Furniture Fast Facts:

Classroom Chairs


Classroom chairs are an essential part of any school, and there are many different styles out there to choose from. While many classroom chairs may look the same, there are specific features that should be considered before purchasing. They include:



SEAT HEIGHT : Chairs are not always one-size-fits-all. A chair that is too small or too big is uncomfortable and can cause students to be antsy. Be sure you check the seat height and its compatibility with the ages and sizes of your students before purchasing. A standard adult chair usually measures 17” - 18" from the floor to the top of the seat. Use the seating chart below to get the right chairs "on average" for students in a particular grade. The grades that show a split percentage are those where it's best to have a couple of different sizes on hand for growing students.

If you are buying a chair for a particular child, you may want to get something a little bigger than they need and let them grow into it. Or for a precise fit, measure the child's leg from the floor to the break in his or her knee.



SEAT MATERIAL : Classroom chairs usually come in one of three seat materials: soft plastic, hard plastic or wood. Depending on budget and the overall look that is desired, one of these three materials will be the perfect fit.



Soft plastic school chairs, sometimes called polyethylene or polypropylene, are lightweight and easy to move around the classroom. The chairs tend to be less expensive than hard plastic and wood chairs, but are usually not as durable. Hard plastic school chairs, also known as resin or thermoset plastic chairs, are strong and can handle the daily abuse found in a typical classroom. They are more expensive than soft plastic school chairs, but usually last longer. Wood school chairs are very strong and look nice in your classroom. Wood school chairs are usually considerably more expensive that hard plastic and soft plastic chairs. Still, some prefer the classic look and durability of wood chairs.



FRAME FINISH : Most school chairs have a chrome or powder-coat paint finish on the steel frame. Chrome is the shiny silver finish that is common to many and easy to keep looking new. Powder-coat paint is sometimes available in several different colors, so you can best match the décor of your classroom. Also available is a Mirage finish, which is a powder-coat that is colored to look like classic chrome. Both finishes are extremely durable, so choose the style that best compliments existing furniture or is best suitable for the given space.



LEG STYLE : Classroom chairs are available with three different styles of legs. Glides are most commonly used, but chairs with casters and sled bases can also be useful.



Glides are typically either nylon or steel. Some people prefer steel glides for the chairs they use on carpet, but we find that nylon glides also work very well. Nylon (or plastic) glides are quieter on hard floor surfaces. Glides help keep chairs level and prevent scratches on linoleum or tears in carpet. Casters - In some situations such as computer labs, students may move frequently between workstations. In those instances you might consider a caster or wheeled chair. Caster base chairs are stable, but are still recommended for use only by middle school students or older. Sled bases - Some chairs are also available with sled bases that move easily on carpeted surfaces but are not recommended for use on other hard floor surfaces.



STACKABILITY : If chairs are moved from room to room on a regular basis or used in a space that serves a dual function, consider a chair that is easy to stack. Stackable chairs come either with separate backs and seats (two-piece) or with the seats and backs combined (one-piece).



If you have any questions regarding the classroom chairs sold on the Worthington Direct website, please contact our knowledgeable customer service team at 800-599-6636 or email sales@worthingtondirect.com.