Choosing the right seating for a formal event like a wedding or a corporate gathering can be deceptively complicated. Chairs must photograph well, be comfortable for multiple hours, be easy to transport, and be affordable. Our goal for this banquet chairs guide is to help event planners, venue owners, and procurement teams feel more knowledgeable and confident in their choices.

Stacking chairs vs folding chairs is one of the first choices you need to make and can be one of the more confusing choices if you’re trying to consider durability, comfort, long-term costs, and storage.

Stacking Chairs vs Folding Chairs

Storage solutions and ease of setup are the main points of comparison for folding vs stacking chairs, but storage is not the only thing you should be thinking about.

Most stacking chairs are made with a permanent frame that features vertical storage like steel, aluminium, or resin. Stacked chairs often have a more refined appearance and are more commonly found in upscale venues. Since the frame is permanent, stacking chairs can be more comfortable and more stable for long events since the frame cannot bend.

Folding chairs collapse to a flat form making them easier to store and transport. This is why they are popular in locations with limited floor space due to many events scheduled during a time as well as in situations that require the quick transport of many seats. Folding chairs are typically the more economical option. Sometimes they are less durable and comfortable than alternatives like stacked chairs. However, they are more lightweight and easier to transport in bulk.

Comfort and Guest Experience

The comfort of your seating option becomes more important the longer your guests sit in it. For events like conferences and weddings that can last several hours, comfort becomes a more important factor. Stacked chairs with cushions are the best option for events that can last a long time. However, folding chairs are fine for longer events like outdoor ceremonies that won’t last as long.

For venues that host many long format events, comfort focused stacked chairs can be a worthwhile investment by improving the guest experience and ultimately improving your business via more repeat bookings and referrals.

Storage, Transport, and Setup Efficiency

Folding chairs are often the best option, typically because the design allows the most to be stored in the least amount of space. For venues that host many events in the same week, this becomes a major advantage. It is also beneficial for event seating rental companies that transport chairs often.

With the invention of the modern stacking dolly and carts, it is much easier to transport stacked chairs than it once was. While stacking chairs take up more space, they are more aesthetically pleasing and are more durable. For venues that have storage space, choosing these types of chairs would be a good option.

Folding vs. Stacking Chairs

Here is where the strategy comes into play: folding chairs have a lower unit cost, but with heavy use, folding chairs would need to be replaced more often than stacking chairs would. Folding chairs have a lower cost, but stacking chairs have a higher cost for a reason. They are built with higher-grade materials and more rigid frames, which allows them to be used for much longer.

For a hotel, convention center, or high-traffic event rental company, this is an important area to take into consideration for costs. While stacking chairs may be a high upfront cost, purchasing durable chairs from a good banquet chair company that stands behind their product and offers warranties would greatly lower the cost when looking at the overall costs over the next five to ten years.

Which Type of Chair is Best for Your Business?

This is a subjective statement, and it varies based on where and how the chairs will be used.

For large venues that host longer events, more durable and aesthetically pleasing chairs that will better fill the space would be a better option. These features also come with a higher cost.

For shorter events that are more spread out and held outdoors, the more portable option is better.

If your business caters to a large variety of events, it is a good idea to have both folding and stacking chairs on hand. Many venues and rental companies do this to ensure that all events are well catered to.

Working with an expert banquet chair manufacturer will guarantee you’re getting proper commercial use furniture and not just consumer-grade furniture that has been remanufactured for events.

Final Thoughts

Choosing banquet chairs can be tricky. You have to understand your space. What is the flow throughout the venue? How frequently will the chairs be set up? How long will guests actually be seated in them? How much space will you have to store these chairs? This banquet chair guide should help you make that decision with certainty.

Aura Seating manufactures both folding and stacking chairs and can guarantee these products are built to withstand the rigors of commercial use. The right seating solution shouldn’t have to be a guess.