Resin vs Wood: The Smarter Choice for Your Business
Written by: Marcelo Flores
New rentals often face the dilemma: should I buy wooden folding chairs for their classic appeal, or resin folding chairs for their durability? At first glance, the two look almost identical. But when you factor in maintenance, longevity, and return on investment, the differences become clear.
In this article, we’ll compare wood vs resin folding chairs so you can make the right choice for your business.
👉 Download Now our FREE EBOOK on How to Choose the Best Chairs for Weddings and Events
1. Durability
When comparing wood and resin folding chairs, durability is one of the most important factors, especially for rentals that need inventory to last through hundreds of events in heavy use.
Wood folding chairs may look elegant at first, but they are prone to wear and tear much faster. The wood can chip, scratch, and crack with frequent handling, and exposure to moisture or humidity often causes warping. Over time, the joints can loosen, making them less stable for guests.
Resin folding chairs, on the other hand, are built to withstand heavy use. They are resistant to cracks, chips, and all weather conditions. Unlike wood, resin won’t warp, peel, or lose its shape, even when stored in less-than-ideal environments.
2. Aesthetics
Wooden folding chairs do offer a warmer feel and a more natural finish, but in practice, wood and resin folding chairs look almost identical. For many businesses, that small difference isn’t worth the added cost and shorter lifespan of wood.
Resin folding chairs have the advantage of maintaining their look for much longer. While wood chips, scratches, and fades quickly, resin keeps its smooth finish even after repeated use. This is important to consider, because the very reason you buy wooden chairs (their appearance) can also be the reason you end up replacing them early once they start to look worn.
3. Maintenance
Maintenance is where the biggest difference between wood and resin folding chairs becomes obvious.
Wooden folding chairs require constant attention. They need to be repainted or refinished often to hide chips and scratches. The joints loosen over time, requiring tightening or repairs, and exposure to humidity can lead to warping or cracks. Even with the best care, wood shows signs of wear quickly, which means more labor and higher long-term costs to keep them looking good.
Resin folding chairs, in contrast, are practically maintenance-free. Their molded finish doesn’t need paint or refinishing, and they can be easily wiped clean after each event. Resin won’t absorb stains or water, making it ideal for outdoor use in all weather conditions. Plus, the smooth surface keeps them looking newer for longer with minimal effort.
4. ROI (Return on Investment)
At the end of the day, the smartest investment is the one that delivers the best long-term return, and this is where resin folding chairs easily outperform wood.
While you can charge more for natural wooden chairs to balance the returns, this strategy only works for niche demand. In the common colors also offered in resin (white, black, and mahogany) resin is the smarter choice. Clients won’t see a visual difference, but you’ll benefit from chairs that last longer, require less maintenance, and generate more rentals over time.
For a clear picture of your ROI, remember to consider all factors in your ROI calculation: purchase price, durability, maintenance, replacement cycles, and rental rates. Pairing this with inventory management software can help you track each item’s performance, maintenance costs, and profitability. With this data, you’ll always know which products are truly driving your growth.
While wooden folding chairs have a natural charm, they come with higher maintenance costs and shorter lifespans. Resin folding chairs, on the other hand, deliver the same elegant look, but with greater durability, easier upkeep, and a far better ROI.
Since most clients won’t notice the difference in appearance, investing in resin folding chairs is the smarter move for any event business looking to maximize profits and grow efficiently.
