Chairs come in a variety of materials and styles. While there are cheaper plastic chairs on the market, you will probably want to invest in something a little sturdier for your church, banquet, or event space. Wood and metal are two good options, and both materials can last a long time and provide years of comfortable seating. That being said, how do you know which is right for you? Here is a comparison of wood vs. steel chairs to help you decide.
Durability
Although both wood and steel frames can withstand years of use, steel is the more durable material. Wood is weaker around the joints and may not hold as much weight. Steel, on the other hand, can support over a thousand pounds. When shopping for chairs, pay attention to the gauge of the steel. Some manufacturers may use weaker steel that won’t hold up as well.
If you opt for a steel frame, also be sure that you are receiving a quality powder coat finish. Like a fine finish on a quality automobile, it is durable and will seal the steel for a lifetime of low-maintenance use.
Maintenance
Wood can be hard to maintain. Many cleaners are too harsh and will damage the wood or remove the finish. You will also need to refinish the chairs at some point, and wood is notorious for splintering.
Steel, on the other hand, will be fine with virtually any cleaner. It offers a smooth surface that will hold its appearance with very minimal cleaning. It is also more sanitary, since bacteria do not grow as easily on a steel surface.
Appearance
The appearance aspect is more up to your personal taste. Both wood and steel chairs can be aesthetically pleasing. Many come upholstered, with a variety of fabric colors to choose from. In general, wooden chairs have a warm, natural appearance. Steel chairs are contemporary and modern. You also have a lot of customization options with steel frames.
Comfort
One of the biggest considerations for seating is comfort. There is no clear winner here, as the frame does not have much of an impact on comfort. This aspect is determined by the foam and padding underneath. Most chairs use a layer of foam padding underneath the cushion, whether they are wood or steel framed, and this is what controls the comfort level.
Sustainability
Although wood is a renewable energy source, steel is often used more sustainably. Many steel products are made with up to 90% recycled steel, while wooden products often end up discarded or burned.
Affordability
Prices vary depending on the quality of the material, but you can often find affordable chairs in either wood or steel. You might pay more for steel up-front, but you will likely make up for the cost in the increased durability. Certain types of wood are also more expensive, such as teak or oak.
Portability
Wood furniture is usually heavier than steel. If you are going to be moving and rearranging your church chairs often, steel frames will make this easier. You can also stack steel chairs without worrying about scratching the legs.
If you’re looking for chairs and have narrowed down your search to wood or steel frames, you will probably get the best value for your money with steel chairs. Of course, the biggest impact on value is the quality of the manufacturer. At ChurchPlaza, we manufacture our chairs with steel frames and high-quality components. Learn more about the components that go into each of our chairs.
We also provide a free sample chair for you to try. Request a sample!
