Are you having an event or gathering but unsure if a folding chair is sturdy enough to hold various weights? You may be wondering how much weight folding chairs can take. We browsed the internet for the answer, and this is what we've found.
The exact weight that folding chairs can hold depends on the materials they're made of. The average weight, however, that these chairs can take ranges from 300 to 800 pounds.
For further details, we'll elaborate on the types of folding chairs and the weight they can hold. We'll also cover fascinating data such as their history and use. Keep reading as we've also included the best and most comfortable fold-up chair brands you can try.
Types Of Folding Chairs And Their Weight Capacity
Foldable chairs are made from various materials. Listed below are the most commonly used ones. The materials used in a folding chair determine the capacity it can hold or the ideal weight for each type.
Plastic
Nowadays, plastic is the most common material used in manufacturing folding chairs. It's most people's choice since it's lightweight, sturdy, and inexpensive.
Plastic fold-up chairs are more affordable than timber or metal folding ones. These chairs can also take more weight because they're made of thermoplastic polymer. The usual weight limit of plastic fold-up chairs ranges from 220 to 650 lbs and can surprisingly take up to 800 lbs.
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Wood
Wooden folding chairs are stylish and elegant. They are heavier than plastic and metal seats. But they are more expensive than plastic fold-up chairs.
Wooden foldable chairs are created using various trees. The most used timber is the European beechwood because of its beauty and lighter weight. Proper care will make your wooden chair last for a long time while it can hold a weight of up to 220 to 650 lbs.
Resin
The resin is for you if you prefer elegant and lightweight folding chairs. It's 100 percent UV protected so that it won’t deteriorate under the sun.
Another great thing about resin is that scratches will be barely visible. Why? Because resin has the same color from the inside out. Amazingly, resin folding chairs can carry up to 1000 lbs.
Padded
If you need soft and comfortable folding chairs, padded ones are perfect. Fabric and vinyl are the most common materials for padded seats. They are more expensive but highly comfortable. Padded folding chairs can take up to 300 lbs.
Metal
Metal fold-up chairs are mainly manufactured using stainless steel. These chairs are durable but can't support as much weight as plastic ones because of the riveted metal tubes. Metal folding chairs have a capacity of 250 to 300 lbs.
When Was Folding Chair Invented?
Folding chairs have been around for a long time, and you can see them in various places. The earliest design of a foldable chair was said to be created in 1855. Meanwhile, here are the four people who were part of the evolution of the fold-up chair.
John Cram was the creator of the first patent for folding chairs. In 1855, he made a chair similar to the present fold-up chairs but armless. Numerous patents for various versions of foldable chairs were filed after him.
Nathaniel Alexander is considered one of the well-known makers of foldable chairs. In 1911, he upgraded Cram's design. He put armrests on his fold-up chair creation.
Alexander's creation also has a book desk or rest at the back of the chair. It's beneficial for people at church. The person seated behind you can put their books, Bible, or music sheets on the bookrest.
In 1931, Philip Harrison created a more modern folding chair. It features a metal frame, fabric back, seat, and a pivot to enable folding. His design is best known as the party chair.
In 1956, Fredric Arnold designed a plainer design of a fold-up chair using. He made the first folded chair using fabric strapping and an aluminum frame. At that time, his company in Brooklyn produced 14,000 folding chairs daily.
What Is A Folding Chair Used For?
Folding chairs are handy in indoor and outdoor settings. These chairs are used for additional or temporary seating in events and places such as the following:
- Graduations
- Restaurants
- Church
- Competitions
- Weddings
Besides being practical and affordable, foldable chairs are beneficial. Fold-up chairs can be your extra seatings at the dinner table or at emergency business meetings.
Types Of Folding Chairs According To Usage
Folding chairs are simple seats used mainly indoors. But over the centuries, different varieties of fold-up chairs have been produced.
- Foldable Lawn Chair - Foldable lawn chairs or garden chairs are mainly used outdoors. It's perfect for relaxing while sipping drinks and reading a book.
- Foldable Camping Chair - The foldable camping chair is a great and valuable outdoor seat for camping or fishing. It's lightweight and easy to set up.
