Don’t underestimate the importance of choosing the right chairs for your commercial space. Whether you’re creating comfortable seating for a restaurant, lounge, or bar, the right chairs can make or break the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.
Though there are a variety of materials available to commercial owners, we’re often asked our preference between two materials—wood or plastic. At the risk of sounding like a parent who assures people they love both children equally, this really is an impossible decision for us to make. The right answer for you may not be the right answer for the next entrepreneur. What you choose will depend, in large part, upon your budget, design style, and space.
But, in an effort to provide a little clarity, we’ve created a list of pros and cons for both plastic and wood commercial chairs in the hopes this information will help you make the right choice for your business. Let’s dive in!
Wood chairs can suit a variety of aesthetics, from strong and rustic to delicate and classy. Regardless of your design preference, wooden chairs add an organic element to the décor and create a warm and welcoming ambiance.
Oak, teak, and pine woods are often used for commercial chairs and can be stained to blend seamlessly with and complement any décor. Most wooden commercial chairs are designed to withstand high use and the constant wear and tear that results from being in a commercial space. Another pro—they’ve often been treated with special protective finishes that make them resistant to the spills and stains that can ruin non-commercial wooden chairs.
If you are using wooden chairs outdoors, you won’t have to worry about them getting too hot or cold when compared to plastic or metal seating options.
Wooden chairs are incredibly durable and long lasting, so you can rest easy knowing your patrons will enjoy stylish seating for years to come.
There’s no two ways around it—wooden chairs will likely cost more than their plastic counterparts. They may also require more maintenance (i.e., polishing) to maintain their lovely appearance.
If you opt for painted wood, chipping will likely become a problem at some point, forcing you to make regular touch ups to keep them from looking worn.
If you’re going to be using your wooden chairs on an outdoor patio, you’ll need to do your homework regarding the type of wood you purchase. Certain varieties will not fare well if exposed to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
If you purchased commercial wooden chairs that were not treated to resist moisture, there is a chance you’ll notice warping, cracking, or discoloration over time.
A final con—wood chairs tend to be heavier than plastics and can be harder to stack without scratching. If you enjoy regularly changing the layout of your tables, you may want to avoid wooden chairs, or pass by the oak seating and opt for a light-weight version.
Plastic chairs are often chosen for their durability since you don’t have to worry about them drying out, cracking, or warping when exposed to heat or moisture.
Plastic chairs are remarkably sturdy and require little to no regular maintenance. A quick wash with a commercial cleaner is all that is required to keep them in tip top shape. Plastic chairs are also remarkably lightweight, which makes changing up the arrangement of tables and chairs in your space infinitely easier.
If you want to explore a variety of styles and color options, you’ll love what is waiting for you in the world of plastic chairs, as they can be created in an endless number of styles and shades. Regardless of the design style of your business, you can rest easy knowing the perfect chair for your space can be made from plastics.
Finally, plastic chairs offer you an economical way to make a big impact on your space. They are perfect for the new entrepreneur who doesn’t have the budget for wooden chairs, or the seasoned professional who prefers to spend their hard-earned money on other design elements.
Not all plastics are created to the same standard. It is important to do your research before making a purchase. Ask what the weight limit is on chairs and make sure they can withstand commercial use (this is not the time to buy low-cost chairs in bulk from your local big box store).
If you live in an area where high winds are an issue, make sure the furniture you’re purchasing is heavy enough to withstand strong gusts.
Some owners hesitate to use plastic chairs for fear they will look cheap. Again, do your due diligence and find a commercial retailer who offers a wide variety in plastic chair options.
At the end of the day, the right choice for you will depend on your budget and needs. Don’t listen to the “influencers” telling you what chair option is a must have for 2021. You are the one making the purchase. You are the one who will have to look at your selection for the foreseeable future. No one knows your business the way you do…so, go with your gut and make the choice that’s going to compliment your brand. You’ll be happier in the long run if you do, we guarantee it!
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With the remarkable extensive selection of furniture the global market offers today, it’s not surprising that plastic furniture, particularly plastic chairs, has paved its way into the furniture industry due to their various application. Plastic chairs are usually made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material and can be massively produced. Also, they are more affordable than chairs made from other materials like metal, wood, and the like.
If you are unsure if plastic chairs are perfect for your house or business needs, let’s dive into the top 10 excellent benefits of buying plastic chairs.
