Patio Productions Guide to Buying Commercial Patio Furniture

At Patio Productions, we know that spending time outdoors on the patio can do wonders for your mood and productivity. That’s why we help more and more businesses create beautiful outdoor patio spaces for their customers and staff to enjoy.

But choosing the right commercial patio furniture to facilitate your new outdoor area? That can be tricky.

That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive patio furniture buyer’s guide to walk you through everything you need to know when buying outdoor furniture for your business.

As experts in commercial-grade patio furniture, Patio Productions will cover all the essentials – from the best materials to style considerations, maintenance tips, and more. By the end of our time here, you’ll be ready to create a stunning outdoor oasis with quality, durable furnishings.

Want to skip the big long blog post and get right to the deals? Just click the button below to shop all commercial outdoor products.

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And if you’re looking to set up a long term patio furniture sourcing relationship, be sure to check out our Trade Program and take advantage of our commercial dealer pricing.

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What Sets Commercial Grade Patio Furniture Apart?

Let’s start this guide by explaining exactly what makes patio furniture “commercial grade.” This isn’t your average outdoor patio set from the local superstore.

Commercial-grade patio furniture is made to withstand heavy daily use in public settings. It’s built with maximum durability in mind, using weather-resistant materials that can handle sun, rain, and anything else mother nature throws its way.

These patio pieces are designed to be low-maintenance as well. Most can be easily cleaned off at the end of the day with a damp cloth instead of requiring thorough cleaning like indoor furniture.

At Patio Productions, our commercial patio sets also feature a streamlined, contemporary aesthetic. You won’t find frilly decorative touches here. Our focus is on functionality and longevity.

Why Invest in Commercial Patio Furniture?

The patio furniture market is booming globally. In 2022, it was valued at $48.4 billion and is projected to reach $72 billion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 5.3%.

The United States leads the market, accounting for over 40% of global sales. In 2020 alone, by Statista metrics, the U.S. outdoor patio furniture market was worth over $9 billion (in a slower than usual year due to pandemic concerns and logistical issues). Asia-Pacific follows closely behind with a 25.4% market share.

With demand increasing, now is an opportune time for businesses to invest in outdoor patio spaces and quality, durable patio furniture. Creating an inviting outdoor area for customers or staff pays dividends.

The Best Materials for Outdoor Commercial Patio Furniture

The materials used in commercial outdoor patio furniture make all the difference when it comes to durability and longevity. Here are some of the most common and best options, based on our nearly two decades of experience working with commercial clients like hotels, restaurants, real estate stagers and rental properties, shopping malls, and stadiums:

Aluminum

Aluminum furniture is lightweight, resistant to rust, and holds up well to sun and rain. It won’t crack or peel like other metals. Grades 304 and 316 stainless steel are also good patio furniture options if you want the metal look but are on a stricter budget. Premium brands generally use cast aluminum or powder-coated aluminum, as those are is more durable than other outdoor-grade metals.

Teak Wood

Teak is a totally gorgeous tropical hardwood that has built-in, all-natural weather resistance. It holds up well outdoors and requires little maintenance besides the occasional oiling. The wood has natural oils that keep it protected from moisture, fading, and even insects! Teak patio furniture also gets even better with age (depending on your tastes); if you leave it untreated, it will develop a natural silvery patina. If you prefer the golden honey color though, you just need to apply a little teak oil and sealer to the furniture periodically. Other woods to consider are ipe, acacia, and redwood, in that order. For a budget buy you can opt for cedar or pine but these woods require much more maintenance to keep them looking and feeling great.

Synthetic Wicker

For a traditional wicker look with advanced durability, synthetic wicker is the way to go. It won’t crack or peel, stands up to moisture, and is easy to clean. What quality manufacturers today call “outdoor wicker furniture” is actually a blend of HDPE and natural fibers, creating a resilient, weatherproof material that is easy to weave and looks really beautiful. Be careful though – cheaper brands will make their “outdoor wicker” out of PVC, which is a much more brittle material that is prone to fading and snapping with sun exposure.

Rattan

For a natural wicker option, rattan is a vine-like palm that can be woven into patio furniture. This is true “wicker”, and it’s the stuff you commonly find in lanai rooms, covered patios, and indoor living areas. If you want to use it outdoors, it requires proper sealants and treatments to withstand the elements. And even then, we don’t recommend it, and especially not for commercial projects; for a big commercial project you want furniture that requires the minimum amount of work possible, and rattan is the opposite of that. Opt for HDPE resin wicker, resin polycarbonate, composite wood, or aluminum instead.

