Small Business Outdoor Furniture Guide

Location is key for any small business, but it also matters what you do with that location. An attractive curb appeal invites customers in to make a purchase, and placing the right furniture outside your small business can enhance your exterior while also meeting visitors’ needs. But with all the outdoor furniture options available, picking the right pieces comes with plenty of choices to consider.

Here is an overview of outdoor furniture ideas for small businesses and tips to keep in mind to help you decide.

Factors to Keep in Mind When Selecting Outdoor Furniture

As you decide to use outdoor furniture, there are a few things you should consider. It’s important to choose furniture that suits your location and your store’s style.

These are some factors to think about as you start viewing outdoor furniture:

• Function: First, it’s essential to think about your intended use of the furniture to choose the best pieces for your business’s needs. If your business serves food, such as a small ice cream or sandwich shop, your furniture will most likely be for customers to sit while they eat. You might choose a picnic table or a table and chairs set that lets customers eat comfortably. If you sell merchandise instead, your outdoor options might be more casual, such as a park bench. Either way, try to picture how your customers will use the furniture before browsing.
• Budget: Your business’s budget is a big factor in your selection. Create a plan for how much you’re willing to spend and try to stick to it as you shop. It’s helpful to think of furniture as a long-term investment — its longevity and attractiveness to customers pay off in the end. No matter your budget, you’re sure to find outdoor furniture that benefits your store.
• Size: Another element you should consider is available space. You want furniture that fits in your outdoor area. If you buy pieces that are too large or don’t fit the space properly, it could detract from a buyer’s experience and make it seem overcrowded. Take time to measure your outdoor area and plan for furnishings that fit nicely.
• Storage: Depending on your store, your business might have limited storage opportunities. And while some businesses leave their outdoor furniture outside year-round, others prefer to store it indoors during the winter or harsh weather. If you know you’d prefer to put it in storage, consider foldable, moveable or more compact pieces.
• Climate: Your local climate is another big consideration. If you live in an area with fierce weather storms, you’ll require more durable furniture and materials. Or, if rain or snow is frequent in your area, you might even consider waterproof furniture.
• Brand: Your small business has a brand it puts forward for customers. Whether you’re a family-friendly ice cream shop or a posh local boutique, you curate brand colors and furniture pieces inside to portray who you are — your outdoor furniture should do the same. Consider pieces in colors that complement your brand or your building’s facade for a cohesive look.

How to Choose Outdoor Furniture for Your Business

Once you have evaluated your business’s space and personal circumstances, it’s time to start selecting furniture. If you’re not sure where to start, here is a step-by-step guide you can follow:

1. Map out Your Space

A great way to begin your outdoor furniture process is by mapping out your current location. A map is an excellent strategy for taking stock of your situation at the moment and using it to plan for new furnishings.

To create your map, consider using a blueprint or drawing your own sketches. Take measurements of the outside area and be sure to record them. That way, you can use the dimensions as a reference when looking at furniture sizes. You can also envision where you would like to place certain pieces of furniture. For instance, if you know you’d like a row of picnic tables, look at your outside space and think about where they would fit best.

You can create a tentative sketch of your ideal outdoor space and use that to guide your buying decisions.

2. Create a List

Next, make a list of all the furniture pieces you intend to buy. A list is a great tool for staying organized, as it will help you remember every item you wish to buy. Remember to note the number of furniture pieces in your list, too. If you plan on buying more than one piece, noting how many of each will ensure you don’t forget anything.

Your list might look something like this:

• Picnic bench (three)
• Set of table + four chairs (four)
• Trash receptacles (six)

Then, you can use your list as a guide while you start making purchases.

3. Choose a Material Type

After making a list of your desired furniture, you can start considering what materials you prefer. Your furnishing’s build and finish greatly impact its comfortability, longevity and aesthetic appeal. Remember that choosing materials for outside furniture is slightly different from indoor furniture. Outdoor pieces constantly face weather conditions, whether a shining sun or mounds of snow. This means that outdoor furniture typically consists of hardier materials that can outlast the constant weather exposure.

Everyone has their preferences for material types. You might select materials that match a certain style, or maybe you prefer the sturdiest options. Either way, there are many options to choose from for your outdoor furniture.

