Do Your Homework When Buying Furniture
By: Lafay Presberry
When making decisions about the design of the furniture used in a learning environment, educators should make informed decisions based on the various impacts that school furniture has on students. Posture, fatigue, comfort ability, and concentration are a few driving forces behind this decision, as well as budget and durability.
Choosing a Manufacturer
When selecting school furniture, it is important to consider who the manufacturer is and how long they have been in business. Here are some questions to ask:
* Do they specialize in school furniture?
* What materials are used to create the furniture?
* What is the duration of the warranty and what does it cover?
* Do they anticipate a discontinuation of the items you are purchasing?
* Will the fabric options change?
* Who are you buying your furniture through?
* How long will it take to arrive?
* Is there a certain time during the year when it's best to make your purchase?
Manufacturers that have a long-standing track record in the industry can provide a greater product offering, products that have been tried and improved over time and can be measured by industry standards and customer testimonials. Companies that specialize in school furniture can focus on high-quality products because they know the importance of elements such as steel gauge, durability, stain-resistant fabrics, acid-resistant tabletops, etc. They make extra features readily available, such as specialty colors, table shapes, and a variety of heights and sizes. They can satisfy needs from preschool through college level.
With the increase of technology in today's learning environment, the design of classrooms is changing at a steady pace. Classrooms no longer consist solely of a teacher's desk and 20 or so desk chairs. Many classrooms have incorporated computer workstations and learning centers set aside for technology-based learning. Also, some classrooms function well with tables, as opposed to individual seating, to accommodate the differences in sizes of students.
It is sometimes a preference to choose furniture from a manufacturer that can meet your needs in more than one area, known to many as a one-stop shop. Ask the right questions to see if the manufacturer is able to meet all of your school's particular needs.
Used vs. New
When making the decision to purchase furniture, the decision on whether to purchase new or used furniture may come up. When making this decision, it is important to consider the following:
* What condition is the furniture in?
* Will the furniture last for another five to ten years?
* Is the warranty still valid?
* Will I be able to purchase more furniture in the same style and color?
* Is the manufacturer still in business?
* Is it enough (quantity) to meet my needs?
While purchasing used items may be an upfront cost savings, if you have to replace all or some of the furniture in a year or two for any reason, you have doubled your overall expense.
Warranty
One of the most important parts of your school furniture purchase should be the warranty, and you should take the time to review it prior to completing your purchase. Most manufacturer warranties are readily available online for you to view. If you are unable to find this information, ask your account representative or furniture specialist to provide a copy to you.
It is important to know if your warranty is good for three years, five years, or a limited lifetime. Is the warranty just on parts, or does it cover fabric tears or worn areas, bent legs or damaged arms? If you make any changes to the furniture, such as drilling holes in a table for cord management, does this void your warranty?
Knowing things such as standard weight for chairs is also included in your warranty and is important to know. Also review the ease and convenience of replacing your items. Know the return and/or replacement policy.
Assistance With Your Purchase
Most schools use the services of office supply companies to support their purchasing and to deal with vendors on their behalf. Utilize your furniture specialist to find out how your products will be packaged and shipped. Some items are shipped in even amounts or by the carton; your specialist can secure information about the ability to break larger quantities into smaller ones.
Is it cheaper to purchase in larger quantities to meet your budget amount? Are your items going to come crated or on a pallet? How will your furniture ship, by truck service or UPS? Is it cheaper to unload the product yourself? A good office supply company can do all the research for you and provide you with the answers to all of your product, delivery, and assembly questions.
If there are special colors and sizes you need that are hard to find, seek the help of your furniture specialist, as they have access to items that may not be advertised online or in a catalog. Look to them for help, support, and good customer service to ensure your needs are being met. Utilizing the services of a company with a strong foothold in the business will ensure a satisfying furniture purchasing experience.
Tables & Chairs
School furniture extends beyond the classroom. Lunchrooms/cafeterias, administrative offices, and seating areas need to be furnished, as well. There are many factors to consider when selecting the best options for these areas.
When you think about tables, you might assume there are not many variables to consider, but, on the contrary, there are quite a few. Blow molded or laminate top? Folding? What shape will work best in the room: round, square or rectangle? Then, there are the size considerations: 48, 60, 72 inches? How many children per table?
