10 Best Outdoor Bistro Sets and Buying Guide

Table of Contents
Top Rated Outdoor Bistro Sets
Outdoor Bistro Sets Buyers Guide
Who wouldn’t love sitting on comfortable and elegant outdoor furniture? Having your breakfast, lunch, or dinner on a piece of cozy furniture while appreciating Mother Nature is unforgettable. A bistro set helps you enjoy the tranquility of outdoor spaces. It offers you an opportunity to connect with your loved ones and close friends.
If you’re considering getting a bistro set but don’t know the basic things to watch out for, we’ve got you covered – This article covers the important factors to consider before purchasing an outdoor bistro set. Continue reading to find out.
Why Get an Outdoor Bistro Set?
Searching for a perfect dinner spot for your date? An outdoor bistro set is a perfect choice. Bistro sets are designed to connect people; it offers users an opportunity to have privacy and build intimacy with their friends and loved ones. One of the most admirable features of this outdoor set is the anesthetic effect it gives to your space.
In addition to creating connections and giving your surrounding a luxurious outlook, bistro sets are designed to create extra seating spaces in your homes, restaurants, and even gardens. Bistro sets are particularly beneficial to business owners because they take up little space yet create extra seating spaces for your customers.
Factors to Watch Out For Before Purchasing An Outdoor Bistro Set
Before buying an outdoor bistro set, you should consider a few factors. Here are some of them;
Which Material Would It Be?
The material used to construct a bistro set greatly influence how comfortable it is. Here are some material types that should be considered when purchasing an outdoor bistro set;
- Wooden Bistro
A wooden bistro is great for its versatility – wooden bistro can be kept in gardens, balconies, cafes, and restaurants. They can fit into any location and decor, adding a touch of nature to your space.
However, keeping them in pool areas isn’t advisable, especially for those that aren’t waterproof. A wooden bistro can be uncomfortable to sit on; however, if you want extra comfort, you can go for wooden bistro sets with cushion chairs.
- Metal Bistro
Metal bistro sets are preferable for their sturdiness, they tend to have a long shelf life, but they are no friends of rainfall. Before purchasing a metal bistro set, it’s important to ensure it has water and rust-resistant features, as these ensure its longevity.
Metal bistros are generally more difficult to move around. It’s best to place them in the balconies and gardens because; placing them in these locations reduces moving them regularly due to rainfall or other weather conditions.
- Plastic Bistro
If you are searching for an all-season bistro set, then the ones made of plastic are ideal. Plastics are easier to transport since they have lighter weights compared to metal and wood.
In addition, plastic bistro sets are more weather tolerant. They function perfectly in summer, during winter and rainy seasons as well. They do not, however, thrive in windy locations because they are too light to withstand high winds.
Care and Maintenance Features
Most outdoor bistro sets are energy-draining, while others are super stress-free in terms of care and maintenance. An easy-to-maintain bistro has higher chance of lasting for a longer time. The features listed below influence how simple it is to maintain a bistro set;
- Smooth surface
A smooth surface is one feature to watch out for when considering long-term maintenance. These surfaces are easier to clean; a simple damp towel would do a great job. When compared to wooden or metal bistro, plastic bistro typically has the smoothest surface.
- Tables with umbrella holes
Allowing direct sunshine to hit your furniture causes it to fade out. It can ruin the surface of the furniture and, in difficult situations, lead to structural deterioration. Rainfall can also cause your bistro set to decay or rot. It’s therefore advisable to get bistro sets with tables with umbrella holes to protect the chairs and table from rain and direct sunlight.
- Bistro sets with scratch-free feature
Since these furniture sets are kept outside, they are usually exposed to attacks from animals. Choosing a scratch-free feature ensures that your bistro set can withstand unpleasant outdoor conditions while also ensuring its longevity.
- Rust-resistant and wear-resistant bistro sets
Wear-resistant bistro sets reduce the stress of regular maintenance while also enhancing durability. Rust is very common with metals; if you want to purchase an outdoor metal bistro, then check if it has a rust-resistant feature.
Garden, Balcony, Restaurants, or Cafes
Knowing the purpose for which you are purchasing an outdoor bistro set is necessary. This further guide you on getting what best suits your space.
- Gardens
Gardens require smaller-sized bistro sets; they usually require a two-seater capacity. They can be made of wood, metal, or plastic. Foldable bistro sets are preferred since they can be easily packed up in unfavorable weather conditions. The color and shape of a garden bistro are also important; most garden bistro sets have round tables instead of square or rectangular-shaped tables.
- Balcony
A balcony bistro set doesn’t need to be large; it can accommodate a two-seater capacity. Balcony bistros are not shape-specific; any bistro set of any shape would do just fine on the balcony. Most balconies have roofs, so the bistro set is protected from direct sunlight, rain, and other weather conditions.
- Restaurants
Restaurants usually require a larger seating capacity. In addition, they provide various locations to place the bistro set; it can be placed by the poolside or used for outdoor dining. Any bistro set that is intended to be kept or exposed to water should have a water-resistant feature and an umbrella hole in case of rainfall.
Which capacity work for you?
The carrying capacity of a bistro set determines how many persons it can accommodate. Although bistro sets are generally designed to accommodate a few persons. Here is what you should know about each carrying capacity;
- Two-seater Capacity
The two-seater capacity, as the name implies, can accommodate two persons; it is ideal for date nights and dinners. This type of bistro enhances privacy and intimacy between partners.
Small spaces are mostly compatible with this seater capacity; it comes with a table that is 24 inches wide and 30 inches high. When purchasing an outdoor bistro set, look out for the dimensions. This includes length, height, and width. You wouldn’t want to get your furniture and realize you don’t have enough space to accommodate it.
- Three-seater capacity
This seater makes a great option if you want to accommodate more people. Its table measures 28 inches wide and 30 inches high. It can fit into some small spaces as well. This capacity is ideal for hanging out with friends and family, providing a nice environment to relax and unwind with family and friends.
- Four-seater capacity
For a business owner, this will be perfect for accommodating a group of family members or friends. This is the highest carrying capacity a bistro set has, and its table is about 34 inches wide and 30 inches wide.
Is your safety assured?
Getting an outdoor bistro set that is both chemically and physically safe is very crucial. You have to look out for the chemical components of the furniture and ensure it doesn’t contain toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, acetaldehyde, and so on.
Bistro sets with ergonomic design are healthy and great for building good posture and removing back and neck pains. Ergonomic outdoor bistro sets can either be made of wood, metal, plastic, etc.
Above all, always confirm that the bistro sets are safety certified; these certifications include green guard, sustainable finishing council, and forest stewardship council. These certifications assure you of having a piece of healthy furniture.
Assembling or not assembling?
Bistro sets come in different formats; some require assembling while others don’t. Those that require assembling are stackable, which is great for saving space. If you are interested in an outdoor bistro that requires assembling, ensure it includes an instructional guide. You also have to find out if it requires an expert to assemble or if you can do it yourself.
Putting a bistro set can be stressful for some people. If you fall into this category, then there are outdoor bistro sets that do not require assembling. They come in their already assembled form. However, bistro sets that do not require assembling provide more storage spaces.
Conclusion
Before purchasing an outdoor bistro set, some factors need to be considered: the purpose of the purchase, easy maintenance, durability, material type, and carrying capacity. With these factors, you can’t go wrong in purchasing the right outdoor bistro set. While these furniture sets can be placed everywhere, including the pool area, balcony, and gardens, avoid putting your metal and wooden bistro set near the pool or in direct sunlight.