Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

How To Choose A School Furniture Supplier

  • By Angela Webb
  • 07/01/18

Buying school furniture is no longer as simple as opening a catalog and making a phone call. There are ever-evolving product options, co-ops and contracts to shop through, bids to offer, and an Internet full of suppliers to choose from. This is why it’s worth the time to choose the best supplier for your needs. Here are some pointers to help you get started.

Establish a vision for your space, and make sure your supplier understands it. This will make the process easier for both of you, and you are more likely to be satisfied with the result. Your company should be able to help you plan your space. Can they help you design a layout, choose products that work, and offer CAD drawings to show you what it will look like? It’s also crucial that your supplier be able to offer multiple quotes throughout the process for different tiers of layouts.

For you to make the best choices for your furniture, your supplier will need to have plenty of options—products that meet standards, a wide range of price points, and reliable inventory. Do they offer purchasing programs like co-ops and contracts? This will save you time and money.

Your supplier’s job is not finished when the purchase has been made. The company you choose should see the project through to completion. This includes delivery and installation. Their work is not over until your space is usable.

A good supplier will not just sell you furniture—they will guide you through the entire purchasing process, from research and pricing to delivery and installation. In some ways, choosing a supplier can be the most important part of your purchase; find a good one, and it can feel like they are doing the work for you, culminating in a learning environment you love.

This article originally appeared in the School Planning & Management July/August 2018 issue of Spaces4Learning.

About the Author

Angela Webb is director of Sales at School Outfitters. She can be reached at 866/619-5311 or [email protected].

Featured

  • Moline-Coal Valley School District to Consolidate Two Schools into New Facility

    The Moline-Coal Valley School District in Moline, Ill., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff from two existing schools, according to local news. Robert Ontiveros Elementary School will serve as the new home for Lincoln-Irving Elementary School and Willard Elementary School.

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • Pitzer College

    Designing for Change in Higher Ed Learning Environments

    Higher education will continue to evolve, and learning environments must evolve with it. By prioritizing adaptable infrastructure, thoughtful reuse, strong energy performance, and wellness-centered design, campuses can create spaces that support learning today while remaining flexible for the future.

  • Cal Poly Humboldt Starts Construction on Healthcare Education Hub

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in Arcata, Calif., recently announced that work has begun on a renovation project that will turn the Stewart Building into a new Healthcare Education Hub, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Sundt Construction Inc. for construction services.