Commercial Grade vs Residential Outdoor Furniture

One thing you may not have considered if you are searching for outdoor furniture is that products for commercial and residential settings are very different. 

This article will showcase the differences between the two options and share some of our top recommendations if you are designing an outdoor hospitality venue.

Firstly, the main differences between the two types of furniture are as follows:

When sourcing outdoor furniture for homes, you can often look for pieces that are intended for lighter use. Commonly placed in gardens, patios, and on balconies, residential furniture offers more focus on lower cost and style. 

Commercial outdoor furniture can be used in any location, such as a pub garden or an alfresco restaurant space. As these products experience high footfall, all items are built to last. This means they include stronger frames, weather-resistant finishes, high-quality materials, and safety considerations. Alongside being designed for more use, commercial furniture is often easy to stack and store when not in use.

Examples of commercial outdoor furniture include dining sets, tables, benches, and seating.

 

The Main Differences Between Commercial Grade and Residential Outdoor Furniture

Although appearances are often similar, there are some key differences to be aware of. 

 

Lifespan 

Firstly, commercial furniture is always made to last longer as well as to withstand heavy use. This means you can normally benefit from 10-15 years of usability for commercial items, whereas some residential pieces will only last 5-10 years. 

Commercial furniture is also built for simple stacking, to be weather-resistant and simple to maintain. Although residential furniture is often created to be durable, the lower quality materials and manufacturing techniques mean it can wear faster. That’s why products such as covers and shelters are recommended for storing furniture within private spaces.

 

Cost 

Another difference is that commercial furniture tends to have a higher price tag. However, this does offer the benefits already listed in this article. Another key factor is not having to replace items as frequently, as this can cost a business time, as well as financially.

 

Materials 

Something you will have likely noticed is that many commercial and residential furniture options have similar aesthetics. However, a key difference is the materials commonly used to achieve these looks. 

For example, residential furniture is often lower in cost. This means the most frequent materials are aluminium, plastic, or low-cost wooden frames. As well as being lightweight, these materials often prioritise comfort over longevity. 

On the other hand, as commercial furniture needs to last longer and be suitable for professional cleaning, hardier materials are popular. Examples include powder-coated aluminium, polymer, stainless steel and FSC-sourced hardwoods. Additionally, any included fabrics are tougher, often wipe-clean and suitable for leaving outdoors.

 

Choose Outdoor Furniture From AEL Solutions

While both furniture solutions offer beautiful styles and comfort, commercial-grade items are always recommended for businesses. These investment pieces will stand the test of time, offering year-round seating.

If you are looking for durable and stylish solutions, click here to explore our products.