Choosing the right wood chair for a commercial venue is very important. Many restaurants and cafes choose wood because of the distinctive look wood has and the prestige it gives an establishment. Wood also has a warmer feel and look and is more comfortable than metal chairs. The downside to wood chairs is that they are not as durable as metal chairs and require more maintenance and care. For this reason, it’s important to choose a high quality wood chair.

There are many inferior chairs out there. It is important to research the retailer or manufacturer you are buying from. Many wood chairs are made overseas where there is less quality control and cheaper materials are used. It is worth the extra money to invest in high quality wood furniture made in the USA. Also wood chairs made in the USA are more likely to be certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and made from responsibly harvested wood.  Strong, hard woods such as maple or beechwood are preferable. Avoid chairs made from cheaper, softer wood such as pine.

Before you purchase a wood chair inspect it or get information about how it is constructed. The back should be at least 17 inches wide. Many wood chairs have narrower backs that are less comfortable and provide less support. The frame should be made of solid wood with mortise and tenon style construction. Also, the joints should be supported by L brackets to provide additional support as these areas can be stressed by heavy usage. The chair should be tested and certified by BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association) which sets the industry standard for commercial furniture.

The chair’s seat should be made of solid wood, and not plywood like many manufacturers produce to save money. Look for a saddle shaped seat made of at least 1 inch solid wood. The chair should be stained in a multi-stage process to ensure the quality of the finish. Wood chairs with only one or two coats of finish are likely to fade over time and are more prone to scratching and chipping. The finish should also be made by a well-known manufacturer such as Sherwin Williams. A high quality chair also comes with nylon gliders. These will help protect your floor and stabilize the chair.

If you are choosing a padded seat, it should be made of high density foam so it will retain its shape and comfort. Many manufactures offer different upholstery option such as vinyl, leather or fabric. Some upscale restaurants choose leather for the luxurious looks and feel, but for most commercial use this is not a wise choice because it stains easily and is difficult to care for. Fabric can also stain easily and be difficult to clean. Vinyl is a popular option because it has the look and feel of leather and is very simple to care for. It tends to be stain resistant and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth.

There are many styles of wood chairs to choose from. However, the style of chair you choose should match the motif of your venue. The Ladder Back Wood Chair and the Vertical Slat Wood Chair are two very popular choices since these chairs blend in well with most decors.  If you are looking for a strong sturdy chair, the Schoolhouse Wood Chair is an American classic and the back has additional support from two wood side brackets. If you are looking for elegance, the Window Back, the Lattice Back and the Tiffany Wood Chairs are common choices.

When choosing a wood chair you should make sure the finish matches the décor, table and other furniture. Some manufactures will make a custom finish for you for an additional fee. Many retailers also sell matching bar stools which will give your venue a more cohesive look.