You can use stacking chairs in a variety of settings, from the office to restaurants to hotels. While you can always rent used stacking chairs from a party rental store, it may be better to have at least a few dozen stacking chairs to accommodate a small meeting of the minds or a larger set for the annual shareholder's meeting.

If you're in the market to buy stacking office chairs, you have many options, from sleek plastic European styles to cushy padded chairs. Look for stackability (How high can you safely stack them? How much room do they take up?) as well as simple design. For example, consider stacking chairs with sled-style legs rather than the traditional four-legged design. The sled style eliminates the need for glides, which can attract dirt and scratch floors.

Think about the following points when shopping for stackable chairs, whether through the manufacturer or a distributor.

1. Consider durability. You want the stacking chairs to last, so look for steel tubular frames and a powder coating finish.

2. Find manufacturers that consider the effect on the environment in their stacking chair designs.

3. Look for stackable chairs that companies thoughtfully design to be comfortable.

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Expect new ideas from providers of stacking chairs

Stacking chair manufacturers are on the lookout for ways to make this portable seating option lighter, more comfortable and stackable. Look for manufacturers that adhere to quality standards such as ISO certification. Some of the simpler styles cost less than more padded stack chairs and are easy to transport.

I recommend: New-Tec Integration (Xiamen) Company is one of the top manufacturers of stackable office chairs, offering basic polypropylene stacking chairs with powdercoat frame. Mity-Lite is one of the leaders in the office furniture industry, revolutionizing tables and now lightweight ergonomic stacking chairs that weigh just 11 pounds.

Find variety within choices of stackable chairs

Suppliers of stacking chairs usually offer several different types of chairs, from basic discount stacking chairs in plastic to a more sophisticated banquet-type chair. Look for special deals on quantity purchases, storage racks or chair connectors to keep rows in line.

I recommend: The Graduate Commercial Stack Series available from the Green Office features a vented, molded comfort seat and sturdy steel frames. BizChair offers low-cost yet sturdy stackable plastic chairs in a variety of colors.

Find standards for stacking chairs with furniture associations

Associations representing office furniture manufacturers can offer a stacking chairs industry overview that helps explain important features. The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have established new standards for sustainability and emissions for office furniture.

I recommend: The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) establishes standards for office furniture. The Office Furniture Dealers Alliance represents vendors, manufacturers and other support industries.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look for sturdy stackable chairs that can stand up to the weight of heavier individuals.

Stacking chairs offer practical solutions to businesses needing to free up 'real estate' in the office. Commonly used in restaurants, hotels, churches and waiting rooms, stacking chairs are also great choices for businesses that may want to use a room for a variety of functions such as temporary office space, meetings or seminars.  Especially for organizations that host events on a regular basis, stackable chairs provide a durable and cost effective alternative to renting chairs.

A variety of options and materials exist for stacking chairs and the dollar investment can range widely depending on the needs of a business. Inside this guide, you'll find:

1. Tips on choosing the best stacking chair for comfort, eye appeal and durability.
2. Information on how to choose stacking chairs that will meet ergonomic needs.
3. Advice on keeping costs down and choosing reputable vendors.

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Consider the best stacking chair material for your business

Stackable office chairs are made from a variety of materials from durable plastic to more decorative styles such as wood and wicker. Stackable office chairs can also be fitted with a variety of fabrics or padded materials such as leather or vinyl, adding comfort and eye appeal. Stacking chairs may or may not include arm supports.

I recommend: If you host events on a regular basis or need to move stackable chairs in and out of rooms frequently, consider durable plastic stacking chairs or vinyl padded chairs with steel frames. A less durable alternative, wood and fabric looks offer more eye appeal and can be customized with engravings. These options would be a good fit for businesses that do not intend use stacking chairs on a regular basis or are willing to pay higher maintenance costs

Weigh the need for stacking chairs with ergonomic support

Stacking chairs come in various ergonomic designs, but styles and options will be more limited if you decide to go this route. Weigh the need for ergonomic chairs by determining how often the stackable chairs are used and the length of time people will need to sit in them.

I recommend: If employees, visitors or event participants will be required to sit in stackable office chairs for hours at a time, ergonomics is essential to their comfort and well being. To choose appropriate stacking chairs for lumbar support, become versed in the basics of sitting postures.  Find additional suppliers of ergonomic chairs at Business.com.

Choose a reputable stacking chair vendor

Stackable office chairs can be purchased via a number of methods including wholesale from the manufacturer, in volume discounts through third-party buyers and pre-owned.

