Chair Rentals

Quality Rating

In the rental industry, the nomenclature for rating the quality of equipment in inventory is based on the first 3 letters of the alphabet. The letter ‘A’ represents something that is new and would be considered wedding quality. ‘B’ represents used condition but to scratched to be used for a wedding or to pass as new looking. The letter ‘C’ represents Festival quality. This means it goes out to public events and sits in the elements of the outdoors on a regular bases.

What kinds of chairs are there?

The chair rental most commonly requested is what is referred to as the Samsonite folding chair. These are the staple for any rental company. These chairs became popular in the rental industry due to the lower cost, space saving stacking ability, and durability. These folding chairs come in many colors, but most rental companies will carry white, brown, and black.

Chair Materials

Folding chairs have traditionally been made of metal.  The metal is then spray painted a similar color as the plastic on the chair.  As chairs are rented, it is inevitable the paint will get scratched. Once bare metal is exposed to the elements, they will start to rust.

Since 2015, Aluminum folding chairs have come available to the rental industry.  The benefit of the Aluminum folding chair is they do not rust and do not require paint.  If the rental company washes their chairs on a regular basis, the aluminum chair will stay looking new.  The only downside is the chairs cost twice as much to purchase and therefore cost more to rent.

Plastic chairs are becoming more popular as well. These chairs are generally cheaper, but don’t feel as sturdy.

Top things to ask for when renting folding chairs:

If you are contacting a Rental Company to rent chairs, you must realize the chairs are used and will show some wear and tear. If you require new looking chairs, you must ask for them. Be specific about the quality of the chair you need, or you will get the standard ‘B’ or ‘C’ chair as the ‘A’ quality chairs are saved for weddings and requests only.

• Do you have any ‘A’ quality chairs available in your color?
• Can you guarantee me there are no signs of rust on the chair?
• Do you carry aluminum chairs? (Aluminum chairs aren’t subject to paint chipping or rust.)
• Check online reviews prior to calling. Look for complaints on the quality of chairs and other rental equipment.
• If their online reviews are not 4 star or higher, it is a clear indication they are not focused on customer satisfaction.
• In the rental industry, you typically get what you pay for. Beware of going with the lowest price company with few to no online reviews.

When you rent chairs in Chicago or the suburbs, remember to ask these questions to get the best quality for the money spent.  Folding chairs can be used for Chicago Weddings, Chicago Graduation parties, and School ceremonies at Chicago schools.