22 September 2026
Outdoor space is no longer an afterthought. A landscaped courtyard in a new development, a private terrace at a holiday lodge or an outdoor dining area at a pub all shape how guests feel, how a property photographs and what it is worth.
For property, hospitality and leisure businesses, durable, low-maintenance outdoor furniture and equipment pays for itself. This guide covers how to plan, furnish and look after outdoor spaces at any scale.
What this guide covers
Nine steps, from working out who the space is for to placing the order.
1
Define the outdoor purpose and end user
The furniture, materials and layout of an outdoor space should reflect who will use it and how often.
| Project type | Priorities | Recommended approach |
|---|---|---|
| Residential developments / show homes | Kerb appeal, good marketing photography | Furnish balconies and terraces with matching sets that photograph well and need little upkeep. |
| Hospitality venues & serviced apartments | Comfort, atmosphere, flexibility | Use contract-grade seating and dining sets, and modular layouts that adapt to group sizes and seasons. |
| Holiday parks & lodges | Durability, easy cleaning, appeal all year | Choose weatherproof materials and modular furniture. Decking and hot tubs lift guest satisfaction. |
| Rental & communal areas | Safety, low maintenance, theft resistance | Fit sturdy furniture with anti-tamper fixings, secure planters and weather-resistant materials. |
2
Choose the right furniture
Outdoor furniture has to cope with the weather and heavy use and still look good.
Seating & lounging
Rattan & resin weave
A timeless look with good resistance to UV and very little upkeep.
Powder-coated aluminium
Light and rust resistant, which suits coastal and humid sites.
Hardwood
FSC-certified teak or acacia looks premium. Oil it once a year to keep it in good condition.
Contract-grade cushions
Quick-dry foam and UV-stable fabrics stay comfortable through constant use.
Dining & social furniture
Outdoor dining sets
Stackable chairs and weatherproof tables let you change the layout quickly.
Bistro & bar sets
Ideal for small balconies, terraces and compact communal areas.
Modular seating
Several layouts from one set, which helps venues whose numbers change with the season.
3
Heating & lighting
An outdoor space only earns its keep if people can use it for more of the year.
Heating
Electric patio heaters, fire pits and bioethanol burners keep a terrace usable into the colder months.
Lighting
Solar bollards, festoon lighting and LED path lights add atmosphere and make the space safer after dark.
Smart controls
Timers and dusk sensors switch lighting on automatically, saving energy and staff time.
Weatherproofing
Outdoor electrical fittings should be rated IP44 or higher.
4
Hot tubs, wellness & entertainment
Wellness features help fill bookings and set a property apart, especially in holiday and leisure accommodation.
Hot tubs
Choose energy-efficient models with insulated shells and automatic filtration.
Surrounds & decking
Slip-resistant composite boards with built-in drainage keep the area safe.
Privacy & shelter
Pergolas and canopies give shelter and make the space more comfortable.
Maintenance
Set clear cleaning, water treatment and service schedules, and keep records.
5
Outdoor kitchens & cooking
An outdoor cooking area adds real appeal to holiday lets, hospitality venues and premium homes.
Barbecues & grills
Stainless steel or enamel-coated models last longest outdoors.
Pizza ovens & fire pits
Give guests something to remember and help premium accommodation stand out.
Preparation space
Include worktop space and storage for utensils next to the grill.
Waste & hygiene
Plan for covered bins and drainage so the area stays tidy.
6
Landscaping & finishing touches
The finishing touches turn a practical outdoor area into somewhere people want to spend time.
Planters & greenery
Self-watering or artificial planting keeps upkeep low.
Outdoor rugs & cushions
Define lounge areas and soften the space.
Water features
Add calm to communal spaces and lift how the property is perceived.
Brand touches
Branded planters or a feature wall help a hospitality space feel like part of the venue.
7
Sustainability & compliance
Materials
Choose recyclable aluminium, sustainably sourced timber or resin made from recycled plastics.
Energy use
Solar lighting and low-energy heaters keep running costs down.
Seasonal care
Plan cleaning, covers and winter storage so furniture lasts longer.
Fire & electrical safety
Cushions and upholstery should meet BS 5852, and outdoor electricals need a suitable IP rating.
Water
Rainwater collection or drip irrigation cuts water use in planted areas.
8
Design for the layout
Match the furniture to the shape and use of the space.
| Layout type | Key considerations | Products to look at |
|---|---|---|
| Balconies & compact terraces | Space-saving pieces, clearance from safety rails, visual impact | Bistro sets, compact planters |
| Communal gardens & courtyards | Low-maintenance surfaces, secure fixings, easy access | Benches, path lighting |
| Hospitality patios & dining decks | Flexibility, comfort, weather resistance | Rattan sets, parasols, patio heaters |
| Luxury lodge decks & spa areas | Comfort, water resistance, built-in lighting | Hot tubs, composite decking, outdoor rugs |
9
Procurement & efficiency
On multi-site property and leisure projects, buying the same way every time keeps quality and costs under control.
Standard outdoor packs
Furniture, lighting and heating approved in advance for each property type, so roll-outs are quicker.
One supplier, several brands
Buyit gives you Outdoor Living, Appliances Direct and Furniture 123 through one buying process.
Delivery & storage
Coordinate seasonal installs and replacements through one delivery plan.
Lifecycle planning
Review outdoor furniture every 3 to 5 years to keep the space looking its best.
Planning outdoor spaces across a portfolio?
Talk to our B2B account managers about outdoor packages and volume quotes.
Contact our B2B team