Maximum load
The greatest weight that a piece of furniture can withstand without consequences during normal use for its main purpose; in other words, the maximum load at which the structure can operate for a long time (at least the warranty period) without damage or other problems. Of course, this figure cannot be exceeded: although exceeding the load does not necessarily lead to immediate breakage of the furniture, high weight still negatively affects the strength of the structure, and the product may break at the most unexpected moment (including later, when operating under normal load) . It is also undesirable to select a model based on end-to-end load. This is especially true for chairs, stools and other “seated places” (see “Purpose”): with any movement of a sitting person, additional loads arise on the structure, as a result, the actual load may be higher than the maximum even with the permissible weight of the seated person. The best option is to have a weight reserve of at least 15 - 20%. Of course, high strength affects either the cost or the weight of the product - however, in the case of tourist furniture, reliability is often more important than price or difficulty in transportation (especially since most such products are intended for camping and are not intended for long-term carrying).
Note that for tables (see “Purpose”) the load is usually low - no more than 30 kg: this is quite enough for most cases, and the weight of the str
...ucture is small. But chairs and other “sitting” furniture should be designed for more serious loads - from 70 kg and above. If we are talking about a set, then manufacturers, as a rule, indicate indicators for each type of item included in the set. However, there are exceptions; in these cases, it is recommended to check load indicators with company representatives or other reliable sources. Frame material
—
Aluminium. Aluminium alloys combine light weight with strength, durability and corrosion resistance, making them a highly suitable option for outdoor gear including furniture. However such frames cost a little more than steel frames (see below).
—
Steel. Steel is highly durable, while not as expensive as aluminium described above. On the other hand, this material has a greater weight, so steel furniture is recommended mainly for outdoor trips by car, as well as for "dacha" use — in house areas where the structure does not have to be worn more than a few metres.
—
Tree. Wood belongs to the classic materials, has an aesthetic appearance, which allows you to create original-looking pieces of furniture; in addition, it is considered by some to be more pleasant to the touch and "greener" than steel or aluminium. On the other hand, at a rather high cost, this material has no practical advantages over metals; moreover, under heavy loads, when the metal bends, the tree, usually, cracks. Therefore, wooden frames have not received much distribution in tourist furniture.
Weight
The total weight of a piece of furniture. This parameter has a dual meaning. On the one hand, a lot of weight creates inconvenience in carrying, and such products are poorly suited for transportation over long distances. On the other hand, more massive structures are more stable, and when using the same materials, usually, they are also more durable than light ones.
Weight, usually, is indicated without taking into account the cover (see above) — this is quite justified, given that the covers are usually made of soft and light materials and their effect on the weight of the furniture itself is almost imperceptible.
