Common Industry Terms

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Acoustic Panel – A panel integrated into systems furniture with sound-absorbing properties, enhancing overall workplace acoustics and earning higher STC (Sound Transmission Class) ratings.

Arch Handle – A drawer handle designed with an outward curving shape from the surface for ergonomic functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Asynchronous Control – A sophisticated tilt control system for seats, allowing independent pivoting of the back and the option to lock it in any position, providing users with flexibility in postures.

Adjustable Arms – The customization options (height, width) for chair armrests may include rotation, sliding arm pads, or fully adjustable arms that move in various directions.

Adjustable Glides – Components placed underneath furniture to level it on uneven flooring; also known as "levelers."

Adjustable Lumbar Support – A movable lower back support on chairs, enabling users to position it where extra pressure is needed for optimal sitting posture.

Anti-Rebound – A feature preventing drawers from opening or recoiling unintentionally with normal force.

Back Pitch – Refers to the angle of a chair's back in relation to the seat, influencing comfort and posture.

Bridge – The connecting part of a work surface that links a desk and credenza, forming a U-shape area around the user.

Bullet Top – A work surface with a circular shape at the end when viewed from above, typically supported by a post or leg.

Back Height Adjustment – The settings for the back of a task chair, allowing users to position lumbar support for maximum comfort.

Bariatric Lounge – A lounge chair with a reinforced metal frame designed to support higher weights, up to 450 lbs.

Boat-Shaped Table Top – A table top design with two short sides and two long sides extending outward in a convex shape, facilitating visibility around a long conference table.

Box Drawer – A 6” high drawer in a pedestal, providing storage space.

Bow Front Work Surface – A work surface with a curved front side, offering additional space for visitors and collaborators.

CAD File: Computer-Aided Design File – CAD file is a digital drawing used to plan and visualize furniture layouts, space configurations, and installation details. It typically contains 2D or 3D representations of furniture components and is used for space planning, quoting, and installation coordination.

C-Leg – A work surface leg formation that allows more legroom for the user.

Casegoods – Refers to freestanding office furniture, not supported by panel systems.

Cable Trough – A component that organizes electrical and data cords in a workstation environment.

Café Height – Furniture typically between 40” and 42” high, designed for standing situations in a work environment.

Cantilever Table – A table shape with a C-shaped base, allowing it to slide under a side or lounge chair, saving space.

Carpet Gripper – Feet for office furniture providing firm placement on a carpeted surface.

Caster – Wheels attached to the bottom of chairs, tables, and pedestals for improved mobility.

Center Tilt – A chair mechanism allowing comfortable reclining, using the center of the seat as the pivot point.

COI “Certificate of Insurance” – a COI is an official document provided by a vendor’s or contractor’s insurance company that proves they carry the required insurance coverage—such as general liability, workers’ compensation, and auto insurance. It is often required by building management or clients before allowing delivery or installation work on-site.

Clamp Mount – A device gripping the edge of a work surface, enabling users to install accessories like monitor arms.

Club Chair – A single-user armchair, typically placed in lounge settings for comfort.

Contract Furniture – Furniture obtained through contracts with dealers or manufacturers, generally designed for commercial use.

Coffee Table – A low-set table designed for casual settings, holding small items like literature and beverages.

Corner Table – A low-set table designed to fit at a 90-degree angle between casual seating arrangements.

Counterweight – Small weights in the base of a file cabinet, preventing tipping when a loaded drawer is open.

Credenza – A work surface/storage unit that can be positioned behind the user or underneath a larger workstation.

Cube Table – A table with a square top enclosed on all sides, with a height equal to each side.

Cylinder Table – A table with a round top enclosed on all sides, with a height equal to the diameter of the top.

Desk Divider – Solid panels above the desk defining and dividing personal space, often attached to groups of work surfaces in open areas.

Desk Shell – A desk with support legs and a work surface, excluding storage drawers.

Desktop Paper Shelf – A shelf designed for organizing paperwork on the desktop.

Desktop Storage Terrace – A layered shelf with various tray sizes for enhanced organization of paperwork.

Defeat Mechanism – The mechanism that prevents a file cabinet from accidentally tipping over.

Double Pedestal Desk – A desk setup with left and right pedestal files and a center knee space for the user.

Drawer Configuration - The arrangement of drawers within a pedestal.

