How Much Does a Folding Chair Weigh?
What do you think about when you’re looking for a folding chair? Most people focus on comfort, and rightfully so. But there is another question you need to ask – how much does a folding chair weigh?
Weights differ according to the type of chair, materials, and folding mechanisms.
Weights of different types of Folding Chairs
We examined the average weight of folding chairs by looking at the top 10 bestsellers from Amazon in different categories. We checked the weights and calculated the average.
1.Plastic folding chairs without padding
- 5.5 to 11 pounds (2.5 to 5 kilograms)
- the average: 8.0 pounds (3.6 kg)
2.Wooden folding chairs without padding
- 6 to 11.2 pounds (2.7 to 5.1 kilograms)
- the average: 8.4 pounds (3.8 kg)
3.Wooden folding chairs with padding
outdoor use:
- 8.9 to 13 pounds (4 to 5.9 kg)
- the average: 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
indoor use:
- 13 to 26.8 pounds (5.9 to 12.2. kg)
- the average 16.2 pounds (7.3 kg)
4.Metal Chairs without padding
- 6.4 to 10 pounds (2.9 to 4.5 kilograms),
- the average 8.3 pounds (3.9 kg)
5.Metal Chairs with padding
- 9 to 14.5 pounds (4.1 to 6.6 kilograms),
- the average 10.4 pounds (4.7 kg).
6.Camping chairs
- 2 to 13.9 pounds (0.9 to 6.3 kilograms),
- the average 8.5 pounds (3.9 kg)
The weight may not be much of an issue for a chair you don’t need to carry a lot, like a chair that you use indoors.
Weight matters if you are organizing an event and you need to arrange a lot of chairs. And if you go outdoors and take a chair with you.
Weight of the Camping Chair
If you want to go for a hike and need the chair for pit stops, then the question about the weight is important.
The heaviest camping chair in our comparison was 13.9 pounds (6.3 kg). Is it too heavy? Well, it’s not a light chair for a camp chair:
- If you are going to be carrying it on a longer nature hike, it’s too heavy.
- If you are taking it from the car to a picnic or outdoor event in the park, or sports event like baseball games, it’s perfect.
The durability thing is a big part when choosing the chair. Lightest chairs are easier to carry with, but they might not last as long as a heavier one.
Here, we’re going to look at the factors that affect the weight of a collapsible chair. There are several factors that influence the answer to the question “how much does a folding chair weigh?” Let’s look at them here.
The Frame
The material used to make the frame has the biggest impact on the weight of a collapsible chair. Manufacturers may use anything from steel through to aluminum alloy in frame construction.
The former causes a chair to weigh more than the latter. In fact, steel-framed chairs can weigh up to 8 or 9 pounds, which makes a real difference when you’re trying to carry them large distances.
That’s why many manufacturers and foldup chair buyers prefer aluminum frames. Though a lighter metal, aluminum still offers the sturdiness that is so important in a camping chair.
Chairs made using aluminum alloy tend to be even lighter. Some camp chairs weigh as little as 2 pounds, which makes them very easy to carry for all but the smallest of children.
You’ll often find the frame makes a difference when it comes to price as well. Heavier frames tend to command lower prices because campers already have to deal with the inconvenience that a heavy portable chair produces.
Frames made using aluminum alloy will generally fetch higher prices because they do offer more convenience.
The Fabric
Though it doesn’t make a huge difference when you’re trying to figure out the answer to “how much does a folding chair weigh?” you still need to consider the fabric when making your purchase.
What you’re looking for here is the denier (D) rating of the fabric. There isn’t a huge amount of difference between the fabrics manufacturers use, but the thickness of those fabrics will add to the weight.
For example, a 600D fabric weighs less than a 1000D fabric.
Again, it’s a minor factor, as differing fabric thicknesses won’t add much more than a pound to your chair’s weight. But it is another thing to consider.
The Carry Case
Not all portable chairs come with carry cases, but those that do tend to be heavier when they’re packed away. It’s a trade-off.
Carry cases make the chair easier to move from A to B, but they also add that little bit of extra weight during transport.
The best cases come with handles that will at least help you carry them properly. A shoulder strap lets you distribute the weight of the chair better than a small handle.
The Extras
A lot of portable picnic and sports chairs come with added extras that may also impact on the answer to “how much does a folding chair weigh?” Cup holders don’t tend to add much, as they are usually made using mesh. Cup holders are great in a chair that you use as a picnic or sports chair.
But you do need to think about the extra weight if the chair comes with a table. Usually made from plastic, these foldable tables come in handy when you’re sitting down enjoying a meal.
Unfortunately, you will have to account for them when carrying the chair, as they add a small amount of extra weight.
Why Do You Need to Ask How Much Does a Folding Chair Weigh?
So why does the chair’s weight matter? There are several reasons that you will want to keep in mind.
Carrying
The most obvious reason why you need to ask “how much does a portable chair weigh?” is that you will often need to carry the chair across long distances. Campers and anglers may not need to worry about this too much, but hikers and backpackers do.
A heavy chair doesn’t represent a huge burden at first. After all, 9 pounds (4.1 kg) isn’t a huge amount of weight. But, that weight really starts to bear down on you when you’re a few miles into a hike.
You may find yourself having to slow down or stop entirely to rest if you take on too much weight during a hike.
Children
Many children enjoy camping and picnics, but a heavy chair can ruin their experience. Remember, children do not have fully-developed muscles, so they will struggle much more with a heavy chair than adults.
A light chair will ensure your child will comfortably be able to carry the chair the required distance and won’t be exhausted in the process.
The Final Word
You should now understand the various factors that affect the answer to the question “how much does a folding chair weigh?” There are also several reasons why you need to think about this question when buying a new chair.
As a general rule, look for a chair made of aluminum or aluminum alloy if you want a light folding chair. These offer the sturdiness of steel without weighing you down when you’re carrying the chair over long distances.
To learn what is the weight capacity of different folding chairs, read this article.
