TOP TIPS TO GET A RETURN ON YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE

2014 was the warmest year on record and this year is set to retake the crown with the Met Office predicting that 2015 could see one of the warmest summers in 135 years. This weather forecast coupled with the continued growth in the eating out market serves as a forewarning that hospitality venues must get ready for the Al Fresco season.

Preparing your outdoor space for the summer months can provide a substantial return on your investment for years to come. Hill Cross have developed a wide range of outdoor contract furniture including barstools, tables, chairs and some useful accessories all designed to last and provide a ROI. Here are our top 5 tips to help you make the right decisions to invest in your outdoor space.

1.First impressions count more than you’d like to think!

You may have the best reviews on Trip Advisor, an incredible menu, even a stunning interior but if your outside space is below par and you haven’t enough chairs fit for purpose consumers will vote with their feet and go elsewhere. Spending years improving your brand and crafting your menu to perfection may all be thankless if a new customer is turned off by the front (or back) of your premises.

2.Don’t forget about storage and maintenance

If you haven’t a covered outdoor area it’s essential to consider foldable and stackable options which are easy to store when not in use. Consider also the level of maintenance which your furniture requires. As outdoor products in the Hill Cross range are selected for their ease of maintenance this shouldn’t be an area of concern. However some more traditional products such as those crafted from Teak may require a protective stain if you would like to preserve the natural colour.

3.Think about the year and years to come

It may be tempting to choose a style or option for your outdoor furniture which doesn’t match your normal standards to save money and time, but think about your choices in the long term. Your outdoor space may not be used in the winter as standard but it will be seen and used for years and can be used for events and themes throughout the year.

4.Accessorise for comfort

What separates special places and memories from those which are run of the mill? Surely it’s the detail. What extra special accessories could be added to your outdoor areas – think blankets, candles and plants.

5.Match your interior

You probably hired a designer to create your interior, you probably had dozens of meetings and fought with your business partner about what colour you wanted your chairs to be stained. However when it comes to outdoor many people forget what impact the furniture has and focus instead of functionality and price. Don’t lose track of your style and remember to capture that brand identity outside and well as in.

We work globally with clients and pride ourselves on our ability to provide a five star project managed service.