French seam or welt seam for boat seats?

[timtheboatguy]

I am recovering some pontoon boat seats that have a lot of welt cord around the seams abd edges. I was thinking of using french seams instead because they may look better and  feel better against one's skin.

Would it typically take longer to do french seams over welted seams?

Wouldn't french seams be stronger?

[Grebo]

I don't think either way would be stronger, as long as you back your french seams that is. As far as I know it is just down to the style & finnish you want.
Yes the french takes more time, as you are doing the same seam 3 times.  But looks nice imop.

[Mike8560]

It takes me allot longer to do French seams. a piping seam would be weaker with opnly one stitch. allot of time ill top stitch the seams makes it stronger and its faster for me.

[Peppy]

In my books it's either welts or top stitch on the borders, I'd only want french seams on the face piece if I wanted it all fancy pants.