General Questions

Where are Bertolini chairs manufactured? 

Bertolini manufactures custom-built church chairs right here in the USA. This benefits the customer in multiple ways. Because we sell church chairs directly from the factory, there is no middleman. This lowers the price of the chairs, reduces the risk of having issues with shipping, and guarantees we can deliver the best possible customer service. We also use only the best materials that are produced in the USA, which means they meet and exceed standard qualifications for manufacturing. Each chair is machine crafted with precision tools to be identical to every other chair in the customer’s order.  

Does Bertolini offer a warranty on every chair?

Yes! Bertolini offers a comprehensive, hassle-free warranty on every chair and we can do this because we know our products are the best. We prioritize having a long-term relationship with our customers because we know that’s what makes us successful. Therefore, we work hard to ensure our customers receive the very best church chairs any company can produce. We are devoted to excellence, which is why we offer a warranty program that guarantees quality for the lifetime of each chair. For warranty details visit, bertolinidirect.com/warranty.

What if time is a huge factor? 

Chairs manufactured by Bertolini are always made right here in the USA, which means we can shorten the turnaround time on orders. We also offer quick-ship options for different styles of chairs. 

What makes the foam used in Bertolini chairs so special? 

Bertolini church chairs are made using bio-based foam crafted by America’s leading companies. The foam is created to leave a smaller environmental footprint in comparison to tradition foam. It’s fully recyclable and free of PBDE (Polybrominated diphenyl ethers) and chlorinated fluorocarbons. Bertolini foam seats will outlast any other on the market and provide years of comfort. We back this promise by a 10-year warranty.  

If you opt for chairs with the Bertolini Dual Density UltraFoam™ seat, you’ll get a specially crafted seat made with high resiliency foam that prevents the foam from breaking down while providing a plush, comfortable feel.  

What if we have limited storage at my church? 

If you have a limited amount of storage space then Bertolini chairs are perfect for your church. We build all our chairs to be lightweight and easy to set up, move, and store. The chairs are made with a sturdy steel frame that stacks efficiently while preventing wear and tear during moving and stacking. Unlike competitor products, Bertolini chairs have high-quality stacking buttons on the inside of the legs to make stacking easier and more efficient. 

What if I need chairs, but I have a limited budget? 

At Bertolini, we want to make it easy for customers to get the products they need. We’ll work with you to find products that fit within your budget. Many churches find it convenient to purchase chairs in blocks. We want you to buy chairs at your own pace, and you won’t feel any pressure from us. Bertolini also provides free resources to help you raise money to purchase new chairs.  

What is the Flex-Fit™ seat and which chairs have it? 

If you need durable chairs that can withstand hard use and heavy weight, you need chairs with a Flex-Fit seat. The Flex-Fit seat features a Fit-Tight™ fastening system and BosScrew™ technology that’s capable of withstanding focused loads that exceed 800 lbs. Flex-Fit seats hold screws in place up to 70% better than the average chair, which means no more finding loose screws on the floor. The Impressions Series chairs have a Flex-Fit seat.  

What is an Ever-Flex™ back and which chairs have it?

If you’re looking for five-star comfort, you need Bertolini chairs with an Ever-Flex back. Ever-Flex refers to the chair back having a composite spring system that is tested using over one million cycles. This ensures that you’re getting a chair with a back that lasts longer with a strong return on investment since you will replace it less often than the average chair. This promise is backed by a structural warranty. The Ever-Flex back is a feature found in the Impressions Series chairs

What is a Form-Flex seat and which chairs have it? 

The Form-Flex seat was designed specifically to improve the extended seating experience for all users. The patented Form-Flex technology provides superior lumbar support and unbeatable comfort. This feature is available in Impressions Series chairs

What is the Ergo-V™ Support System and which chairs have it? 

If you want a chair that provides exceptional comfort, choose a Bertolini chair with the Ergo-V Support System. Featuring ergonomic characteristics typically not found in stackable seating, its multi-contoured V shape fits individuals of all shapes and sizes by supporting the lower back while gently cradling the upper shoulders. Both the Millennia Series and Impression Series chairs feature the Ergo-V Support System. 

