As an educator, you know that having durable and safe chairs in your daycare facility is essential (and often necessary). There are several options on the market when it comes to school chairs, and we offer several that can meet your needs in terms of durability and longevity.
Our family has operated four daycares for over thirty years. Over the years, we have evaluated many types, materials, and options of chairs. This experience has given us a wealth of knowledge about all things classroom chairs. In this article, we will discuss two of the most common types of chairs and suggest the best methods to extend their lifespan!
Types of Classroom Seating: Classroom Chairs and Vinyl Chairs
There are many types of classroom chairs. Two of them are common: classroom chairs and vinyl chairs. We define classroom chairs as chairs in which children sit to eat at a table or to perform an activity. Classroom chairs are usually made of wood or plastic, and plastic chairs have metal legs.
Vinyl chairs are small, soft armchairs that provide children with a place to relax and socialize. They are a great alternative to leather in terms of longevity and durability, while still having a modern look. These chairs provide children with a sense of belonging and contribute greatly to their well-being in the classroom.
4 Facts About School Chairs You Should Know Before Buying Them:
1. Properly maintain your school chairs
Cleaning products such as bleach will quickly damage the finish of wooden chairs. Wooden chairs usually come with cleaning instructions, and it's best to follow them to extend the life of the chair instead of shortening it!
We recommend cleaning all wood chairs with mild soap and water. If your facility requires the use of bleach or other strong disinfectants, you should dilute them with water to reduce their impact on the wood.
2. Extend the life of your chairs by respecting their use
Classroom chairs can break if used improperly, such as when the teacher stands on them to get the class's attention. To prevent classroom chairs from breaking, use them as intended. If you must sit on a classroom chair, remember that the weight limit for most early childhood classroom chairs is 150 pounds. We have several educator chairs that will be more comfortable for your team!
3. Avoid floor marks and reduce noise caused by your school chairs
This is almost always preventable or easy to clean, but it's worth mentioning because it can happen if you don't protect the floor from chair legs. Marks are especially risky in classrooms with vinyl flooring, as vinyl is very susceptible to marks.
Luckily, most of our school chairs come with non-marking, noise-reducing glides!
4. Make sure you choose a chair height that is compatible with the height of your tables
For school chairs, the seat of the chair should be located 7-8 inches below the underside of the table. This space allows children to comfortably position their legs under the table and rest their elbows on the table. If you do not take this into account when purchasing the chairs, your children could bump their legs against the table, causing constant discomfort.
To prevent this from happening, make sure the chairs you buy fit your tables.
