A row of outdoor picnic benches line up neatly, with condiment trays, silverware, and menus sorted neatly on top.

5 Things to Know About Commercial Grade Outdoor Furniture

Invest in your outdoor space

For businesses serving a high volume of customers, it’s not enough for outdoor furniture to be comfortable. It must also be durable, weather-resistant and fit within a specific area.

The ideal choice will look different for every business, but always strikes a balance between function, cost and aesthetics. Here are some details every facility manager should consider when buying modern commercial outdoor furniture.

Modern commercial outdoor furniture: 5 things to remember

A woman closely inspects a row of outdoor patio chairs of various sizes and colors.

1. Durable materials

Outdoor furniture for commercial use must be durable enough to support regular use while also surviving the elements. Rain, snow and wind all have an impact, but so does constant sunshine—a necessary detail in temperate climates.

All outdoor furniture should be made from materials that prevent rust, mold and other climate-based effects. Aluminum is an excellent choice since it’s weather-resistant, durable and easy to clean. Metals like wrought iron are durable and usually secure from wind but may require rain cover or periodic oil treatments to minimize rust.

If you prefer to avoid commercial metal outdoor furniture for aesthetic reasons, specially-treated wood, plastic or resin are all excellent alternatives.

A man and woman smile as they sip from their mugs in the shade of an outdoor cafe patio.

2. Account for climate

When choosing outdoor furniture at a commercial grade, businesses should always think a few steps ahead. For example, a restaurant patio that looks inviting at first glance may be less appealing on particularly hot or humid days.

Seating and tables are important, but don’t overlook customer comfort. Investing in additional features—such as umbrellas that block the sun—helps you stay flexible in various weather conditions.

3. Highlight your brand

High-quality furniture is about aesthetics as much as functionality. Each item should have a visual appeal or flair that matches the brand story you want to tell.

A sleek, metallic look often correlates to innovation, while ornate iron designs imply timelessness and durability. Commercial outdoor lounge furniture with built-in cushions can indicate rest and comfort, just as wicker seating suggests rustic relaxation.

4. Follow maintenance requirements

Keeping outdoor furniture at its best means being proactive about maintenance and cleaning schedules. Before making a purchase, ask outdoor commercial furniture manufacturers which items require weather-resistant oil treatments or specialized cleaning products.

If you’re not in a state like California or Florida that is temperate all year round, maintenance should also apply to off-season storage. For example, do you have the available space to house furniture that isn’t in use? Is the furniture portable enough to move easily? In some cases, it may be possible to cover difficult-to-move items with protective coverings. Answering these questions beforehand can keep outdoor furniture in its best possible condition for years.

Two restaurant managers smile as they look over information on a laptop. A finely decorated interior is behind them.

5. Evaluate cost

When budgeting for modern commercial outdoor furniture, be aware of how prices vary depending on materials. Durable, weather-resistant woods tend to be more expensive, while plastics, resins and aluminum are generally the most cost-effective.

To get the most out of each purchase, give thought to warranties. Insurance and protection plans for expensive fixtures can be a valuable investment to recover losses when an unexpected disaster occurs.

Choose quality furniture for your business

Whether you need outdoor furniture to make customers feel at home or simply want to provide a relaxing space for your staff, Walmart Business+ can help.

When you sign up for a paid Walmart Business+ membership, you’ll enjoy exclusive rewards while saving over $500 per year.¹ You can also get more value from each purchase thanks to free deliveries on orders over $35,² and pattern analysis from Spend Analytics that helps you budget for the future.

¹Savings based on 1 free $35+ delivery order vs. $9.95 fee and 1 free shipping (no minimum) order under $35 vs. $6.99 fee biweekly, plus 2% Walmart Business rewards on monthly order >$250 (average value of $400).

²Restrictions apply. Additional fee applies for Express delivery.

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