Office Furniture Warranty 101: What's Actually Covered and How to Make a Claim

A warranty is one of those things you rarely think about until a gas lift sinks or a drawer track fails. By then, you want to know exactly where you stand. Here is a plain-English look at what an office furniture warranty typically covers, what it doesn't, and how to make a claim without a headache.

What a Limited Lifetime Warranty Really Means

"Lifetime" sounds simple, but the word "limited" matters. At USDO, new products are covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty for the original purchaser. It applies to the life of the product under normal office use, based on a 40-hour work week. If a product or component is defective, the remedy may be repair, replacement, or refund, and it can be prorated based on how long the item has been in use.

Chairs are covered to support their current BIFMA weight capacity rating, unless specified otherwise. That is why it pays to match a chair to the person using it, especially for big and tall or 24/7 seating.

Coverage Periods Vary by Component

Not every part of a piece of furniture wears at the same pace, so many warranties break coverage into time periods by component. Here is how USDO's terms are laid out:

• 10 years: metal filing and storage products.
• 5 years: height-adjustable tables; LED task lights, electronics, power modules, and accessories; and the mechanical components of seating.
• 2 years: fabric and foam cushions, seating pads, and insulation; modesty dividers; and 24/7 and big and tall chairs.

Some manufacturers also add their own coverage. For example, a manufacturer warranty applies to all new Harmony furniture, and Konfurb seating carries its own terms for mechanical parts and upholstery. If you are buying a specific line, check its page or ask us which terms apply.

What Warranties Usually Don't Cover

Warranties protect you from defects, not from everything that can happen to furniture. Typical exclusions include:

• Abuse, misuse, neglect, alteration, or incorrect installation
• Use other than the original design, including rental use
• Natural color or texture variations in fabric, leather, wood, and other materials
• Shipping and storage damage, and natural or man-made disasters
• Labor or transportation charges during the warranty period

Two details trip people up. First, the warranty is nontransferable, so it stays with the original purchaser. Second, you need authorization from USDO before any repair charges are incurred, so please contact us before paying anyone to fix something.

How to Make a Warranty Claim

The process is easier when you have your details ready. Start by contacting USDO Customer Service or your sales contact, and have the following on hand:

• Your purchase date and PO number
• Your original receipt, if applicable
• The model number and a clear description of the issue
• Photos of the problem, including any packaging materials if the item arrived damaged

Claims can be denied when supporting information is missing, so a few good photos and an accurate model number go a long way. You can also reach our specialists by phone at (877) 226-2244 or through live chat, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm CST.

Inspect on Delivery, Then Register It in Your Records

Shipping damage is not a warranty matter, so inspect your freight when it arrives and note any damage on the delivery paperwork right away. Then save your order confirmation and model numbers in one shared folder. When something fails two years from now, you will be glad the facility manager who ordered it doesn't have to remember the details.

Want the full terms in writing? Read our Product Warranties page, and if you are starting a new project, our team is happy to talk through coverage before you buy. Request free space planning or ask for a quote anytime.