Most schools want new furniture in place for the first day of school, which means installation during the summer. Because many manufacturers have lead times of several weeks, and because summer is the busiest delivery season, planning should start months earlier. Here's a typical timeline.
Fall to winter: assess and dream
- Walk the building and note furniture that is broken, outdated or the wrong size.
- Talk to teachers and students about what works and what doesn't.
- Define goals: more collaboration, better ergonomics, more storage, technology support.
- Visit or research other schools' spaces for ideas. Our IdeaWise gallery is a good place to start.
Winter: budget and pilot
- Estimate costs with a dealer so the number in the budget is realistic.
- Request samples and test chairs and desks with real students.
- Pilot a classroom if you are trying a new approach such as flexible seating.
- Identify funding sources and approvals needed. See budgeting for school furniture.
Early spring: design and quote
- