FAQs Archive - Trellis Interior Concepts

Q: Can I see samples of the fire rated fabrics?

This guide shows the general range of fire rated fabrics you can choose from here . Should you wish to see faux leathers in tan for example, Folio can send you a selection of 5 to 10 swatches or a line card. Speak to us to request fire rated fabrics to meet your specific needs and we can send you a selection. Availability changes regularly so we will provide you with the current offerings.

Q: Which fabrics are the best to choose?

When choosing a fire rated fabric, choose based on the utility of the piece. Lighter colours will show more staining and be more difficult to keep clean.Soft fabrics provide a more cozy feel while faux leathers are sophisticated and the easiest to maintain. Some faux leathers we offer are very advanced, with textures that mimic fabrics, even linen and silk!

Q: Is the furniture commercial quality?

Folio Interiors, together with Trellis Contract, offer furniture that is only of commercial quality. This means the frames are heavier and robustly built, with foam, metal springs and hardware built to last. The fabrics used in our furniture meet a minimum of 80,000 double rubs for durability and are generally easy to clean and maintain.

Q: Where and how can we order fire rated furniture for our condo lobby?

Folio Interiors has put together the largest collection of pre-tested furniture available to make it easy to select pieces that will satisfy the most strict inspector in the GTA. The pieces are available through Trellis Contract furniture. The furniture is made in the USA or locally, in the GTA. No retail stores offer fire tested furniture that will pass the TB-133 requirements.

Q: Which woods can be used in the frame of fire rated furniture?

All components of the furniture must be of solid wood or metal construction. Hardwoods are the safest, slowest burning woods and will be acceptable as the frame of the furniture. Plywood with hardwood components is also acceptable. But please check with your specific inspector.

Q: Can I have a piece reupholstered with fire rated fabric and/or foam rather than buy all new furniture?

Fire rated furniture is expensive. And replacing perfectly good furniture is not a pleasant or desirable option. So can they be reupholstered instead? Theoretically yes. However this is rarely done because 1. The cost can be as much as buying a new piece when all costs are factored in from pickup to replacement of specific components and in some cases rebuilding whole pieces and 2. Often the frames used in older furniture are of unknown origin, can be particle board, or not made of the solid wood construction required to be considered fire rated.

Q: If I order burn-tested furniture does this mean each piece was burned?

In general, if a chair was burned and passed the required test, all other pieces in the collection, whether a sofa or a bench, would pass the test if the exact same components were burned in their entirety. This means the fabric, foam and frame of the furniture is constructed in an identical fashion in the collection. Only the colour of the fabric can be modified. Folio can provide sample documents to your inspector for their approval.

Q: What is the difference between CAL TB-117, CAL TB-133, ASTM E1537 and CAN/ULC S109?

California Technical Bulletin 117 (or CAL TB-117) is a flammability test for fabrics and films. Canadian Underwriters Laboratory of Canada S109 (or CAN/ULC S109 ) is the same test as the above. In Canada, both are generally acceptable, depending on how stringent your specific inspector demands the tests to be passed. Our fabrics meet both of these tests. California Technical Bulletin 133 (Or CAL TB 133) is a flammability test for a complete piece burn tested in its entirety. The test measures things like flame spread speed, toxins released and amount of smoke. ASTM E1537 is a similar test and generally inspectors will accept both.

Q: What about party rooms and other common areas that are not sprinklered?

The requirements for fire rated fabrics in these spaces depends on the room’s capacity, which varies with each building. Our designers can advise on your particular building. But to be on the safe side, we recommend furniture with fabric that passes CAL TB-117 at a minimum.

Q: Why do different municipalities have different flammability standards?

Toronto Fire Services took the lead after some deadly furniture fires caused loss of life due to the toxic smoke that was released very quickly in some common multi-residential spaces and pushed for the most stringent testing there is. Other municipalities have their requirements of flame spread as well.

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