Shopping For Used Folding Chairs
If you’re in the market for some used folding chairs, it may pay you in the long run to first decide on which type will best serve your particular needs.
Collapsible chairs have been around for many centuries. In fact, as far as anyone can tell, it was the Egyptians who developed the first folding stools for ceremonial purposes. Who knows, maybe they copied the concept from another, earlier civilization?
What we can be sure of is that throughout the years, folding chair designs have changed and evolved into the comfortable and versatile seating we have today. And whether you’re looking to save yourself some money by buying previously owned, or you’re splashing out on some new ones, they’re just so versatile that it doesn’t make any sense to be without them.
Nowadays, there are three basic methods of folding chair manufacture. The first method involves blow-moulding the chair’s framework in plastic (usually a polypropylene resin). The seat and backrest are then manufactured from moulded polypropylene plastic, which usually, clips into place. If you’re looking for something that’s lightweight, inexpensive and easy to clean, these will fit the bill quite nicely.
The second type is the metal-framed folding chair. The way in which these are designed involves a formed, tubular metal frame (steel or aluminium alloy, more often than not). The seating material can then be either suspended from the framework or a moulded plastic seat and backrest can be clipped or screwed on. These may also be supplied with integral, covered, foam rubber cushions to make them a little more comfortable.
Just as with the plastic type of folding chair, these tend to be inexpensive due to the ease with which they can be manufactured but some do look a little, dare I say; industrial. This type of seating is ideal for meeting halls, factories, offices and other establishments where large numbers of people will be present. They’re also good to have around the kitchen. They are, in most cases, easy to keep clean and tend to last for a good number of years.
In the "metal-framed" category, there’s also the collapsible camping or backpacking chair. These are very lightweight, due to their aluminium alloy frame and, when folded, are extremely compact, taking up the minimum amount of storage space. They are so light and un-cumbersome that they are ideal for backpackers and/or campers; they can easily be strapped to the side of most backpacks.
The last foldable chair in this category is the zero gravity type. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys sunbathing out in the garden or by the side of the pool, this type of chair will be right up your street. And when the summer is over, bring them indoors, they make superb conservatory or summerhouse seats. They are both lightweight and extremely comfortable. It’s no wonder that they are such a huge hit with reflexology practitioners the world over.
And finally, the wooden folding chair. These are the most expensive of the folding chairs but they’re very versatile and good-looking. They’re equally at home outdoors or for indoor use when friends and relatives visit you.
I think the best thing about folding chairs, regardless of which type you end up buying, is simply that, when you don’t need them they are so easy to store away and because they’re so compact when they are folded down, you won’t need a warehouse to put them in.