What is Contract Grade Furniture: A Complete Guide - Babmar

Unlike residential furniture, contract-grade furniture is a term that describes pieces that are specifically built to hold up under frequent, heavy use in commercial settings like restaurants, offices, hotels, and more. Pieces like accent chairs or commercial-grade patio furniture use special materials and designs that keep them looking great for years. Outdoor furniture needs to be contract grade to hold up to punishing weather elements. Here’s everything you need to know about contract-grade pieces.

What is Contract Grade Furniture?

Contract-grade furniture is found in commercial spaces such as office buildings, a restaurant or bar, hotels, airports, and the like. The regulations and specifications for contract-grade furniture are different than for furniture pieces used in residential settings. An accent chair in a busy office waiting room will be used frequently, so it must be built to stay comfortable, attractive, and durable. Furniture for a restaurant must meet certain fire safety requirements, especially when it comes to the fabrics used.

In every case, contract-grade furniture must withstand heavy use and maintain its structural integrity and appearance. That requires special attention to the fabrics and the materials in the frame. For example, a commercial outdoor sofa for a patio needs to withstand the elements. Fabrics must resist fading from the sun and moisture from the rain; the frame has to resist rot and cracking.

In every case, contract-grade furniture is built to endure tough conditions. It often comes with a multi-year warranty that covers any user-related issues.

Types of Contract Grade Furniture

Almost any kind of furniture that you’d choose for a residence can be made to the long-lasting durability standards of contract or commercial-grade pieces. From sofas and chairs to tables, daybeds, and more, you can elevate any commercial space with stylish pieces made from exceptional materials that will last for years.

Babmar is one of the most trusted brand names in commercial-grade patio furniture with a full line of beautiful, comfortable pieces that turn any outdoor space into something exceptional. We offer sectionals, chairs, tables, sofas, and even outdoor daybeds. Explore our collections for well-designed pieces to transform any patio, poolside, garden, or outdoor area.

Sectionals

Sectionals offer more flexible seating options than an outdoor commercial sofa or outdoor loveseat. They can be arranged in different combinations to accommodate different space setups. Plus, they can seat more than just a single sofa. Babmar’s collection of sectionals uses weather-resistant fabrics and lightweight but sturdy frame materials.

Chairs

Whether it’s accent chairs, dining chairs, or outdoor bar stools, Babmar offers a full line of chairs for outdoors that are exceptionally comfortable and effortlessly stylish. Our commercial-grade, ergonomic designs are created to fit into a variety of settings, with a color palette and lines that complement your space.

Tables

A commercial space needs tables of all kinds, from dining tables to coffee tables and smaller bar tables. Because they’ll be used constantly, their finishes must resist scratching, peeling, liquids, and burns and look great doing it. Their frames must be sturdy enough to withstand constant use and resist rust and corrosion.

Sofas

There’s nothing more luxurious than sinking into a commercial outdoor sofa while enjoying a cocktail and a gorgeous sunset. Commercial outdoor sofas should be supported by frames made from lightweight but strong powder-coated aluminum that resists corrosion. Cushions and covers must resist fading from the sun and dry quickly after a rain shower.

Outdoor Daybeds

An outdoor daybed is an unexpected, sumptuous way to add extra seating. Stretch out and take in the view, surrounded by fluttering curtains or a canopy. Commercial-grade specifications ensure firm, comfortable cushions that hold their shape, resist mildew and moisture, and have a sleek design that easily slots into any outdoor setting.

What are the Characteristics of Contract Grade Furniture?

Contract-grade furniture refers to pieces made to withstand constant use in commercial settings. It must also meet strict safety standards, such as fire resistance in pieces that are used for a restaurant. The frames and materials are far more durable than what’s used in residential furniture. Commercial furniture must have a higher weight capacity, but still be able to be light enough to be easily moved around, stacked, and stored. Of course, because it will be used in professional settings, it must be stylish and attractive, but still fit in with the overall decor. So the designs are purposely neutral in appearance.

Durability

Whether it’s used indoors or outdoors, contract-grade furniture for commercial purposes is built to be durable. Both the construction and frame materials used are stronger than in residential pieces. Powder-coated aluminum is a popular choice because it’s light but strong and resists corrosion. Plus, commercial furniture has a higher weight limit.

Performance

The upholstery fabrics used in commercial or contract-grade furniture are meant to hold up against repeated wear. For outdoor use, fabrics must resist UV rays, rain, chlorine, and more. Cushions must remain firm over time, dry quickly, and resist mold and mildew.

Contract-grade pieces for a commercial environment (like restaurant furniture) are built for easy maintenance and to resist stains, scratches, and the like.