Drum Base – A large cylindrical base supporting a table or work surface.

Empire Handle – A flat, rectangular handle on drawers that runs horizontally.

End Table – A low table designed to complement a series of guest chairs in lounge seating.

End Panel – A panel running along the side of a freestanding work surface, not allowing knee room for the user.

End Trim – The finished vertical end cap on a system furniture panel.

Ergonomic – Furniture designed to provide support and comfort, aiming to prevent stress or injury.

Executive Chair – A fully-featured mid-back or high-back desk chair with premium comfort and adjustable controls.

Extron Plate – A port area allowing various configurations such as VGA, HDMI, USB, audio, and more.

F/F Pedestal – Stands for file/file pedestal, typically 15” wide and located under a work surface top.

Flipper Door – A hinged door on an overhead storage unit in a workstation.

Floorplans – floorplans are scaled diagrams that show the layout of a space from a top-down view. They illustrate the placement of walls, doors, windows, and furniture, and are used for space planning, furniture specification, and installation coordination.

Freestanding – Furniture not supported by panel systems.

Furniture Plan – A plan locating and identifying new and existing furniture in a proposed floor plan.

File Center – A combination of various storage elements in one unit.

Fixed Chair Arms – Arms on a chair that do not move or adjust in any way.

Fixed Chair Base – A chair base with no casters, meant to stay in position.

Flip-Top Base – A table base designed to turn the work surface 90-degrees to better organize with other tables set in a vertical position.

Foot Ring – A fixed or adjustable bar on the bottom of a stool providing leg support.

Freestanding Privacy Screen – A vertical screen designed to offer visual privacy and divide space in open areas.

Glides – Small, adjustable feet on large furniture pieces for leveling and smooth movement over hard surfaces.

Grommet – A hole in a work surface or panel to allow for wires.

Ganging Bracket – A bracket placed on guest seating and tables to connect them, forming rows and keeping chairs in place.

Guest Chair – A small, single-seat chair meant for short-term use.

High-Pressure Laminate – A laminate made of six to eight layers of building material bonded and topped with a melamine plastic facing, used in office furniture for durability without sacrificing appearance.

Hanging Paper Shelf – An open shelf attached underneath a cabinet or work surface to organize paperwork.

Hardboard – A stiff board made of compressed and treated wood pulp, typically used on cabinet backs and other furniture elements.

High-Density Stacker – A lightweight guest chair made of high-density materials, easily stacked and rearranged.

Hip Chair – A stool with fixed arms and a foot ring.

Hospitality Shelf – A sliding shelf added to the bottom of a storage cabinet for better accessibility to trash.

Hutch – A storage cabinet added onto work surfaces to increase storage without sacrificing floor space.

Interlock – A device locking two or more drawers together, allowing only one drawer to be open at a time to prevent tipping.

Independent Back Angle – A feature of task chairs allowing separate adjustment of the seat back to reduce lumbar pressure.

Keyboard Tray – A unit that attaches underneath a work surface to hold a keyboard.

Knockouts – Holes provided for electrical or data outlets in the base of a system’s furniture panel.

Laminate – A coating made of various building materials, providing durability to office furniture.

Lateral File – A wide filing cabinet allowing side-to-side or front-to-back paper filing.

Laminate Credenza Shelf – A shelf with storage space and a durable laminate exterior.

Load Bar – A mounted bar near a workstation holding accessories and other items.

Loop Handle – A rounded handle style on drawers that gently curves outward from the surface.

L-Post – Also known as a Two-Way Connector, used when two panels meet at a 90-degree angle.

Love Seat – A lounge seat designed for two users.

Lumbar Support – A feature in the lower part of the chair back that provides extra pressure to the user’s lower back, helping maintain the natural curve of the spine and reducing back pain.

Melamine – A plastic resin used to coat direct pressure laminate and used between the layers of high-density laminate.

Mesh Back – A breathable material on a chair that stretches, provides instant support and comfort, and keeps a user cool.

Mobile Markerboard – A two-sided whiteboard on four casters that can be easily moved around.

Mobile Pedestal – A storage pedestal with casters and drawers that can be easily moved around a workspace.

Modesty Panel – A panel attached to the bottom of a desk to provide extra privacy below the work surface.

Modular Chair – A chair designed to work both standalone and as part of a larger set of similar chairs.

