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When you are running a hospitality business, furniture is always a major expense to factor in. However, when your furniture starts showing signs of wear and tear, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a significant bill on the horizon. Refurbishing your old furniture can save you money and it's not as difficult as you might think! In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps of refurbishing a table. So, whether you're looking to update your restaurant or spruce up your patio seating area, read on for all the info you need.

Refurbishing your wooden tables

To refurbish a wood table, you will need:

• Sandpaper
• Paint or varnish
• A paintbrush or roller
• Cleaning supplies
• Primer

The first step is to clean and sand down the surface of the table. This will help to create a smooth base for the new paint or varnish. Once you've sanded down the surface, you can choose to paint or varnish it. If you're painting it, be sure to use a primer first to help the paint stick better. Once the paint or varnish has dried, you can apply a final coat for extra protection.

Refurbishing outdoor furniture

If you're refurbishing outdoor furniture, the process is a bit different, so you may need to adjust the steps you take depending on the furniture material. For one thing, you'll need to make sure that the furniture is weatherproof before applying any new finishes. You can do this by coating it with a waterproof sealant or spray paint. Once the sealant or paint has dried, you can then start painting or varnishing it as normal. Just be sure to use outdoor-friendly paint or varnish, so that it can withstand the elements. Check out our recent article which goes into more detail about Restoring outdoor pub furniture in different materials.

Whether you're looking to save money or just want to give your furniture a new lease of life, this is a great option that also has the advantage of being eco-friendly.

Reupholstering your furniture

If you have a larger amount of furniture in need of repair, you may not have enough time or resources to tackle all of the refurbishments you need. So why not use our hassle-free reupholstery service? We can extend the life of chairs, tables, sofas and more so that your contract furniture performs and looks its very best for years to come. Reupholstery is also a great option if your chairs are in need of some TLC. Our skilled team can upholster up to 200 chairs a day, so we can accommodate and get your revitalised furniture back to you in no time.

Replacing your tables

If you do decide that your tables are past repair, then purchasing new will be the best option. If you're on a tight budget, combine tables you already have with some new ones to give your area a second lease of life without breaking the bank. Tables are often a focal point of the space and can set the tone for the entire setting, so it’s important to choose wisely when picking out your new tables. The Rectangular Shaker Table is a great option for a restaurant setting as it's durable, easy to clean and comes in a range of finishes to look stylish in any space.

We want to make it easy for you to get started with your reupholstery, which is why all you need to do for a quick quote is contact us with pictures of your furniture, along with the quantity. If you've decided your furniture is past repair, why not take a look at our range of top-quality tables?

If you have any questions, our team of experts is always on hand for any enquiries, either by phone on 0116 2986 866 or by email at sales@trentfurniture.co.uk.

When furnishing a pub, there are lots of factors to consider. It's important to choose furniture that is stylish, durable and easy to clean. You also need to make sure that the furniture you choose is hard-wearing and fit for purpose. Here we discuss some of the things you’ll need to consider when furnishing your pub.

Contract furniture vs domestic

When purchasing new furniture for your pub, domestic furniture can sometimes seem like a tempting option, but it will not stand up to the rigours of everyday use in a busy hospitality setting, so while it may be cheaper in the short term, it will ultimately end up costing you more in the long run when you have to replace it. Contract furniture is designed specifically for commercial use and is made from solid frames and hard-wearing textiles. Here at Trent Furniture, we only sell the best quality contract grade furniture made from a range of materials including hardwood and leather, so you can rest assured that your furniture will last.

Pub furniture materials

When choosing pub furniture, be sure to take into consideration the material it is made from, as this plays a big role in its durability. Hardwood frames are much more durable than those made from softwoods, and hard-wearing textiles will last longer than those made from delicate fabrics. You should also consider how easy these materials will be to keep clean, especially in a pub setting where food and drinks are inevitably going to be spilt.

The best pub furniture materials to consider:

Hardwood frames
Stainless steel
Aluminium
Glass
Faux leather
Flatweave textiles

How is your pub furniture constructed?