Plastic chairs are usually less expensive when compared to other chair materials such as metal and wood, and this is what draws individuals to buy this type. What’s amazing is that manufacturers can create a wonderful and comfy chair out of plastic for a far lower price than, say, what it would cost to manufacture a chair out of wood or aluminum.
Thus, plastic furniture is the best selection if you have a limited budget and want to utilize a piece of furniture as much as possible.
Another benefit of using plastic chairs is that they require less maintenance. All you have to do is take it home and arrange it as you please. What’s great is that you won’t need to invest any more time or money. Besides, plastic is also rust-free and doesn’t need to be painted.
Let’s not forget that furniture made of plastic is resistant to stains, scraping, color fading, and when exposed to spills. Moreover, plastic furniture is less expensive to repair because it is simpler to clean with a soft cloth or rub. If you work in the hospitality industry, you can probably agree that maintaining your plastic tables and chairs will take very little time because so little maintenance is required.
Source: MAKA
Compared to wood or metal chairs, plastic chairs are often far lighter in terms of weight. Hence, traveling to and from numerous locations and moving plastic furniture is relatively simple, even while altering the room. Having a chair that you can move around in without asking for assistance or exerting much effort is very convenient.
Many pieces of plastic furniture are created from recycled materials, and once you’ve finished using them, you can still recycle them. This indicates that purchasing plastic furniture has a minimal environmental impact. Additionally, you can help the environment by using plastic chairs instead of wood because only fewer trees can be taken down just to make wood furniture. Which, in the end, causes deforestation.
We may promote reusable goods’ reuse if we properly dispose of unused plastic furniture to the appropriate management.
Many people would not have anticipated this as a benefit. However, plastic has become infamous because people believe it harms the environment. This, however, is not always the case. When a plastic material is beyond repair, it can be broken down into a simpler form, such as pellets. These pellets are then formed into another design that reduces the environmental risk.
More than that, using plastic materials delays the cutting of trees and the destruction of forests, which is commonly required to produce wooden furniture. We all know that this causes not only deforestation but also ecological problems.
Source: MAKA
Plastic furniture may also be brightly colored and is ideal for youngsters with butterfingers or who drop items frequently. Plastic furniture can never splinter you or your children. They are also quite elastic, so they will not shatter under unexpected hits. We all know how hard kids can be, so why not have kid-friendly furniture?
One of the most significant characteristics of indoor or outdoor furniture is waterproof, and plastic chairs fit the description. Take note that the paint on wood or steel has a propensity to peel or come off, especially if placed outside and exposed to sun, rain, or harsh weather.
We are all aware that colors fade with time. However, all you need to do is get some high-quality spray paints, and you will have brand-new, fantastic-looking plastic chairs. One of the perks of buying plastic chairs is that they will not rust and will not leave a mark on your tiles, pavement, or other parts of your household or business, making them ideal for redecorating.
Plastic chairs are exceptionally versatile since it is lightweight and corrosion-free. You may use them for indoor, outdoor, office, kid, and educational purposes. Plastic materials’ adaptability stems from their capacity to be molded, laminated, or formed into just about anything.
In addition, plastic can be used practically anywhere, making it one of its many advantages. Also, plastic chairs can come in various colors. You may simply shape it into attractive, user-friendly forms for your house or office. It may also pique the interest of your clients and guests.
We don’t deny the fact that wooden furniture has a distinct vibe to it. Termites, on the other hand, are drawn to wood. They may cause significant damage and chaos in a living place. Most individuals are too busy to deal with wood repairs, which may be extremely pricey. And if you leave it, it will appear messy to you and your guests.
Termites, on the other hand, cannot live in plastic furniture. And the only time you’ll be inconvenienced is if a chair leg breaks off, which is very unlikely to happen.
Plastic chairs constructed of high-quality plastic seldom fracture or break due to overuse or abuse. It is also unaffected by weather changes such as rain, sunlight, and snow. This makes it excellent for usage outside. If dropped, it will not break or fracture. As a result, it’s probably safe to conclude that plastic requires little, if any, no maintenance at all.
In a nutshell, plastic chairs have many benefits to offer in the global market. If you want some for your home or business, you will need a reliable manufacturer and supplier. Check out MAKA for the latest plastic chair trends suitable for kitchens, living rooms, offices, and even patios and gardens.