Chair Capacity

Occasional Chairs

• Side chairs, also called occasional chairs, are generously upholstered on the back and seat, and many also have upholstered arms. Most manufacturers rate standard upholstered chairs for 300 pounds. Specialty manufacturers exist who provide chairs rated up to 500 pounds, which is a better option for heavier customers or if the chair will get lots of use and abuse.

Task Chairs

• Also known as pull-up chairs or desk chairs, task chairs usually consist of an upholstered seat and back, and a mechanism that allows the chair to tilt and swivel. They may or may not have arms. Task chairs are usually rated at 300 pounds, but some models are rated up to 500 pounds.

Folding Chairs

• Most folding chairs are surprisingly sturdy, given their lightweight construction. That makes them useful for camping, a day at the beach, or just sitting outside on the spur of the moment. Regular chairs are rated at 300 to 400 pounds. Oversize models exist to provide sturdy support for 500 or even 800 pounds; some have been given imaginative names such as "The Bubba."

Medical Needs

• Those with some medical conditions may require a chair or commode that supports greater weight. Regular toilet seats are rated at about 250 to 300 pounds, but models also exist to support up to 1,000 pounds.

Porch Swings

• A porch swing is a type of chair that is suspended by heavy chains bolted into the porch roof. It typically holds two or three people comfortably. Porch swings are usually rated at about 550 pounds, but the weight limit can be increased by installing a heavier chain and hardware.