How to Choose the Best Outdoor Furniture for Rooftop Bars and Dining

The right outdoor furniture has the power to draw in more customers and enhance the aesthetics of your business. You need to choose quality items that are both durable and low-maintenance to enjoy the most return on your investment.

When choosing rooftop restaurant furniture, there are many factors to consider before making a final purchase. These include size, aesthetics, material and the weather in which your rooftop bar and restaurant are located. Use our helpful guidelines and tips to create a space that complements your brand’s image.

The Function of Your Outdoor Rooftop Furniture

Offering a selection of seating options is a great way to cater to all your customers and their needs. Before you purchase any outdoor furniture, think about its function and how you will use the outdoor furnishings in your space.  

Bar stools and chairs are a staple of rooftop bars and dining. Tables and chairs allow you to seat more customers and offer movement between seating, creating an intimate feel in your space. Outdoor benches give patrons a comfortable place to sit while they wait for seating in your restaurant. An L-shaped outdoor lounge along with a coffee table creates a casual space that gives a group of friends room to socialize.

Draw Inspiration From Your Indoor Furniture and Decor

If you’re searching for rooftop dining furniture ideas for your restaurant or bar, use your indoor furniture and decor as inspiration. Doing so creates continuity and allows your indoor space to flow onto your terrace.

Consider using materials and fabrics in your outdoor tables and chairs that match the colors and designs of your decor inside. For a rustic feel, wooden chairs and tables create a natural atmosphere whereas sleek aluminum furnishings go well with modern aesthetics. Design a cohesive look by matching colors, plants, lighting and fixtures.

While you can use your indoor decor as inspiration, allow your creativity to shape your outdoor space. Your rooftop terrace is a great opportunity to try more bold, daring designs.

Consider the Space of Your Rooftop Terrace

The space and layout of your rooftop bar and restaurant can influence the shape and size of your outdoor furniture. Take a look at your layout and decide which furniture will help you create a functional yet appealing space. The wrong size furniture can make your rooftop bar look crowded or small, so it’s important to first decide whether you have a terrace that’s on the smaller or larger side.

Small Terrace 

If you have a small restaurant or bar, there is no need to limit yourself to small rooftop hospitality seating. Choose one or two statement pieces and sleek bar chairs and stools to create contrast between your furniture. Ensure your furnishings are compact enough to allow customers to move around freely.

For the best dining experience, use smaller tables or square picnic tables to accommodate more patrons at your restaurant. You can measure your space to determine how many tables and chairs your space allows for.

Large Terrace

With a larger rooftop patio, you have more design and layout options to choose from. A large terrace does not mean large furniture. Even with a lot of space, too many furnishings and decor pieces can make a rooftop bar and restaurant seem cluttered and busy.

As with a small space, it’s essential to select the right size furniture, along with a mixture of smaller tables and chairs. Consider creating zones within your terrace, including a bar, lounge and dining area, and add furniture designated for each of these spaces. For example, use bar stools and high top tables for your bar, low top tables of all sizes in your dining area, and outdoor couches and ottomans in your lounge. 

Choose Durable Materials

When selecting rooftop restaurant furniture for your dining area and bar, it’s crucial to choose durable and long-lasting materials. Your furniture must be able to withstand the climate and weather in all seasons. The right materials can prevent cracking and fading from sun exposure as well as mold and mildew due to rain and humid weather.

Hardwood

There are many varieties of hardwood, including:

• Teak: Weather-resistant with limited warping 
• White oak: Waterproof and durable
• Eucalyptus: Rot-resistant and eco-friendly
• Ipe: Resistant to insects and fungi

Metal

The following types of metal are ideal for outdoor furniture:

• Stainless steel: Rust- and wind-resistant
• Aluminum: Weather-resistant and low-maintenance
• Wrought iron: Customizable and durable

Fabrics

Fabrics are great for adding comfort to site furnishings. Options include:

• Acrylic fabric: Fade- and water-resistant
• Polyester: Waterproof and stain-proof
• Foam: Great for adding comfort to the inside of pillows and seat cushions

Synthetic Wicker, Glass and Concrete

Consider these other materials and their benefits: 

• High-density polyethylene (HDPE) wicker: Weather- and fade-resistant
• Recycled plastic: Eco-friendly and waterproof
• Tempered glass: Wind-resistant and elegant
• Concrete: Weather-resistant and customizable

Add Wind-Resistant Rooftop Furniture

Rooftop terraces can become windy any time during the year. Investing in wind-resistant outdoor seating for your rooftop bar will prevent furnishings from moving around or damaging your decor. Here’s a short list of heavy materials that are wind-resistant:

• Stainless steel
• Teak
• Wrought iron
• Cast iron
• Concrete

Consider Comfort and Maintenance Requirements

Your rooftop hospitality seating should be both comfortable for patrons and low-maintenance. Comfortable and durable seating will increase the chances of building a loyal clientele.

Wrought iron and cast iron options are weather-resistant, and you can add pillows and cushions that have a foam interior and are covered with polyester fabric. Wicker and rattan chairs are comfortable furniture choices even without extra cushioning.

It’s important to invest in rooftop restaurant furniture that requires minimal maintenance. Each material has its own pros and cons. For example, while wood furnishings are visually appealing, they do require staining, painting, and sealing to prevent fading. If you’re interested in metal options, make sure they come with powder coatings to protect the material over time.

Enhance Your Rooftop Dining Space With Wabash Valley Furnishings

Redesign your outdoor terrace with stylish rooftop restaurant furniture and bar chairs from Wabash Valley Site Furnishings. We provide a wide selection of seating and tables that help create a polished, well-designed outdoor space. With a variety of colors to choose from, along with powder-coated options, you can enjoy durable furniture that will fit your aesthetic and brand. Shop our products today.