Answers to the questions designers, purchasing firms and operators ask us most about ordering commercial furniture from Designform. For anything not covered here, contact your local Designform rep or get in touch.
Ordering
Who can buy from Designform?
Designform is a commercial wholesaler. We sell to businesses, designers, purchasing firms and members of the public for commercial projects such as restaurants, hotels, bars, casinos, clubs and offices, mostly through our local sales reps. We do not sell furniture for residential or personal use. Find your rep.
Is there a minimum order?
The minimum order is typically four pieces. Smaller orders are considered on request. A few custom-only products, such as the Harrison Stool and Weaver Chair, have a 100-piece minimum.
How long do orders take?
Quick Ship and in-stock items ship within 2–3 days of order and payment. Custom orders take 14–20 weeks, and many can be rushed to 8–10 weeks; ask your rep about sooner dates. Table tops finished after ordering ship in 1–2 weeks, and prefinished tops can ship in as little as 2–3 days.
Do you ship outside the United States?
Yes. Designform supplies projects worldwide. We also ship to Canada, including Quick Ship orders; crossing the border can add a few days of transit.
Does seating arrive assembled?
Yes. All seating ships fully assembled from our factory. Tables ship with tops and bases separate, with hardware supplied, for attaching on site.
Samples and finishes
Can I get samples?
Yes. We provide finish swatches, and an actual product sample for most products so you can do a sit test. Through our sample loan program, projects of 10 or more pieces can borrow up to two chair or stool samples, with shipping both ways paid by Designform. Samples are loaned for 60 days with a credit card authorization on file.
Can I use my own fabric or leather (COM/COL)?
Yes. We provide the yardage or square footage required for each item, and it is also listed on your proposal. Send a swatch so we can confirm the material works on the product you specified; if we have used your material before, we may be able to approve it from the specification alone.
What finishes are available?
Hardwood frames come in American walnut, American white oak, American ash and European beech in a range of stains, and metal frames in powder coat colors, brass and stainless options depending on the product. Upholstery options include leathers, faux leathers and fabrics; most materials are rated 75,000–100,000 double rubs. See finish options.
Do you offer swivel or bolt-down stools?
Yes. Some stools come standard with a swivel and many can be customized: most backless swivel stools turn 360°, and swivel stools with backs use an auto-return mechanism. Bolt-down bases are available for fixed installations. See our swivel and bolt-down bar stool guide.
Quality and warranty
How much weight are your chairs tested to?
Designform products are tested to 400 lbs, and on request we will test a product to the weight limit your project needs. Products are tested internally against ANSI/BIFMA standards, and foam and upholstery meet CAL TB 117-2013.
How are the frames built?
Almost all wood products use mortise-and-tenon joinery with very few bolted connections, and metal products are welded rather than bolted, so they stay tight in heavy daily use.
What is the warranty?
Frames carry a 3-year warranty on structural integrity, and finish and upholstery carry a 1-year warranty, from the date of shipment, with proper maintenance. See the full warranty and care guide.
Do you have products for healthcare and senior living?
Yes. Higher weight-rated frames, bleach-cleanable vinyls, moisture-barrier seat construction, and front casters with rear glides on dining arm chairs are available on request.
Are your outdoor chairs suitable for year-round use?
Most outdoor products, including the Poly-Molded All-Weather collection, are UV-resistant and suited for year-round outdoor use. Wood products are not intended for outdoor or unconditioned spaces.
Design files and specifications
Do you provide Revit and SketchUp files?
Yes. Free Revit, SketchUp and AutoCAD-compatible files are available to download for a growing list of products, and we will prepare a 3D model of any other product on request. See Revit & SketchUp models.
Can you make a 3D rendering of a product in my finishes?
Yes. Use the Request 3D Model / Rendering button on any product page, tell us the finishes you are considering, and we will send a cut sheet rendering.
What specification documents do you provide?
Cut sheets and spec sheets for every product, finish samples, and shop drawings for custom products.
Can you make a custom product?
Yes. We review full project specifications for custom products and can modify existing designs, for example adding ganging hardware to a stackable metal chair or building stacking carts.
Related
Have a project coming up?
Send us your plan, quantities and timeline. We will send pricing and samples and connect you with your local Designform rep.
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