Picnic Tables for Cafes & Restaurants : Auscraft Furniture

Outdoor seating is one of the most effective ways to increase a cafe's or restaurant's covers without expanding the building footprint. In Australia's climate, well-chosen outdoor furniture also extends the trading season into months when outdoor dining would otherwise be uncomfortable or impractical. Auscraft Furniture builds solid Australian hardwood picnic tables and outdoor seating for cafes and restaurants across Australia, combining the aesthetic quality that hospitality venues need with the durability that Australian outdoor conditions demand.

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Auscraft picnic tables at The Burrow Cafe Maroubra NSW, outdoor cafe dining seating
The Burrow Cafe, Maroubra NSW, custom timber picnic tables built for busy Sydney cafe patios.
Auscraft picnic tables at Green Olive Cafe Little Bay NSW, outdoor restaurant seating
Green Olive Cafe, Little Bay NSW, Auscraft hardwood tables suit coastal cafe environments.
Auscraft picnic tables at Gemma Lee Cafe Luddenham NSW, outdoor dining furniture
Gemma Lee's Cafe, Luddenham NSW, custom-built outdoor dining tables for rural cafe settings.

Timber Choices for Cafe Outdoor Areas

The right timber choice for a cafe depends on the venue's aesthetic, its location, and the level of maintenance the team can realistically commit to. Auscraft recommends the following species for hospitality outdoor areas:

  • Merbau: Rich reddish-brown colour with a warm, inviting appearance. Class 2 durability. Works particularly well in cafe and restaurant settings where the furniture is part of the brand aesthetic. Suits both heritage and contemporary interiors extended to outdoor zones.
  • Spotted Gum: Pale to medium brown with natural figuring and grain variation. Class 1 durability. A better choice for coastal venues or any location with high humidity, as Spotted Gum performs reliably in conditions that cause Merbau to check over time.
  • QLD Red Gum: Deep red-brown, premium appearance. Class 1. For venues positioning themselves at the higher end where the furniture is a deliberate design statement rather than a functional afterthought.

Sizing for Cafe Spaces

Cafe outdoor areas are often compact, requiring careful attention to table size and spacing. The most common configurations for cafes are:

  • 1.2m tables: Seat two to three adults. Suitable for pavement dining strips, small courtyards, and areas where maximising table count is a priority.
  • 1.5m tables: Seat four adults. The most versatile option for cafe outdoor areas where group size varies.
  • 1.8m tables: Seat six adults. Better suited to larger outdoor zones, beer garden-style areas attached to cafes, or venues that regularly host group bookings.

Allow at least 600mm clearance behind each bench seat for comfortable entry and exit by seated diners. Allow 900mm or more in high-traffic service pathways. See our picnic table sizes guide for a full spacing reference.

Maintenance for Busy Cafe Outdoor Areas

Cafe and restaurant outdoor furniture needs to look presentable every trading day. Australian hardwood requires less maintenance than most operators expect. A light oiling once or twice per year keeps the timber in good condition and maintains the surface quality that makes the furniture presentable to diners. Between oils, wipe spills promptly and clean with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or steel wool, which scratch the surface of any timber species.

Full care instructions for each timber species are available in our care and maintenance guide.

Backrest and Comfort Options

Standard picnic tables suit high-turnover cafe environments where the bench seat format encourages a natural seat-to-exit cycle. For venues targeting longer dwell times, brunch settings, or an older demographic, backrest configurations add comfort without significantly changing the footprint. See our picnic tables with backrest page for available configurations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What lead time should I plan for cafe furniture delivery?

Tables are built to order. Production lead time is typically two to four weeks from order confirmation, with delivery following within two to seven business days depending on your location. Plan your outdoor area refresh or new opening around a four to six week timeline from initial contact to tables in place.

Can I order a consistent finish across multiple tables?

Yes. When ordering multiple tables for a venue, all units are finished to a consistent specification within the same production run. This ensures matching colour and sheen level across your outdoor area. Note that natural timber variation means identical appearance between boards is not possible, but the overall character and finish level will be consistent.

Do you offer custom dimensions for tight cafe outdoor areas?

Yes. Custom lengths, widths, and heights are available across all models at no premium. Bring your floor plan dimensions and Auscraft's team can advise on the best configuration for your outdoor zone. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

For a detailed breakdown of table configurations, timber durability in hospitality settings and layout planning tips, see our outdoor dining guide for hospitality, covering cafes, restaurants, pubs and licensed venues across Australia.

View the full range at our picnic table Australia collection.