Monitor Arm – A metal arm replacing the standard base of monitors, allowing easy adjustment when affixed to the desk.

Multi-Task Control – A control for an office chair allowing users to adjust the reclining angles of the seat and back independently, with the option to lock the back in virtually any position.

Nesting Chair – A side or guest chair with a seat that flips up vertically, enabling it to be pushed closely against other chairs in that collection to save space, similar to a line of grocery carts.

Off Modular – The ability for systems furniture components to join into a perpendicular panel, rather than just the ends of the panel.

Open Plan – An office plan for an open working environment, typically without doors or ceilings.

Ottoman – A cushion-topped lounge element where you can place your feet or use as a short-term seating solution.

Overhead Legs – Post legs or O-legs designed to support overhead storage.

Overhead Storage – Storage cabinets sitting on top of workstations, adding storage space without taking up additional real estate.

Overtime – overtime refers to work performed outside of standard business hours—typically evenings, weekends, or holidays. It often applies to delivery or installation labor and usually incurs additional charges due to increased labor costs or building access restrictions during off-hours.

Panel Mount – The ability to mount and hang storage units, work surfaces, and accessories to a systems furniture panel.

Particle Board – A heavy-duty composite material providing work surfaces with strength and durability.

Pedestal – A storage cabinet with drawers that also acts as support for an office desk or credenza, usually with file or supply drawers.

Peninsula Top – A work surface designed with one rounded end on a single post leg and one rectangular end that connects to a panel support.

Pivot Arms – Adjustable chair arms that each turn at up to 30-degree angles.

Plan View – An aerial view of a space, room, or piece of furniture.

Pneumatic Height Adjustment – On a task chair, this allows users of different sizes to adjust the seat height.

Posture Control – Allows the backrest to tilt independently of the seat.

Power Infeed – The electrical connection used to provide systems furniture with the building’s power source.

Power Pole – A floor-to-ceiling pole that provides connections to the systems furniture.

Power Whip – Power source connecting the building’s electricity to the systems furniture.

Pop-Up Port – An electrical and/or data outlet that can open and close when pushed on a work surface.

Post Leg Base – Individual vertical legs that can be used to support various work surfaces.

Posture Control – Any mechanism on an office chair that allows the user to customize the seat and comfort settings to their preference.

Posture Mechanism/Lock – A feature in office chairs allowing the user to prevent the chair from reclining whenever they prefer firmer back support and an upright position.

Presentation Cart – A mobile cart holding a flat screen display, whiteboard, or other presentation tools.

Project Coordinator - Project Coordinator is responsible for managing the logistical and administrative aspects of a furniture project. This includes tracking orders, scheduling deliveries and installations, coordinating with vendors and installers, ensuring client requirements are met, and maintaining project timelines and documentation.

Project Manager - Project Manager oversees the end-to-end execution of a furniture project. They manage budgets, timelines, client communication, vendor coordination, site readiness, and installation quality. Their role ensures the project is completed on time, within scope, and to the client’s satisfaction.

Quadruplex Outlet – An electrical outlet with four receptacles (also known as a “quad”).

QS “Quick Ship” – Quick Ship refers to a program offered by manufacturers that provides select furniture items with significantly shorter lead times—typically shipping within 2–4 weeks or less. These products are preconfigured or stocked to enable faster delivery for time-sensitive projects.

Raceway – The pathway running electrical and data cabling to outlets, provided within a systems furniture panel.

Radius Styling – The rounded edge on the top of desks and credenzas.

Reception Station – A large workstation wrapping around a receptionist, offering various storage options and including a standing-height work surface for visitors.

Recessed Task Light – A lighting unit mounted on the underside of a hutch or wall-mount storage cabinet.

RT: Regular Time - Regular Time refers to standard working hours—typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Labor performed during these hours is billed at the standard rate, as opposed to Overtime (OT), which incurs additional charges.

Remanufactured Furniture – The reuse of core components in office furniture that can be returned to a new condition.

Return – An L-shaped workstation comprised of one finished side, a pedestal file, and a modesty panel that attaches to a single pedestal desk or credenza.

Rounded Square Handle – A rounded, rectangular handle on drawers that runs horizontally.

Skins – The editable sections of a systems furniture panel allowing different surfaces to be applied.