Consider tables that are functional. If your lunchroom/cafeteria doubles as a gym, something that folds or has folding legs that can be easily stored in a corner when not in use will probably be the best choice. Durability, stain and scratch resistance will also be important, as well as something with good support to prevent bowing from heavy objects or leaning. Tables with adjustable legs are also available to accommodate different age groups and events for which they are used. To accompany your tables, determine if steel folding chairs or plastic stack chairs will work best; both are easily stored and cleaned.
Seating for general areas is also important. Will you want to purchase fabric, vinyl or leather chairs? Seating gets a lot of use and an equal amount of abuse, so choose a chair that will work best with the amount of traffic you expect. Vinyl and leather chairs are easy to clean, and fabric chairs give many color options. You may also consider two or three seat sofas with or without arms; there are many options, depending on the style of the facility. Your furniture specialist will be able to discuss your options with you and can even send you samples of the fabric, vinyl or leather.
Desks should be functional and affordable but durable. You will want to choose something that will look nice but also last. The face of furniture is ever changing, so you have many styles from which to choose. Laminates, veneers, traditional, contemporary, modular or metal? Work closely with your specialist to find the best option for you and your budget.
With the help of a good furniture specialist, you will be able to make educated and affordable decisions regarding your school furniture needs.
Lafay Presberry is a furniture sales specialist for Quill Corporation, www.quill.com . Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois, Quill Corporation is a premier business-to-business direct marketer of office products, custom printing, furniture and technology supplies.
Product Roundup
Anything Truck from Smith Systems
Assignments, projects, books and supplies are everyday elements in the classroom, and managing these pieces daily becomes quite a task for the teacher. Designed for maximum efficiency, the Anything Truck helps teachers manage the classroom essentials that can become disordered and cumbersome, allowing for easy storage and distribution of class and library materials. Combining the best features of the Everything Cart and the Flat Shelf Booktruck, the Anything Truck has six roomy cubbies on top and two flat shelves below.
www.smithsystem.com
Adirondack Direct
Since 1926, Adirondack Direct has furnished schools, colleges, universities, and many other learning institutions with quality furniture, unbeatable prices, and superb customer service. From classroom furniture, cafeteria/lunchroom furniture, lockers, library furniture, laboratory furniture, as well as office furniture, they have it all. They will assist you in making your school furniture purchase an effortless endeavor. Many of their products are in stock or quick ship for even faster delivery. Visit their Web site to request a catalog, see their complete product line, and view their Web-only specials.
www.adirondackdirect.com
Tiny Tot Stacker from Church Chair
Finally, there is a comfortable chair for kids (at a comfortable price for adults). Church Chair has introduced the first "kid size" chair with "grown up" comfort. The Tiny Tot Stacker is ideal for daycare/school environments. It comes in your choice of fabric and frame color and features on-time delivery and warranty. These chairs are 99% recyclable. Ask about Church Chair's free Sample Chair Program.
www.churchchair.com
Screenflex Room Dividers
School administrators from the smallest pre-school to the largest university are all too familiar with the phrase, "Nothing is as constant as change." New classes, changing enrollments, community-based programs, and changing needs for room divider screens all make managing your facilities a challenge. Screenflex designed, developed and patented Screenflex Portable Room Dividers to meet these challenges. Discover how folding Room Dividers from Screenflex help make your facilities more versatile than ever with three distinct room divider lines to serve your needs.
www.screenflex.com
Sproutz from Jonti-Craft
Jonti-Craft has introduced a line of eco-friendly early learning furniture called Sproutz. All Sproutz products are made from 100% recycled wood waste featuring a formaldehyde-free resin. Sproutz products may qualify for five U.S. Green Building Council LEED points and meet CHPS 01350 emissions standard. The Sproutz line includes more than 40 of the most popular early learning furniture product designs. Each is available with a choice of four different accent colors.
www.sproutz.biz
Sagus International
Midwest 's CTLA Series training tables are height adjustable to fit your specific classroom needs. Tabletop edges are radiused for comfort and protected from wear and damage with the PermaTuff epoxy resin finish. Cantilever style legs afford easy access and plenty of knee room. The high pressure plastic surface is available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Artco-Bell's Prodigy chairs, featured with the table, provide the lumbar support needed to sit comfortably for long periods of time. The flex back design allows the student to sit in a variety of positions to maintain good circulation and mental alertness.
www.sagusinternational.com
