The Cost of Dining Room Chairs: Factors that Affect Cost & Deciding How Much to Spend

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The dining room is one of the most important spaces in any home. It’s where families and friends come together to share meals, celebrate milestones, and create lasting memories. Because of this, the furniture in your dining area should be just as special as the moments shared around the table.

While most people focus on selecting the perfect dining table, chairs are just as essential to the overall look, comfort, and functionality of the space. However, dining chairs are often overlooked when budgeting for a dining room set. Whether you’re buying chairs as part of a complete set or selecting them individually, knowing how much to expect to spend can help you make an informed decision.

This article will break down the cost of dining chairs, exploring different price ranges, the factors that influence pricing, and the cost of dining chairs at La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston and Canadel Custom Dining.

Key Takeaways:

• Dining chairs range from $20 to over $2,000, depending on material, quality, and design.
• Three key factors affecting price: quality, materials, and style/design.
• Budget-friendly chairs ($20-$300) are often made from plastic, rattan, or softwood.
• Mid-range chairs ($300-$600) offer solid hardwood frames and stylish upholstery.
• High-end chairs ($600-$2,000 & up) are handcrafted, often custom-made, and built to last.
• Canadel and La-Z-Boy offer high-quality, customizable dining chairs in Ottawa & Kingston.

In this Article…

1. Understanding the Cost of Dining Chairs
2. Factors that Affect the Cost of a Dining Chair
3. Dining Chair Prices by Budget
4. Dining Chairs at La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston

Understanding the Cost of Dining Chairs

Dining chairs vary widely in price, ranging anywhere from $20 to over $2,000. The cost is influenced by several factors, including the materials used, the craftsmanship involved, and the overall design. More affordable options tend to be mass-produced using lower-cost materials, while higher-end dining chairs are often handcrafted, made with premium materials, and designed to last for decades.

When shopping for dining chairs, it’s important to consider how they will be used, who will be using them, and how long you expect them to last. A formal dining room that is only used on special occasions may justify a more expensive investment, while a casual dining space that sees daily use may benefit from durable, budget-friendly options.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dining Chairs

Several factors contribute to the final price of a dining chair. Understanding these elements can help you determine whether a particular chair is worth the investment.

Quality and Craftmanship

The way a chair is made has a significant impact on its price. Mass-produced chairs, often manufactured in overseas factories, tend to be more affordable due to lower labour costs and assembly-line production. On the other hand, handcrafted chairs made by skilled artisans take more time and expertise to produce, making them more expensive.

Structural integrity is another key factor.

A high-quality dining chair should feel solid and sturdy. If a chair wobbles when you sit on it, it may not last long. The best dining chairs are made with solid joinery techniques, such as mortise and tenon joints, rather than being glued or nailed together.

To learn about La-Z-Boy’s Dining Furniture Quality and Craftsmanship from Canadel, take a look at this article.

Material Selection

Dining chairs are made from a variety of materials, each impacting the price differently.

• Solid hardwoods like oak, cherry, and walnut are more expensive due to their durability and premium appearance.
• Softwoods such as pine and acacia are generally more affordable but may not last as long.
• Metal chairs offer a modern, industrial look and are typically mid-priced.
• Rattan chairs provide a bohemian aesthetic and can be found at a range of prices.
• Plastic chairs are the most budget-friendly but often lack durability.
• Upholstered chairs with cushioned seats or backs tend to be more expensive, especially if high-end fabrics or leather are used.

According to Michelle MacLellan, the interior designer at La-Z-Boy Hunt Club, dining chairs with luxurious fabrics, nailhead trim, and custom leg or arm designs tend to be at the higher end of the price spectrum.

Size, Style, and Design Complexity

The size and design of a dining chair also play a role in its price. Larger, more robust chairs require more materials, increasing their cost. Features like curved backrests, intricate carvings, or detailed upholstery require additional labor and craftsmanship, further adding to the price.

For example, some high-end dining chairs have curved backs that require weeks of work to achieve the right shape. This additional labour is reflected in the final price.

