So, your environment dates back to before the birth of Christ, but nobody seems to have figured it out, right? In short, the answer is: sort of. 

Various table and chair manufacturers have come and gone in the last decade, some of them more than once. With the large target audience in this seemingly simple market, the product has become somewhat commoditized to offer mostly equipment for home use.  With most of the production for these items occurring overseas, finding the proper equipment for use in your church can be a little intimidating, but not impossible.

The quick and easy answer to this conundrum is to simply concentrate on your needs and pain points. The table and chair market is concentrated on different needs, based primarily in price levels. The simple and honest answer is that the quality of your furniture (in most cases) will be determined by your budget.

In order to simply dissect the problem, tables and chairs will be broken into the following segments in this article.

Chairs
1. Folding
* Easiest to transport and store
* Most cost effective
* Generally, not as comfortable

2. Stacking
* More comfortable
* More stable and reliable
* More difficult to transport and store
* More expensive.

3. Non stacking, padded
* Generally designed with comfort in mind
* Not portable or mobile
* Costs vary from on par with stacking to more expensive

Tables
1. Folding
* Least expensive
* Easiest to transport and store

2. Fixed Leg
* More expensive
* More stable
* Easier to find in adjustable height and finish options
* Traditionally very heavy and somewhat suitable for stand-alone usage

To elaborate further on chairs, most young churches often find themselves spending their money on folding chairs, primarily due to price. While these chairs often faithfully serve these churches well for up to a decade, rumblings from the congregation are often heard quite quickly. Folding chairs, for the most part, are very durable, but are often less than comfortable, especially when sat on for longer periods of time.

If your intention is to purchase folding chairs, make sure that you are purchasing from a reputable source and that the chairs are of suitable quality. A large number of "poly-fold" chairs have been "dumped" in the U.S. by Chinese manufacturers that did not have the proper experience in building them. These chairs degraded over time and began breaking.  Injuries and lawsuits have occurred over these "knock-off" chairs.  Bargains can be found, but the question to ask yourself is, "Are they worth it?"

Stacking chairs are also very durable and generally offer much greater comfort. The good stacking chairs are going to be built with either ergonomic seating, padded seats, or both.  The price point here is traditionally two times that of folding chairs. While this investment can be sizeable, it is often deemed as worthwhile, as the "chair" issue is less likely to flair up again after just a short time. These chairs are much more cumbersome to transport and store, so they are often less than ideal in high-mobility environments or mobile churches. There have also been Chinese imports in this market that have been less than reliable, but it is much less of a problem in this segment of the market.

Non stacking, padded chairs are what you should be looking at if your concern is that of semi-permanent seating. These chairs will traditionally be the most expensive, but they are the most comfortable. These chairs will not offer much at all in the way of portability or storage. Pickings can often be somewhat slim, as this is the smallest market for mass furnishings. Those that are available will often take six to 10 weeks for delivery from sometimes remote manufacturing facilities. The downside of this arrangement is that they can be expensive and take a great deal of time. The plus side is that if you are looking for a relatively sizeable purchase (100+ chairs), this option can offer you greater choices in colors and fabrics.

The table market has become even more commoditized than chairs. Several large companies have revolutionized this rather simple product. No longer should a church have to deal with overweight, semi-fragile particleboard tables. The market now is widely dominated by the polyethylene blow molded tables. Even with their much lower price point, far greater durability and much lower weight, there are several issues with which a church must grapple.

Polyethylene and ABS tables are great for quick and easy setup, and the budget required for these tables is much lower than traditional plywood or particleboard tables. Still, they do have their problems, and how to dress them up is definitely one of them. Traditionally, churches might staple on skirting into the plywood or rubber edges of their tables. The Poly and ABS sides will not accept or hold staples. Alternatively, clips are sometimes available with a Velcro edge for these tables that will allow a Velcro skirt to be attached.  Use caution if this is your option. Some of the imported table available and the "big box" retailers are made be obscure Far Eastern manufacturers, and these clips may not be available for them. In this case, saving a few dollars on tables may cost you much more in the long run if you have to scrap your existing skirting.

If you do not have skirting, or are willing to look for a better alternative, Fitted Throw Covers are the answer. These are essentially skirts that have the topper sewn into them.  The nicest part is that the clip and staple issues are completely taken out of the mix. The fitted skirt will find the edges of the table, and a perfect fit is achieved. Several styles and pleats are available, and they are easily screened with church logos. In our business, we sell these throw covers 10 to 1 over traditional skirting.

Unless you have a reason to want plywood or particleboard tables, they really should be avoided. They are generally heavier, more fragile and much more expensive. A plywood or particleboard table will commonly weigh twice what an ABS or Poly table will, and, if they are dropped on edge, they will often splinter or simply shatter. In the same situation, an ABS table will simply bounce. The only real reason for purchasing a plywood or particleboard table would primarily be the availability of top finishes. The laminated tops of these tables will allow the particular shopper a much greater degree of choice as opposed to the standard almond or white granite that ABS tables are commonly available in.

Fixed leg tables are a good alternative in a high-traffic, semi-permanent setup. Most of these tables will be plywood or particleboard, but their lack of movement will help keep them in good shape. They can traditionally be attractive with or without table coverings.  Due to their non-folding design, the framework of these tables is often very substantial, and it makes for a very heavy, but stable table. The downside here is expense. This is one of the smallest table markets, and very few sources will be available. While they will offer a great degree of available finishes straight from the manufacturer, be prepared to wait if the look is your concern.

Churches and places of worship stand to benefit a great deal from the advancements and major cost reductions in the table and chair markets. The careful shopper stands to receive a much better product and a much better price than would have been available just a few years ago. Remember, though, that chairs do have to bear weight and load that varies greatly from person to person. Be careful to make sure that what you buy will hold up over the long run. 

