Would you compare Kate Middleton’s Issa dress with a replica from Tesco? After reading an article in the independent titled ‘Buy a knockoff of Kate’s dress,’ it got me thinking…

So, I decided to compare our designer Paris metal chair with its high street equivalent. The chairs look very similar on the picture indeed, but they’re not the quality is always in the details. They two chairs differ significantly on all levels; weight, design details, weather protection, joints and the manufacturing process.

Paris Metal Chair

Here is a genuine comparison of our metal chair with a similar product from an un-named UK retail giant.

Design Details
Let’s start with the design itself. Whilst the two chairs might seem similar at first, Oour chair has many more sophisticated details. For example, at the end of the armrests the cheap chair is just cut, ours is hand-forged where the curve ends. The legs of our Paris also features a chic double line that continues around and around the chair.

Stability
An immediately noticeable difference is also the weight of the chairs. Ours is 8.5kg, theirs is  just 6kg. This matters because a heavier chair is stronger and sturdier and won’t blow over in the wind. This is also how classic wrought iron chair should be.

Zinc Galvanised
You won’t see this from first look but you’ll certainly notice after a few month! Our chair is zinc-galvanised; the high street version is not. This means it is not fully protected from the elements and won’t last longer than a year or two outdoors. Why waste your money on something you’ll only have to replace?

High-Street Metal Chair

Guarantee
Paris metal garden chair has 5 years guarantee, so you know you are buying a quality chair. nNo warranty mentioned for the other chair.

Powder-coating
The chairs are both powder-coated. However, because our products are made to order, our chair is available in an array of colours and finishes. Theirs comes in grey only, without any finishing touches. The powder coating is also more pleasant to use – read on!

Scratch Resistance
The coating on the cheap chair is inferior; ours has a slightly coarse scratch-resistant finish. This is more pleasant to the touch and it prevents the metal from overheating so you won’t burn the backs of your legs – ouch!

Welding & joints
Our welds are seamless, manufactured using advanced robotic techniques. This means your chair is structurally sound and able to withstand heavier weights. The weld of the mass-produced chair was sloppy and vulnerable.

The Tesco dress at £16 is nothing compared to its designer version at £399. Just as a chair that’s been mass-produced in China the Far East, cannot be compared to our designer metal garden furniture. Look closely at the details when you’re shopping around and you’ll see there’s a reason why prices differ.

Avi Reisman