Frequently Asked Questions

We have posted only the most popular colors we sell to K-12 Public Schools. However, that doesn’t mean the color you want isn’t available. Call us to find out if the color you want is “in-stock” or is a custom color option for the chair or table you are looking at: (866) 758-8448.

The age and the height of the child using the furniture dictates the size of the chair. Determine who is going to be using the furniture, and in what environment. Elementary school, middle school or high school children? What age? To determine height, measure from the floor to the bend of the back of the knee to determine chair seat height. What about adults?

Here is a good resource used by our manufacturers: Artcobell, Smith System, National Public Seating, Marco Group or MooreCo to help you determine the right size chair for your space:

* Height adjustable options allow you to bridge the height gap easily. Check out our Alternative Seating. (link to our SSi Furnishings website page for Alternative Seating under K-12 environment)

Use the chart above to figure out the correct height for an adjustable table leg to be set. First, ask yourself what chair or stool you will use with the table. Countertop height is 34-36”H, and Café/Bar Height is 42”H.

Still need help? Call one of our customer service specialist to design a solution that works.

There is no easy answer to this question, because to find the perfect solutions, you need to answer a few more qustions.

• How big is the person who will sit at this table? Think about the difference in size of a Kindergartener driving a little, plastic toy car on the school playground VS. a 6’ tall Defensive Lineman on the State Champion High School Football team. The overall size of the child will create a very different width need for a table or desk. The best answer, measure the widest part of the chair, and add 6-8 inches to get a single student desk/table width to slide the chair between the table legs. For a 2-person table, test out the best width needed by sitting 2 adults side by side at the table. Does anyone have to straddle a table leg, or feel squeezed while sitting at together?

• What activities happen in the classroom? Collaboration in groups of 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10? Are you doing math equations on a white board? Sitting and taking notes from the lecture? Drafting, coloring, or 3D art? What about lab experiments in Chemistry? What about FACS, Woodshop, or Culinary Arts? There are many different types of table top surfaces to choose from that it may get confusing: high-pressure and low-pressure laminates, dry erase markerboard, solid wood, stainless steel, chemical-resistant laminate, epoxy resin, phenolic resin and powder-coated galvanized steel. With all these choices, the decision can become overwhelming. Give us a call and we can help you select the correct table top for your classroom or workspace.

• Do you use any Technology, and what is the ratio? 1:1 Macbook, 2:1 laptops, or just a smart phone with a notebook? Measure the width and depth of equipment that will be on the desk or tabletop, to determine the appropriate width AND depth needed.

• Space: make sure you have enough room to walk around your class or between desks. Do you have enough room to re-arrange in different zones for project-based learning? Do you have a bunch of different doors that affect traffic flow? Too many kids and not enough space? We are experts in space planning, so we can visually provide a furniture lay-out for your space. Give us a call.

Maybe. While Epoxy Resin was the standard for science classroom worksurface of the past, there are many options to choose from today. Each product has it’s own advantages, disadvantage, weight and different price point. Let’s compare, starting with the most cost-effective and lightest weight, and review your worksurface options. Then you can decide on the best worksurface to select:

• LPL Laminate – laminate adhered to a core using heat only. It is the least costly of all the options, but not as durable as HPL laminate.

• HPL Laminate -- high-pressure laminate is used as a standard worksurface on desks, table tops, work bench surfaces, art tables, shelving, cafeteria tables, carts, etc. It is made by a layer of laminate adhered to a core using adhesives and heat. It is the best all-around product giving you a multitude of color options, price points with the lightest weight.

• Chemical Resistant Laminate – just as the name implies, is a laminate treated to resist chemical damage. A great option for intermediate-type Chemistry or STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) classrooms because it doesn’t have the high price tag or weight of a solid wood, phenolic resin or epoxy resin top.

• Solid Wood – usually found in Art, Woodshop or Makerspace classrooms because it can be sanded, stained, treated and painted. However, choose a hardwood top that is more durable, and a thicker cut which can be sanded. Will discolor and crack if not properly cared for. Tends to weigh more than a laminate worksurface, and cost depends on the wood type, size and thickness.

• Stainless Steel – heavy wall 12, 18 or 24 gauge stainless steel, brushed finish, with a welded edge to prevent water from penetrating the core (usually wood or particle board). A great option for your FACS or Culinary classroom.

• Phenolic Resin – a solid black chemical-resistant composite, thermos-fused under heat and pressure to form the entire thickness of the top. Phenolic Resin will not stain or etch when exposed to most chemicals or solvents.

• Epoxy Resin – are the worksurfaces designed to the highest standards when using with chemicals or heat. Designed to resist discoloration, staining, blistering, cracking, and scratching. This worksurface is the heaviest weight and most costly in the industry, but usually lasts for the life of the school or lab.

No. SSi Furnishings does not accept trade-ins, nor do we sell used furniture. Please Google a local furniture dealer in your area to see who may be a re-seller of used furniture.

We can provide a color sample or color swatch for a specific product you are interested in purchasing. This may take an extended amount of time, and there may be a small fee to ship you the sample.  However, we recommend you getting a color swatch especially if you are trying to match to existing furniture in the space. Call our office at (866) 758-8448.

Returns are not accepted without calling our office and receiving a RA# (Return Authorization #), and paying a restocking fee. Call our office at (866) 758-8448 to determine next steps.