Metal vs Plastic Stanchions: Which is Best?

Plastic stanchions and chains are a great way to manage lines or keep a crowd under control. You've probably noticed that you have the option of metal stanchions or plastic and may have wondered if one is better than the other. Here are some things you may want to consider when deciding which type is best for your intended use.

Weight

One thing to consider is how the weight of the posts is going to factor into its use. Heavier, metal posts may not be incredibly heavy, but if you plan on moving the posts very often it can get tiring and cumbersome to cart heavy posts around. A lightweight plastic stanchion post and chain set will be easy to move which means you can use it in numerous locations and events without much trouble. This is important if you plan on using the posts in different areas like in the parking lot, at festivals, or even in different areas of a store.

Stability

You may automatically assume that a metal stanchion post will be more stable than plastic, which is helpful in a large crowd or outdoors in the weather. However, plastic posts can have weight added or taken away using water, sand, or gravel. This gives you a lot of versatility and the ability to customize the weight and stability of the posts depending on how much they need to be moved.

Durability

If you plan to use the stanchion posts mostly indoors, durability may not be such a big factor. However, it's very important if the posts will be used outside primarily. Plastic posts are more resistant to rain and humidity, so if you have an event in poor weather, plastic is usually your best bet. Metal posts will rust after time when exposed to moisture. In addition, UV rays can be harsh on both materials; fortunately, you can usually find posts that are made to resist fading or other damage from the sun.

Aesthetics

When it comes to aesthetics, metal and plastic posts are pretty similar. Most people prefer either black or white posts, so plastic is definitely an option in this case. Metal can also be powder coated to get the color you desire as well.