Sliding Seat Pan – An option for task chairs allowing the seat to move from front to back to accommodate varying leg lengths.

Space Plan – A preliminary graphic layout of the potential relationships for various elements of systems furniture and equipment.

Spine – The common center panel of a workstation pod where all perpendicular panels connect.

Seat Depth Adjustment – An adjustment on office chairs to move the chair forward or backward to create a deeper or shallower seat cushion.

Seat Glide Mechanism – An adjustment on office chairs to move the entire seat cushion forward or backward.

Sled Base – A chair base with U-shaped legs on the sides.

Soft Wedge Table Top – A table top with a 45-degree shape that allows for weaving arrangements around architectural elements.

Stadium – A tiered platform added to a work surface to increase open shelf capacity for filing.

Storage Cabinet Pedestal – A mobile or modular storage unit that can be added to a workstation to increase the number of drawers.

Storage Tower – A vertical storage unit with a full-height door for storing coats, smaller drawers, and open cabinets for paperwork, office supplies, and personal items.

Straight Arms – Fixed arms on an office chair that do not bend or curve in any way.

Support Column – A single straight leg that supports peninsula desks or other work surfaces.

Systems Furniture – A term for bundles of panels, work surfaces, shelves, and other items sold by a single manufacturer as a package for furnishing offices.

Swivel – A feature on a chair that allows a user to turn 360-degrees for total freedom of movement.

T-Leg Base – A table base with an upside-down T-shape that provides a solid foundation.

Tablet Arm – A small work surface that attaches to an arm of a chair to provide a place for a laptop or for note-taking.

Tack Board – A fabric-covered tackable surface generally mounted to a vertical space (like a wall or panel).

Tapered Leg – A hardwood or metal leg typically found on lounge furniture, which can be round or square.

Task Chair – An office chair offering comfort and may include features such as a 360-degree swivel, adjustable seat height, and other elements for adjustability and support.

Task Light – An additional light source for a desk or workstation.

Tension Control – A mechanical feature usually adjusted by a knob located under the seat of a chair that controls the degree of resistance the chair provides when leaning back.

Tilt Lock – A feature in office chairs that allows the user to stop the chair from reclining.

Tilt Tension – A feature in office chairs that allows the user to adjust the amount of pressure it takes to push the back of the chair when reclining.

Top Cap – The finished piece at the top of a workstation post or panel.

Transaction Top – A work surface typically mounted at 42” high and meant for standing users, such as at a reception station.

Typicals – Typicals are pre-designed furniture layouts or configurations that represent common workstation, office, or room setups. They are used to streamline the design process, help clients visualize standard options, and simplify quoting and specification. Typicals often include dimensions, components, finishes, and pricing.

“U” Shaped Workstation – A furniture set comprising a desk space connected on one side by a flat top and modesty panel.

Upholstered Back – An office chair back covered with fabric wrapped over a padded cushion.

Upholstered Seat – An office chair seat covered with fabric wrapped over a padded cushion.

VP “Validation Package” – Validation Package is a set of final documents provided for client review and approval before placing a furniture order. It typically includes detailed floorplans, 3D renderings, finish selections, product specifications, and pricing to confirm accuracy and alignment with the project scope.

Veneer – A thin strip of real wood glued onto a substrate of plywood or particle board.

Vertical File – A filing cabinet deeper than it is wide, in which records can only be stored front to back.

Vertical Raceway Panel – A panel with an interior vertical space that brings power and data above work surface height.

Vertical Paper Manager – An add-on to open cabinets that contains various open shelves for sorting and organizing paperwork.

Wall Mount – Refers to the installation of systems furniture pieces that are mounted on drywall areas instead of hung from panels.

Wardrobe Cabinet – A personal storage unit meant to hold a coat, jacket, or other hanging items.

Wire Management – A series of trays and troughs that organize the cables and cords for workstations.

Work Wall – A freestanding wall that adds privacy and supports one end of a work surface.

Workstation – A table or desk with a three-sided partition around it, usually made for individual work.

X-Base – A type of base for tables or desks that resembles the letter "X," providing stability and a modern aesthetic.

Yoke – A support structure that connects and stabilizes the arms of a chair or the backrest of a seating unit.

Zero Gravity Recline – A reclining feature in some office chairs that mimics a weightless or "zero gravity" position, promoting comfort and reducing stress on the body.