Problems with Aluminum Chiavari Chairs

We’ve written about Aluminum Chiavari Chairs in the past, and there is certainly a business case for a company buying aluminum chairs. But we also like to talk about the problems that can be associated with products – so that prospective buyers have a real idea of what they can expect in the product they’re buying. This time around we’re talking about the problems associated with aluminum chiavari chairs.

Seams may be spot welded instead of fully welded

This may just be in our experience, but the only reason we don’t stock aluminum Chiavari chairs is we haven’t managed - in the 10 years the current management has owned the business – to find a supplier that could weld the chair in a way that the chair looked good. More often than not the aluminum Chiavari’s we’ve seen show noticeable weld spots.

Because of the softness of the metal, seats tend to feature permanent cushions with fixed plywood base to avoid seat damage

While not a structural problem per-se, picky brides will definitely object to this kind of seat as it doesn’t match a traditional wood Chiavari design. Also, from a rental inventory point of view, there’s no easy way to clean the cushion if it gets red wine on it. And it’s going to get red wine on it. Let’s be honest!

Metal material shows scratches with bare metal

With resin Chiavari chairs, the chair is of a similar resin to the core of the chair – meaning if a resin gold chair is scratched it’s not as noticeable. With a gold aluminum Chiavari, if the chair is scratched, the grey aluminum is showing through.

Water can cause damage to finish

Metal is a material that when exposed to water for periods of time can cause rusting to occur. Wood chiavari’s would have a similar problem with water though instead of rusting, other damage would occur like warping, expansion etc.

Often, only 1 horizontal chair rail instead of the traditional 2 horizontal chair rails

It varies from seller to seller but the most common chair design seen in the aluminum Chiavari chair is one rail on the front and sides of the chair, instead of the more traditional Chiavari design of two rails on each side and front.

Hopefully this post helps you understand the problems associated with aluminum Chiavari chairs so you can make an informed purchasing decision.