How does powder-coating work and why is it an important feature to look for in chairs? 

The powder-coating process starts with acid-washing the frame to remove all oils and residue from welding. The frame is then put on a rack and sent into a machine that magnetizes the metal and sprays on the paint. Then the frame is baked to process all the textures. This process is done in the Bertolini manufacturing facility to ensure top quality throughout the entire process. Our state of the art, environmentally friendly powder-coating system ensures that your chairs have the highest quality adhesion with zero environmental impact. This means your frame color will last longer without fading or cracking.

What is a static frame load test and why is it important? 

During the first frame load test, 500 lbs. of concrete is placed on the front chair legs of a standard Bertolini chair frame. Then, the chair frame is put through a second frame load test where 1,000 lbs. of concrete is placed on the frame. Bertolini chair frames do not show fatigue during these tests showing that the chair can support up to 1,000 lbs. of weight. This means your congregation will always be safe when sitting in or stacking these chairs.  

What is the focused static load test and why is it important? 

During the static load test, 800 lbs. of focused weight is placed in the center of the seat foundation. The seat easily withstood the focused load. In fact, Bertolini chair frames are so durable and strong that they can easily withstand being run over by a truck, and the steel is still viable for use in building our church chairs. This will give you the peace of mind to know that it’s safe for your congregation to use these chairs for years to come. 

What is the inverted fastener retention load test and why is it important? 

Bertolini created the inverted fastener retention load test to ensure that the Flex-Fit™ seat is the best church chair seat on the market. We start by fastening the seat in an inverted fashion and then dropping first a 10-lbs. steel weight and then a 20-lbs. steel weight onto the seat (this is like turning the chair upside down and dropping the weight on the bottom of the seat). This test is meant to ensure the screws will stay in place when the chair is handled roughly or jarred. The seat withstood both the 10-lbs. and 20-lbs. weight drop test without sustaining any damage.  

What is the torsion bar system? 

We further reinforce our extremely durable 16-gauge frames with an innovative torsion bar designed to support leg comfort and absorb shock. This bar also protects weld joints on the chair during stacking and unstacking. This technology combined with superior welding makes for a very durable frame. 

What is mandrel bending and what is the benefit of having this feature in church chairs? 

The steel used to manufacture Bertolini church chairs is mandrel-bent, which results in a more attractive, secure, and stronger frame. Many church chair manufacturers construct their frames using crush bending—a technique that weakens the frame and leaves an unattractive indentation. In contrast, mandrel bending places an insert (a mandrel) into the tube when the bend is made to prevent collapsing. While this may not be quite as fast or as easy as crush bending, it results in a superior bend that maintains the full integrity of the steel tubing. This is the exact reason NASCAR mandates that this type of bend is used for the tubing in safety cages on all race cars. 

Why is having cold-rolled steel important in church chairs? 

We begin our chair manufacturing process by using precision welded, high-quality, 1010 cold-rolled steel tubing that is manufactured in the USA and made with our exclusive radius specifications. Cold-rolled steel provides the optimum surface for powder coat adhesion.  

How durable are Bertolini church chairs? 

Bertolini chairs are designed to withstand any wear and tear that can arise through years of hard use and remain fully functional without any maintenance being required. Only Bertolini chairs come equipped with the self-tightening BosScrew™ and Flex-Fit™ seating technology. The self-tightening BosScrew will prevent chair screws from falling out while the Flex-Fit blow-molded seat offers the utmost comfort and durability in seating.

What can I expect during the buying process when I purchase a Bertolini chair? 

Bertolini strives to make your chair buying experience easy and stress-free. That’s why we are diligent in making sure that your expectations are promptly met and communication with you is accurate and timely.  

