Auditorium Seating Made Easy
By: Jeff Sladick

Is it time for an auditorium remodel, or perhaps you have just built a new auditorium? The process of selecting new auditorium seating can be a daunting task with many questions to be answered. 

Should you select stackable or fixed seating? How many seats will fit in your auditorium? What type of upholstery and finish should you choose? Do you need special options available with your seating? Is there really a difference between the products offered by all the different seating companies? 

Let’s take look at each of these questions to simplify the process of selecting the right auditorium seating for your school’s needs.

Start off your selection process by narrowing down the type of seating that will work best with the intended use of your auditorium. Is your auditorium set up for fixed seating (also referred to as theater-style seating), or do you intend to use your auditorium as a multipurpose venue in which stackable seating would best suit your needs? If you do not intend to use your auditorium as a multipurpose venue, prefer the theater-style seating layout, and have a generous budget, then fixed seating is probably your best choice.

If the above does not describe you, then there is another option. The most recent trend leans toward stackable seating, which gives you the most application options. Stackable seats are available with gangers, allowing you to connect them and form fixed rows or pews. You can also distribute them around tables for a banquet-seating layout. Because they are lightweight and able to be stacked 8 to 10 tall, you can remove them from your auditorium when needed and even use them in other venues.

So, now you know what type of seating you need, but how many? Most reputable seating companies can assist you in determining the proper number of seats for your auditorium size and layout. If you are looking at fixed seating, then you will need to provide the seating company with architectural drawings of your auditorium layout or allow them to send someone out to take measurements of it. Stackable seating layouts can also be created, or, by providing simple room dimensions, most seating companies can give you an accurate seating count.

There are so many upholstery and frame finish choices available for seating, whether it is fixed or stackable, that this can often be the toughest decision you will make in the selection process.  Reputable seating companies will offer you a vast selection of fabrics that they have put through their own testing procedures. When configuring seats that will be used by people of all ages, it is best to choose a fabric that is made of olefin fiber. This is your best bet for stain resistance, ease of cleaning, and puncture resistance. You will find olefin fabrics in an infinite amount of colors and patterns. The standard for seat frame finish is power coating. There are several different finish textures and colors that are available. It should be easy to find one that works with the fabric you have chosen.

Your ideal seating choice is now coming together, but you’re not ready to place an order just yet.  It is now time to pick out some options. Do you need cup holders, book racks, book pockets, card pockets with pen holders, communion cup holders, row and seat number plates, or seat arms? The best seating companies custom build each order to the customer’s specification. Outfit your seating now with options you may need later. It requires much more labor and cost to add options at a later date.

Now, the most important decision of all is the seating company you choose. The key is selecting the right company to deal with for such a large investment. Take the time to research the different companies and chairs that you are evaluating. Many seating companies will offer a sample chair to test out. Gather your sample chairs and spend some time putting each one through the Do & Don’t seating test:

Do…sit on each chair and compare the comfort and feel. People will be sitting in your seating for hours. Remember that the mind can only absorb what the back side can endure!

Do…compare each manufacturer’s claims such as foam quality, frame construction, assembly, and features. Don’t be afraid to cut into the chair to ensure that the advertised materials are actually being used.

Do…rough up the chairs to check durability. Stand and jump on the seats, drop them from 3 to 4 feet (stackable seating only), beat on the seat backs, and put some pressure on the frames to see if they keep shape and can handle the years of use ahead.

Do…ask a lot of questions. Company representatives should know their seating well. Call them up and test them.

Don’t…be fooled by weight. Heavy does not equal heavy-duty. Polymers are lighter than plywood; they create the best consistency in screw holding power, the highest level of durability, and the least amount of weight. Does that chair you are looking at have the latest in technology, a blow molded seat base?

Don’t…fall prey to the “warranty” game. Does the company truly back the entire chair for the stated term, or are different parts of the chair covered by different lengths of warranty?

Don’t…take after-sale service as a given. When a company says they have great customer service, don’t take their word for it; ask their customers. See if they will gladly give you customer references. Service in the long term will ensure your chairs serve your needs for many years to come.

New auditorium seating for your school is a big investment. Take the proper time to investigate your seating options and make sure all of your questions are answered to ensure the best use of your funds.

Jeff Sladick is the sales manager at Bertolini Inc., a leading manufacturer and direct seller of high-quality seating for more than 50 years, www.BertoliniDirect.com.

Product Roundup

The Auditorium Chair by McCourt Manufacturing
The Auditorium Chair by McCourt Manufacturing stacks for easy storage and gangs together for seamless seating. It features a 20-inch-wide seat with lumbar back support. Stock upholstery colors include Burgundy, Navy Blue, Concord Grape, Forest Green, Beige, and Charcoal Gray. The frames are 18 gauge 1" steel square tubing with powder coated silvervein finish for extreme commercial use. This chair is load tested to more than 1,500 pounds and comes with a five-year warranty.
www.mccourtmfg.com

Irwin Seating
Irwin Seating Company is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of new and restored seating for stadiums, arenas, movie theatres, auditoriums, performing arts centers and lecture rooms.  Irwin Seating Company offers a wide range of products tailored specifically to the needs of schools and churches. Shown here is the Model 41286 Citation, which features an impact-resistant plastic back, durable seat, and Tru-Fold Tablet Arm.
www.irwinseating.com

 Track Seating
Track Seating offers a complete line of contoured back chairs, featuring full spring suspension seat comfort systems. The seats are available in 32-inch and 35-inch tall back heights, with custom back treatments to meet any need, including injection-molded plastic, wood veneer, plastic laminate, and upholstery. Track Seating’s unique 3-D laminate end panels allow schools to have the look of hand-carved wood at a small fraction of the cost. These panels can be customized to include scripture or religious symbols.
www.trackseating.com

Hertz SCP-1800 Chapel Chair
Experience the ultimate in comfort, flexibility and style with the elegant SCP-1800 Chapel Chair. It features lush 3-inch cushioning, an ergonomically contoured back, and a waterfall front edge for comfort. Hertz’ stackable chairs link together, providing flexibility enough for every purpose. Sturdy steel construction and reinforced seating mean they’re made to last and last. Available in a wide selection of fabrics to suit any installation, each chair comes standard with a rear bookpocket and in your choice of two metallic frame finishes.
www.hertzfurniture.com

Flex-Fit Seat by Bertolini
The Flex-Fit seat by Bertolini Sanctuary is designed with ergonomic characteristics, enhanced by the right mix or rigidity and flex to create a controlled flex that is comfortable time after time. The seating features innovation, durability, comfort and Fit-Tight fastening system. The Flex-Fit seat combined with the patented Ergo-V back is part of the Impressions series by Bertolini. 
www.sanctuaryseating.com

ChurchPartner
ChurchPartner is pleased to present an exceptional chair at an exceptional price. The Summit Series of chairs includes a chair for every environment. Choose from 20-inch or full 22-inch wide seating, armed or armless, and a wide selection of enclosed and open seat back designs, to customize seating for your existing or new sanctuary. Features such as full lumbar support with three generous inches of dual-stage seat foam add comfort and support to each of the Summit chairs. Choose from hundreds of rugged yet beautiful fabric options with many in stock and ready for immediate shipment.
www.churchpartner.com