Industry Glossary
A-D
E-K
L-R
S-Z
Elevation
A line drawing providing more spacial perception of a furniture layout.
End Panels
Slab end-supports commonly found on either side of a desk worksurface.
Ergonomics
The study of equipment design to reduce operator fatigue and discomfort. A person's relationship and interaction within work environments.
Executive Chair
A high-back or padded chair designed for senior decision makers.
Expanded Vinyl
A thick vinyl with a woven fabric backing that is impregnated with color. It complies with most fire codes.
Face Veneer
The most visible surface veneer.
Facility Management
The practice of coordinating the physical workplace with the people and work of the organization; integrating administration, architecture, and the behavorial and engineering sciences.
Fiberboard
A composition board consisting of the fine thread-like fibers of wood bonded together with synthetic resins.
File Drawer
A drawer that is generally 12" to 13" in height and deep enough to support hanging file folders.
Flakeboard
A lower quality composition board consisting of flat shaving-like flakes of wood bonded together with synthetic resins.
Flipper Door
The front door of an overhead storage unit, common in systems or office plans.
Floor Plate
Real estate term for the rentable floor size within a building layout.
FOB Destination
Freight on board.
FOB Shipper
Freight on board.
Footprint
The working square footage required to support a particular function; either a workstation or group of workstations.
Free Address Environments
A variety of different type workspaces having no permanently assigned offices or workstations. Workers select the setting that suits their activity at the moment.
Full Extension Suspension
A suspension that allows a drawer to fully open to maximum depth, for eash access to contents.
Full-Height Pedestals
When pedestals extend from the worksurface to the floor.
Full roll
(Textiles) An uncut roll of fabric as it is shipped from the mill. Fabric averages 50 years to a full roll and vinyl is approximately 30 yards to a full roll.
Fully-Assembled
Product shipped completely built rather than in parts or as flat-stock.
Ganging
The method of joining individual seating elements into one unit. Specifically refers to ganging chairs or ganging tables. Often seen in lounge areas.
Graining
The process of printing a natural wood grain pattern onto another surface that may or may not be wood product.
Green Issues
A descriptive term to address a product or building's conformity with environment initiatives.
Grommet
A plastic covering of cut-out that helps drop wires and cords under a worksurface.
Gross Area
The total floor space within the exterior walls for all levels of a building.
Group Address
Designated group or team workspace for specified period of time.
Guest hair
Often referred to as Guest Conference or Side Chair, is a chair used by those who visit an office for the purpose of a meeting or conference.
Hardwood Designates lumber produced from broad-leafed or deciduous trees in contrast to softwoods from evergreen or coniferous trees.
High Pressure Laminate (HPL) A resin-based, impregnated Kraft paper, overlaid first with a wood-grain or solid color paper and finally by a protective sheeting that is heat-pressed and adhered.
Hoteling Workspace reserved on a first call basis and not dedicated to any specific worker beyond a specified amount of time.
Huddle Room An impromptu meeting space used for a brief team meeting or can be used for the length of a project.
InstaPak-Foam A catalyzed liquid foam packing material that surrounds a chair and acts as a shock absorber preventing damage during shipment. It is environmentally safe and approved for landfills in all 50 states.
Intelligent Buildings Buildings with inherent design for future change, costs and efficiency.
Interlock Mechanism A device that couples two or more drawers together to prevent simultaneous opening, averting injuries due to cabinet tipping.
ISO International Standard for Organizations promoting developing standard processes and related activities to facilitate the internal exchange of goods and services.
JIT Just-in-Time.
Job Foreman The assigned captain of an on-site crew responsible for coordinating all installation duties.
Junction Box An electrical outlet device or communication port box on an office wall generally requiring access for cord placement and plug-ins.
KD Shipped Knocked-Down.
Key Plans Plans designed to show site locations and occupants for users having like keys.
Knee Tilt Mechanism A control mechanism that allows a chair to recline up and down from a pivot point at the front portion of the seat.

 
 
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