Table and chair rental: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What table and chair rental is

A table and chair rental pro delivers tables and chairs in the styles and quantities you need for a party, meeting or ceremony, then picks them up when the event ends. People rent them when their own furniture is not enough, or when they want a matching set for a specific look.

Signs you need it

  • The guest count is larger than your own tables and chairs can seat
  • You want a matching set of chairs in a style or color you do not own
  • The event is at a venue that does not provide tables or chairs
  • You need round tables with a set number of seats for a formal dinner
  • You need the furniture delivered and picked up without carrying it yourself

What the pro does

  • Takes your guest count, the table shapes and the chair styles you want
  • Checks the stock and confirms the quantities for your date
  • Delivers the tables and chairs to the address and room you specify
  • Sets them up in the layout you approve, if setup is part of the service
  • Picks them up after the event and checks each piece for damage
  • Records any missing or damaged items and sends you any charges

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Number of tables and chairs and the table shapes you need
  • Chair style, such as folding, Chiavari or upholstered
  • Linen or table covers that come with the rental
  • Delivery distance, the entrance and any stairs the crew must climb
  • Whether setup and pickup are included or billed separately
  • The number of days you need the furniture and any early or late time

What a written quote should spell out

  • Each table and chair with the quantity, shape and style
  • Delivery and pickup times, and whether setup is included
  • Linens or covers and whether they are included
  • Damage and loss terms, and how missing pieces are charged
  • Late pickup terms and the rental period

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can you bring the chairs and tables to the room I have booked, and at what time?
  • Will you set up the seating plan I approved?
  • Are the chairs the same style and color throughout?
  • What happens if a chair is broken when it arrives?
  • When do you pick up, and what if the event runs late?
  • Can I change the quantities if the guest count changes?

Red flags

  • Cannot confirm the exact chair style and quantity for your date
  • Will not say who is responsible for damage or missing pieces
  • Asks for full payment before you have a written rental agreement
  • Has no contact to call on the event day
  • Promises delivery at a time the venue does not allow

What you can do yourself

You can set up a few folding tables and chairs for a small gathering yourself, on a flat floor and with room to walk between them. Hire a rental pro for a formal layout, round tables with linens, a large guest count or any setup that must be finished before guests arrive.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to rent tables and chairs. Ask whether the company carries liability insurance for its deliveries and setups, and read the damage and loss terms before you sign.

Table and chair rental questions

How many chairs should I rent for a party?

Confirm your final guest count with the rental company and the venue. Some venues require a set number of chairs for their room layout, so ask the venue first.

Do the tables come with linens?

It depends on the rental. Ask whether linens are included or sold separately, and confirm the color and size before you order.

What if a chair is broken when it arrives?

Photograph it right away and call the company the same day. Ask for a replacement before the event starts.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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