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We have attempted to answer many of your questions
with this FAQ. If there is something else you need to know, or
if you would just like to chat about the chairs please do not
hesitate to call us. We will be glad to discuss your project with
you. We have been doing this for over 35 years, and we are happy
to pass our experience on to you.
Q: Tell me about Booth Seating.
A: We are more than just another internet
retailer. We have been in the business of selling, installing,
and refurbishing theater chairs for over 35 years. We have been
offering our chairs to home theater customers since 1994, and
we have had a web presence since 1996. Our goal is to pass our
experience on to you so that you get the chair you want and your
installation is as simple as possible.
Q: How comfortable are these
chairs?
A: Chair design has undergone a bit of a
renaissance in the past decade. There have been many improvements
in the rocking mechanisms and, more importantly, in back design.
The result is a chair that is at once anatomically correct and
comfortable. Many of our customers have called us to say how comfortable
they thought the chairs were. We are sure you will agree.
Q: How durable are these chairs?
A: These are commercial theater chairs.
They are built to withstand the sort of abuse they will see in
theaters. In your home theater they will provide you with many
years of trouble-free comfort and service.
Q: What fabrics are available?
A: In short, anything! Our standard fabric
is called Marquesa Lana. It is a woven fabric that is very durable,
easy to clean, and is available in over 70 colors. We offer the
entire fabric line to our home theater customers, not just 6 colors!
We also offer velvets and leathers. We have even used cowhide
for a customer in Texas! Also, you can supply your own fabric.
This is often done when working with an interior designer or architect.
Q: How do I choose my fabric
color?
A: When you are ready to place your order
we will send you a fabric booklet. You can then choose the fabric
color.
Q: Why do you not display your
fabrics on your web site?
A: The first problem is that Marquesa Lana
alone is available in so many colors, not to mention the velvets.
Second, and more important, is the fact that web browsers do not
always accurately display colors. For some of our customers close
is good enough. But, for many it is not. We prefer to send out
the fabric booklet so there are no surprises on your end.
Q: How long does it take to
get the chairs?
A: Production time is usually 3 - 5 weeks.
Q: How do I determine the width
of a row of chairs?
A: The chair widths listed on our web site
are measured from the centerlines of the armrests. To find the
outside-to-outside width of a row, multiply the number of chairs
in your row by the width of the chair, then add 6". For example,
a row of four 24" chairs would take up 101" ((4 x 24)
+ 6).
Q: How far apart should I space
the rows?
A: We recommend 42" - 44" between
rows of chairs. We find this is a comfortable distance that does
not waste space. If you are pressed for space you can reduce this
to 40". If you have the room you can expand this up to 48"
or more. It should be noted that when we specify row spacing we
are making measurements from identical points on the rows, usually
the rear anchors on the standards. Please call us if this requires
further explanation.
Q: Where should I place my rows?
A: There are two things that will impact
the placement of your chairs. First is your screen size. The general
rule is that the optimal viewing distance is about 1.5 times the
diagonal screen dimension. So, the optimal viewing distance from
a 60" diagonal screen would be about 90". Therefore,
your first row of chairs would be placed about 90" from a
screen of this size. However, this is just a general rule. Many
people find they are comfortable with a closer viewing distance.
Before you install your chairs, it may be beneficial to watch
a few shows at different distances from your screen to see what
you prefer.
Second, is the placement of
your back chairs relative to a rear wall. If you are placing an
aisle behind your back row, then you can simply determine how
much aisle space you want and place your chairs accordingly. However,
if your back row of chairs is being placed against a rear wall,
it is important that the chairs be installed at the proper minimum
distance. This is especially important with rockers so
that the full range of rocking motion is allowed. Please refer
to the table below to determine the minimum distance from the
wall for your chairs. Please note that these distances are measured
from the wall to the rear anchor on the chair standard.
| Chair |
Distance (min) |
| Premium/Alessandria |
17" |
| Concorde |
16" |
| Florencia |
16" |
| Milan |
16" |
| Venecia |
16" |
| Massey |
22" |
| American |
20" |
| Citation |
13" |
Q: Should I build risers, and
how should they be built?
A: Since most home theater customers are
limited by the standard 8' ceiling, they install risers to get
the proper sight lines. The height of the risers depends on a
couple of things. Naturally, a low room ceiling will limit how
high the risers can be built. Also, the higher your screen is
off the floor, the lower your risers can be. For most applications
you will find that framing your riser with 2x4s or 2x6s is sufficient.
It is important, though, to top the risers with TWO sheets of
3/4" plywood. Since chairs installed on risers must be anchored
with lag screws, it is important to have a sufficient thickness
of wood for the lag screw to bite into. One sheet of plywood is
simply not enough for longterm stability. Please feel free to
call us to discuss the specific details of your installation.
Q: I'm putting carpet on my
risers. Should I put the carpet down before installing the chairs?
A: Yes. Lay the carpet, then install the
chairs. Our installation instructions will provide you with all
the information you will need to install the chairs, but here
is a quick tip if you are using a berber or commercial carpet.
When you have determined where the standards will be placed, use
a felt tip pen to mark on the carpet where the lag screws or anchors
will be drilled. Remove the standard, and use a short length of
1/2" conduit to punch out a hole in the carpet where you
have marked. This will ensure that you don't pull a run in the
carpet when you drill for the lag screws or anchors. This step
is unnecessary if you are using a cut pile carpet. If you are
using lag screws on wood, it will be helpful to drill a pilot
hole into the wood for the lag screw.
Q: Where do I get the mounting
hardware for the chairs?
A: We provide all mounting hardware and
installation instructions with each order. Plus, we will provide
all the phone support you need.
Q: Are some of your chairs refurbished?
A: Yes. The Massey, American, and Citation
are refurbished chairs. But, don't let that put you off. Many
of our orders are for refurbished chairs. They are a very economical
alternative to the new chairs.
Q: What condition are the refurbished
chairs in?
A: Very good condition. For each
order we completely strip down the chair. We chemically clean,
hand sand, and repaint the metal. We replace the foam as necessary
and upholster with your choice of fabric. Plus, in the case of
the Massey and American, we dress up the chair with an upholstered
outer back and welt trim. The chair you receive will be in very
good condition and will be nearly indistinguishable from a new
chair. Also, we back the chair with an unconditional one year
warranty.
Q: Why do you not offer on-line
ordering?
A: We have considered this. However, we
realize that buying and installing theater chairs is not like
buying a sweater. We know you have questions, and we are happy
to answer them. We didn't see the point of having you place your
order on-line only then to have to call us with your questions.
We enjoy
speaking with our customers and discussing their projects, and
we enjoy answering their questions - even the most mundane questions!
Please do not hesitate to
contact us.
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