First impressions are lasting impressions. Your facility’s image reflects upon your capabilities as a business, and the furniture you display around your facility is a major part of your image. But replacing worn furniture can be a significant expense.

Follow these three steps to maximize ROI on your furniture investment:

1. Invest in High-Quality Products

It’s simple. Purchasing a high-quality, durable product from a well-established company is the first step towards ensuring a long lifespan for your furniture. High-quality furniture is also easier to maintain, so you’ll spend less time and money on service down the road.

To guarantee its quality, be sure your prospective furniture has passed a Business Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) (bifma.org) inspection. You can also request a free product sample from your manufacturer upfront to test its quality for yourself. Finally, consider your furniture brand’s environmental and social reputation. Look for products made with bio-based foam and formaldehyde-free finishes. A certification by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensures wood was sourced responsibly.
 
2 . Implement a Maintenance Program

Smaller problems are easier to fix, so catch them before they turn big. Perform regular visual inspections, at least four times per year, checking for loose components, torn fabric and bent metal parts. Loose screws should be hand-tightened with a screwdriver to avoid over tightening. Inspect chair glides to ensure all four legs are touching the floor. Uneven wear prevents equal weight distribution, placing enormous stress on the joints at the seat level and chair back. Discard all damaged furniture.

Clean wood, metal and fabric furniture surfaces with a damp cloth. If you choose to use a detergent, consult the manufacturer’s instructions first as some cleaners can damage certain materials.

3. Limit Your Liability

All furniture will eventually wear out and need to be replaced, but maintaining your furniture will extend the life of the product and protect your business from liability. Ensure your furniture’s manufacturer provides you with sufficient information regarding product care and maintenance. Following these instructions will offer you the best chance of keeping your furniture in top shape for years to come.

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