The purchase of furniture requires taking many factors into consideration beyond aesthetics and price. The following guidelines will assist departments in the furniture selection process to ensure the furniture selected yields the highest satisfaction and quality. When selecting furniture, it’s important to keep in mind the differences between residential and commercial furniture. Here are a few common considerations that come into play when making a selection:
- Cost
- Durability of the product
- Cleanability
- Design
- Follows regulations
- Accessibility
All furniture purchases must meet established ergonomic guidelines, ADA compliance requirements, & commercial grade standards
- Ergonomic Guidelines - Refer to the tips for an ergonomic workstation on the EHS website. This site also provides a list of pre-approved chairs as well as a link to the Ergonomic Self-Evaluation program.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Space planning is critical. Furniture should fit properly in all areas to ensure ADA clearance to walkways and doorways.
- Commercial Grade Standards – Selection of commercial grade furniture will ensure compliance requirements are met, such as:
- Adherence to regulatory guidelines that ensure products are safe for consumer use.
- A warranty of 5 to 10 years is highly recommended. On average, residential furniture includes a one-year warranty.
- Fire Resistance – All “upholstered furniture” is regulated by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation. The following Technical Bulletins apply to CSUSB:
- Technical Bulletin 117 (TB 117) [PDF] - All furniture sold in California must meet this Bulletin.
- Technical Bulletin 133 (TB 133) [PDF] - TB 133 requires that manufacturers of upholstery for all buildings on campus meet strict fire safety requirements.
- California Fire Code Chapter 8, Section 805.4 – Includes Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings.
Contact Environmental Health and Safety at ehs@csusb.edu for additional assistance.
Note: It is important to note that most home and office retailers do not sell commercial grade furniture or fabrics with the smoke/flame spread ratings required for institutional use.
Campus is not authorized to purchase furniture from non-compliant suppliers listed below, unless the supplier can provide warranty for commercial grade. Please submit the warranty information received from supplier to Procurement and Contracts for review and approval.
- IKEA
- Amazon
- Wayfair
- Target
- Wal-Mart
In an effort to ensure only the highest quality products and services are offered to departments, Procurement and Contracts has established a list of preapproved furniture vendors who meet high standards for quality and service. In addition, vendors listed are in the CSUBuy program.
Pre-Approved Furniture List
CSUSB has access to many Master Contracts (solicitation already completed, competitive pricing available) that will allow the department to proceed without the need for bidding, or sole source or sole brand justification or approval. Refer to the Pre-Approved Furniture List [PDF] for a partial list of contracts that meet competition requirements.
Once the vendor has been selected, discuss the following with the supplier:
- Design consultation
- Space planning
- Product selection
- Moving
- Installation
- Discuss your timeline and lead times overview to estimate how long a project will take. Once you have selected your furniture, follow the Requisition Process below.
Prior to entering a Goods and Services Request Form in CSUBuy, the department must follow the following process, and obtain the necessary information.
- Standalone Furniture (Including but not limited to Chairs, Tables, Desks, and Bookcase)
- Review the Pre-Approved Vendor List
- Visit the vendors webpage or contact the vendor for a quote
- Quote must include cost for inside delivery, assembly and/or installation
- Quote must include a warranty. Instruct the vendor to include the warranty information on the quote.
- Submit the Goods and Services Request Form in CSUBuy, and attach the quote
- Replacement of entire offices or suites with freestanding furniture or modular furniture installations require layouts/drawings in accordance with ADA requirements. The following are the initial steps to be taken:
- Review the Pre-Approved Vendor List
- Department contacts vendor for furniture options and assessment of space.
- Vendor may opt to visit campus to view the space and provide furniture options and quote.
- Vendor provides quote to include the following:
- Quotes must include cost for inside delivery and
- Quotes must include a layout/drawing that is ADA compliant. Please instruct the vendor to provide this information in order to ensure compliance with ADA
- Quotes must include a warranty. Instruct the vendor to include the warranty information on the quote.
- Once the quote, layout, and warranty are received, the department submits the Goods and Services Request Form in CSUBuy, and attach the quote, layout/drawings and any other documents.
- Facilities review and approval will occur through CSUBuy.
- Once approval has been obtained, the department submits a Work Order to Facilities for removal of existing furniture and preparation of space for new furniture (if applicable).