Classroom Furniture Buying Guide

Here are some helpful tips for buying classroom furniture, broken down by category.

Seating
First, seat heights should be measured by calculating the distance from the floor to the top of the front curve of the seat. Measurements should not be taken at the seat's side or rear. If at all possible, measure the heights of a representative sample of students in each grade prior to each school year. This will help you more accurately determine your specific seating needs as time goes by.

Here are some important questions to ask about seating.

Do you need to stack the chairs in your classrooms? Be sure to buy a chair that is meant to stack. Obviously some chair stack better than others, but as a general rule, four-legged chairs stack more compactly than sled-based chairs.

What is the difference between a "soft-plastic" chair and a "hard (or solid) plastic" chair? Soft plastic chairs are made from polypropylene or polyethylene plastics. These are the most cost-effective student chairs and can be quite durable giving many years of use in a classroom setting. However, nothing tops the durability of a hard plastic seats, backs and work surfaces. Hard plastic is made from a mixture of finely ground wood flour, melamine resin and various pigments, which provide the vibrant, long-lasting look for which these chairs are known. Through a process of heat and pressure, which takes place in a hard plastic press, a hard plastic piece is constructed. In addition to resisting stains, hard plastic is non-warping and remarkably chip-resistant.

Which color should you choose? Obviously, this is personal preference. Many times, furniture buyers try to match school colors as closely as possible.

Should you buy a painted frame or chrome frame chair? Most manufacturers use the latest in powder coat painting systems. A powder coat finish is far more scratch resistant than the old "wet" paint finishes used many years ago. However, it is important to know that no paint finish is scratch proof. The most durable chair finish is chrome, and that is why it is the No. 1 choice for classrooms all over the country.

Do you need a book basket on my student chair? Most of the time, the answer is no. The primary reason is that most student desks include some type of storage (book box or back pack hanger) on the desk.

Student Desks
Just as seat height is important, so is desk height. That is why almost all student desks are adjustable height. The normal height range is 22 inches to 30 inches.

Here are the different styles of desks.

1. Open-Front Desks
Very popular in elementary schools, open-front desks almost always have a rectangular writing surface and either a plastic or metal book box. The metal book box units tend to be a little more expensive and a little more durable. The plastic book box units provide plenty of durability under normal use and are quiet in the classroom when students move things in and out of the book box

2. Lift-Lid Desks
The lift-lid desks are very similar to the open-front desks with the exception of how you gain access to the book box. Lift-lid units have hinges to facilitate opening and closing. The writing surface stays up when opened and closes slowly so fingers don't get pinched and writing surfaces don't slam against the book box.

3. Chair Desks
The name says it all. These units combine a chair and a desk. This is often the choice with older students, especially in high schools. Another version of the chair desk is the combination desk. This version offers a little more room between the seat and the work surface and tends to have a larger footprint, requiring a little more space in the classroom. There is a sled-based version of a chair desk as well, which is intended for carpet surfaces and is perfect for both right-handed and left-handed students. A traditional chair desk is on the left, a combination unit is in the middle and sled-based unit is on the right.

Here are some important questions to ask about student desks.

Do you need hard or soft plastic seats, backs and writing surfaces? The same information, discussed above concerning chairs applies to desks as well, as far as the pros and cons of hard and soft plastic. Always make sure you are ordering a unit that will provide your students with enough work surface area. Many of the newer student desks that have come out in the last couple of years provide a larger work surface to hold a notebook and a laptop computer.

What colors are available? There are enough choices in color to work in almost any application, but it does vary by manufacturer.

Tables
Here are the different styles of tables.

1. Activity Tables
These tables are offered in many different styles and shapes. An activity table is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture used in schools. You will find them in classrooms, training rooms, work rooms, mail rooms, and computer rooms. They are adjustable height; standard leg height ranges from 22 inches to 30 inches, while a preschool height ranges from 17 inches to 25 inches. You need to be sure to order the shorter legs for preschools. Also be aware that activity tables for a preschool environment comes in lots of bright, fun colors. Activity tables also come with T-mold banding, which protects the tables edge from being damages if bumped.

2. Mobile Tables
Mobile tables are remarkably versatile and easy to use. Your maintenance people will tell you that. They can also tell you how much set-up and tear-down time mobile tables save them. All mobile tables are designed to fold-up and roll away. Some versions even come with benches or stools attached to the table.

3. Folding Tables
Folding tables come in all different shapes and sizes, and some even come with the ability to adjust the height. Here is a list of the most common types of folding tables.

Particleboard folding tables are often times the most economical and come with a high-pressure laminate top in a choice of colors. The downside to these tables is they are heavy and harder to move around a room.

Plywood folding tables use a plywood core and come with a high-pressure laminate top in a choice of colors. Plywood is lighter than particleboard and more durable but also more expensive.

Over the last several years, plastic folding tables have really become the table of choice for many reasons. They are lighter than particleboard and plywood, which make them easier to move around, more durable (they can be dropped and not have a crushed corner like wood tables) and won't warp because of moisture. Also, they are perfect for indoor and outdoor usage.

There are a few different types of plastic tables.

Blow-molded tables are the least expensive in the plastic folding table group and are very durable. They are made in a mold that is injected with plastic and sealed and are one piece of plastic. The same material that is used to make a plastic basketball backboard is used to make these tables.