These are some examples of materials you can select:

• Stainless steel: Stainless steel is a sturdy and appealing option for outdoor furniture. It’s extremely strong, easily holding people’s weight and resisting large dents or cracks. Stainless steel tables or chairs can last for many years without signs of wear. And, the material wouldn’t blow away during heavy wind or other storms. Strength and quality are an investment, so these furnishings should last for many years.
• Aluminum: This material is another popular choice for outdoor furniture. Aluminum is lightweight, simple to install and easy to shape into different forms. It’s also weather-resistant, especially when paired with a powder coating. Aluminum is typically a more cost-effective option than stainless steel, making it a strong alternative for many business owners. Note that it is lighter, so you’ll need to consider that with your installation or be mindful of storing aluminum furnishings if storms or strong winds are in the forecast.
• Plastic: Plastic and other synthetic materials are rapidly growing in popularity for outdoor furniture. Due to new manufacturing capabilities and options, you can find plastic furniture in almost every color and shape imaginable. Plastic furniture maintains its look for years on end, outlasting different weather conditions. It’s also relatively inexpensive compared to other options. If sustainability is a concern for your brand, you can opt for recycled plastic lumber.
• Wood: Wood is a classic choice for outdoor furniture. Its natural beauty and heartiness make it a perfect option for your outdoor furnishings. In particular, hardwoods are excellent for withstanding harsh weather, often lasting for decades. Wood might not be as malleable as other materials, but it is dependable and provides a distinctive attractiveness to your business.

If you have a particular material in mind, keep an eye out for it as you start browsing for furniture. Or, if you’re still unsure about what type would suit your business best, you can always ask a trusted seller for assistance.

4. Buy From Trusted Sellers

It’s always in your best interest to buy from reputable sources. It might be tempting to hurry into the cheapest or quickest option as you browse furniture options. But it’s always best to take your time with an investment like furniture. Look at choices from a variety of vendors, and weigh which option provides the best customer service and furniture quality.

Reliable sellers have notable traits like:

• Personable: As you look at different vendors, take note of those with quality customer service skills. Sellers with a pleasant and helpful attitude will provide a great buying experience. These workers will guide you through the entire buying process and respond to questions promptly. Try to find a vendor that values your presence and treats you kindly.
• Knowledgeable: Another mark of a good vendor is their expertise. When looking for furniture, look for sellers with strong knowledge of the industry. They should be able to answer questions easily and provide recommendations if you’re unsure of what to buy.
• Dependable: Trusted sellers are also reliable. They make themselves available during every aspect of the buying process and offer warranties on their furniture. Look for warranty information like how many years the coverage lasts and what it covers, such as manufacturer defects.
• Reputable: Lastly, a great way to gauge a seller’s reputation is by reading online reviews. Many buyers will leave a brief review about their buying experience and furniture quality. It’s always good to read about others’ experiences to get an idea of how the vendor treats others. While reviews aren’t always entirely accurate, it’s good practice to choose sellers with solid ratings.

5. Add Accents

Once you pick out your major furniture choices, you can also think about adding accents. These extra accessories will give your business more personality, as well as provide another opportunity to showcase your unique style.

Accents are available in a variety of styles, such as:

• Pillows: Pillows are the perfect cozy accent for your outdoor furniture. You could add one for seatbacks or cushions for customers to sit on. And with so many colors and styles to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect pillow to complement your outdoor design.
• Rugs: You could also consider adding a rug as an accent if you have solid flooring outside. There are many outdoor rugs available in every color and style imaginable.
• Lights: Getting creative with light design is an innovative way to personalize your business and make it feel more comfortable and safe at night. You can add string lights, lanterns or other cool accents to illuminate your outdoor area.
• Plants: Plants are the perfect accompaniment for an outdoor space. You could add planters outside with the greenery of your choice for a beautiful accent.

You can choose accessories that accompany your furniture style or color. These accents will enhance your outdoor space even more and could attract more customers to your business.

Commercial Outdoor Furniture Options for Small Businesses

There are many choices available for commercial outdoor furniture. Whether you want a large eating space for customers, a gathering space for your employees or just a few lounge chairs, you can find many options on the market.

Here are some examples of outdoor furniture that could be perfect for your business:

Dining Sets

Dining sets are a cost-effective way to furnish an outdoor space. Perfect for eating establishments or gathering spaces, these sets come in various configurations and sizes. Choose two-seater, high-top tables if your small business doesn’t have a lot of outdoor space for seating. If you have more room, offer a mix of small and larger tables to accommodate different groups. Families will appreciate dining tables that seat four or more, while individual customers will have plenty of room at smaller tables.

Benches

Outdoor benches are perfect resting spaces for passing customers or employees on their breaks. They’re also available in a variety of colors and styles, making them easy to implement into your exterior. You can easily install one in a tight area, so they make for great outdoor furniture for small store spaces.