In addition to the material it's made with, the construction techniques used can drastically affect the durability of your pub furniture. Here at Trent Furniture, the strength of your furniture is a top priority, which is why we focus on the way it is put together to make it as long-lasting as possible. For example, the construction of the Squareback Side Chair is designed for strength as well as style. The elegantly curved back legs and backrest are steam bent allowing this part of the chair to be made in one piece without joining separate parts and risking weakness of the joints.

Another example is the Rectangular Wellington Table. At the point where the wooden stem joins the crossed foot construction, we use four shaped strengthening blocks to increase rigidity and ensure the tables will provide long trouble-free service.

Choosing the right style of furniture for your pub

When it comes to pub furniture, there are many different styles to choose from. It's important to keep in mind what your pub's style is. You want the furniture to complement the overall look and feel of your pub. If you're looking for furniture that will stand the test of time, classic pub furniture is a great option. These pieces of furniture are timeless and will never go out of fashion. In addition, they are extremely durable and well-made. Some great classic options include:

Admirals Chair in Dark Oak - this classic pub chair is not only timeless, but it is also extremely durable and easy to clean, which is essential in a pub setting where spills are a common occurrence.

Brown Faux Leather Bordeaux Tub Chair Dark Oak Leg - a stylish yet classic chair that is built to last, with contract grade upholstery and a strong hardwood frame.

Rectangular Wellington Table - perfect for the more traditional interior. This table is designed with strength and durability in mind, so you can be sure that it will withstand the rigorous demands of the contract environment.

Faux Leather Bordeaux Tub Chair – a stylish option which works equally well with contemporary or traditional interiors. The padded seats not only wear well, they create especially comfortable seating for your customers.

Tall Dark Oak Brass Rail Stool Piped Top - one of our more traditional wooden stools, this style is hugely popular due to its character and charm. Again, this stool is built for strength and comfort. It can be upholstered in a large range of fabrics so you can be sure it will fit in with your pub.

Chesterfield Two Seater Sofa – a classic and luxurious option for a cosy drinking and dining experience. With a robust frame as well as thick foam and padding, you can ensure comfort for your customers.

If your pub is more contemporary, you may want to choose furniture that is a little more on trend and modern. A great option for this is the Abbruzzo chair which comes in a range of fabrics and finishes to suit your style including easy-to-clean faux leather.

Invest in top quality pub furniture

Investing in great quality is a must to keep your furniture looking clean, tidy and appealing to customers for years to come. By taking the time to choose the right contract furniture for your pub, you can create a stylish and durable space that will stand up to the rigours of everyday use. Trent Furniture offers a range of affordable and durable pub and bar furniture in a wide selection of styles and finishes. These are all available for you to buy online today, or you can contact our friendly staff for further information and assistance.

Always a stylish seating option, bar stools are set to remain popular both in the hospitality industry and in the home. One question continues to arise, however: what size bar stool is the best fit for my bar? From ultra-modern minimalist high stools to a seventies short stool retro feel, we at Trent Furniture have every possible combination to suit your establishment, and have prepared this handy guide to help better inform you on your bar furniture decisions.

Height matters

Before choosing that stylish leather bar stool you’ve got your eye on, it is vital that the height of your bars and counters are taken into consideration. Having bar stools that are too tall or too short can hugely impact the customer’s experience and comfort, and result in negative reviews.

The standard bar height is usually 107cm – so as a general rule, try to ensure that any stools are around 30cm shorter than the bar they are positioned at. Our Dusseldorf Hairpin Stool, at a height of 76cm, is an ideal choice for standard bars; with contemporary suede upholstery and retro hairpin legs, comfort and style go hand in hand.

Taller bar stool options

Are your counters and tables of varying heights? For bars that show sporting events or host different genres of live shows, taller bar stools can be a staple feature, as varying vantage points for a good view of screens and performance spaces are always welcomed by customers.

Bar stools that are adaptable to suit any use of the space they’re in are therefore vital – the Tall Italia Bistro Stool features sturdy beechwood for maximum durability, and can be upholstered to order with our wide range of fabrics. If you wish to supply fabric for your bar stools, our skilled team of upholsterers are more than happy to accommodate this too! The Italia Bistro range also consists of matching chairs in a dark oak finish for complete uniformity across your bar. For a more unique approach, upholstering the chairs in a complementary fabric to the bar stools provides some original flair. With a height of 101cm and a width of 41cm, as well as a fire retardant crib 5 seat, our tall bar stool has the capacity to withstand the high usage of a bar setting.

