Wood Restaurant Furniture Key Terms

Learn key terms regarding wood furniture to order the right pieces for your restaurant

By Denise Ryan
Whether you’re working with a decorator to design your new restaurant or redecorating an existing establishment to set a new tone, learning important terminology regarding wood restaurant furniture will ensure you get the items you want. Knowing design phrases like “all-weather,” “oak finishes” or “reclaimed wood” will put you on the same page with furniture vendors and wholesalers so you can communicate your needs. Use the knowledge to help secure the furnishings that will establish the style, tone and atmosphere that you want for your restaurant.

 

Commercial dining chairs

Styles of commercial dining chairs range from all wood to partially upholstered to completely covered with materials like leather or fabric. Find the style that suits your restaurant and space, whether it's a deluxe model or a stackable style that you can store easily when not in use.
Try: Get a look at diverse styles of commercial dining chairs and discover additional style details and specifications through One Way Furniture.

Weathering

Even tables and chairs that sit out on restaurant patios feature wood accents for an upscale look. Durable wood tables or chairs with wood accents should be able to withstand weathering and still look good despite the faded, aged appearance that comes from exposure to sun, wind and rain.
Try: Get additional information from Central Restaurant on teak wood outdoor restaurant furniture and ways to eliminate or appreciate the patina it receives due to weathering.

Oak finishes

Unless you're covering restaurant tables with tablecloths, the finish of the wood is vital since it affects the furniture's appearance and durability. For example, coordinate oak finishes from "natural" to "mahogany" with chairs, artwork, lighting fixtures or other restaurant decor to achieve a harmonious look.
Try: View a selection of resin table tops including high-gloss, mahogany, two-ton or weathered resin versions from Bistro Tables and Bases.

Extension table

Rather than shift tables around repeatedly to accommodate larger parties, consider ordering several wood extension tables. By simply pulling on the table ends and adding a wood inset in the center, each table can easily seat additional guests.
Try: See extension table photos and get measurements and specifications through the Old Hickory website.

Ladder back or window back

When ordering wood barstools for the lounge area of your restaurant, learn the terms to choose the style of chair backs. Ladder back barstools feature horizontal wood slats across the back, while window back styles have large square cut outs. Other barstool styles include those with vertical slats or lattice designs.
Try: Affordable Seating provides photos and details on an assortment of ladder back barstools. You can also check out window back or vertical slat styles.

Reclaimed wood

Reclaimed wood is old wood saved from sources like old buildings, fallen trees or wharfs. The eco-friendly material is turned into furniture or flooring, for example, and can give your restaurant or bar area a natural, beautiful look.
Try: See wood bar tops and tables created with reclaimed wood offered by Elmwood Reclaimed Timber.


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