Restaurant Booth Design: Key Decisions That Impact Operations & Costs

Posted on October 31, 2024 by CBSF
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Restaurant Booth Design: Key Decisions That Impact Operations & Costs

Posted on October 31, 2024 by CBSF
 

BOOTHS GIVE RESTAURANTS A SENSE OF COMFORT AND PRIVACY WHILE MAXIMIZING SEATING CAPACITY.

When planning a multi-six-figure restaurant build or remodel, the difference between spec’ing well-designed booths and poor ones isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about costs, durability, and maintenance cycles. This is also a decision that your location will live with for 5 to 10 years.

Whether you’re building a QSR focused on durability and quick turnover, a fast-casual concept balancing comfort and style, or a fine dining restaurant where premium materials are a part of the experience, the key decisions that go into planning, designing, and manufacturing the perfect booth remains the same.

This guide shares what industry experts consider “must-know details” as you plan your next project.

Before we jump into booth design, understanding the price point of standard seating, each with its pros and cons, is an important consideration.  While the final price tag will vary based on materials and customization, there’s a clear hierarchy of costs in restaurant seating:

  • Chairs – Generally the most affordable, especially metal or simple wooden designs
  • Benches – Slightly more expensive than chairs due to additional material use (but still cost-effective)
  • Non-Upholstered Booths or Banquettes – The middle tier, where construction complexity and material quality drive costs higher than standard seating options
  • Upholstered Booths or Banquettes – Typically the most expensive, as they involve additional materials and craftsmanship for comfort and aesthetics

Note: We won’t specifically cover Banquettes in this post, but the same thinking applies.

While this is a simple breakdown, the final cost of any option can shift significantly based on materials, size, quantity ordered, and the custom design elements that make your unique space uniquely yours. 

Of course, understanding these costs is just the beginning – the next step is matching your seating to the experience your restaurant gives diners.

While budget often drives initial discussions, we all know that the perfect solution balances multiple factors that directly impact daily operations and guest experience.

When evaluating seating options, four key considerations should guide your thinking:

  • The Best Use of Your Space – Booths efficiently use floor space, particularly along walls and corners. When strategically placed, they create defined dining zones while often accommodating more guests than traditional table-and-chair setups.
  • How People Move – Smart booth placement does double duty: walls become natural booth backings while creating clear pathways for servers and guests. These intentional traffic paths can improve service efficiency.
  • The Reality of Maintenance – While chairs and benches offer flexibility and lower upfront costs, booths provide their own advantages. Yes, upholstered booths require more maintenance, but they provide a level of comfort many environments need.
  • Your Unique Brand Identity & Environment – Your seating choices set immediate expectations for the dining experience. From casual QSR concepts where durability matters to upscale environments where premium materials define the space, seating choices are a tangible expression of your brand’s promise to guests.

The key to getting it right? Align these factors with your needs. A QSR focused on turnover will lean toward more straightforward seating, while a casual dining concept might invest in comfort to encourage longer dwell times.

Now that we understand how seating shapes operations let’s dive into the key considerations that will impact your booth design and budget.

  • Durability Requirements – Your traffic levels and the projected lifespan of the booth will drive many of the manufacturing requirements.
  • Design Standards – Brand identity and diner experience drive booth aesthetics and material selection.
  • Maintenance Costs – Material choices impact upkeep costs.
  • Traffic Flow – Your layout should optimize both seating capacity and the movement of staff and customers.
  • Brand Expression – Shape, size, colours, materials, and design details will enhance your environment.
  • Tech Integration – Accent lighting and amenities like charging ports or digital displays may add to the dining experience.
  • Sustainability Goals – Eco-friendly materials can support both environmental initiatives and customer values.

Understanding these factors helps frame the detailed material and construction decisions we’ll explore next.

The most crucial decision in booth design comes down to materials – specifically, whether to go upholstered or non-upholstered. Each option brings its own benefits, costs, and maintenance.

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Upholstered Booths (5-Year Average Lifespan)

The upholstered route offers comfort and style but requires planning for maintenance and eventual replacement. Your main material options include:

  • Vinyl – The industry standard, offering durability, easy cleaning, and extensive colour options to match any decor
  • Leather – Delivers an upscale look, with faux options providing similar aesthetics at a lower cost.
  • Velvet – The premium choice for luxury environments, though it requires more careful maintenance.

Note: Plan for upholstery replacement around year five, when seats typically show significant wear from use.

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Non-Upholstered Booths (5-10 Year Average Lifespan)

These options prioritize longevity and easy maintenance, with three main material choices:

  • Solid Wood – The premium choice, offering natural beauty and durability. Perfect for upscale or rustic concepts where materials make a statement
  • Engineered Wood – A stable, cost-effective alternative that resists warping and can be finished to match any wood aesthetic
  • Laminates – The practical choice for high-traffic environments, offering excellent durability, easy cleaning, and diverse design options at an attractive price point

Note: While non-upholstered booths may last up to 15 years, expect to refinish or replace table surfaces every 5-10 years, depending on wear patterns.

Whether you’re planning a new build, renovating an existing location, or rolling out a brand refresh across multiple locations, getting your booth design right impacts immediate and long-term costs. The key is making informed decisions about materials, construction, and design that align with your concept, traffic patterns, and expected lifespan.

As one of Canada’s largest retail fixture and store design-builders, we bring experience backed by 10,000+ successful installations to your project. Our approach combines strategic thinking, exceptional design, and solid craftsmanship – delivering custom displays and fixtures that enhance guest experience.

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