On orders for custom-made chairs, you will receive an acknowledgment (receipt) confirmation by email or mail approximately 1–2 weeks after placing your order. This will inform you about the estimated shipping date of your order. No acknowledgment will be sent for in-stock orders. If you order more than 75 chairs, we will contact you by phone to inform you when we will begin custom building your chair order. During this call we will also ensure that you’ll be ready for the chairs when they are completed and ready to be shipped and delivered. 

Once orders are complete, we conduct a rigorous compliant quality control inspection before shipping. Chairs that don’t meet standards are rejected and replaced before your order is shipped. Once the chairs pass the inspection, they are carefully shrink-wrapped with corrugated 10 x 72-inch strips on the edges for protection. This innovative packaging minimizes the potential for damage and helps to ensure your chairs arrive on time and are ready for use. Our shipping department will contact you with carrier contact information, tracking number, and anticipated delivery window. An independent shipping carrier will contact you no later than 24 hours before delivery to schedule an appointment. The delivery driver is required to bring the chairs to the rear of the trailer so you can lower them to ground level. Make sure you have chair dollies and adequate personnel (minimum of 4-6) to off-load and move chairs into your facility. Please watch this video to help you know how to safely offload your chairs. 

How versatile are Bertolini church chairs? 

Bertolini is committed to building versatile chairs that can be used in a variety of locations and situations. Our chairs are lightweight and built to efficiently stack so they can be easily moved and stored in a small space. However, they can also be ganged together to emulate pews and set up as a permanent seating solution. 

What is BosScrew™? And why is it used in Bertolini church chairs? 

The BosScrew technology was designed by ITW Shakeproof to construct a screw/boss connection that maintains and tightens, instead of loosening, over time. Bertolini saw benefits of using technology to keep the screws in church chairs from becoming loose after years of use. Unlike a standard screw drilled into a piece of plywood, the BosScrew tightens over time as the chair is used. 

Why is it important to purchase only chairs that can pass an emissions test? 

A cheaply made church chair can emit high levels of formaldehyde and other airborne toxins. Bertolini chairs pass all GSA emissions requirements, which are the strictest requirements in the industry. While many church chair manufacturers import their foam and other resources from China, where environmental standards are less stringent, we use components made in the USA. 

What type of quality control tests does Bertolini do on chairs? 

Before any customer order is wrapped for shipment, it must pass a rigorous ISO 9000 compliant quality control inspection. Our inspectors measure 8 inspection points on all our church chairs. Chairs that don’t meet standards are rejected and replaced before your order is shipped. 

How well does the new Flex-Fit™ seat stack up against seat foundations made by the other church chair manufacturers?  

This amazing seat exceeds all BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association) standards. The BIFMA standards are intended to provide manufacturers, specifiers, and users with a base for evaluating safety, durability, and structural adequacy of specified furniture, independent of construction materials. While these standards are a good benchmark of acceptable quality, we regularly test 3-to-4 times beyond BIFMA standards to ensure excellent quality. In fact, our furniture exceeds these standards in the following tests conducted, which were conducted in an independent lab: 

  • #6 Back Strength-static Type III, 150 lbs., and 250 lbs. rearward loads applied to chair back 
  • #8 Drop Test-Dynamic, 225 lbs., and 300 lbs. shot filled bag dropped from 6 inch 
  • #11 Seating Durability-Cyclic, 125 lbs. shot filled bag dropped from 2 inches, 100,000 cycles, alternating 165 lbs. loads to both front corners for 40,000 cycles 
  • #12 Seating Impact-Cyclic, 125 lbs. shot filled bag dropped from 2 inches, 100,000 cycles 
  • #12.3 Stability Test-Rear Dynamic, 173 lbs. test mass on the seat, rearward tipping force recorded 
  • #12.4 Stability Test-Forward-Dynamic, 135 lbs. test mass 2.4 inches from the front edge of the seat, 4.5 lbs. forward tipping force 
  • #16 Back Durability-Cyclic-Type III, 100 lbs. load on a restrained seat, 75 lbs. rearward load applied to chair back for 120,000 cycles 
  • #18.3 Leg Strength-Frontload-Static, 75 lbs. and 125 lbs. front to rear loads applied to the bottom of chair leg 
  • #18.4 Leg Strength-Side Load-Static, 75 lbs. and 115 lbs. inward loads applied to bottom of the leg 

How important is quality control when dealing with the fabrics for a church chair?

