Folding chairs are a staple piece of furniture particularly for indoor and outdoor occasions such as meetings, get togethers, performances, conferences, and concerts. They are the ideal size with their small foot print when needing to fit many people in a small space. Folding chairs are a piece of furniture that allows for a large number of people to come together and congregate while being in close proximity of one another. They are largely inexpensive, lightweight, easy to use, and convenient; with their advantageous foldable design, it is simple to set up or take down a large quantity of them with little effort needed. The seats and backs are designed to seat people of all different shapes and sizes to accommodate just about anyone. The most common material that you will find these chairs to be composed of is plastic or steel, with plastic generally being less inexpensive.
Plastic
There are many different styles of folding chairs available, each with its own distinct advantage and purpose. The most common folding chair you will find are plastic folding chairs. These chairs are perhaps the least expensive option available which make them a popular choice for many and a go to chair for less extravagant affairs. They are stain resistant and waterproof, and are therefor protected against accidental spills or unexpected changes in the weather. Because of their durability and inexpensive price point, they are the go to option for outdoor events where a padded chair could easily be damaged if adverse weather conditions were to arise such as rain or snow. They are generally made of polypropylene plastic, a thermoplastic polymer.
Padded
Another viable choice for event seating are padded folding chairs. These chairs still come with a plastic back, but rather than having the quintessential plastic seat they instead have a padded fabric seat. They are more expensive in price, however they are also much more comfortable for you or your guests to be sitting on, especially if expect to be seated for an extended period of time. These chairs are best used in fancier events or when people will be required to sit for long periods of time in order to ensure their comfort. With their elegant and comfortable construction, they are a better choice for impressing your guests if presentation is an important factor to you.
Metal
Metal folding chairs are another popular option, perhaps the second most purchased right after plastic folding chairs. They are more durable, made with 18-gauge steel tubing for the frames and are double-riveted. They are also stronger than plastic chairs and recommended for accommodating larger individuals for safety purposes. While they do have their main benefit of being sturdy and stable, their main disadvantage would be that they are not as comfortable to sit in when compared to plastic or padded folding chairs.
Mesh
The latest and most recent addition to many manufacturer's lines of foldable furniture is the mesh folding chair. While they will be more expensive than most other folding chairs, they are also a comfortable choice particularly in outdoor environments where people may be subjected to hot temperatures. Mesh chairs allow for people to remain cool and comfortable with their breathable design, especially for occasions like weddings where people may be exposed to extreme heat for hours at a time. They are among the most durable with their metal frames and are also just as easy to clean as plastic folding chairs should spills or accidents occur.
Plastic, metal, padded, and mesh cover the main types of folding chairs available for purchase, however there are many other variations to choose between as well. You can buy or sometimes rent them from office supply stores, or they also can be conveniently purchased online for those that are looking for a quicker and easier way to purchase. Before buying any folding chairs, be sure to establish the capacity in which the chairs will be used in to find out how sturdy and durable you will want the chairs to be along with what type of material you will want the chairs in. Take your guests overall well-being into consideration as well when purchasing, cheaper is not always better especially when it comes to safety and comfort. It may be worth investing a few extra dollars per chair in order to avoid any accidents or discomfort.