Dining Chair Prices by Budget Category

Dining chairs generally fall into three price categories: budget-friendly, mid-range, and high-end.

Budget-Friendly Dining Chairs ($20 - $300)

At this price range, dining chairs are typically made from lower-cost materials like plastic, metal, or softwood. These chairs often feature simple, minimalist designs and may require assembly. While they may not be the most durable option, they are ideal for casual dining spaces, rental properties, or households with young children.

Many budget-friendly chairs are available as part of pre-packaged dining sets, where the cost of each chair is bundled with the dining table.

Where to buy budget-friendly dining chairs in Ottawa:

• IKEA
• Structube
• The Brick

Mid-Range Dining Chairs ($300 - $600)

Dining chairs in this price range are typically made of solid hardwood and feature higher-quality construction. They often include upholstered seats and backs, offering more comfort and style. These chairs are designed to last longer than budget options, making them a good choice for those who want durable furniture without spending thousands of dollars.

Where to buy mid-range dining chairs in Ottawa:

• Mobilia
• Dufresne

High-End Dining Chairs ($600 - $2,000 & Up)

At the higher end of the spectrum, dining chairs are often handcrafted and made with premium hardwoods, leather, or custom upholstery. These chairs are designed to last for generations and are often part of designer collections. Some high-end chairs are fully customizable, allowing you to choose everything from the wood finish to the fabric type.

Many of these chairs are locally crafted, ensuring higher quality and ethical production practices.

Where to buy high-end dining chairs in Ottawa:

• The New Oak Tree
• The Emporium

Dining Chairs at La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston

La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston offers a selection of high-quality dining chairs from Hammary, Kincaid, and American Drew, designed with superior craftsmanship and durable materials. These chairs typically range from $800 to $2,000 per chair or more, depending on the collection and customization options.

*All La-Z-Boy prices listed in this article are subject to change. We aim to update all cost-related articles twice per year. This article was last updated on March 20th, 2025. Contact your local Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston location by phone or in person for up-to-date pricing.

La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston is also closely associated with Canadel Custom Dining, a family-owned Canadian brand specializing in handcrafted, customizable dining furniture. 

What’s more, Canadel’s UDesign Program allows customers to personalize their dining chairs by selecting colours, fabrics, and finishes. Some high-end chairs in Canadel’s collections, such as the Canadel Core series, feature curved backs with a slight flex, a detail that requires extra craftsmanship and contributes to a higher price.

"The Canadel Core collection offers premium materials, luxurious fabric options, and advanced customization features, making it a standout choice for those seeking high-end dining furniture,” Michelle says.

To learn more about Canadel’s website and How to Use the UDesign Tool, take a look at this article.

To explore these collections in person, visit the Canadel showroom in Kanata, conveniently attached to the La-Z-Boy Kanata location.

What's Next?

After reading this article, you now have more knowledge about the cost of dining chairs industry-wide and at La-Z-Boy. Now that you have an idea of what might work well in your dining room, why not check out some dining room products today?

La-Z-Boy also offers design assistance on all things Canadel custom design. By visiting an Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston showroom, or the Canadel Kanata showroom, you can receive one-on-one assistance in selecting and custom designing your Canadel dining furniture. 

You can also book an appointment with our interior design experts for any burning questions you may have. 

If you’re looking for comfortable living room furniture to go with your comfortable dining room furniture, make sure to check out some of our best-selling living room furniture at La-Z-Boy: 

• 5 Best Selling La-Z-Boy Power Recliners
• 5 Best Selling La-Z-Boy Sofas
• 5 Best Selling La-Z-Boy Reclining Loveseats

To learn more about La-Z-Boy dining furniture, take a look at our Dining Furniture Buyer’s Guide.

Related Links

How to Decorate your Dining Room: 6 Simple Tips to Follow

8 Best Dining Room Furniture Stores in Ottawa

Cost to Reupholster a Chair: Dining, Living, and Leather Chairs