Short bar stools for smaller spaces

Sometimes there are patches of space in bar establishments that seem impossible to utilise in a useful way, due to its cramped corner location. This is where the selection of bar stools can make or break the effective maximisation of your bar! These types of stool are typically suited to counters and tables no taller than around 75cm tall.

Our Small Dakota Chrome Bar Stool is the ideal choice for a minimalist yet cosy stay. Working well with both coffee tables and sofas as well as bars, its modern steel frame contrasts nicely with the offered leather finish. Another plus of a shorter bar stool option is their easy manoeuvrability and additional compact properties – simple for customers to move as they please and convenient for hoovering, the Dakota Stool provides both convenience as well as a contemporary aesthetic.

Lengthy legroom

Legroom can often be forgotten about when organising bar stools in your space, but has a massive impact on how comfortable the experiences of your customers are. Ensure that the underside of your counter to the floor is measured, and then an adequate amount of room to allow customers to move with ease is subtracted. Stability is also an important factor – the Verona Bar Stool not only features strong bracing bars to further ground the stool and act as a comfortable footrest, but also has longwearing feet that effectively protect the flooring of your establishment. Its glossy brown faux leather upholstery is both sleek and durable, ensuring that your establishment maintains timeless class as well as a comfortable experience.

Trent Furniture has a wide range of matching furniture to accompany your choice of bar stools. From smaller or larger stools, stylish tables and comfy chairs, we have the solution to perfectly complement your chosen theme for your space. Call us today on 01162984862 for advice from our team of experts, or contact us on our enquiry form with any queries.

Your outdoor furniture has likely endured a lot, from heavy use to the harsh elements, so it might be looking a little worse for wear. But don’t worry, you can whip it back into shape in no time.  

Cleaning and restoring your outdoor furniture

Wooden furniture

Most of your outdoor wooden furniture can stay outdoors all year round, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need looking after. After a winter of little use, you need to start by removing any dust and dirt that has built up. Your furniture may also have become dull from the weather, so you can use a good restorer, which will bring your furniture back to life in no time. Now that your tables and chairs are refreshed, it’s important to protect them from the use to come, by applying some teak oil. This should be done every few months for optimal results.

Metal furniture

Whilst metal furniture is a great option for outdoor drinking and dining in the summer, it can be prone to rusting. Investing in a good quality active corrosion spray is one of the best things you can do for your tables and chairs, especially during the warmer months where there is more heat and humidity, which rust thrives in. If your furniture already has rust, a quick tip to try is pouring some white vinegar over the affected area, leaving it to sit for an hour or so and then simply wipe it away with a cloth.

Plastic furniture

Whilst plastic furniture can be left outdoors, discolouring is common, so you’re better off bringing it indoors when it’s not in use. You can clean this type of furniture with hot soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. For some extra protection, you can add a layer of clear car wax.

Wicker furniture

Most outdoor wicker furniture can be left outdoors all year round, but don’t forget to bring in your cushions! This type of furniture needs to be treated carefully to avoid damage, so you want to avoid any harsh chemicals. For quick cleaning, dust with a dry brush and gently cleanse with a soft cloth and a non-foaming cleaning product. To get any pesky dirt trapped between the weaves, use a hose or pressure washer, but make sure it’s on a low setting.

Investing in new outdoor furniture

Sometimes your furniture may be just a little too far gone for restoration to bring it back just by cleaning, and you might need to think about replacing it. The most important thing is that you purchase contract grade furniture as domestic garden furniture won’t survive long in a hospitality setting. All of the outdoor furniture we offer here at Trent Furniture is contract grade, so you can be sure that you’re receiving top quality products.

Another thing to consider is storing your furniture indoors when it is not in use – whilst most outdoor furniture can survive outside all year round, it will last longer if it doesn’t have to endure the elements unnecessarily. You can prevent a lot of damage and wear by simply moving your furniture indoors or investing in some good quality covers. If you have the capacity, moving furniture indoors when it’s not in use will prevent damage and reduce the number of repairs needed. Our aluminium outdoor furniture is a great option if this is something you would like to do on a regular or even daily basis, as it is lightweight and easy to move.

