Having an outdoor patio area for your restaurant or bar is an added attraction that lets you entertain and dine during warm summer months and cater to receptions and other social gatherings. Patios allow guests to enjoy warm summer afternoons and evenings outside with all the amenities that your restaurant offers. However, patios require special commercial furniture to withstand common outdoor hazards including excessive UV sunlight, light rain, dust and debris. If your patio area doesn’t include a full canopy cover then carefully select table tops and table bases that are durable enough to handle the rigors of outdoor use.

Depending on the theme of your eatery or bar you will most likely want to continue the motif on the patio. If your restaurant features a traditional hardwood décor then consider sturdy cast iron and wood table bases to support a variety of table tops. In addition to being very durable cast iron and wood table bases are UV and water resistant so you won’t have to worry about commercial table bases being left outside during the afternoon or a light rainfall.

Another solid option for an outdoor patio table base is cast aluminum with grooved bottom. The durable aluminum frame is both UV and water resistant and with a grooved bottom this table base is less likely to shift when customers are dining. Cast aluminum is a sturdy commercial grade metal and the grooved bottom table base can be used indoors as well. Stainless steel is also a good choice for an outdoor table and most models will feature a cast iron base with stainless steel coating to add a polished shine.

Many different materials can be used for outdoor patio table tops to compliment select table bases. Melamine, Formica, resin, wood, granite and vinyl are all commercial grade materials that are capable of handling outdoor hazards. Melamine is a preferred choice for many outdoor settings due to the tough and enduring nature of the plastic. Melamine is both scratch and stain resistant and can be cleaned easily with warm water, soap and a washcloth.

Available in a variety of different materials and styles, decorative wine furniture can immediately create a warm and welcoming ambience. Deciding factors on what kind of wine storage to purchase depends on how many bottles of wine you wish to store or display, available floor space, your existing color scheme and any specific features you might require.

Wine racks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, materials and colors. The most common materials are wood and metal. Freestanding wine racks often include a table or tray-style top ideal for wine tasting or serving purposes and, depending on the manufacturer, can hold up to 50 bottles. Tabletop wine racks are also freestanding, but are designed to conveniently sit on a table or a counter and tend to hold a smaller number.

Wine bars and wine servers resemble buffets and are generally larger pieces of furniture that might require more space, depending on the size selected. Wine bars and servers are cabinets specifically designed to hold bottles. They may include drawers, removable serving trays, shelves and open or enclosed storage areas. Depending on the style, a wine bar or server can also have a glass rack. Practical and functional, a wine bar or server keeps everything in one place, both the wine and all of the accessories needed to enjoy it.

Resembling a curio cabinet in style and function, wine cabinets can vary in size from compact to medium and larger. Many styles of wine cabinets boast hand-painted detailing, dark rich finishes, accessory drawers and hanging racks for wine glasses. Ornate iron scrollwork or wood carvings are other popular decorative touches that give a wine cabinet a distinct appearance. Corner wine cabinets typically have the features that other types of wine cabinets have, but are specifically designed to stand in a corner of a room.

Wine carts combine the function of a wine rack with the convenience of a kitchen cart. While they generally hold a very limited number of wine bottles, wine carts have the added appeal of mobility. A wine cart can be conveniently wheeled from the kitchen to any place where it’s needed. Wine carts range in style, from ones meant especially for the kitchen, complete with a knife block and paper towel holder to classically styled ones. More formal wine carts offer a number of stylish features, such as mirrored tray tops, shelves and drawers.

Whether you purchase a wine rack, a wine bar or server, a wine cabinet or a wine cart, keep in mind that it is an accent piece of furniture. You will want to select a style and color that will seamlessly blend with your current decor while adding its own character to your dining or entertaining area.

Wine furniture is gaining in popularity simply because it is a stylish way to store and display wine. Wine furniture, including wine racks, is designed to accommodate any sized collection, from large to small. I hope these general guidelines will help you find the perfect wine cabinet or wine rack that will make entertaining more enjoyable.