The Benefits of Having Your Fixed Seating Made to Order

If you need to source fixed seating for an establishment with an auditorium, there is a wide range of styles and designs on the market and it can be difficult to know where to start. As fixed seating is a long-term investment, it’s important to ensure you find a reputable supplier who will provide you with quality products that will stand the test of time.

By their nature, auditoria are venues with high footfall where seating is in daily use and subject to rigorous wear and tear. It therefore needs to be robust and hard-wearing and designed to withstand frequent usage.

Don’t take pricing at face value

The price of fixed seating can vary greatly but generally you can ensure you get the best price if you go direct to a manufacturer rather than through a re-seller. If your budget is limited you may be tempted to look at an off-the-shelf option as this can be significantly cheaper but you do need to consider the wider cost implications of this which may not initially be apparent.

Whilst buying off the shelf may appear cost-effective, there is often no pre-sales advice and no after sales service. Whereas by buying made to order from a manufacturer, you will be able to get help with choosing the right type of fixed seating, planning the layout and having the seats fitted. There will often be a longer warranty period, specialist fitters who can ensure your seats are installed efficiently and correctly and long term after sales service.

Fixed seating can be tailored to fit your venue

Most manufacturers will be able to tailor their seats to fit your auditorium. If you don’t already have a seating plan drawn up then they will be able to do this for you, taking into account the capacity you would like to have within your venue and all the relevant fire and safety regulations.

Seat widths can usually be adjusted in line with the length of rows to maximise the available space whilst providing as generous a seat as possible. There will often be a range of options when it comes to various elements of the seats, such as back height, thickness of cushioning and depth of seat. If your seats are made to order then you will be able to specify all of these things as well as choose whatever fabric or vinyl upholstery you would like.

When you buy off the shelf, your choices are often limited and seats come in one size fits all in a limited range of fabrics and colours.

Installation service

The majority of seating manufacturers will have specialist fitters who can fit fixed seating for you and often it’s actually included in the price. It’s preferable to use the manufacturer’s own fitters as they will be experts in fitting fixed seating in all types of venues and will be able to deal with any problems that arise on site.

Of course, it’s not essential to use the manufacturer’s fitters and you could commission your own people to do the job or do it yourself if you are confident with this type of work.