FEBRUARY 8, 2021
CONTRIBUTING EXPERT: SUSIE KRINGS | SENIOR DESIGN MANAGER

In the COVID-19 era, outdoor spaces provide an escape. According to the CDC, "you are less likely to get or spread COVID-19 during outdoor activities. Look for seating options that are outside and have proper ventilation of outdoor air." 

Whether outdoor dining areas or outside lounge space, outdoor environments are transforming from a trend to the new norm as the pandemic pushes on. 

Even in colder climates, we see creative setups using tents, igloos, and domes with fire pits and heaters to enjoy the outdoors during the winter months. 

Outdoor footprints are growing

A McKinsey Pulse Survey found that over 80% of consumers are anxious about dining inside restaurants during the pandemic. As a result, many businesses are increasing their outdoor patio footprint for patrons' safety and peace of mind.   

Certainly, drive-thru and takeaway options are also popular, but for those looking for a social setting away from home, exterior spaces are safer alternatives to eating inside restaurants.   

Existing restaurants are taking full advantage of their outdoor space, while new locations expand their patio footprint from the beginning. Outdoor dining spaces are no longer an afterthought but an essential part of keeping the restaurant's doors open. 

Outdoor dining struggles

Existing restaurants might find it challenging to make additional space for outdoor dining, especially those locked in a location with nowhere to expand. Metropolitan cities permit restaurants to take over sidewalk space without penalizing or breaking city violations. 

With many cities putting bans or limits on indoor dining, some businesses opt to use their interior furniture outdoors. Placing the furniture outside during operating hours and bringing it back inside in the evening is inconvenient for the business's operation. It requires a wider workforce, plus opening and closing times. It also puts the interior furniture at risk to weather it's not created to withstand (wind, rain, sun exposure) and poses the threat of theft as the furniture is not secured outdoors.  

It’s all about the design

Outdoor restaurant dining furniture differs from interior pieces as it's specifically designed for exterior use, using water-resistant, stain-resistant materials that withstand the elements. 

Exterior rated materials include compact laminate, compact exterior laminate (low maintenance), and Corian (solid surface). These materials are all resistant to water and easy to clean, making them great surfaces for tabletops and seating. Commercial grade patio furniture frames are typically constructed with aluminum, providing a sturdy weather-resistant base. On the other hand, interior furniture is built with wood or metal, which are not well-suited for commercial outdoor use.   

Bolt-down or clip-down construction also keeps outdoor patio furniture from shifting in the wind and protects it from theft. Concrete screws fit in an attachment on the bottom of the furniture to secure it in place. This feature is another outdoor-specific design element that indoor furniture pieces are not equipped with. 

Functionality isn't our only focus, though. Outdoor environments are becoming just as stylized as indoor ones, featuring natural elements and greenery, contemporary design elements, multiple seating areas for flexibility, and innovative partitions to create zoning and enhanced visual interest.

EIS outdoor line 

EIS has developed a commercial-grade outdoor furniture line to provide additional solutions for our trusted partners in response to the pandemic. Our outdoor line makes the most of your patio space, where simplistic design meets warmth and comfort. 

The variety of products in this outdoor line offers flexibility and functionality to create a patio space that sets the tone for a positive customer dining experience. The products are constructed with high-quality, commercial-grade materials like solid surfaces and laminate and are backed by our product warranty. The furniture is lightweight, waterproof, and stackable for easy storage and mobility. 

This outdoor line is more than just tables and chairs. Our designers ensure all elements work together to create a cohesive outdoor environment, from furniture to accessories, like planters, umbrellas, and divider screens. EIS also guides floor plan layouts to create more functional and inviting outdoor dining spaces that still offer the feeling of safety.    

We use our 40 years of interior space expertise to create functional and well-designed outdoor spaces. Reach out to get more information and start your outdoor furniture quote

About Elkay Interior Systems  

Elkay Interior Systems (EIS) is a tight-knit team of industry-leading designers, commercial-grade manufacturers, innovative engineers, resourceful project managers, and sourcing experts committed to every stage of your project by guaranteeing quality and reliability. We stand out from the crowd with our 40+ years of global experience in the restaurant, hospitality, retail, and education markets. We believe in simplifying the complicated.