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Plastic chairs are everywhere in Malaysia. They're stacked behind community halls, residential storerooms, and pulled out whenever extra guests show up.
But here's a question that may have never crossed your mind before, "Actually ah, why got hole in the middle of the chair?"
As it turns out, the hole in the middle actually has several purposes.
Here's what the hole is for:
1. Reducing manufacturing costs
Removing a small section from the centre means manufacturers use less material overall.
That helps reduce production costs and makes the chairs slightly lighter to move around, especially when large numbers need to be transported or stored.
The savings on a single chair may be minimal, but when you consider that there are probably millions produced every year, it saves much more than you think.
2. Makes them easier to separate from a stack
Plastic chairs are designed to stack neatly, but tightly packed surfaces can sometimes create a vacuum suction effect.
The hole allows air to escape more easily between the chairs, making them less likely to stick together. It can also provide a convenient grip point when moving several chairs at once, though that isn't necessarily its primary purpose.
3. Draining water
Anyone who's organised or worked at an outdoor event knows how quickly a sudden downpour can leave chairs covered in puddles.
The hole conveniently allows water to pass through instead of collecting on the seat, which makes plastic chairs far more practical for use at markets, food stalls, weddings, and community events where weather might be a problem.
4. Structural and manufacturing benefits
In moulded plastic products, circular openings can help manage stress and maintain structural integrity, depending on how the surrounding material is shaped and reinforced.
Manufacturing considerations, such as airflow and efficient moulding, may also play a role in certain designs, although the hole in the seat isn't universally recognised as existing primarily for demoulding.
The exact reasons vary from one manufacturer to another, but the feature often contributes to the chair's overall practicality.
