The Importance of Cafe Wind Barriers for Outdoor Seating Areas

According to recent statistics from IBIS World, there are roughly 26,124 cafes currently operating across Australia. This means that as an owner of a cafe or hospitality venue, you’re in constant competition with other businesses–even more so if you’re based in a busy area like the Melbourne or the Sydney CBD.

So, how can you set yourself apart from the competition? Beyond the quality of your food, drinks, and customer service, it’s all about the environment you create for patrons. This brings us to today’s topic–the importance of cafe wind barriers for outdoor seating areas.

Throughout this article, we’re going to cover what makes cafe wind barriers so important, as well as the many benefits they offer for your outdoor space.

Cafe Wind Barriers: The Basics

Whether slightly elevated or close to the ground, cafe wind barriers are specialised structures placed on the outer edge of seating areas. Once installed, they are designed to protect patrons and staff from wind, while remaining firm and fixed in a certain position. 

At their core, cafe wind barriers or ‘cafe banners’ are designed to absorb and deflect wind rather than completely block it. However, this is not their only purpose. As we’ll explore in more detail below, they serve a wide variety of different functions.

The Importance of Cafe Wind Barriers: Major Benefits

There are many reasons why so many cafes, restaurants, pubs and venues invest in wind barriers. In large part, this is due to the countless benefits that they provide, especially if well-made and sourced from trusted suppliers.

If your business is lucky enough to have outdoor seating areas, quality wind barriers will offer all of the following advantages.

#1 Weather Protection

If you’re based near the beach or a notoriously windy city like Melbourne, barriers are essential for protecting patrons, staff, and guests.

Café wind barriers are specifically designed to offer excellent weather protection. By shielding against wind, they create a more comfortable and stable environment, which is particularly important in open or windy locations.

High wind barriers, featuring a combination of solid colour vinyl and a PVC clear top, provide superior defence against strong gusts while maintaining visibility. With powder-coated steel and UV-stable PVC vinyl, this style is an excellent option if your outdoor areas tend to be affected by high winds on a regular basis. Overall, investing in quality wind barriers significantly enhances the comfort and safety of outdoor dining areas, making them more inviting for customers. If you want additional protection, check out our excellent range of cafe umbrellas in Melbourne, Sydney, and all areas of Australia.

#2 Customisation

Customisation is a key feature of café wind barriers. Once you’ve found the right size and style, each barrier can be customised to meet various needs and preferences. Colour options are often extensive, with standard satin black powder coat and custom powder coat colours available to match your branding.

Inserts can be made from heavy-duty vinyl or high-quality acrylic fabric, both of which can be plain or printed with custom artwork, such as logos or promotional messages. Modern printing techniques, including screen printing and full digital processes, also work to create a vibrant and durable final result.

Barriers also come in a range of different heights, widths, and depths, with options for higher versions available up to 1.5m. Footing styles can also be tailored, with choices like single or double feet and in-ground sockets, providing stability on various surfaces. These customisation options enable businesses to create wind barriers that not only serve functional purposes but also enhance the overall aesthetic and branding of their establishment.

3# Signage & Marketing

Incorporating signage into café wind barriers transforms them into powerful marketing tools. Custom printed inserts provide a prime opportunity to display your business logo, promotional messages, or artistic designs, turning functional barriers into effective branding elements. These prints can be placed on one or both sides of the barrier, maximising visibility and catching the attention of passersby.

High-quality printing techniques, such as screen printing and full digital processes, ensure durable and vibrant results. At Indoor Outdoor, we use water-based, non-toxic, and sustainable Permaset inks to create custom signage and marketing for businesses across Australia.

Signage on wind barriers serves multiple purposes, whether it's reinforcing brand identity, or promoting special offers and events. Strategic placement of these barriers at entrances or along perimeters further boosts their impact on passersby.

