Church chairs have come a long way since the hard wooden pews of the old days. . . and even longer since the unattractive, backache-inducing chairs that you remember from Sunday school. The modern church chair industry is proving that church chairs can be comfortable, beautiful, durable, and affordable.



Though the beauty of a lacquered hardwood chair is undeniable, modern times require that church congregations be flexible and economical as they outfit their spaces. Nowadays, a church space is constantly evolving. It houses musicals, theater performances, and meetings as well as worship. Because of this, a quality church chair should be lightweight, store easily, and hold up to consistent use.

Movable church chairs come in one of two main categories: stacking or folding. Wooden stacking chairs are more attractive, but are generally quite a bit more expensive. They usually cost $100 or more. Metal, upholstered stacking chairs are more affordable, commonly selling for $25-$50.

Price

The most affordable option for churches is the metal folding chair, which typically costs $15-20. Metal chairs are less costly than wood, and they're also much lighter. A quality metal chair is built with 16-gauge steel and finished with plating or epoxy to keep rust at bay. It's important to consider the strength of a chair's frame. Stacking chairs puts them under a lot of pressure, and a weak chair will start to break or bend out of shape.

Comfort

But cost and durability aren't the only important concerns. What about comfort? We all have stories about the agony induced by hours spent in terribly uncomfortable church pews or chairs. Advances in chair design have made it possible worship in comfort. Wider chairs, for instance, tend to be much more comfortable. Generally, 20- or 21-inch wide chairs are far more accommodating than 18-inch chairs. The pitch of a chair back is another important consideration. Different pitches help people in locations throughout the sanctuary feel comfortable. Special chairs built for choir or orchestra members are also available.

Style

Church chairs are available in a wide array of colors and fabrics. Manufacturers take custom orders, and will even match upholstery to the color of your church. Chair upholstery comes in varying levels of quality depending on the price. It's important to be thrifty when choosing your chairs, but remember that cheap fabric will wear out much faster than higher-end fabric.

Options

Today's best church chairs come with several possible add-ons. Ganging devices, book racks, and armrests are all available. Ganging chairs have special brackets on either side that allow them to hook together and form rows, which can be very convenient when you are setting up for weddings or other events.

Truth is, buying church chairs is no longer a straight-forward process. There are simply too many choices! It might seem daunting or confusing at first, but remember to stick to your budget and your principles, and you'll be able to get the perfect chair to meet your church's needs.