The audience’s comfort is a priority when doing a seating project for the auditorium space. But with so many available auditorium seating choices, determining the style that will meet your requirement and budget is challenging. So, you need to consider everything from seat design to the choice of materials contributing to the overall customer experience.
The following section is a comprehensive guide that could help with your purchase of auditorium seats, so keep reading.
- Standing feet
You should pay attention to the material used in standing feet. The two commonly used materials are aluminium and steel.
If you want to go with aluminium alloy feet, there are more choices in footing style like bow-type, arched or a fixed stand. Also, it looks better compared to steel. But galvanised steel has a higher yield and the ability to withstand tension.
Aluminium has an advantage over steel in terms of weight. Legs and frames made from aluminium alloy weigh a lot less than steel. So, transporting them and taking them out for repairs can be much easier.
- Cushioning
It’s tough deciding on the right cushioning material as you want to offer maximum comfort without exceeding your budget. Many prefer going with the regular PU foam that regulates air perfectly and is comfortable and cheap.
High-density moulding foam is strong and conforms to the user’s body. But it is a more costly option and difficult to maintain. Plus, this material retains moisture which can affect the lifespan of these seats. So it is better to go with medium-density foam.
Another thing you should consider about cushioning is the thickness. It is best to go with thick cushioning that promotes good posture.
- Seat mechanism
What most people tend to overlook is the seating mechanism in auditorium seating. You either get a damping return or a spring steel mechanism.
The seat rebounds quickly in the spring steel mechanism, generating a little noise.
In the damping return mechanism, the rebound is slower due to the presence of a pneumatic rod which makes the mechanism noiseless. Also, it is less aggressive than a spring steel mechanism, and the audience has enough time to sit back before it retracts.
- Seat covers
Making a mistake in choosing a seat cover can cost you in the long run. The cheap and most commonly used material is linen.
PU leather is another durable and affordable choice. But it may increase the overall prices of the seats. Some manufacturers also use high-quality fabrics featuring anti-pollution and fire-resistance treatments for better safety and audience comfort.
- Writing pads
While writing pads are not necessary, they can dictate the audience’s overall experience in the auditorium. But if you’re buying for a conference or lecture hall, writing pads must be included.
You get different writing pads like aluminium alloy connectors, chain-link writing boards and others. In terms of materials, you either get MDF wood or plastic. MDF wood is strong and durable and is recommended for conference rooms and lecture halls.
- Additional features
You get several additional features on auditorium seating that adds to the aesthetic and functionality. You can choose several trims to improve the overall audience experience.
You can choose lettering and seat numbering and get armrest storage and cup holders. Plus, there are other options like aisle lighting and adding LED panelling. But keep your budget in check as you include more features in your seats.
Buying seats for auditoriums can get overwhelming when you don’t know where to start. When armed with the knowledge of materials and necessary features, you make the right decision for your project. You can even contact manufacturers directly for your customised seating requirements and get the best solutions for different projects.