- Foldable Recliner Chair - You can use a foldable recliner chair indoors or outdoors. It's a leisure chair best for relaxing in the comfort of your home or at the beach.
- Foldable Rocking Chair - Folding rocking chairs are immensely relaxing and unique. Remember when rocking chairs used to be made from wood and were very heavy? But because of upgrades, portable and lightweight chairs are made.
What Is The Standard Size Of A Folding Chair?
Folding chairs have various lengths, widths, and depths. It depends on the materials used and the chair type. But a typical fold-up chair has a standard size of 17.5" in width, 18.5 in-depth, and 31" in height. The seat size is usually 16 x 16".
The Best Folding Chairs And Chairs For Tall People
Everyone loves comfort, especially when sitting down. We have listed several must-try awesome foldable chairs. We also included fold-up chairs for taller people.
Which Folding Chairs Are The Best And Most Comfortable?
Below are five of the best and most comfortable folding chairs you must include on your checklist.
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Portable Folding Rocking Chair
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
This portable foldable rocking chair has a dimension of 24.75"D x 24.5"W x 34"H. Moreover, this chair can support up to 250 pounds.
Best Features:
- Sturdy and lightweight aluminum frame
- Padded armrests for support and comfort
- Patented Spring-Action Rocking Technology
Flash Furniture Hercules™ Series Folding Chair - Black Resin
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
This black resin folding chair has a 1000 lbs capacity. Beautifully made with premium, reinforced steel and durable plastic foam for durability. It has a dimension of 18"D x 17.5"W x 30.75"H.
Best Features:
- Floor caps to prevent surface and flooring damage
- Replaceable, washable, and removable vinyl seats
- No assembly plus easy cleaning and folding
Coleman Camping Chair with Built-in 4 Can Cooler
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This Coleman foldable chair is Amazon's Choice. It's equipped with a strong steel frame that can support up to 325 lbs. This product has a dimension of 18.1"D x 24"W x 9.1"H.
Best Features:
- Built-in cooler
- Side pockets, mesh cup holder, adjustable arm heights
- Storage pocket to keep magazines and personal items
Cosco Vinyl, Black (2-pack) Folding Chairs
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The Cosco Vinyl foldable chair has a dimension of 18.5" D x 18.5"W x 30"H. It's lightweight but sturdy and has a weight capacity of 250 lbs.
Best Features:
- Durable steel frame with powder-coated finish
- Non-marring leg tips protect floor surfaces
- Two cross braces and tube-in-tube create a reinforced frame
Robin 4-PC Folding Chair Set
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The Robing folding chair has a dimension of 19.13"D x 17.63"W x 32.25"H. The maximum weight recommendation for this seat is 170 lbs.
Best Features:
- Slated seat
- Constructed of solid wood
- Easy to store and no assembly required
Which Foldable Chairs Are Recommended For Tall And Large People?
Yes, there are also folding chairs available for taller people. You could check out these three chairs.
EventStable TitanPRO Folding Bar Stool with Backrest
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
This folding stool has a dimension of 17.5"D x 13"W x 37"H. It can support a weight of up to 350 lbs.
Best Features:
- Easy to Clean and Built Like a Tank
- No Worries Storage
- Multi-use Bar Stools
Casual Home Director's Chair
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
A Best Seller and Amazon's Choice, this foldable chair has a dimension of 19"D x 23"W x 45.5"H. It has a weight capacity of 300 lbs.
Best Features:
- Solid wood construction
- Built-in armrests
- Canvas built for lasting strength
RMS Outdoors Extra Tall Folding Chair
Click here to see this product on Amazon.
Another Amazon's Choice, this chair has a dimension of 32"D x 34"W x 54"H. The maximum weight capacity of this seat is 300 lbs.
Best Features:
- Footrest and Cupholders
- Fully collapsible and portable
- Designed for Comfort
Folding Chair At Its Finest
It's incredible how folding chairs can be so complex yet simple. Now that we've covered everything about the weight capacity of foldable chairs, you can easily choose which one to buy.
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