I recommend: Choose reputable vendors of stacking chairs that offer a large array of choices and extras such as free delivery. Some third party buyers are set up to offer volume discounts. Consider companies that deliver products that are already assembled. You can also get great deals on pre-owned stacking chairs on eBay.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Choose durable steel-framed or plastic stacking chairs for heavy and frequent use.
• •  Consider whether your employees or guests would benefit from ergonomic stacking chair options.
• •  Companies looking for low-cost options can consider buying pre-owned stacking chairs.

Stacking chairs can be a great temporary alternative to permanent seating in an office or a conference area. Stackable chairs are flexible, allowing you to set up a large seating area and then stack away in a storage closet.

When researching pricing and costs of stacking chairs, keep several factors in mind. The materials of the chair will help determine how much you will pay per chair. The number of stacking office chairs you purchase will also help determine your total cost. You may be able to save by purchasing used rather than new sets of stacking chairs.

Remember the following pointers if you're shopping for stackable office chairs.

1. Look at the minimum order requirements on stackable chairs and how many pieces are in a carton when comparing prices.

2. Price the costs of shipping before you order online. It may make sense to purchase stacking chairs locally to defray shipping costs, which can be upwards of $100 per carton due to the product weight.

3. Factor in the cost of time and labor to clean upholstered chairs, which may soil with frequent use.

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Find a wide range of prices for stackable plastic chairs or padded chairs

Prices for stacking chairs can depend on the type of chair you select. You can find upholstered chairs in a price range of $28-$50, depending on whether you choose vinyl or fabric upholstery. Plastic stackable chairs range greatly in price from $48 to $110, most with minimum quantities of four.

I recommend: ABC Office Chairs offers padded stackable chairs for sale in minimum quantities of two. The plastic stacking chairs from One Way Furniture have a plastic seat and chrome frame construction, and are available in sets of four.

Add up rental costs for providers of stacking chairs

If you aren't in the market for purchasing stack chairs for your business, but you just need one-day rental, budget $3.50-$4 per padded chair. Note that rental companies may have additional charges, including a nominal delivery and set-up fee, if required. Pick-up is generally free if the chairs are stacked up and ready to go.

I recommend: Look for hotel-style padded stacking chairs from Taylor Party Chair or at Chair Rental.

Find great deals on used stackable office chairs online

You can find great deals on discount stacking chairs if you're willing to buy chairs that are gently used. Expect to pay $8-20 for used stacking chairs of good quality, and factor in shipping costs of $40 or more depending on the weight of the carton, location of the shipper and shipping address.

I recommend: A City Discount sells restaurant-quality used stacking chairs at a discount. You can find a variety of stacking chairs at Refurbished Office Environments.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Compare shipping costs for stackable chairs between UPS or FedEx. You could rack up a big savings by shopping around.

For any business that has to seat a large audience on occasion, stacking chairs are a key resource. Almost any business in any field is going to need this flexibility for times when a space may need cleaning, or when managers want to store chairs to open up space for other uses. There are many varieties of stacking chairs on the market, many of them made with clean metal designs for long-term use, and ergonomic seats for comfort. Knowing about some of the basic key terms and types of stacking chairs will give buyers a more informed basis on which to make decisions.

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Folding chairs

Manufacturers make folding chairs in various styles, but a folding chair is one that folds up into a flat frame for compact storage. Traditional types of folding chairs are often stacked on dollies or carts.

I recommend: Find the definition of folding chairs and much more on chair design at Nation Master.

Ergonomic chair

An ergonomic chair is one that is designed for the health of the user. The system of ergonomics governs the design of furniture for maximum support of the lower back or other vulnerable body areas. Many stackable chairs include ergonomic design.

I recommend: Find out more about ergonomic chairs for work places at Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

Sled-based or sled-leg chairs

Sled-based, or sled-leg, chairs are made with two pairs of legs connected at the bottom. Many of these chair designs are stackable and are used in schools and other facilities. The sled design can allow for easier stacking, as the joined legs add order and stability to the process.

I recommend: See more on stackable, sled-based chair designs at Scribd.

Casters

Casters are small, rolling wheels for furniture. Some stackable chair designs include casters for allowing the user to move without getting up from the chair. These are often seen on executive chairs, but now many stacking chairs feature them as well.

I recommend: See more on caster definitions at WiseGeek. See stackable chairs with casters at BizChair.com.

Arm chair

An arm chair is one that has arm rests. Though many buyers associate arm chairs with larger, plush models, many stackable chairs have smaller metal arm rests, and so qualify as arm chairs.

I recommend: See definitions on an arm chair and other chair styles at Furniture Brains.

Shell stack chair

A shell stack chair has one piece, usually plastic, for the seat and back, It resembles a 'shell.'

I recommend: See visuals on a shell stack chairs at Hertz Furniture Systems.