Bertolini uses only the highest quality commercial fabric from leading mills in the United States. The mills we associate with have some of the strictest quality control procedures in use today. The fabric we use is double-rub abrasion tested to ensure durability. High volume businesses like hotels are tough on chairs and they request fabrics that are tested for between 15,000 and 30,000 double-rubs. The standard fabrics used on Bertolini church chairs are tested for between 50,000 to and 250,000 double-rubs without showing signs of wear. These fabrics were also tested for colorfastness when exposed to light. 

How do I choose the most comfortable chair? 

All chairs made by Bertolini are designed with comfort as a main point of focus. Our product engineers are constantly researching and utilizing the latest technology to create the most comfortable and longest lasting church chairs the industry has to offer. Every component from the foam to the frame has been designed to deliver comfort at a level previously unknown in church chairs. Chairs manufactured by us are guaranteed to maintain their high level of comfort throughout the life of the chair. Engineers have created a comfortable chair that will not degrade in quality through the wear and tear that occurs over time.  

INTERNATIONAL SALES AND SHIPPING QUESTIONS: 

Does Bertolini ship internationally? 

Yes! Bertolini can ship to virtually any address in the world. However, we have specific instructions and requirements to complete an international sale.

What classifies my order as international? 

Any orders originating from a location outside of the 50 states in the USA are classified as international orders and these orders are subject to international order policies. 

How does Bertolini ship products internationally? 

All international shipments from Bertolini are sent via container. The customer is responsible for arranging a shipping service. We may suggest shipping services we have found to be reliable. 

What form of currency is accepted at Bertolini? 

All prices are shown in U.S. dollars and that is the only currency we accept. 

What are my international payment options at Bertolini? 

Due to many factors, Bertolini has taken the following preventative measures to mitigate the risks associated with international orders. Keep in mind that international orders may require us to contact you and verify information. Thank you for understanding, as we look forward to doing business with our international customers! 

International payments are handled exclusively via wire-transfer, which take about 5–7 business days to process. This method is the most secure option for you, and it allows us to ship immediately after wire confirmation. 

What about bank wire transfer fees? 

Sending a payment by wire transfer always involves additional fees, but fortunately those fees are usually low. Expect to spend an average of $20 extra dollars (depending on your bank’s fees) via an international wire transfer. You are responsible for paying the total invoice plus any fees charged by your financial institution. 

What about international taxes and tariffs? 

Our prices do not include taxes and tariffs. Customers outside the United States may be required to pay these fees to the courier, as applicable, upon delivery. Please consult your local customs office or tax authority for information specific to your situation. Bertolini is not responsible for any applicable taxes, tariffs, fees, brokerage charges, customs charges, or any other charge that may arise due to an international shipment. 

What is your bank wire-transfer information? 

Bank Name: City National Bank 

Location: 3484 Central Ave., Riverside, CA 92506, USA 

ABA Number: 122016066 

Acct. Name: Bertolini Sanctuary® Seating, Inc. 

Acct. Number: 112619747 

What is the wire-transfer process? 

To start a wire transfer, consult your bank and ask to initiate a wire transfer to Bertolini. Be sure to ask your bank about any additional charges that may be involved with a wire transfer. International wire‐transfers usually take 5–7 business days to process. This method is the most secure option for you and it allows us to process your order immediately after wire confirmation. 

How long will a wire-transfer take? 

Please be advised that is usually takes 2–3 days after you’ve initiated a wire transfer for our bank to notify us about it. Upon confirmation from our bank that the initial wire transfer is complete, we begin the manufacturing process. Upon confirmation from our bank that the final wire transfer is complete, we will ship your order.