You’ve poured your heart into crafting a stunning outdoor kitchen, complete with all the culinary bells and whistles. But imagine your guests feeling cramped and uncomfortable on ill-suited seating. It’s a missed opportunity to create the perfect outdoor dining experience.
Choosing the right seating for your outdoor kitchen is key to transforming your space into a welcoming haven. It’s where friends and family will gather, relax, and make memories. Let’s explore the factors you should consider and the diverse seating options available, ensuring your outdoor kitchen becomes a perfect blend of style and comfort.
FINDING SEATING THAT FITS YOUR SPACE & STYLE
Selecting the perfect seating for your outdoor kitchen involves balancing comfort, practicality, and design. Here are the essential factors to think about:
SPACE AND LAYOUT
Take a good look at your outdoor kitchen layout. How much space do you realistically have for seating? Do you envision a cosy breakfast nook or a grand dining area for entertaining a crowd? Will there be enough room to move around freely? Considering your space limitations and traffic flow will help you determine the ideal number and size of seating options.
Check out our guide on designing an outdoor kitchen for layout tips and inspiration,
MATERIAL DURABILITY
Outdoor seating must withstand the elements, from sun and rain to wind and humidity. Choosing weather-resistant materials like aluminium, teak, or UV-protected wicker ensures your seating will endure. Durable materials look great and require less maintenance, helping your furniture last longer with minimal effort.
STYLE AND DESIGN
Your seating should reflect the overall style of your outdoor kitchen. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern look or a rustic, relaxed vibe, the right seating can tie your space together. Consider the colours, finishes, and design elements of your kitchen when choosing your seating to create a cohesive look that feels intentional.
Explore our outdoor kitchen ideas for more inspiration on matching seating to your kitchen style.
THE BEST SEATING CHOICES FOR YOUR OUTDOOR KITCHEN
There are several seating options that work well in outdoor kitchens, each offering unique benefits. Here’s a look at some of the most popular choices:
BAR STOOLS
Bar stools are a great choice for outdoor kitchens with counter space or high-top tables. They provide a casual, laid-back vibe and are ideal for smaller areas where you want to maximise seating without taking up too much room. Bar stools can easily match your kitchen’s style, available in a range of materials, from sleek metal to natural wood.
Explore our bar units with stools for stylish options that pair perfectly with your outdoor kitchen.
BENCH SEATING
Bench seating is perfect for creating a communal feel, allowing you to accommodate more guests with less furniture. Benches can be customised to fit larger groups, making them ideal for families or frequent entertainers. They can be built-in to save space or movable for added flexibility. Benches also provide a clean, streamlined look that works well in various settings.
DINING CHAIRS
Dining chairs offer the best of both worlds, combining comfort and style. They’re perfect for traditional dining setups and have countless designs to suit any outdoor aesthetic. From cushioned styles for added comfort to sleek, minimalist designs, dining chairs can enhance your seating arrangement while providing support during long meals and conversations.
MATERIALS THAT CAN WEATHER THE ELEMENTS
Choosing the right material is key to the longevity and appearance of your outdoor kitchen seating. Here’s a quick overview of some of the best options:
ALUMINIUM
Lightweight, rust-resistant, and available in various finishes, aluminium is a durable choice that suits modern and contemporary styles. It’s easy to move and maintain but can get hot in direct sunlight.
TEAK WOOD
Teak wood is known for its durability and resistance to rot and insects. Over time, it develops a lovely patina, adding character to your outdoor space. However, teak can be more expensive than other materials and requires occasional oiling to maintain its appearance.
AUSTRALIAN SPOTTED GUM
Unique to Stonewood’s stools, Australian Spotted Gum is a standout material with its warm hues and naturally beautiful grain. Treated for outdoor use, Spotted Gum provides long-lasting resilience against the elements and insect damage. Its earthy appearance brings a touch of the outdoors into your seating space, giving you style and durability that blends seamlessly with nature.
SYNTHETIC WICKER
It offers the look and feel of natural wicker with added durability and weather resistance. It’s lightweight and easy to move around, but it can fade over time if exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
STEEL/IRON
Steel and iron seating are heavy and sturdy and offer a timeless, elegant look. However, they need to be powder-coated to resist rust and may require cushions for comfort.
SIMPLE MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR YOUR OUTDOOR KITCHEN SEATING
To keep your outdoor seating in top shape, make regular cleaning a habit with mild soap and water and use a specialised cleaner for tougher stains. When not in use, protect your seating with covers to shield it from the elements, and consider storing it indoors during harsh winters.
LET’S BUILD YOUR DREAM OUTDOOR KITCHEN
At Stonewood Living, we know that the right seating can elevate your entire outdoor kitchen experience. That’s why we offer a variety of seating options designed to complement our premium outdoor kitchen products, including bar stools that perfectly pair with our bar units. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you select and install the ideal seating for your space, ensuring a seamless blend of comfort, functionality, and style that truly reflects your personal taste.
Ready to bring your dream outdoor kitchen to life? Contact us today, and let’s get started!
