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Furniture

2012-08-29 14:58:59

Commercial furnishings

Q- We are a Wichita business. We are considering adding 6 people to our workforce. In doing so, we would like to re-arrange furniture that we already have and buy some new to accommodate these new people. The problem comes with matching everything. So that we could communicate in an effective manner with someone who can help us, can you provide a brief “primer” on vernacular for this industry?

A- Of course, I would be happy to. One of the first things you will want to do, or have a professional do, for office furniture for either commercial or home offices is to “measure your space” and note where windows, doors, closets, columns, phone/data lines are located. For home offices, you will always want to measure your doorways (jam to jam) to make sure what will fit through your interior doorways. Typical desk height is 29-30” so the doorway has to be wider than the height of the desk. Knowing these things in advance will help you Next would be think of all the different pieces of furnishings that you will be looking at. The below list and a description of each may be of help. Credenza: A storage unit normally 20-24”deep, typically used behind a desk for an additional work surface or storage. Varieties include kneespace credenzas, computer credenzas, storage credenzas, lateral file credenzas, etc. Most credenzas are designed with a matching hutch, and are designed to be placed against a wall. Many credenzas have a back which is not finished or stained. Desk: Work surface typically with double-pedestals. There are many varieties and sizes of desks, table desks, executive desks, corner desks, peninsula desks, bullet tables, “P” tables, as well as “L”desks, “U” groups, etc.. Hutch: A separate vertical storage piece designed typically to sit on top of a credenza, desk or desk/return, providing additional display or storage space. Files/Storage Lateral File: Lateral files are typically only 18-24” deep, are 30”, 36, 42” wide, and can be 2-5 drawers high. Advantages of lateral files is their drawers do not extend out into the room as far as a vertical file. Lateral files can be made of wood, metal or laminate materials. Different grades of files exist for commercial use or occasional(light use). Pedestal: Storage components designed to fit underneath a desk or work-surface, available in a variety of different configurations. Vertical File: Vertical files are typically 25-28.5” deep, and are available in 2-5 drawers, in both letter and legal widths. . Different grades of files exist for commercial use or occasional(light use), some have ball bearing suspensions and others have nylon rollers. Available in wood, metal or laminate materials. Furniture Materials Veneer Furniture: Furniture made with thin sheets of wood glued to a substrate, that produces a high quality smooth surface. Veneer’s can be made of cherry, mahogany, walnut, oak, etc. and stained in various shades/colors. High Pressure Laminate Furniture: Furniture made by impregnating a Kraft paper with resins/crosslinkers, overlaid with a wood grain or solid color paper, and a outer protective sheet. The materials are cured under heat and pressure to create a scratch and abrasion resistant surface. KD Furniture: Knocked-down, also known as ready to assemble(RTA), furniture which comes unassembled to minimize shipping and warehousing space and expense. Requires assembly to be able to use the furniture. Seating Ergonomic Chairs: Chairs with extensive adjustability to allow maximum comfort and support, while reducing user’s fatigue. Executive Chair: A chair that has fixed arms which are designed for executive, conference room or general seating. Arms are typically mounted to the back and bottom of the seat-but are not adjustable. Executive chairs can be leather, fabric, mesh as well as traditional, transitional or contemporary in style. Side Chair: Chair designed for guest seating in a office, waiting or reception area that is not on casters. Task Chair: A chair that is designed to be adjustable, with arms that can be raised and lowered, as well as a number of other features depending on the chair design. Task chairs are designed for doing repetitive tasks such as computer work, etc. to enhance individual comfort and fit. Typically has a star base with 5 casters. Arms are attached to the seat and/or the back of the chair, but adjustable. Common Office Configurations Desk/credenza/hutch: Common executive office configuration is a desk with chair, and a credenza, hutch placed against the wall. "L" desk configuration: A "L" desk unit consists of a front desk section, with a connecting return piece attached to the left or right side of the desk. "U" Group: A desk and credenza unit connected on one side by a "bridge", forming a "U" shaped layout. Can be either a right or left handed "U" group. Workstations/Cubicles/Panel Systems: Modular systems furniture consisting of fabric covered panels connected together to create a work area with various heights, sizes, and configurations for different functions such as: reception, customer service, telemarketing, project team, call centers, and manager layouts. Next month we will talk about more about ergonomics and how this relates to the commercial furnishings industry.