Greetings,
I am looking for spec for a custom upholstered bench cushion suitable for use in an elementary school. Do any of you have something you could send me? Thanks
dewayne_at_nwlarchitects_dot_ com
probably ought to include pee protection as they do for hospitals. you never know…I’ll see if I have one
Marc, never seen it referred to as pee protection dont you mean Urine Control?
Thanks for looking Marc
Jerry, knowing this group I don’t know who’s in control.
I’m still in control of my urine, but I am getting older, so we’ll see how many more years I’ll be able to say that…
I have searched high and low for a formatted architectural spec for good quality upholstery, and always been disappointed. All of the upholstery specs I have found basically amount to wrapping some fabric around a piece of foam, which is about the lowest quality upholstery you can get. If you actually want good upholstery with springs, multiple layers of different density foams and batting, etc, I have been unable to find an architectural spec, or even a good set of written instructions that could be formatted into an architectural spec.
You might check some sewing sites for instructions that could be “translated” into your section. After all sewing pattern is just another type of specification.
Dan when I have to prepare a spec on a product with no specs avail I reach out to an artisan for input and proceed to prepare the spec from scratch. It can be a lengthy process but it will eventually produce a spec you will be satisfied with. Good Luck
Dewayne: I “copied” manufacturing info from a long-standing restaurant booth manufacturer a while ago (but not for school use).
Definition for ILD was Indent Load Deflection (not sure if in an ASTM standard though).
I referenced fire-test compliance as: “Fabric: Class 1 per DOC CS 191 and 16 CFR 1610.61, tested per California Technical Bulletin # 117., and for Padding: Comply with California Technical Bulletin # 117.”
My spec allowed drawings to define the actual upholstery fabric and color to be used, without requiring that info in the spec (since it would often be changed just before CD issue). The material spec was:
UPHOLSTERY FABRIC: As indicated on the Drawings, and in compliance with requirements herein.
UPHOLSTERY BACKING / PADDING: Non-woven polyester fiber material equivalent to Lantuck by Johnston Industries
UPHOLSTERY PADDING: Flexible, cellular, molded or slab polyurethane foam, and as follows (if not otherwise indicated on the Drawings):
Seat Bases: Minimum four (4) inch thick - 2.7 pound density foam, ILD: 43 minimum
Seat Backs: Minimum two (2) inch thick - 2.0 pound density foam, ILD: 24 to 28.
SEAT SPRINGS: Sinuous type, paper wrapped oil-tempered 9 gage steel wire springs at 3.5 inch centers typically, secured with non-squeak E clips, and with fiber-coated wire stabilizer bars running length of seat.
I have not used this for a while - standards may be changed or updated for all I know . . . but may be a start for you. Hope it helps!
Please add this modifier to California Technical Bulletin TB-117 2013 update, with no chemical flame retardants.
Flame retardants are not necessary to pass the updated test, which promotes safety for building occupants and firefighters.
Interesting discussion as I have faced the same issue. As a home seamtress I am hardly an expert, but I know that there is much more to be said about cushions than just the fabric.
Fabric is the easy part as usually the interior designer will have chosen something. If not, Knoll, Maharam, etc will have “upholstery” grade products and can guide you on selection.
You need to say whether or not the edges are “knife edge” or “box edges” and whether they will have welted, cording or flat seams. If the fabric has a definite directional pattern, then you will need to state whether or not it can be “railroaded.”
For long narrow cushions it will mean that the cushions can be made without seams on the face. Whether they are reversible or removable for laundry. Zippered or not?
For a simple window seat cushion I did not include seat springs, but have for banquette seats. The density of foam determines the durability of the cushions and like you I looked for some standards.
I really don’t like giving detailed instructions to craftsmen as they know better than we do how to get the best result. I think it would be good to list the workshops that do good work in your area. I did not write a separate section for the bench cushions: I added it to the woodworking section where the benches were specified.
Dear Unregistered Guest
An expert is anyone that knows more than I do.
Please consider writing an article about this for Construction Specifier magazine.
I have what I need, thanks for all your help
no no we want to just keep talking about it!!! we cant stop…cushion, cushion, bench bench…hahah…cant stop me