First it was the smoking ban in 2007, then came the heavy restrictions of COVID-19. But the truth is, it’s not just legislation taking customers outside – alfresco dining has always been popular.

Creating an outdoor space to eat and drink makes great business sense. Not only does it increase customer capacity, it also boosts kerb appeal.

Hotels, bars, restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlours – we can’t think of a single hospitality venture that couldn’t profit from enhancing their outside area.

Not sure you agree? Here decking specialists, Modern Garden, explore the reasons why everyone should be dining out on the benefits of composite decking.

Why have a decking area?

Decking is hugely popular in domestic settings, so it’s no great surprise that it’s also being put to great commercial use.

Just some of the many reasons why installing a decked area makes excellent business sense include:

· Usable outdoor space

Who doesn’t love basking in the sunshine on a gloriously sunny day? Don’t have customers clamouring for seats or, worse still, walking past your venue to sit outside next door. Instead, make sure every inch of your available space is being used to its full potential.

This means rethinking the beer garden that’s always slightly soggy underfoot, refurbishing that untidy balcony, or realising the potential of opening up a rooftop terrace.

· Increased capacity

Increase space and you increase capacity – and more capacity means more business. Who doesn’t want that?

It’s not just about expanding profit margins, though. Restrictions faced by the hospitality industry over the last two years – with strict rules on ventilation and social distancing – have highlighted the importance of outdoor space.

Getting creative with yours will not only help to futureproof your business, but it will also encourage people who are nervous about returning to normality back through your door.

· Zoning

Designated smoking area, space for pre-dinner drinks, a place to perch with coffee and watch the world go by – whoever and whatever your business is catering for, you can use decking to great effect by creating ‘zones’.

Use different colours of decking and varying levels, or combine with patio flags or a grassed area, to add a new dimension and help to differentiate between spaces.

Why use composite decking?

Sold on the idea of decking, but still not sure why it’s worth opting for composite over the more traditional choice of wood? Allow us to explain…

Choose composite decking for:

Reduced liability

When it comes to dealing with the public, the potential pitfalls are never-ending. Ensuring your premises meet all health and safety standards, and are as safe and secure as possible, is essential to protect yourself from possible legal challenges.

Using composite decking over wood can dramatically reduce this risk. Thanks to its unique non-slip surface, composite decking reduces the threat of nasty slips often associated with damp wooden decking. Its clever click-fit system also reduces the risk of exposed nails. And with no wood, there’s no risk of splinters!

Less maintenance

Never enough time in the day? Then you don’t want an outside area that requires regular care and attention. Opt for wooden decking and you’ll need to commit time and energy to routine sanding, repainting, wood treatment, and general health checks to ensure no boards are damaged or starting to rot.

In contrast, great-looking composite is virtually effortless. The hardiness of composite decking means you can be confident there’ll be no rot, and certainly no need to spend time and money on painting.

More durability

Spilt drinks, dropped food, heavy footfall, and scraping chairs – just some of the daily wear and tear faced by decking in bars and restaurants. Which is why it’s important to choose a material capable of withstanding the impact and able to endure the demands placed upon it.

Composite decking is strong, resilient, stain-resistant and slip-resistant – making it an ideal choice for any busy setting.

Great looks

In the hospitality industry, offering great service is only half the story – it’s essential to look the part, too. You need your outside area to be safe, practical, and stylish.

Not only can composite decking help you to create a contemporary setting that will entice new customers through the door, but it will help to keep your regulars returning, too.

Savings

Thanks to its durable qualities and the minimal maintenance required, composite decking is a financially sound choice. It’s guaranteed to offer you maximum return on your investment.

Usable space all year

Wasn’t it raining 5 minutes ago? Dealing with the unpredictable nature of the British weather can be a headache, but it doesn’t have to be. Install canopies, shelters, or heaters – and ensure you use composite decking, which remains anti-slip in all conditions – and you’ll have a safe and usable outside area, whatever the weather.

Release the true potential of your business with composite decking

Big or small, whatever the size or location of your outdoor space with composite decking, you can be confident of maximising your business potential.

And the even better news? Composite decking is quick and easy to fit. Order now and you could be decked out in time to make the most of the upcoming summer months.

Take a look at the great range of composite fence panels we have available to buy now. Or, to talk in more detail to a member of the team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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