How to plan a commercial furniture project from start to finish.
Whether you're building out a new office, refreshing existing furniture, or downsizing a space — understanding the process before you start saves time, money, and headaches. Here's a framework that works for projects of any size.
The five phases of a furniture project
Define headcount, work styles, space types, and any constraints. This shapes every decision that follows — from product selection to budget.
Set a realistic budget (include delivery, installation, and contingency) and work backward from your move-in date to establish milestones.
Choose product tiers, manufacturers, and configurations. Consider ergonomics, warranty, sustainability, and how furniture serves different zones in your space.
Get quotes, compare proposals, and place orders. Lead times range from 4-16 weeks depending on product — timing is everything.
Coordinate building access, IT/electrical prep, installation crews, and a punch list walkthrough. Plan a buffer day before employees move in.
Need guidance on your project?
If you have a project in mind and want expert input on budgeting, product selection, timelines, or logistics — tell us about it. No sales pitch, just honest answers from someone who does this every day.
Tools to help you plan
Space Calculator
Estimate square footage by headcount and work style.
Budget Estimator
Get a realistic total project budget by tier.
Timeline Planner
Work backward from your move-in date.
RFP Builder
Generate a professional request for proposal.
Checklist Generator
Get a personalized project checklist.
Furniture Comparison
Compare products by category and tier.
Common mistakes that cost real money
Underestimating the budget by 20-40%
Product cost is only part of the picture. Add 5-8% for delivery, 8-15% for installation, sales tax, and a 10% contingency. Use our budget estimator to get the full number.
Starting too late on procurement
Most commercial furniture is made to order with 4-16 week lead times. Start the furniture conversation at least 16 weeks before your target move-in date.
Forgetting about power and data
Furniture arrives, but the electrical and data drops aren't where they need to be. Coordinate with IT and your electrician early — before the furniture order, not after.
Skipping the space plan
Ordering furniture without a floor plan leads to pieces that don't fit, awkward layouts, and blocked pathways. Even a basic CAD layout prevents expensive mistakes.
Not accounting for circulation space
30-40% of your floor area goes to walkways, corridors, and common areas. A 10,000 sq ft office only has ~6,500 sq ft of usable furniture space.
Buying everything at the same tier
Invest in premium seating (people sit 8+ hours) and go mid-range on desking and storage. Mixing tiers is how experienced buyers maximize value.