Michael Gardner is a 15-year industry veteran and a consultant for ChurchOnWheels.com. 

Product Roundup

Carstone Model 925
The model 925 stackable sanctuary chair from Carstone is an industry leader in overall:
* Durability
* Comfort
* Aesthetic appeal
Supported by a lifetime warranted 1-inch tubular steel frame and featuring 3 inches of seat foam and 2.75 inches of back foam, this chair offers long-lasting comfort and strength. Available in a wide variety of upholsteries and boasting a fully upholstered back, this chair is at home in any sanctuary, large or small.
www.carstone.com

Alulite by Southern Aluminum
Southern Aluminum's Alulite table is hardier than typical plastic or wooden folding tables. The Alulite table will not crack, rust or warp after extended usage or exposure to heat, moisture, or sunlight. The table features:
* Aircraft grade aluminum construction
* Ability to hold up to 4,000 pounds of distributed weight
* Finish options of anodized or durable baked-on powder-coat
* Easy cleaning and maintenance
* Lifetime guarantee
www.southernaluminum.com

Pulpit Chair Grouping by Dallas Midwest
One challenge facing growing churches is how to keep the church operating within budget and still looking its best to meet the needs of the congregation. One solution is the pulpit chair grouping by Dallas Midwest.  The chairs feature:
* Solid wood construction
* Interlocking steel components
* Matrex seat cushion technology
* Button-tufted backrest
* Four frame colors and nine exclusive fabric colors and patterns
www.DallasMidwest.com

Sauder's Vantage SE Chairs
Sauder Worship Furniture's Vantage SE chairs combine durable plybent wood construction with sensitivity for design, resulting in a chair of exceptional beauty, durability, comfort, and value for use in a variety of settings in the worship environment.  The Vantage SE features:
* Styles with or without arms
* Stacking capability
* Optional interlocks for straight or radius seating arrangements
With multiple options in wood stain colors and upholstery fabrics, Sauder Vantage SE chairs can coordinate with any décor.
www.sauderworship.com

Flex-Fit Seat by Bertolini
The Flex-Fit seat by Bertolini Sanctuary is designed with ergonomic characteristics, enhanced by the right mix or rigidity and flex to create a controlled flex that's comfortable time after time. The seating features:
* Innovation
* Durability
* Comfort
* Fit-Tight fastening system
The Flex-Fit seat combined with the patented Ergo-V back is the latest in the Impressions series by Bertolini. 
www.sanctuaryseating.com

DuraMax Resin Folding Chair by Mity-Lite
The DuraMax Resin Folding Chair by Mity-Lite is a classic, indoor-outdoor event chair.  It meets the needs of a "wedding chair" without the maintenance hassles of wood folding chairs. Features include:
* Rigid construction reinforced by stainless steel hardware
* Straight legs for stable stacking
* Variety of colors and accessories
DuraMax features durable construction for safe and stable use, and a silky-smooth resin finish that never yellows in the sun.
www.mitylite.com

Samsonite Folding Tables Available at ChurchPartner
ChurchPartner offers a new line of lightweight folding tables manufactured by Cosco/Samsonite. These folding tables, appropriately called Samson tables, offer that lightweight mobility and strength through a unique bracing configuration and patented folding design. The Samson table features:
* Easy-release Snap Lock legs, with one-hand folding mechanism
* Tuff-Core construction
* Bar None leg design, increasing leg room and seating capacity
www.churchpartner.com

Church Chair's Embrace
Church Chair's patent-pending Embrace is one of the company's newest innovatively designed chairs, built with the same high quality and ergonomic comfort specifications as in all of their American-made chairs. The back cushion of this chair actually "hugs" your back providing extraordinary back comfort. Church Chair offers:
* Proven durability and quality
* Vast selection of fabrics and frame finishes
* Available financing
www.churchchair.com

Auditorium Chair by McCourt Manufacturing
The Auditorium Chair by McCourt Manufacturing stacks for easy storage. You can gang the chairs together for seamless seating. Stock upholstery colors include Burgundy, Navy Blue, Concord Grape, Forest Green and Charcoal Gray. Features include:
* 20-inch-wide seat with lumbar back support
* Standard rear access Bookrack and Communion Cup Holder
* Frames of 18-gauge 1-inch steel square tubing with powder coated hammer-tone gray finish
* Five-year warranty
www.mccourtmfg.com

ChurchPlaza Covenant Chair
The Covenant chair from ChurchPlaza is designed to offer a chair that has the ultimate in seating comfort. This is accomplished using a contoured back that will cradle your back and give the body the comfort it needs.
* The back is ergonomically contoured and angled to reduce fatigue and to help stabilize the seated person.
* The frame is hidden in the back to present a elegant look that will satisfy the most critical of designers.
* The seat is gently curved to match the curve of the back, giving a regal appearance.
www.churchplaza.com

Lifetime Tables and Chairs
With Lifetime tables, churches always are prepared. Tables and chairs are:
* Lightweight
* Durable
* Easy-to-clean
* Priced to fit any budget
Lifetime's 5-Foot Round table is great for seating a lot of people at a dinner, or for setting up an after-school project. Six adults can sit comfortably around the table.
www.lifetime.com

Chairtex's Infinity Collection
Chairtex's Infinity Collection features the company's exclusive 3.5-inch-thick seat with a rolled front edge and dual density opti-foam for maximum comfort. Options include:
* Bookracks
* Book and card pockets
* Ganging hooks
* Large assortment of different frame finishes
* A variety of upholstery materials
www.chairtex.com