Residential vs Commercial Furniture

Commercial Furniture in restaurant

Running and owning a business can be rewarding, but it also requires hard work and dedication. Paying attention to every detail is essential for your business’s success and longevity. Sourcing quality commercial furniture is one of the critical components that business owners need to consider. While it may seem more convenient and affordable to purchase chairs and tables from a local retail store, this choice could prove costly in the long run.

Differences between residential and commercial furniture

When selecting furniture for your dining venue or office, it’s essential to distinguish between residential and commercial furniture. Commercial furniture, also known as contract furniture, is specifically built to endure the daily wear and tear of high-traffic environments. In contrast, residential furniture is not made to the same rigorous standards, as it generally does not face such frequent use. Below are several key factors that further explain these differences and help you identify which type is suitable for your needs.
residential vs commercial furniture

Wood Type

Residential furniture is often crafted from softer woods like rubberwood and pine, with pine being particularly popular. Softwood is easier to work with, making it more affordable, but it is also more prone to scratching. In contrast, wood table tops and chairs for commercial use are made from durable hardwoods such as maple, beechwood, and oak.

For interior woodwork—such as flooring, trim, and furniture—a moisture content below 12 percent is recommended across most of the United States. In contract furniture, we use hardwood with a moisture content of 6-7%, enhancing its toughness and durability.

Durability

While residential and commercial furniture may appear similar, there are significant differences in material durability. Commercial furniture is designed to withstand constant use by a variety of people, leading manufacturers to use tougher wood treated with Polyurethane (P.U.) coatings that protect it from high wear, tear, and frequent cleaning.

Metal frames in commercial furniture are powder-coated and baked, enhancing their resistance to rust and flaking. Powder coating also produces a thick, dense finish with a smoother surface, attracting less dust and dirt, making the furniture easier to maintain and more hygienic.

For upholstered furniture, seats are covered with foam padding available in various densities, firmness levels, and fire resistance ratings. Unlike residential furniture, commercial or contract furniture must adhere to more stringent safety codes, with options like CAL 133 available for an additional fee.

Foam density and firmness play a role in comfort and durability, with firmer foam generally being denser and heavier. Although more expensive, firmer foam provides better comfort and longevity. For upholstered chairs and booths in restaurants and high-traffic venues, a density of 2.0-2.5 is ideal, while residential furniture in the U.S. typically uses a 1.8 density foam.

warranty and strength

Warranty

On average, residential furniture typically comes with a one-year warranty for wood chairs and a 1-6 month warranty for metal chairs. In contrast, commercial furniture offers a three-year guarantee for USA-made wood furniture and a lifetime structural warranty for metal chairs.

Strength

Residential wood chairs and bar stools typically have an average weight capacity of around 250 lbs. In contrast, commercial wood chairs and bar stools are built to support 350 lbs or more, using mortise and tenon joints reinforced with glue, screws, and additional D or H stretchers for extra strength.

Metal furniture for residential use is generally made with 22- or 24-gauge steel frames, while commercial-grade furniture is constructed with 16- to 18-gauge steel (with lower gauge numbers indicating a stronger metal frame).

Testing and Accreditation

Furniture earns a commercial-grade label when it passes rigorous testing conducted by independent third-party organizations, such as BIFMA, ASTM, and ANSI/UL. Some of the essential tests include:
  • Back Rest Strength Test
  • Drop Test
  • Stability Test
  • Leg Strength Test

While initially more costly, one core advantage of contract furniture over residential furniture is its durability. Running a business is expensive, and minimizing expenses is crucial. Constantly replacing or repurchasing furniture drains both funds and time. Built to withstand daily use, commercial restaurant furniture reduces the frequency of replacements. When necessary, individual replacement parts, like chairs or table bases, can be purchased for commercial-grade furniture, adding to its long-term value.

The table below summarizes the differences between residential and commercial furniture:

  Commercial Furniture Residential Furniture
Wood Type Hardwood - maple, oak, beechwood; 6-8% moisture content Softwood - rubberwood, pine; up to 12% moisture content
Durability P.U. wood finishing (7-stage process with scratch-resistant topcoat); powder-coated metal; 2-2.5 density foam padding Residential-grade wood finishing; plated metal; 1.8 density foam padding
Warranty 3 years - lifetime structural warranty 1 – 12 months
Strength Weight capacity of 350 pounds or higher; 16-18 gauge steel frame Weight capacity of 250 pounds; 20-22 gauge steel frame (lower gauge is stronger)
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