Overall, barriers with signage can help to create a welcoming and informative environment that draws in more customers and boosts the overall visibility of your cafe, restaurant, or live entertainment venue.

#4 Comfort

Barriers create a more stable and comfortable environment for patrons, especially in areas prone to gusty winds or variable weather conditions. This protection also shields diners from wind chill, and helps to maintain a consistent temperature. As a result, they’ll be able to enjoy their coffee and meals without discomfort.

In addition to weather protection, café wind barriers contribute to creating a cosy and intimate dining experience. By enclosing outdoor seating areas, these barriers define spaces and offer a sense of privacy amidst the bustling surroundings. This intimate setting encourages longer stays and enhances the overall dining experience, making patrons feel more relaxed and secluded from external distractions.

Overall, café wind barriers are instrumental in transforming outdoor dining spaces into inviting and comfortable environments, where patrons can enjoy meals, socialise, and unwind in a cosy and protected setting.

Finding the Right Cafe Wind Barriers

What differentiates one cafe wind barrier from another? The answer lies in the material, design, ease of installation, and durability. 

The design should blend seamlessly with the cafe's aesthetic, be it a minimalist modern vibe or a rustic vintage charm. Ease of installation is crucial, particularly for seasonal businesses looking to put up and take down these barriers as the weather dictates. Durability is a key factor, as the barriers should withstand wind, rain, and even the occasional rowdy patron.

Factors to Consider

Environmental Conditions: Assess typical wind strength and direction in your area. Opt for high wind barriers (solid colour vinyl with PVC clear top) for windy spots.

Durability: Choose high-quality materials like powder-coated steel and UV-stable PVC vinyl. Consider stainless steel options for added durability and a sleek look. Ensure materials are easy to clean and maintain.

Functionality: Look for barriers that can stand alone or be joined. Customise footing options (single/double feet, in-ground sockets) for stability on different surfaces.

Aesthetic Appeal: Match barriers to your colour scheme and design preferences. Customise with powder coat colours and vinyl or acrylic inserts to blend seamlessly with your decor.

Cost: Balance quality and affordability. Consider higher initial investment for better durability and long-term savings. Take advantage of discounts or limited stock offers.

Different Options

Round Profile Wind Barriers:

• Description: 48mm round tube with stretched vinyl fitted.
• Sizes: 0.7m, 1.0m, 1.4m, 2.0m.
• Features: Sleek, modern appearance; durable and visually appealing.

Square Profile Wind Barriers:

• Description: Available in solid colour vinyl or acrylic inserts.
• Sizes: 0.7m, 1.0m, 1.4m, 2.0m.
• Features: Traditional and robust design; customisable with logos and branding.

High Wind Barriers:

• Description: Half solid colour vinyl with PVC clear top half for extra wind protection.
• Sizes: 100cm, 150cm, 200cm.
• Features: Superior wind protection; ideal for high wind areas.

Premium Stainless Steel Wind Barriers:

• Description: High-quality stainless steel with premium vinyl or acrylic inserts.
• Sizes: 200cm, 80cm.
• Features: Sleek, durable, and corrosion-resistant; suitable for high-end establishments.

Each of these options offers unique benefits and features, allowing businesses to choose the best solution that fits their specific needs and enhances their outdoor space.

Get Imported Cafe Barriers for Your Business

Want to go ahead and order your new cafe barriers? For more than 30 years, we’ve supplied high-end commercial quality Market Umbrellas, Cafe Barriers, Blinds and Folding Arm Awnings for both domestic and commercial applications.

Indoor Outdoor Imports was born way back back in 1989 with a range of Italian style timber Market Umbrellas for use at home. Today, we’ve expanded our operations to become a one-stop-shop for outdoor furnishings. Whether you’re after cafe barriers in Brisbane or retractable awnings in Melbourne, we’ve got it all. 
Need a weatherproof system? We can also supply and install Café Blinds and Retractable Roof Systems. Explore our current range right here online or contact us for further info!