Which is better for restaurant chairs — solid wood or metal?
- Share
- Issue Time
- Aug 1,2026
Both solid wood and metal restaurant chairs have their place, and CDG Furniture manufactures both to commercial-grade standards.
Solid wood chairs (CDG uses FSC-certified hardwoods): Best for warm, traditional, rustic, or Scandinavian-style interiors. They're sturdy, age beautifully, and can be refinished. However, they're heavier, can scratch floors without proper glides, and are typically indoor-only.
Metal chairs (CDG uses powder-coated aluminum or steel): Better for modern, industrial, or minimalist spaces.
Aluminum is lightweight, rust-proof, and works both indoors and outdoors. Steel is heavier and stronger but needs proper coating to prevent rust. Metal chairs are easier to clean, more stackable, and generally more affordable at scale.
CDG's recommendation: for indoor fine dining — solid wood; for casual dining/cafes — metal with wood-look finish; for outdoor — aluminum only; for mixed aesthetics — CDG offers wood-effect aluminum that gives the warmth of wood with the durability of metal.
They also do hybrid designs: aluminum frames with solid wood seats. CDG's design team can advise on the best material for your specific concept and budget.