Why are dining chairs so expensive?

The dining is one of the most important places in the house. It’s where your family or friends usually gather, and there are lots of memories that come from sitting around the dining table. But getting high-quality dining chairs is quite costly.

Why are chairs overpriced?

If you want to get high-quality dining chairs, you’ll spend around $300 to $1000. The high cost is due to the material, craftsmanship and labor, and transportation. Due to the price variations, you need to consider factors such as comfortability, frequency of use, and dining space style when buying.

However, it’s possible to get high-quality dining chairs without spending that much. You have to buy used chairs instead of new ones. Here, we discuss why dining chairs are expensive and what to consider when getting them.

Average Cost of a Dining Chair

There’s no specific price for a dining chair. You can get it for as low as $25. The average price range is usually between $100 and $400, but they can cost as high as $1,000. The variation in the cost of dining chairs is due to the difference in quality. But it can make it tricky for you to get the right chair.

The amount you’ll eventually spend on getting dining chairs will depend on what you’re looking for. A high-quality dining chair will cost you around $300 each for starters, which means that it’ll cost thousands to get a complete set. But, of course, that’s if you want high-quality chairs. Mass-produced chairs will cost less, but they might not be up to your standards, especially quality.

Most times, the more expensive, the better the quality and construction. But chairs that cost more than $800 are priced that high, not just because of quality. Instead, it’s most likely due to the uniqueness of the style and detail, such as when you get hand-constructed chairs.

Material Price range
Plastic chair $25 – $150
Metal chair $40 – $15
Upholstered chair $200 – $800
Wood chair $200 – $800

 

Reasons for High Cost of Dining Chairs

The high price of dining chairs is due to several reasons such as:

1.      Material

The material for making dining chairs is one of the primary reasons they’re expensive. Hardwood is a common material for making chairs. Hardwood chairs are usually more durable and will last for a very long time. Even though all hardwood materials are excellent, the quality also differs. Acacia and spruce are hardwood but not as hard as pine and cherry. So, the prices of both won’t be the same. But, of course, spruce is still a great option.

How builders will use the wood also matters when selecting the wood they go for. For example, artisans use one lathed wood piece to make chairs with long back legs extending to the back of the seat. These chairs are stronger and more high quality. But they’re also more expensive because the wood costs more. Builders can make this kind of chair for less by gluing multiple pieces of wood together.

The cheapest dining chairs are plastic chairs, and you can get those for between $25 and $150. Metal chairs cost between $40 and $150, and upholstered cost between $200 and $800.

2.      Craftsmanship and Labor

When people pay a lot for chairs, they’re paying for craftsmanship. Hardwood chairs take the longest to make and require more skills. So, anyone making it will earn more money. The craftsmanship that goes into designing some dining chairs also reflects how detailed they are. Such chairs usually attract a premium price.

Upholstered chairs are also costly because they require effort and skill to upholster a chair properly. You might also spend more if you ask for custom-made chairs to match your home style instead of the available prefabricated options. Mass-produced metal and plastic chairs are generally the cheapest.

3.      Transportation

If you’re not getting the chair from a place near you, transporting the chairs could increase costs. Typically, shipping a chair will use ground transportation unless it’s overseas. But even ground shipping isn’t that cheap especially considering the weight and size of the chairs.

What To Consider When Getting Dining Chairs?

If you’re getting dining chairs, you need to ask yourself some questions that could influence your choices. They include:

1.      Is There An Existing Table?

It’s one thing to buy a complete dining set and a whole different thing if you already have tables and are just adding chairs. When there’s a table already, it’ll influence your choice of chairs. In that case, you should be looking for something that’ll complement or match it. It could be in terms of similar materials or finish.

2.      Frequency of Use

It would help if you also determined how often you’ll be using the chair. If it’s something you’ll use daily, you might want to go for something more durable than if you’ll only be using it a few times in a year.

3.      Comfortability

This is essential when getting chairs. If you want maximum comfort, upholstered seats are the best. They might not have the charm of wood chairs, but a chair with an upholstered seat and back will be easier to seat on. However, upholstered chairs will require more cleaning and maintenance than regular wood chairs.

4.      Dining Space and Home Style

Your dining chairs aren’t just serving a functional purpose. They’re also there for the aesthetic, so you should consider your home style when choosing the right chairs. If your style is modern and minimalist, you could go for all-wood designs or chairs with metal legs.

How to Pay Less for Dining Chairs?

Dining chairs are costly if you want quality, but it’s possible to reduce the amount you spend on this furniture by going for used chairs instead of new ones. Craiglist, Nextdoor, Facebook, etc., are a few of the platforms where you can find good deals for used furniture which are still high quality.

You can also check flea markets and thrift stores. Be careful when buying used furniture and make sure you inspect it properly.

How can you tell a good quality dining chair?

When it comes to dining chairs, there are a few things you should look for in order to ensure that you’re getting a good quality piece. First, make sure that the frame is made from a sturdy material like wood. Also, check to see that the chair has a comfortable seat and backrest and that the legs are evenly spaced and not wobbling. Finally, take a look at the overall construction of the chair to make sure that it is well-made and will last for many years.

How much should I pay for a dining chair?

When it comes to furnishing a dining room, one of the most important pieces of furniture is the dining chair. Not only do dining chairs need to be comfortable, but they also need to be stylish and able to withstand regular use.

With so much to consider, it can be difficult to know how much to pay for a dining chair. In general, the budget for around $100 per chair if you are on the lower end. If you are looking for a mid-range option, you can expect to spend $200 to $300 per chair. For a high-end dining chair, you will likely pay $400 or more.

When choosing a dining chair, it is important to consider the quality of the piece. Paying a little extra for a well-made and stylish chair is worth it.

In Conclusion

The material and craftsmanship are the major reasons high-quality dining chairs are expensive. When getting dining chairs, you should consider several factors and determine your budget, so you don’t overspend. Buying used furniture is a great way to save money while still buying quality.

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