Bleachers are used in all types of sporting areas and parks, as well as in concert venues. Shopping for bleachers can be a difficult task because of the many available styles and types. Bleachers are made with a variety of plastic, metal and wooden materials and use all sorts of products to secure them in place. Understanding these products and materials helps you to choose a set of bleachers that will last your company for years to come.

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Earth anchor

An earth anchor is a small stabilizing screw or system that is embedded into the ground to hold the bleachers in place. These earth anchors are lightweight and come in a variety of styles to hold different types of bleachers.

I recommend: View pictures and more information about earth anchors at The Hunting Life.

Thermal, or thermo, plastic coating

Thermal, or thermo, plastic coating is a layer of plastic that is applied to an object with heat. Some bleachers, benches and risers are available with thermal plastic coatings.

I recommend: Newswire Today provides information about thermal plastic coatings. Visit Plascoat Systems for more information about thermo plastic coating.

Extruded aluminum alloy

Extruded aluminum alloy, or mill-finished aluminum alloy, is aluminum that has been melted and had other minerals or products added to it to strengthen it. The metal is then pushed through a mold to shape the aluminum. Extruded aluminum alloy is commonly used in producing bleacher braces and foundations.

I recommend: Bonnell Aluminum supplies information about the extrusion process that is used on aluminum. View more information about aluminum alloys at The A to Z of Materials.

Anodized aluminum

Anodized aluminum is aluminum that is sent through a chemical acid bath and is electrically charged. This causes the aluminum to create a protective surface. This type of aluminum does not rub off on your clothing and is as hard as diamonds.

I recommend: WiseGEEK provides information about the type of anodized aluminum that is used in making bleacher seating.

Galvanized steel

Galvanized steel is often used for braces under bleachers. This steel is coated with a layer of zinc to make it rust and corrosion resistant.

I recommend: Buildeazy.com gives more information about galvanized metals.

Tip-n-roll

Tip-n-roll is a type of bleacher system that has casters and skid protectors to allow the bleachers to be lifted and pushed to another area. Some tip-n-roll bleachers are foldable, allowing for easy storage.

I recommend: Basketball-Goals has information on and photos of tip-n-roll bleachers. American Park and Recreation also has information regarding tip-n-roll bleachers.

Bleachers are tiered stands that are used for seating at spectator events. Manufactured bleachers are usually made from aluminum. Bleachers can be installed to be a permanent fixture or can be purchased as portable units that can be moved from event to event.

Bleachers are sold in standard sizes ranging from 7 1/2 to 30 feet long, with three to 10 rows of seating. Most bleachers are made to be assembled by the consumer. When standard bleachers are not an option, have bleacher seating custom designed and installed by a bleachers manufacturer. As you review the needs on your bleachers list, consider the following:

1. Buy standard bleachers

2. Find a portable bleachers supplier

3. Order custom bleachers when specific dimensions are required

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase standard bleachers from an online bleachers supplier

Standard bleachers are a great option for indoor and outdoor areas that do not have specific dimensions for seating. Standard bleachers are manufactured with three to five rows of seating. Depending on the price range budgeted for bleachers, upgrades are available for handrails and shade covers.

I recommend: National Recreation Systems is a bleachers supplier that has a variety of standard bleachers for sale. Find items as simple as an aluminum bench to deluxe bleachers with center hand rails on their website. Find bleachers online shopping at APark. They carry a line of standard bleachers as well as bleacher covers. Get a discount when purchasing in bulk from their website.

Buy portable bleachers

Portable bleachers are either small enough to be easily moved by a few people, or they have wheels for portability by a tractor or other vehicle. Portable bleachers come in varying lengths and have between three and five benches.

I recommend: Aluminum bleachers is a bleachers vendor that carries a standard line of bleacher seating as well as portable aluminum bleachers. Their portable bleachers come in sizes small enough to be moved by human power to large sets that require a small tractor or truck for maneuvering. School Outfitters is another bleachers website that sells portable bleachers. Many of the bleachers for sale on this site have free shipping.

Custom order bleachers from a bleachers manufacturer

When you have specific requirements for seating you will want to work with bleachers manufacturer that can custom design bleachers for you. Whether you are putting bleachers in a ball park or are filling an indoor stadium, a manufacturer will work with you to design and manufacturer bleachers to your exact specifications.

I recommend: Get Seating is a bleachers manufacturer that specializes in custom bleacher seating to fit your specific requirements. They offer complete architectural consulting and design services. All Star Bleachers also specializes in custom designing bleachers. They offer no-obligation consulting for design, budget and custom specifications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When looking though a bleachers directory look for the providers that offer free shipping and discounts for bleachers purchased in large quantities.