Outdoor Furniture for Cafes and Restaurants: A Buying Guide

Outdoor furniture for cafes and restaurants takes more punishment than indoor furniture. Sun, wind, rain and repeated cleaning all affect how long it lasts. This guide covers what to look for before you buy.

Why Outdoor Furniture Requires a Different Approach

Indoor commercial furniture is built for controlled environments: stable temperature, low humidity and no direct weather exposure. Outdoor furniture must handle UV exposure, moisture, variable temperatures and — for coastal venues — salt air.

Using indoor furniture in an outdoor area is a common and costly mistake. Untreated timber swells, cracks and warps. Metal frames without proper outdoor treatment rust. Standard fabric cushions absorb moisture and develop mould. The result is accelerated deterioration that forces early replacement and undermines the appearance of the venue.

Key Materials for Outdoor Commercial Furniture

Choosing the right material is the most important decision when specifying outdoor furniture for a hospitality venue.

Aluminium is the most practical choice for most outdoor commercial settings. It does not rust, is lightweight for repositioning, holds a powder-coat finish well and withstands sun, rain and coastal conditions without ongoing treatment. Aluminium frames are available in most commercial chair and table styles.

Polypropylene (resin/plastic) is highly durable for outdoor use. Commercial-grade polypropylene chairs are UV-stabilised to resist fading, easy to clean with a cloth or hose and stackable for efficient storage. They are among the most cost-effective outdoor seating options for high-turnover cafes.

Powder-coated steel is durable and cost-effective but requires quality coating to prevent rust. In coastal areas with salt air, aluminium is a better long-term choice. Powder-coated steel suits inland, covered or semi-sheltered outdoor areas where direct rainfall is limited.

Teak and treated hardwood can work outdoors when the timber is properly oiled and maintained. Teak is naturally weather-resistant due to its oil content but still requires regular cleaning and oiling. Other timbers need to be specifically rated for outdoor use — standard cafe timber chairs are not suitable for outdoor environments.

What to Avoid for Outdoor Use

Several materials and products that perform well indoors fail quickly outdoors:

• Untreated or lightly lacquered solid timber chairs, including most bentwood chairs.
• Standard fabric cushions without UV-resistant and waterproof treatment.
• Untreated or poorly coated steel frames in any area with direct rainfall or coastal exposure.
• Furniture rated for indoor use only, regardless of how it looks in a product image.

 

Covered vs Uncovered Outdoor Areas

The level of weather protection your outdoor area provides should directly influence your material choice.

Fully exposed areas (no roof, direct sun and rain) require the highest specification — aluminium or polypropylene frames, no untreated timber and no standard fabric upholstery.

Covered alfresco areas (pergola or fixed roof, open-sided) can accommodate a wider material range, including powder-coated steel and treated timber, provided the area has reasonable drainage and airflow.

Semi-covered areas (shade sails, retractable awnings) sit between the two. Treat them as covered for material purposes, but check that any timber or fabric chosen can handle some UV and moisture exposure during operation.

Stackability and Storage for Outdoor Settings

Outdoor furniture is typically moved more frequently than indoor furniture — cleared for cleaning, repositioned for weather events or brought inside at closing. Stackable outdoor chairs reduce storage footprint and handling time significantly.

Most aluminium and polypropylene commercial chairs stack well. If your outdoor area connects to compact storage, prioritise stackable models before narrowing by aesthetic preference. Browse the full range of outdoor chairs to compare stackable options.

Sizing and Spacing for Outdoor Dining

Outdoor seating follows the same height rules as indoor dining: standard cafe tables at 72–76 cm paired with chairs at 44–47 cm, or bar tables at 90–110 cm paired with bar stools at 65–75 cm.

Allow slightly more clearance between tables outdoors than you would indoors — 80 to 90 cm between table edges rather than the 60 to 70 cm standard for interior spaces. This accommodates guests pushing chairs back on uneven surfaces and gives waiting staff more room to navigate in open-air conditions.

Where to Buy Outdoor Cafe Furniture in Australia

The Cafe Furniture Company stocks commercial outdoor cafe furniture, including outdoor chairs and outdoor tables from its Alexandria showroom, with Australia-wide delivery. Contact the sales team to discuss material specifications, volume pricing and lead times.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best outdoor furniture for a cafe?

Aluminium and commercial-grade polypropylene are the most practical materials for outdoor cafe furniture. Both resist UV, moisture and salt air without requiring significant ongoing maintenance. Aluminium suits venues seeking a more premium appearance. Polypropylene suits high-turnover or budget-conscious operations that prioritise durability and ease of cleaning.

Can I use indoor cafe chairs outdoors?

No. Indoor commercial chairs — including most bentwood, standard timber and many metal chairs — are not built for outdoor exposure. Timber expands and cracks. Standard powder-coated frames rust without outdoor-rated treatment. Using indoor chairs outdoors shortens their lifespan significantly and may void any supplier warranty.

How long does outdoor cafe furniture last?

Quality aluminium and polypropylene outdoor furniture typically lasts eight to fifteen years in commercial use with basic maintenance. Powder-coated steel lasts five to ten years depending on the environment and coating quality. Untreated or incorrectly specified materials can fail within one to three years in exposed outdoor conditions in Australia.

What outdoor chairs suit a covered alfresco area?

Covered alfresco areas can accommodate a wider material range than fully exposed outdoor settings. Powder-coated steel, treated timber and aluminium all work well in covered settings with adequate drainage. For fully exposed areas without roof cover, aluminium or polypropylene are the recommended choices.

Do outdoor cafe chairs need to be UV-resistant?

Yes. UV resistance is a critical specification for outdoor chairs, particularly in Australia, where UV intensity is among the highest in the world. UV exposure fades colour, degrades plastics and weakens coatings over time. Specify chairs with UV-stabilised materials or UV-resistant powder-coat finishes, and confirm the specification with your supplier before ordering.

How do I clean outdoor commercial furniture?

Most outdoor commercial chairs and tables can be wiped down with a damp cloth or hosed off with water. For polypropylene, a mild detergent and a cloth or a low-pressure hose work well. For powder-coated aluminium or steel, use a gentle cleaning solution and avoid abrasive pads or brushes that can scratch and compromise the surface coating.

Can outdoor furniture be left outside overnight?

Aluminium and commercial polypropylene furniture can be left outdoors without harm. Powder-coated steel should be covered or brought in during extended rain periods where possible to extend the life of the coating. Furniture with fabric cushions should always have cushions stored undercover when not in use to prevent mould and UV damage.

Where can I buy outdoor cafe furniture in Australia?

The Cafe Furniture Company supplies commercial outdoor cafe furniture to cafes, restaurants and hospitality venues across Australia. Browse the full range online or contact the sales team for specifications, volume pricing and delivery timeframes.

 

Ready to Specify Outdoor Furniture for Your Venue?

The Cafe Furniture Company stocks a range of commercial outdoor furniture in stock and ready for delivery Australia-wide. Visit the showroom at Unit 17, 31 Maddox Street, Alexandria NSW or browse the outdoor cafe furniture range online to compare materials, styles and finishes.