As everyone in the food and restaurant industry knows, ratings matter.
Whether your business gets a letter or number or star ranking, you know that your business can rise or fall based on the ranking level it achieves. Similarly, furniture has ranking levels. There are your average, everyday furniture items, custom-made furniture, etc. One level of furniture that can set your restaurant apart is the commercial-grade ranking.
This article is all about commercial-grade furniture and how it is different from retail furniture.
What is Commercial-Grade Furniture?
Let’s start with a quick look at what commercial-grade furniture is. Commercial-grade furniture is manufactured at a higher quality level than residential furniture. Retail items are made for individual or personal use, whereas commercial-grade furniture is meant for repeated, heavy use. There are stricter requirements for research, development, and testing of commercial-grade furniture.
Now let’s focus on the qualities of commercial-grade furniture.
1. Commercial-Grade: Strength and Durability
Commercial-grade furniture needs to pass rigorous testing standards by third parties to achieve its certification. Some of the most common third party certification boards include ASTM, ANSI UL, and BIFMA. Business owners need these standards to know the product they buy will be useful for years to come. Additionally, they will also know the furniture will be able to withstand repeated use it will get on a daily basis.
2. Commercial-Grade: Materials
Materials make all the difference in the end product. Commercial-grade stools will use a lower gauge, thus more sturdy, steel frames as opposed to residential stools. The wood used in many products, including couches and chairs, is typically Beech, a more sustainable and easier material to manufacture.
3. Commercial-Grade: Ergonomics
Strap in for the most common buzzword on this list: ergonomics! Furniture has much lower value if it does not consider ergonomics in its design. How the furniture looks and functions will play a big role, but if it does not support the comfort and posture of its user, it will not be good.
4. Commercial-Grade: Warranties
Finally, the warranty of commercial products is at the core of how your business will protect your investment in the furniture. There are always limits to a warranty, but the better commercial-grade furniture will protect you from defects and other manufacturing issues. Look for warranties starting at five years and extending to a lifetime guarantee.
Get the Best Commercial-Grade Furniture for Your Business
Every part of your business goes into your branding. Commercial-grade furniture will set your business apart from others by elevating the quality, durability, and aesthetics of your space. Consider Ferrante Manufacturing for your furniture needs. We design and build custom furniture for industries including food service, gaming, and more. Give us a call today to chat through your needs.