Cast Iron & Wrought Iron

Excellent for great-looking outdoor bistro tables, these iron options hold up reasonably well. Cast iron adds an air of classic elegance with its intricately-molded designs, while wrought iron furniture generally brings visual lightness to patio furniture with its wistful, often floral aesthetic. Rust-resistant powder coating prevents deterioration. That said, as with rattan above, this is the most maintenance-intensive metal and is not recommended for commercial projects unless you are furnishing a small restaurant patio and are willing to maintain the sets properly. Cast iron is more rust-prone than aluminum, even when it is properly treated and manufactured by quality brands.

Aluminum, Steel, or Iron Frames with Mesh or Sling

For seating and loungers, look for strong aluminum, steel, or iron frames paired with synthetic mesh or sling furniture fabric. This combination is almost indestructible. Again, aluminum is your best bet for commercial furniture frames, though steel is not the worst option. Outdoor grade synthetic mesh and sling is practically worry-free, you won’t really even have to think about maintaining it until one of your guests puts a hole through it (and because sling fabric repair can be pricy and time consuming, we often don’t recommend it for commercial projects that expect a whole lot of customer traffic).

Recycled Plastic

For an eco-friendly look, recycled plastic patio furniture has excellent weather resistance and a wood-like visual appeal. Just beware that it can get hot in direct sun. Often called “composite wood furniture” or even just “poly wood” (like the brand), this is some of the best stuff you can buy for a commercial project. It is simple, super sturdy, and easy to care for. This material is perfect for things like Adirondack chairs and chaise lounges, so we strongly recommend it for hotel pools and beachside resorts. It does get fairly hot in the sun though, so you might consider some cushion add-ons. This material is not so great for restaurants or rooftop bars, where we typically recommend outdoor wicker or aluminum sets instead.

Concrete

Concrete patio furniture brings a modern, minimalist style to your business. It holds up well outside but can crack if not properly sealed. While the obvious use case for this material in outdoor furnishings is for things like fire pits and end tables, it can also be used for customer seating – it won’t wear easily, and doesn’t require much effort on your part. But it is concrete, so you may want to come up with some creative solutions to increase your guests’ comfort. We can help!

How to Care for Commercial-Grade Patio Furniture

Investing in commercial-grade patio furniture is only part of the equation – you also need to maintain it properly for longevity. Here are some care tips:

Wrought Iron – Wipe down regularly and apply protective gloss enamel annually. It may require touch-up paint over scratches. Store indoors or cover during winter.

Teak Wood – Clean with mild soap and water. Oil 2-3 times per year to prevent drying. Store indoors or cover when not in use.

Aluminum – Wash with warm soapy water. For stubborn stains, use a soft brush or cleaning pad—touch-up paint as needed.

Synthetic Wicker – Spray down with hose monthly. Use all-surface cleaner for stains. Bring indoors in extreme weather.

Fabric Cushions – Wipe spills quickly. Remove and wash covers regularly. Rinse foam inserts with a hose. Air dry thoroughly before storing.

Proper care will keep your patio furniture looking pristine for years. Be sure to budget time for maintenance along with the initial furniture purchase.

Hiring a Professional Designer vs. DIY Patio Furniture

Once you know what kind of materials to look for, the next decision is whether to tackle patio furniture shopping solo or hire a professional designer. Here are some factors to consider:

Using a Professional Patio Furniture Designer

Hiring a pro like with Patio Productions Free Design Services allows them to evaluate your outdoor space for the optimal layout, colors, sizes, and materials. We handle the sourcing and installation of all your commercial patio furniture. This expertise may come at a higher cost than DIY (depending on who you go with – again, our service is free!), but ensures your vision is brought to life.

Keep in mind, depending on who you hire, you may also get a discount on the furniture itself (see our Trade Program to create an account for commercial deals).

Shopping for Commercial Grade Patio Furniture On Your Own

Doing it yourself usually costs less upfront. Big box stores and online retailers offer plenty of commercial-grade patio sets ready to order. Just be sure to carefully measure your outdoor space, read reviews, and understand your installation requirements beforehand. Lacking design expertise, the overall look may not be as cohesive.