Heavy-Duty ABS plastic folding tables are the most durable in plastic folding table group and more expensive. They usually have an inner core made out of plastic or wood to create a more durable table. They also can include such features as an aluminum channel, corner protectors and/or metal leg attachment plates, which are all sealed inside the table itself. You will find these tables used more in high-usage areas.

Source: Furniture4Schools.com

Product Roundup

Alfax Furniture
The Virco line of classroom furniture, known for its history of quality and innovation, is offered by Alfax. Virco has recreated its line of classroom desks, including the popular open-front desk series, in a rainbow of colors. The model is available with book boxes in eight different colors, including standard black. These colors coordinate perfectly with the 9000, 2000, IQ and Zuma series chairs. With these options, classrooms can be organized by color, with matching chairs of different heights to meet individual needs. The desks will be available from stock regardless of the colors chosen.
www.AlfaxFurniture.com

Maximum Privacy Carrel by Smith Carrel
The Maximum Privacy Carrel features taller and deeper side panels for the extra solitude needed in some environments. The 30-inch-deep side panels extend 20 inches above and 6.5 inches out in front of the work surface, providing more privacy than standard units. The work surface, with 18-inch clearance beneath the shelf, provides adequate space for most 19-inch and smaller flat-panel monitors and keyboards. Cable grommet is also provided. Any order of 20 units or fewer will ship within three business days.
www.smithcarrel.com

Read-a-Round Set by Jonti-Craft, Inc.
The Read-a-Round Set by Jonti-Craft, available with red or blue vinyl cushions, provides youngsters with a comfortable nook to expand their reading proficiency while building social skills. The set--which includes a double-sided couch, two semi-circle benches, six clear tubs and four clear cubbie trays--provides a beautiful yet practical literacy center for schools, libraries or child watch rooms. The two-sided couch has center partitions to keep books close at hand and encourage reading. As a bonus, the set comes with a lifetime warranty.
www.jonti-craft.com

SchoolPlaza
SchoolPlaza works with the leading providers of school chairs to offer schools a selection that will meet their needs. There are many choices in style, design, color, comfort, flexibility and durability. Classic designs to the latest in designer styles are available from SchoolPlaza. Shown here is the ZUMA chair from Virco, one of many styles available. Graceful lines and the intrinsic flex of the Zuma bucket combine with a rock-solid frame to yield the next generation of classroom seating. During their school careers, students have more physical contact with chairs than any other piece of equipment, which is why selecting the right chair is so important.
www.schoolplaza.com

PantoMove-LuPo by VS America, Inc.
The height-adjustable PantoMove chair not only fulfills the need for student to sit, but also allows them to move while sitting. The chair is characterized by its movement in all directions. The 3-D rocking mechanism tilts forward, backward and to each side. Studies have shown movement like this helps students concentrate and stay alert, as both mind and body are stimulated by the movement. VS America uses high-quality, 12-gauge steel in the chairs to ensure longevity and stability. The seat shell is made of double-walled perforated polypropylene for comfortable sitting with an air-cushion effect. The chair can be delivered with glides or castors for hard and soft floors.
www.vs-furniture.com

Brand New World School Age Vinyl Furniture
Brand New World offers furniture that is just the right fit and just the right colors for school-agers. Soft, durable, easy-to-clean vinyl is carefully upholstered over a sturdy hardwood frame and dense foam padding. Solid hardwood coffee table and end table enhance the "just like home" feel. Both tables feature storage and display areas, and some assembly required. The setting creates a perfect place to read, relax or play. Colorful Splash Accent Pillows are sold separately. Sofa and chair are available in Teal and Port Burgundy.
www.brandnewworld.com

BioFit
BioFit Engineered Products offers a full line of tables for classrooms, cafeterias, testing rooms and other learning environments. All BioFit tables are foldable and highly mobile, minimizing valuable storage space and set-up time. Models include a patented 10-seat oval table, the flexible AdapTable convertible table-bench and the versatile Fold 'N Roll, which comes in a wide range of shapes, sizes and finishes. BioFit tables are reliable, safe and sanitary; each features a 13-year warranty, an anti-pinch safety opening and special edging that prevents crumbs from becoming trapped and related bacteria growth. BioFit also offers an extensive line of ergonomic chairs.
www.biofit.com/csp17

E-Education Table by Case Systems
The E-Education Table by Case Systems, Inc. was developed by educators to help meet the ever-evolving needs of the classroom. Educators asked for increased functionality to accommodate multiple purposes, from the sciences to the arts. They wanted furniture to accommodate smaller classroom sizes and flexible ergonomics to accommodate a variety of ages and sizes. With the touch of a finger, the E-Education table adjusts to meet the height demands of students. The table even provides ADA compliance, since it makes equipment more accessible for students who are physically challenged.
www.casesystems.com

Intuit Chair from Smith Systems
Architects and designers are tasked with finding classroom solutions that provide a welcoming and stimulating educational environment; an environment where safety and practicality meet comfort and design. This merging of form and functionality can present a number of challenges; however, Smith System has discovered a way to unite the two with its new Intuit chair. The Intuit chair is contemporary and sustainable, as well as ergonomically friendly and affordable. The chair is available in a variety of sizes and configurations for students K-12.
www.smithsystem.com