One of the most enduring disagreements in the rental community comes down to whether it is preferable to use resin or wooden tables and chairs for events. While everyone is entitled to their preference in the matter, here we will cover a few points made on either side. It is important to note that we are speaking in generalities – aspects such as item weight and structural load limits will change according to the specific design of the item.
Wooden – Pros!
To begin with, tables and chairs that are made from wood are generally seen as being a more higher-end commodity. The work required to create them often mean that they are more expensive, which can be considered a sign of high quality.
Most events have a look or theme in mind when in the planning stages; rustic-decorated affairs may better be served with wood-grain furniture than solid colors or stark white/ black resin. Wooden furniture fits well with any decorating motif, even if they are not encompassed by the central theme.
Wooden – Cons!
The relative amount spent in upkeep can end up costing more than the item itself, factoring in man hours and the required tools, coatings, etc. While a good finish on a table or chair can avoid maintenance for years, the rough-and-tumble rental world tends to bring aging and wear more quickly. Time spend sanding, refinishing, and providing regular upkeep can add up.
Wooden tables also require reinforcement, usually in the addition of a metal support skirt or supports along the underside of the of the table top. These add to the overall weight, making wooden tables more likely to be the heavier option. Heavier items mean more complicated transit, and more work during set up and tear down.
Resins – Pros!
Usable both indoors and out, Resin chairs and tables are easier to clean and care for than wooden furniture. In most situations a simple wipe down with warm soapy water after use can remove any residue. Even in the event that harsher cleaning products are necessary, the resin is resilient enough to withstand most treatments.
In the event that a portion of a resin chair gets scratched, the area can be sanded down to make it less noticeable. This is because Resin Chairs have a solid color throughout (down to the metal support frame); even on resin that is painted – as is the case with golden chairs – the base layer is a close approximation to the top coat.
Resins – Cons!
Resin Chairs will never feel like Wooden Chairs. Contoured and ergonomically designed as they are, it is always easy to tell when the chair you’re using is wood versus a manufactured material. While more resin chairs look nice and will maintain the same approximate appearance through years of use, there is a regal quality to a wooden chair that is difficult to match.
One other issue with resin comes with the manufacturing; be careful of lower quality materials, or “economical” styles of chairs that lack the same reinforcement as the standard version. These cost-cutting measures usually create a cheaper chair, which is cheaper in all aspects.
*****
As most of the differences are down to personal choices such as “feel,” “price,” and “look,” it can be difficult to evaluate such broad categories and definitively decide on a good or bad label. It’s our hope that we’ve clarified the issue enough for you to make the correct choice for your individualized situation. Good hunting!