It can be tough when you’re starting your own business – so many
details to attend to, lead times to take into account, and of course trying to stay
within your budget. Plus, you want your place to look a certain way, to evoke certain feelings within your clientele. Along that line, let's talk about why it's best to pay a bit more for commercial grade furniture than to buy residential grade furniture. I’m going to simplify the benefits and
characteristics of commercial grade furniture for you. You’re welcome, it’s my
pleasure.
Sure, residential grade furnishings are cheaper, at
least in the moment. However, over the long run contract (a.k.a. commercial) grade
furniture will give you a greater return on your investment.
Here's Why:
~ Commercial grade furniture is always designed to be durable, easily maintained,
and have lasting value. It is ideal for when a business cannot budget for new
furniture every few years.
~ Contract furniture is meant to be used anywhere there are large numbers of
people who will use it daily, and/or where there may be large weight differences
among those users.
~ Commercial furniture takes into account the rough
movements, multiple uses,
and environmental stressors that furnishings
encounter, and reduces their
impact by using scratch-resistant surfaces,
non-corrosive materials, mortise-
and-tenon joinery, and
UV-resistant fabrics.
Now for the technical specs for contract grade chairs and tables, as mandated by the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association (BIFMA):
