Choosing the most comfortable and suitable foldable training tables and chairs can be quite a daunting task as there are so many options available. There are foldable training furniture for different purposes, which are made of different materials. So how do you know which one is the perfect table and chair for you? Our guide will make it easier for you to choose.
FOLDABLE CHAIRS
Foldable training chairs are incredibly useful in situations where you need to constantly reconfigure the seating layout of a generic event room, for training or other purposes. By being foldable, they can be kept away and stacked into a small space when not in use, freeing up the room space where required. They are light and easily portable, making it easy to shift and set up.
COMMON TYPES OF FOLDABLE CHAIRS
There are 3 common types of foldable chairs in use in Singapore today.
Plastic chairs are light, easy to manoeuvre, and easy to clean. They are also all-weather and will remain free of rust, and paint peeling. They are also among the cheapest chairs. However, they also have the shortest lifespan and lowest durability, being susceptible to damage.
Resin chairs look like wood, but are easier to maintain than real wooden chairs. They are scratch-resistant and highly durable, but heavy. However, this makes them very suitable for outdoor use.
Metal chairs are the strongest and most durable of foldable chairs, being able to take heavier loads. Metal chairs also often look the most professional. However, metal foldable chairs with poor finish can damage your floor, and furthermore, are often susceptible to rust, paint peeling, and corrosion. They are also often the heaviest type of chair.
FOLDABLE TABLES
If you’re using foldable chairs for training, then you will of course need foldable tables too. Tables are incredibly useful in training settings as they are needed to hold course materials, notes, refreshments, and bags as well. Foldable tables can also be packed into a small space and stacked when not needed, freeing up the room.
TYPES OF FOLDABLE TABLES
There are many shapes of foldable table in use in Singapore today.
Rectangular tables are used when a long row of tables is desired, or when you want all trainees to face to the front.
Round, oval and square tables are more commonly used when group work will be part of the training, or to enhance ease of movement around the room.
Tables are also available in plastic, resin and metal, with the same advantages and disadvantages.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING FOLDABLE TABLES AND CHAIRS
PRICE
This is of course the primary concern. You will have a budget and a seating requirement, and you must find the right mix of tables and chairs that can fit within the budget and still provide the requisite number of seats. What you choose will be restricted by your budget.
MATERIAL AND DURABILITY
When choosing foldable tables and chairs, you must consider the material used to make them. Common materials include plastic, resin, and metal, and the material used affects its durability and lifespan—as well as its price. For example, plastic tables and chairs have the shortest lifespan, but they are also the lowest-priced, whereas metal furniture is really sturdy but also costs a pretty sum.
PURPOSE
To know what materials to choose from, you first have to be clear about what purpose your foldable tables and chairs will be used for—specifically, where. If you are planning to use them outdoors, for example, you will need to choose materials that can take the weather without breaking down or corroding.
SIZE, WEIGHT AND EASE OF SETTING UP
The size and weight of the foldable tables and chairs you get also matter, because the heavier they are, or the larger they are, the harder they are to move. If you are buying furniture for a semi-permanent setup, then you can go for heavier and longer-lasting materials like metal. However, if you have a lot of furniture to move each time, or if the room is used for multiple purposes and configurations, it may make more sense to invest in lighter materials, both to speed up your setup, as well as to spare the backs and arms of the people who have to shift all the furniture around.
COMFORT AND IMAGE
An important factor to consider, especially if you are running a training session, is what kind of image you want to portray. Certain designs and materials of foldable table and chair convey a sense of competence and style that can impact the success of your training and your ability to get new trainees. You may want to avoid using cheaper or less comfortable materials, for example, as that may lead trainees to either learn less due to seating discomfort, or due to doubt about the quality of your training. You may also want to choose a more comfortable design that offers more back and neck support, too, if the comfort of your trainees is of utmost concern.
EASE OF CLEANING/MAINTENANCE
Nobody likes sitting in a dusty, dirty or rusty chair. If you are running events or training, one of the things you will need to do is constant maintenance and cleaning of your foldable furniture. How easy it is to clean them in bulk becomes of utmost importance. You may want to avoid chair designs that have nooks and crannies that are hard to clean.
WARRANTY PERIOD
When choosing furniture, an important factor is the warranty period that the seller is offering for the product. Depending on the amount of use and the durability of the foldable tables or chairs you are buying, you may want to opt for a longer warranty for more security and peace of mind.
BUY FROM A TRUSTED SOURCE
Quality in foldable tables and chairs can vary from seller to seller. Be sure that you buy from a trusted and well-reviewed supplier of foldable tables and chairs such as Concorde, to ensure you get your money’s worth and the assurance of quality in your training furniture.