Most churches will stack and store some of their chairs from time to time. This allows sanctuary areas to be cleared out for cleaning and makes it possible to rearrange rooms and use them for special events. When it comes to storing stacking church chairs, proper organization and care are key to maximizing space and ensuring the longevity of your chairs. If you are shopping for new chairs and plan to store or stack your church chairs occasionally, there are three things to look for that you might not have thought about.

Firstly, ensure that the chairs you choose are easily repairable. Look for chairs where seats or backs can be replaced easily, especially if there are instances of children coloring on them. This feature will save you time and money in the long run.

close-up of a child coloring on furniture with markers

1. Frame Structure

When selecting chairs, consider how strong the frame is. Chairs made with aluminum, steel, or hardwood frames can be very sturdy. Metal chairs will be held together with welded joints. Quality welding is essential to a long product life. Hardwood chairs can be cheaply glued together or can be made with mortise and tenon joints; look for the latter, as these notched joints will be much stronger and more durable. Look for chairs with stack bars and stacking buttons for added stability during transportation. This helps the chairs stack tightly and securely so that they can be carted around effortlessly.

2. Complementary Chair Carts

Before you purchase new chairs, check if the chair manufacturer offers carts specifically designed for the chair model you choose. Some off-brands of church chairs don’t work with typical chair carts. This makes it impossible to securely transport a stack of chairs. Investing in chair carts, such as chair dolly carts or stack chair carriers, will simplify the moving process and protect your chairs from damage.

Variety of dollies and carts offered by Bertolini

3. Weight Capacity

Look for chairs with a high weight limit — this gives you a good sense of how much strain a chair can take while being carted around or while supporting a stack of chairs. Bertolini Church Chairs hold 1,000 pounds (453.5 kg), which guarantees their integrity during stacking and storage. Chairs with low weight capacity may not handle the twisting and torquing experienced during stacking and storage, and they may break.

4. Stacking Space Requirements

When it comes to storing chairs that stack 6-10 high, be mindful of the space needed to accommodate these stacks. Bear in mind that each stacked chair projects forward slightly from the one underneath it, so the stacking space requirement will be a little more than that needed to stack a single chair. Check with your sales representative to find out how much space a stack of chairs will take. You will want to ensure that your storage area is adequately sized to fit the stacked chairs comfortably without compromising accessibility.

Close up of a measuring tape

5. Chair Ganging Option

Lastly, think about chair setup options that make it easier to set up chairs after they’re taken out of storage. Choose chairs that offer chair ganging as an option. Chair ganging clips are located on both sides of the chairs. Ganging clips link chairs together in neat, tidy rows, enhancing the overall appearance of your space. Moreover, in the event of an emergency, ganging chairs together can prevent accidents and ensure a quick and orderly evacuation.

The Final Take

By considering these factors when selecting your new church chairs, you can streamline the process and maintain a well-organized and functional seating arrangement for your congregation. Whether you are transporting stacks of chairs with chair dollies, stack chair carts, or other tools, prioritizing proper storage and handling practices will preserve the quality and lifespan of your church chairs in the long term.

person moving chairs with a cart

FAQ on Church Chair Storage

What do I need to consider when buying furniture for a church?

When buying furniture for a church, consider the comfort of the congregation, durability of the furniture, ease of maintenance, and storage considerations.

Why do you need carts for church chairs?

Carts for church chairs make it easier to transport and store large quantities of chairs efficiently. They also help protect the chairs from damage during movement.

Do church chairs need to be linked together with ganging hooks?

It is recommended to link church chairs together using ganging hooks for safety and stability, especially in high traffic areas or for events where chairs need to be arranged in rows. In addition, chairs with ganging clips also offer aesthetic benefits: the chairs link together into neat, tidy rows and don’t get pushed out of place by congregants.

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Meet the Author

Kristin Cooke

Senior Content Specialist

Kristin Cooke has a bachelor’s degree in English and over 20 years of experience in writing, marketing, and product research. Over the years, she’s written for several furniture companies, from luxury to commercial. Her work has been featured in PCMag, Shoshone News Press, Forbes, Ashland Town News, and Space.com.