Safety

Commercial furniture must support heavier weights and remain steady and sturdy in daily use and conditions like high winds. In restaurants, the fabrics used must be fire-resistant.

Quality

Because contract-grade furniture pieces should last over time, only high-quality materials should be used. You could skimp, but you’ll wind up having to buy another set of furniture before you know it. And as the low-quality pieces degrade during use, the image of your establishment takes a real hit. Quality commercial furniture pays off many times over, and with a multi-year warranty which is common to commercial furniture, you protect your investment.

Customization

There are many customization options for your commercial furniture. Pick a color and style of frame, then choose the upholstery options. There are many ways to create contract-grade furniture pieces that easily elevate your commercial space.

How Can You Choose the Right Contract Grade Furniture?

Start by considering where your contract-grade furniture will be used. Is it a high-traffic area? What are the specific needs for the space (such as, in a restaurant versus in an office)? Look for high-quality fabrics with abrasion resistance; if they’ll be used outside, they should also be water and weather-resistant. Finishes, such as on table tops, should resist scratching and peeling.

Frame construction, using aluminum or steel frames, should be built to withstand heavy usage and weight capacity. Know the compliance requirements of your business, and check regulatory guidelines to ensure that the furniture you select meets those standards and has those certifications. Also, consider anti-tipping mechanisms for further safety.

Ergonomic details like adjustable seat heights, lumbar support, and armrests make the furniture more comfortable. And of course, you want commercial furniture that has aesthetic appeal.

What are the Target Industries for Contract Grade Furniture?

Because contract-grade furniture is specifically designed for heavy use over time, it’s suited to various industries. These facilities see a lot of traffic and require pieces that resist wear, scratches, rips, dents, weather conditions, and other things that take a toll every day. Easy-to-clean surfaces are an absolute must.

The hospitality industry is a big one for commercial furniture, especially if outdoor dining or seating is involved. Hospitals are non-stop, with comfortable furniture needed for waiting rooms and the like. At convention centers, visitors need access to chairs and tables where they can relax between events.

Airports see activity almost every hour of the day. From the bar to the departure gates, the furniture must stand up to intense use. Schools and universities need furniture that supports both faculty and students. Hotels and resorts need extra-durable pieces that can also withstand outdoor elements, as do country clubs and senior living centers. Finally, office spaces need functional, durable furniture and lobby furniture made from quality materials. It both makes a statement about corporate image and supports staff with well-designed seating and the like.

Restaurants & Bars

Restaurants and bars need commercial-grade furniture for their dining areas that resists scratches and stains. Their bar stools must support heavier weights. Plus, the fabrics used must be fire-resistant.

Hospitals

Healthcare facilities need furniture that is extremely durable, easy to maintain, and can support the weight of heavier patients and visitors.

Convention Centers

Convention centers see a steady stream of events and people of all sizes. Their furniture must be contract-grade to keep looking great and offering comfortable support over time.

Airports

From the terminal to the lounge areas, the traffic moving through an airport demands furniture made from quality materials and with sturdy construction that will be comfortable and safe.

Schools and Universities

With all that studying, sturdy chairs, tables, and couches are a must for educational institutions. Commercial-grade furniture uses abrasion-resistant fabrics, ergonomic design, and finishes that resist peeling and scratching.

Hotels & Resorts

Hotels and resorts require furniture that safely and comfortably supports all types of guests. It must also resist wear and stand up to weather elements. Plus, it must be portable enough to be moved, stacked, and stored.

Country Clubs & Senior Living

Country clubs and senior living facilities alike want their clientele to be comfortable and want furniture that’s safe, sturdy, and visually appealing. With its durable materials, contract-grade furniture can withstand daily wear and tear.

Office Spaces

Offices must be efficient, and part of that is having comfortable, ergonomically designed furniture like office chairs that help productivity and contribute to your workers' well-being. And because your office projects a professional image, your furniture must remain looking great over day-to-day wear.

Conclusion

Contract or commercial-grade furniture is essential for so many different industries. The construction techniques used support heavier weight limits, frequent usage, and the damaging effects of outdoor elements.

Contract-grade furniture meets specific quality standards and offers superior durability through using proven materials, like aluminum, that are very strong yet resist corrosion. Fabrics are available that are made to resist abrasion, moisture, UV rays, and fire. And it's aesthetically pleasing.

Using commercial-grade furniture may be a requirement in a business since it meets certain safety standards and certifications needed in that industry.

Buying high-quality commercial furniture like that from Babmar is an important investment in any kind of public space or commercial setting. Babmar is the superior choice for commercial furniture and meets stringent quality standards. It's furniture specifically designed to perform beautifully for years, providing you with long-term cost savings. Plus, you'll avoid the headaches of constantly having to replace shoddy pieces and elevate your image every single day.