The type of chair frame can impact a lot of things when it comes to purchasing banquet chairs. MityLite manufactures banquet chairs with both steel and aluminum frames. There are differences and benefits for each type of frame. Becoming an educated buyer can help you get the best chair for your needs.
Steel vs Aluminum
The first difference you’ll find between the two types of frames is weight. In general, steel banquet chairs are heavier than aluminum. For example, on our most popular chair, the Classic Banquet Chair, weighs 15.5 lbs and the equivalent aluminum chair, the Elite Banquet Chair, is 12 lbs. This can be very important for the personnel moving chairs.
The second notable difference is cost. Steel chairs typically cost between 5% and 10% less than aluminum chairs.
Both steel and aluminum chairs are incredibly durable, especially if they are finished with powder-coating. However, aluminum chairs are a bit softer and it’s possible the frames could dent, whereas steel frames are nearly indestructible. Steel frames have the potential to rust in humid climates, but this shouldn’t happen with aluminum.
Both types of frames are a good option for stacking chairs, however, steel-framed chairs can sometimes be stacked higher than aluminum. Both frames store compactly and have a small stack footprint.
When it comes to design elements, both steel and aluminum frames are fairly uniform and unlikely to have color variants. However, it’s a bit more difficult to achieve a metallic look with steel.
The Takeaway on Frames
- Steel and aluminum stack and store more compact
- Steel is less expensive than aluminum
- Steel is more durable than aluminum
- Steel and aluminum are uniform in color and design
- Steel is slightly heavier than aluminum
Recommendations
- Avoid cheap aluminum frames with wet paint (more likely to chip, fade, and dent)
- Avoid steel chairs with cheap paint and finish (more likely to chip, fade, and rust)
- Steel is the best option if you have limited storage
- Steel is the cheapest option if budget is an issue
Steel vs. Aluminum vs. Faux Wood
Compare the benefits and features of MityLite’s banquet chair frames, or download this free guide.
Products | Steel Chairs | Aluminum Chairs | Faux Wood |
|---|---|---|---|
Weight | Light | Lighter | Light |
Durability | Excellent | Great | Superb |
Capacity | Holds 1,000 lbs | Holds 1,000 lbs | Holds 1,000 lbs |
Stacking | Excellent | Great | Good |
Storage | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
Price | $ | $$ | $$$ |
Design | Uniform look, clean lines | Smooth finish, clean lines | Could have variants, imitation wood grain |
Color | Uniform look | Metallic and uniform | Imitation wood grain |
Maintenance | Won’t chip or dent | Unlikely to chip, but might dent | Won’t chip or dent |
Sustainability | Manufactured in the USA | Manufactured in the USA | Imported |
