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When decorating a restaurant, every restaurateur has to decide what furniture to use to fill a dining room. They may want to look at the pros and cons of commercial vs residential furniture when making this decision. But what is contract grade furniture and how is it different from the furniture you can buy for your home?
This blog will give you all the details about this type of furniture to help you make the best decision. Keep reading to find out what makes commercial furniture the best choice for your business!
What Is Contract Grade Furniture?
Contract grade furniture is furniture for use in public or commercial settings, like restaurants, hotels, or offices. This furniture tends to be more durable to withstand these high-traffic environments, and the pieces are designed to last longer and withstand heavy use. Examples of contract or commercial furniture in the restaurant industry include restaurant tables, barstools, and folding chairs.
Commercial furniture manufacturers follow industry and safety standards for contract grade certification. These regulations guarantee that every component undergoes thorough testing to confirm its safety for use.
The Difference Between Commercial vs Residential Furniture
The furniture used in restaurant settings is different from the furniture used in your home. Let’s take a look at what sets contract grade furniture apart from residential furniture by comparing durability, design, applications, customization options, prices, and warranty.
Durability
Durability is the first noticeable difference between residential furniture and commercial-grade furniture. The latter is designed to last longer with frequent usage. Restaurant-grade furniture consists of high-quality materials that resist wear and tear from everyday use. They also come with chemical-resistant finishes that can also withstand commercial grade cleaning products.
Design
The design of contract grade furniture vs residential furniture reflects their intended uses. Commercial manufacturers consider functionality, form, and aesthetics that fit commercial spaces. They think of how a piece of furniture will benefit a user while prioritizing safety and longevity.
Residential furniture designers tend to focus on style with functionality as a lesser concern. Most home furniture exists to improve interior design and match a homeowner’s unique tastes, while commercial furniture for restaurants tends to be more generic to appeal to a wider range of people.
Related: 10 things you should consider when opening a cafe.
Applications
Commercial furniture is designed for use in public settings, such as dining establishments, offices, and other spaces used by the public. Residential furniture, on the other hand, is intended only for home use. Manufacturers of commercial grade furniture keep practicality and versatility in mind to build durable products that can withstand prolonged use.
Related: Style your restaurant patio with these fabulous ideas!
Customization Options
Compared to residential furniture, commercial grade furniture tends to offer fewer customizable options. Unlike residential furniture, which offers a wide selection of colours, shapes, sizes, and upholstery, commercial furniture prioritizes durability and functionality over style.
However, manufacturers are evolving and have found ways to blend function and aesthetics. From limited item variants to made-to-order furniture, suppliers are elevating commercial furniture and helping businesses create unique ambient spaces.
Image Source: Canva
Stock and Pricing
Manufacturing residential furniture occurs in large volumes due to high demand. Retail store owners take this opportunity to lower prices, enticing more customers to buy their items.
On the other hand, commercial furnishings have higher costs because of their made-to-order nature and costly materials, like fire-resistant upholstery or steel frames. These higher costs guarantee high-quality products with sturdy construction to meet customers’ precise needs.
Warranties
When purchasing furniture, restaurateurs should consider warranty coverage. These legal documents assure the quality of your commercial furniture by covering the costs of any repairs or replacements.
Commercial furniture warranties often have better terms compared to residential furniture. Manufacturers trust the extensive testing their products go through, and can confidently offer warranties with longer coverage periods. If there’s a defect in any product, suppliers will respond quickly to ensure no disruptions in your business operations.
Residential Furniture vs Commercial Grade Furniture, Which to Choose
Image Source: Canva
Now that you’re more familiar with commercial furniture and how it compares to residential furniture, you can choose the best furniture for your restaurant. Based on our contract grade furniture vs residential furniture analysis, it’s clear commercial furniture is the right option for any business. The durability, design, and warranty coverage of commercial grade furniture make it an excellent solution for public locations, where high-quality, long-lasting furniture is needed.
Your One-Stop Shop For High-Quality Restaurant Furniture
Asking “what is contract grade furniture?” is the first step in choosing the right furnishings for your dining establishment. The second step is finding the right supplier for all your furniture needs.
s.t.o.p. Restaurant Supply is Ontario’s best kitchen and restaurant supplier. We’re a one-stop-shop for restaurateurs, industry professionals, and home cooks. Let us help you stock your restaurant with the high-quality tools, equipment, and furnishings you need to operate at peak performance.
Contact us for more information about any of our product offerings. Experience our exceptional service and unbeatable prices today!
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