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Furniture Considerations

When ordering furniture, read the furniture item description carefully, to ensure that it meets your departmental needs.

In UCD Buy the pictures provided for HON furniture items are for illustration only. The actual product/colors and specifications may vary from the picture. For specific details on the item (size, finish) please refer to the furniture section of the Office Max printed catalog. For Steelcase Furniture, the colors shown do not necessarily match the actual furniture. Contact the Furniture Program to see sample Steelcase color swatches.

For every office furniture purchase, ergonomics should be considered, in order to avoid future problems. This is especially true for office seating and work surfaces. Ask yourself if the desired furniture is designed to maintain proper posture and maintain employee health. Are chairs appropriately sized? Are desk heights correct? Are keyboards and mice sized correctly for the employees using them?

There are a variety of items available in UCD Buy that can assist in proper furniture ergonomics. Visit the Furniture Ergonomics page for more information on specific products. You may also want to review the resources available from Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S).

For all furniture purchases, consideration should be given to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). When planning for new office furnishings, consider options that would accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities. Will the type of furniture and placement adhere to ADA requirements? Is there equivalent furniture that can assist those with special physical requirements?

Environmental sustainability should be considered with each furniture purchase. Choose items that have an ability to serve their function with minimal maintenance. Look for furniture with significant post-industrial and post-consumer recycled content. Review the Sustainable Purchasing page for more information.

When shopping for furniture, the price tag should not be the only consideration. Departments should evaluate the total cost of the item as well as the quality and durability of the product. Components to be considered include the costs of processing invoices and checks, personnel time, shipping, and any travel involved to make a purchase.

Allow ample time when ordering furniture. Many furniture items require assembly.

The models, fabrics and finishes offered on UCD Buy represent a small fraction of all available choices. If you are unable to locate the product you want, or you locate a product that you would like but can't find a finish that suits you, please contact the Furniture Program and make an appointment to view the many other selections available. If requested, the Furniture Program can complete and place the order for you.