Hill Cross Furniture 
Spring is starting up, which means blossoms, longer days and, of course, the return of public desire for outdoor dining experiences. Winter has been bleak and rainy, so as soon as the opportunity arises, people are going to start booking al fresco dining experiences. That’s why eateries and hospitality businesses need to consider how they’re going to populate these outdoor spaces with furniture now, rather than later.
Quality commercial outdoor furniture sets aren’t often ready to go on the day you want them. In fact, the best contract furniture is generally made to order, meaning there’s no use waiting for summer to begin before you make an order.
This article will offer guidance on planning for al fresco dining, because it’s coming closer around the corner than you might think.
Making your plans early and comprehensively
Before you start picking out pieces, it’s important to consider the function of any al fresco furniture you’re planning to buy. Remember that this furniture cannot simply be chosen for the sake of aesthetics or style. You also need to pick based on practicality,
- Look for commercial-grade materials, such as powder-coated metal, quality teak and UV-stabilised synthetics that will withstand the elements.
- Consider your space capacity, not just in the outdoor area but also in terms of your storage containment; stackable chairs can be a lifesaver when packing away.
- If you have events coming up in the near future, make sure to contact suppliers to see how their lead times compare.
Being comprehensive in your approach to practical planning, in terms of the most literal requirements you have, will set you up for more successful orders.
Planning out the physical al fresco dining space
A guide to choosing outdoor furniture is useless if it doesn’t make considerations for planning a sensible layout. Interiors influence psychology, so the same can be said for outdoor dining spaces. You might be following a pre-ordained plan with your existing furniture, but if you’re revamping the space or starting from scratch with new pieces, it’s important to keep some core principles in mind.
Creating zones
You want the patio or al fresco dining space to feel coherent, with a sense of functional separation.
- High-top tables and stools should be kept near the entrance for quick drinks and snacks
- Low-slung sofas, fire pits and coffee tables are great for lounging and drink orders
- Standard dining areas with commercial outdoor tables and chairs at standard heights
Allowing for clearance
It’s also important to create enough open space to allow for a consistent flow of staff and guests.
- Service aisles and walkways must maintain at least 36 inches of width
- Leave around 18-24 inches between chair backs for seated movement
- Create an edge buffer of around 24 inches to prevent the space feeling cramped
Get your additional pieces together
Once you’ve considered how you want to lay the space out with core seating and tables, you should plan the extra elements that will really define the dining area.
- Extra modular seating is great for flexibility
- Cantilever umbrellas or trellises are important for shade
- Large planters and outdoor rugs help to anchor the atmosphere
- Use a mixture of string lighting and path lighting for mood and safety
- Heaters planned for placement
Don’t waste any more time
If you’re trying to set up your al fresco restaurant dining area for this summer, there’s no more time to waste. Start browsing the Hill Cross Furniture Outdoor Brochure for 2026 and get in touch when you find the pieces that speak to you! We’re the leading provider of contract furniture in the UK, so will make sure to connect you with the perfect set for your outdoor space (and anywhere else you need).
Check out our blog today for more insights into commercial furniture and business design techniques.