For small business owners with a good eye for design, DIY patio furniture shopping can be a great affordable option. Especially if you are willing to buy overstock or liquidation items. Those with larger or more complex outdoor spaces may prefer hiring Patio Productions to do it right. Wink, wink!

Patio Furniture Material Comparison

Here is a quick comparison of popular commercial-grade patio furniture materials:

Material	Durability	Maintenance	Cost	Styles
Aluminum	High	Low	High	Traditional/Modern
Wrought Iron	High	Moderate-High	High	Traditional
Teak Wood	High	Moderate	High	Traditional/Modern
Synthetic Wicker	High	Low	Moderate	Traditional
Recycled Plastic	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Modern

Furnishing Restaurant Patios with Durable, Stylish Pieces

Let’s look at some specific considerations when buying commercial-grade patio furniture for restaurant patios.

The most important factors are durability, ease of cleaning, and flexible seating arrangements. Opt for lightweight aluminum or wrought iron sets that can be rearranged to accommodate large groups. Tables that seat 4-6 with a mix of chairs and benches are ideal.

Umbrellas are a must-have for shade. Anchor sturdy 9-foot diameter umbrellas into patio tables for stability.

Complete dining sets create a cohesive look. Durable sling fabric on chairs resists spills. Bar-height tables encourage drink purchases.

Ambiance accessories like string lights, votive candles, and fire pits create an inviting vibe.

We help restaurants furnish stylish, durable patio spaces optimized for sales. Contact us to bring your vision to life!

Stylish, Durable Poolside Furniture for Hotels

For hotels and resorts, poolside patio furniture needs to blend style and function. All-weather wicker chaises and dining sets paired with rust-proof umbrellas are perfect for withstanding wet swimsuits and the sun.

Look for furniture with draining mesh seats and removable cushions for easy cleaning after pool use. Tables with stone or glass tops also withstand moisture well.

Patio Productions provides hotels with customized poolside furniture to create an upscale, inviting ambiance that guests will love.

Finding the Best Umbrellas for Hotel Pool Decks

Similar to restaurants, hotels and resorts need patio umbrellas for guest comfort and safety. But their pool areas come with the added challenges of moisture and wind.

The best poolside patio umbrellas have rust-proof aluminum or fiberglass poles, vented canopies, and weighted bases. Position umbrellas to cover 40-50% of the pool deck area.

Pro tip: Purchase high-quality commercial-grade patio umbrellas rather than consumer-grade. They may cost more upfront but will save replacement costs down the road.

Furniture for Business Campus Outdoor Areas

Create relaxing outdoor spaces employees enjoy with:

• Durable picnic tables for lunch areas
• Wicker sofa sets outside buildings for meetings
• Hammocks and swings in green spaces for breaks

Also, consider fire pits and heaters to make outdoor spaces comfortable year-round. And don’t forget waste bins to keep areas tidy.

Patio Productions furnishes business campuses and office parks with inviting, durable patio furniture designed for lasting performance. Reach out today to get started transforming your outdoor areas.

IMAGE: Patio furniture at a business campus, furnished by Patio Productions

Tax Deductions for Commercial Patio Furniture

Outdoor patio furniture is a valuable investment for your business that also brings tax savings. Here are some key points on deducting commercial patio furniture:

• It is treated as a capital expenditure, meaning the cost can be deducted over the useful lifespan.
• Most quality commercial-grade patio furniture has a lifespan of 5+ years.
• Section 179 allows businesses to take the full deduction in the same year of purchase.
• The maximum annual deduction is $1,080,000 total for all eligible business expenses.
• Any amount not deducted in Year 1 gets carried over to subsequent years.
• Be sure to save all your itemized purchase invoices for taxes.

Taking advantage of patio furniture tax deductions provides sizable savings that further offset the initial purchase costs.

Let’s Recap – Your Outdoor Patio Furniture Checklist

Ready to buy commercial-grade patio furniture for your business? Here are the key checklist items:

• All-weather durable materials like aluminum, teak wood, synthetic wicker
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Modular sets that can be rearranged
• Comfortable for long use
• Portable, lightweight pieces
• Weatherproof surfaces
• Rust-resistant umbrella anchors
• Inviting ambiance lighting

Focus on high-quality commercial sets, and your outdoor patio spaces will thrive.

For more tips or to discuss furnishing your commercial patio, reach out to the experts at Patio Productions at 1-888-947-4449. We help businesses across the United States design stunning outdoor patio spaces. Contact us today to get started!