With our range of top-quality outdoor furniture, you are sure to find what you are looking for to furnish your outdoor space. But if you have any questions, our team of experts is always on hand for any enquiries, either by phone on 0116 2986 866 or by email at sales@trentfurniture.co.uk.

In a pub setting, spills and stains are inevitable, but what can you do to reduce the damage?

Cleaning beer stains

Removing fresh beer stains

The best thing you can do if someone spills beer on your upholstery is to act fast, and if you can, don’t let it dry! Start by soaking up as much of the liquid as you can with a dry cloth, then sponge the stain with either lukewarm water or club soda, before blotting the stain with a clean dry cloth. You should repeat this process until the beer is removed.

If the stain is stubborn, you can try sponging it with equal parts water and white vinegar or water with a few drops of washing up liquid. You must ensure that the area is fully rinsed afterwards by sponging with lukewarm water.

Once you are happy that the stain is removed, leave the upholstery to dry naturally to prevent any further damage.

Removing old beer stains

Whilst the process for removing old beer stains is similar to that of fresh stains, there are a few extra steps you should take. Start by sponging the stain with cool water to freshen it. You can then sponge the area with the equal parts of white vinegar and water solution, or water with a few drops of washing up liquid. Again, rinse this thoroughly with warm water and blot the area with a clean dry cloth, before leaving it to air dry. If you have an extra stubborn stain, you can sponge it with turpentine and then rinse thoroughly.

Cleaning general stains

Whilst fabric-covered chairs can be the more comfortable option for pub furniture, they are more high maintenance than wooden or faux leather options when it comes to stain removal. However, by adding the following steps to your cleaning schedule, you can identify and deal with stains as they happen and keep your furniture looking great for years to come.

Vacuuming your furniture

Quickly going over your fabric chairs and sofas with a hoover every few days can make a huge difference to your chairs’ lifespans. By doing this you will pick up all of the loose dirt from under and above the surface, plus all of the little bits of debris that are accumulated with regular use.

Quick cleaning

For a quick clean to get rid of light marks and grime, an effective method is taking a damp cloth to gently cleanse the seats. Again, if you do this every couple of days, you can prevent the build-up that may lead to you needing to change your furniture sooner than necessary.

Deeper cleans for your fabrics

For a deeper clean you should invest in a good quality fabric-friendly cleaning product. It’s important that this is only used once or twice a month as you don’t want to wear down the colours of your chairs or start to damage the fabric from too many chemicals. Make sure to leave your chairs to dry naturally so that you don’t risk damaging the upholstery.

When to buy new furniture?

Sometimes the fabric on your chairs is just too far gone to rectify through cleaning and you may need to think about purchasing some new pieces. But how can you make sure you choose the right chairs? The first thing you should think about is getting chairs with contract grade upholstery – whilst you may be able to find some attractive and affordable chairs built for residential settings, they are unlikely to be able to handle the strains of commercial use. Here at Trent Furniture we only use contract grade fabrics, and we have a wide range of over 100 different styles and materials for you to choose from, so you are sure to get durable fabrics that suit your establishment’s style.

For the ultimate low maintenance chairs, you could look at our range of faux leather or wooden chairs. These are some of our most durable materials and can easily be cleaned simply by wiping them down daily.

Re-upholster your old furniture

What about if your chairs are worn down but the frames are still in good condition? Take a look at our re-upholstery service. This is a great option for when your chairs could use a new lease of life, but you don’t want to buy completely new ones. Our skilled team of furniture upholsterers can upholster up to 200 chairs a day, so if you have a large premises, you don’t have to worry about it taking too long to get your furniture back. We can reupholster for many different needs, from indoor to outdoor, from vinyl to leather, and everything in between. We want to make it simple for you, so all you need to do for a quick quote is send us an email with a picture of your chairs, along with the quantity.

Invest in the best pub chairs

Over time, your chairs are likely to experience a lot of use and be cleaned frequently. So, investing in great quality is a must to keep your furniture looking clean, tidy and appealing to customers. Trent Furniture offers a range of affordable and durable pub chairs in a wide selection of styles and finishes. These are all available for you to buy online today, or your can contact our friendly staff for further information and assistance.