosphere. In this blog post, we will discuss the key aspects of patio design for commercial areas, including selecting patio materials, furniture, layout, and tips for patio entertaining and events.
Selecting Patio Materials
When it comes to selecting patio materials for commercial areas, it’s essential to consider durability, aesthetics, and maintenance. Don’t let your patio or landscape designer talk you into a surface that won’t stand up to commercial use, or that doesn’t fit your brand’s personality.
Here are some of the most popular patio materials used in commercial settings.
- Tile
- Wood
- Composite Decking
- PVC Decking
- Concrete
Tile Patios
Porcelain and ceramic tile are versatile and hard-wearing options for outdoor patios in hotels, resorts, pools, clubs, and other commercial areas. Tile offers a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures. It’s easy to clean and maintain, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Although highly durable in most areas, tiles can crack if heavy objects (like metal chairs) fall onto them, so keep that in mind and make sure outdoor furniture is moved with care across tile floors.
Wood Decks, Verandas, and Terraces
Natural wood provides a warm and inviting look to outdoor spaces like decks and terraces. Cedar, Teak, and Redwood are highly prized decking materials. If treated and well-maintained, a wood deck can last for 25 to 50 years and never goes out of style. However, wood decking requires regular maintenance (including sanding, treating, and re-staining) to prevent rot and decay.
Outdoor furniture can also scratch and dent wood decks and porches, and it can be stained by food and drinks, so natural wood outdoor flooring isn’t always a good choice for cafés where chairs scrape across it constantly or drinks are spilled. If you do opt for the classic look of wood decking, make sure your outdoor furniture is kept in good repair and that chairs and tables have outdoor furniture glides to protect the wood decking.
Composite Decks
Faux wood materials, such as composite deck planks, offer the look of wood without the need for regular maintenance. Composite deck planks combine recycled bits of wood with synthetic materials for a highly durable plank that looks similar to real wood. Faux wood terraces and decks are durable and resistant to fading, staining, and mold. They’re a great choice for almost all outdoor areas, including outdoor bars, restaurants, lounge areas, pool decks, garden terraces, and verandas.
The only caution with composite decking (other than the high price tag) is that heavily loaded food carts could wear down faux wood decking in high-traffic areas, so consider concrete in select places as needed.
PVC Decks
If you want a heavy-duty, extremely durable raised deck in a busy commercial area, PVC decking is the best choice. It is often confused with composite decking, but while composite wood has some real wood fibers in it, PVC decking is entirely synthetic (plastic). PVC decks and terraces are extremely durable, resistant to insects and pests, and can last 20 to 30 years. Another benefit of PVC decks is that the planks come in many colors and textures, and the sleek appearance adds a modern look to outdoor environments.
PVC decking doesn’t have as natural an appearance as wood decking or even composite wood decking, since it is made entirely of plastic, which is a disadvantage for some venues. Plus, since it’s made of plastic, PVC decking also heats up in the sun and can be uncomfortable in hot climates. Also, PVC can be more expensive to install than other types of raised decks.
Concrete Patios
Concrete is the most durable patio material, and in many cases, it’s also one of the most cost-effective options. Although unadorned concrete decks can look drab, they can be beautified in many ways. Concrete patios can be stamped, stained, painted, or textured to create a unique look. If you opt for a concrete patio, make sure that it’s installed expertly to ensure the longest lifespan.
Patio Furniture
Choosing the right patio furniture is crucial for creating a comfortable and inviting outdoor space for guests. One popular option for commercial patio furniture is the Vita outdoor collection by MityLite. This collection features durable, lightweight, and stylish furniture pieces that are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. For more information on comparing types of commercial outdoor furniture, check out our Buying Guide for Outdoor Patio Furniture.
Best Patio Furniture Materials for Commercial Use
Once you start looking at commercial patio furniture, you’ll start to see so many types of café tables and chaise lounges that it can all start to blur together. Here are the best types of patio and deck furniture for commercial areas.
- Faux wood outdoor chairs and tables
- Metal-framed outdoor couches and chairs (with or without cushions)
- Faux wicker chairs, chaise lounges, and couches
- Molded plastic outdoor furniture
- Faux rope outdoor furniture
Patio and Pool Furniture Layout
The layout of patio and pool furniture plays a significant role in creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. Consider the following layout options.
- Café Dining Layout: Arrange tables and chairs in a symmetrical layout (with rows of tables in an orderly fashion) to accommodate guests for dining or drinks. Add umbrellas or pergolas for shade and ambiance.
- Lounge Furniture Layout: Create cozy seating areas with sofas, lounge chairs, and coffee tables. Add outdoor rugs, cushions, planters, and throw pillows for a stylish and comfortable look.
- Pool Patio Furniture Layout: Place lounge chairs, umbrellas, and side tables around the pool area for relaxing and sunbathing. Consider adding cabanas or daybeds for a luxury touch.
- VIP Layout: For a special ambiance, place some of your tables or lounge furniture in semi-secluded areas, on outdoor decks and patios that are away from the main traffic areas. These VIP areas could be reserved by guests ahead of time, if desired, or available anytime. Add hammocks, shade screens, or digital ordering for drinks and food to add to the exclusive, VIP-like feel of the area.
Practical Tips for Patio Entertaining & Events
Hosting events on a commercial patio requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some tips for setting up outdoor weddings, parties, rooftop bars, and other events. First, we recommend that if the event is bigger than your staff usually caters to, work with an event company to plan the layout, decor, and seating arrangements. Consider the flow of traffic, accessibility for wait staff, and guest comfort.
When you’re planning events in your outdoor areas, it’s also critical to plan a practical and accessible design from the beginning. It’s so much easier to lay out an event with accessibility in mind rather than, mid-event, hurriedly trying to move tables and find a ramp to accommodate guests with accessibility issues. Ensure that the patio space is practical and accessible for all guests, including those with mobility challenges. Provide adequate lighting, seating, and signage for a seamless experience. When planning event spaces, consider the accessibility of your seating, including chair weight capacity and adding some chairs with armrests so that elderly guests can stand up more easily.
Outdoor Spaces Offer Endless Design Possibilities
In conclusion, designing outdoor spaces like patios for commercial areas requires a balance of aesthetics and functionality. Part of what makes them so fun and highly sought-after is that the natural backdrop in patio areas naturally changes with the seasons.
By carefully selecting deck materials, outdoor furniture, and layout, your commercial establishment can create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for your patrons. So, next time you think about upgrading your patio design, remember to focus on durability, comfort, and style to create a space that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
