We’ve been in the business of designing, laying out, and installing all kinds of commercial seating, including movie theater seats, for over two decades. The installation of new theater seating represents a significant investment. However, theatre chairs that do not wear well or do not last can drive up the long term cost of ownership. After awhile in a movie house it can seem impossible to retain that ‘like new’ luster. Damage needs to be repaired. Spring-loaded seat bottoms and backs get noisy or lose their resistance. Movie patrons will often go elsewhere after encountering wobbly or uncomfortable auditorium seats. As you embark upon used seat replacement or renovation, what are some pitfalls to consider?
Wrap nice looking fabric around a movie chair, and structural shortcomings can be disguised. Here are some areas to examine:
Standards — The metal structure upon which seats rest must be durable. Classic cast iron standards are heavy and therefore steady. Steel standards are good if they are made of a heavy gauge steel. However, steel is only as good as the welds that hold the components together. Today, consistent, strong welds are often assured by robotic mig-welders. Human error is removed from the welding equation.