You’ll commonly find 4- and 6-foot benches, giving your small business some variety to choose from. Again, think about your clientele. If groups or families frequently visit, a few longer benches may be ideal.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are a classic furniture option for the outdoors. Adding a few outside your business will give consumers a comfortable spot to chat or finish a meal. Choose ADA-accessible picnic tables, which let visitors with different abilities gather together at your small business. Installing wheelchair-accessible picnic tables will show your small business cares about customers, employees and passersby.

Umbrellas

It’s always a good idea to think about customers’ comfort. Umbrellas provide shade to visitors and protect them from harmful sun rays. And customers are more likely to spend more time at your business while underneath cool shade. Many commercial umbrellas are designed to fit into tables, making it simple to put them together. Choose from pole and fabric colors that complement your building’s facade, your business’s brand or your furniture choices.

Trash Receptacles

While seating areas are important pieces of commercial outdoor patio furniture, remember to add trash receptacles. Receptacles are essential if your small business sells food or drinks and lets customers dine outside — they can easily get rid of their trash rather than littering outside of your business. Even if your business doesn’t sell food or drinks, a trash receptacle is a great way to keep the area outside of your business tidy.

Consider installing stylish receptacles that complement your furniture with similar colors and materials. Be sure to get receptacle lids, which make it easy to keep pests out and trash in.

Advantages of Outdoor Spaces for Small Businesses

Implementing an outdoor space can benefit your small business in a variety of ways. In addition to attracting new customers, the new outdoor area could also improve employee motivation and excitement. And the happier your employees are, the more likely you’ll get more applicants. You’ll also have a more motivated staff to help your customers, potentially attracting new visitors.

There are many more advantages to outdoor areas, like:

• Increased creativity and collaboration: Giving your workers an outside gathering space or working area can benefit their creativity levels. Spending time outside has many benefits for brain activity. Your workers could generate innovative ideas or experience mood boosts while outdoors. Outdoor activity can also improve collaboration levels because the atmosphere feels much more relaxing. Employees might make stronger connections in their time outside.
• More motivation: An exciting and refreshing outdoor space could be what your workers need for rejuvenation. In turn, they might be more excited about their job and become more efficient in daily tasks. This benefit could free up your time as a bonus.
• More exciting events: An outdoor space is perfect for gatherings and events. You could host fun activities for the community or just for your workers. Whether an open mic night or an art activity, local events are a great way to make a name for yourself in the community. These activities will draw in new customers and maybe even new employees as the word spreads.
• More room for customers: When you add outdoor seating and other furnishings, you maximize your small business’s footprint. Whether you gain additional tables to welcome more diners at your restaurant, or you set up selling tables outside your shop, you can encourage more visitors and bring in more earnings.

Overall, outdoor areas can provide many advantages for your commercial business. Selecting comfortable and reliable furniture is an essential aspect of creating these spaces.

The Benefits of Working With Wabash Valley Site Furnishings

An essential part of selecting commercial outdoor patio furniture is finding the right vendor. At Wabash Valley Outdoor Furnishings, we work hard to provide high-quality outdoor furnishings for customers across the country. Our large selection of outdoor furniture includes:

• Tables
• Chairs
• Litter receptacles
• Planters
• Umbrellas
• And more!

We set ourselves apart from competitors by offering top-notch customer service alongside our variety of furniture options. We offer a pleasant buying experience, cost-effective products and premier materials.

Here are more benefits to buying from Wabash Valley Site Furnishings:

• High-quality furniture: We’ve provided top-notch furnishings for over 30 years, establishing ourselves as a leader in the commercial furniture industry. Our furniture is durable and attractive, ready for an easy installation outside your business.
• Variety of options: Wabash Valley also offers many options for your furniture. For most pieces, you can select different sizes, configurations and colors. Our variety makes it easy for you to find the perfect fit for your outdoor space. If you’re trying to complement a particular style or color scheme, we can help you find the best option for your needs.
• Reliability: We have built a reputation as a trusted and dependable seller over our many years of service. Our dedicated employees work hard to provide top-notch services to all our customers. We value your business, and work to provide cost-effective options for all customers.
• Core values: Wabash Valley Site Furnishings operates by a set of core values — commitment, responsiveness, reliability and value. We make sure to use these values in each customer transaction. Whether you want a single bench or an entire collection of table sets, we can help you in every step of the process.

Browse Wabash Valley Outdoor Furnishings

If you’re looking for commercial outdoor furniture, shop with Wabash Valley Site Furnishings today. Our durable and high-quality furniture will outlast strong weather conditions while also adding an aesthetic appeal. With so many furniture options to choose from, we’ll help you make the right choice for your business. We offer bulk options or sell individual units so we can match any of your commercial outside furniture needs.

Browse our wide selection today to find the furniture colors, sizes and styles that are right for your small business.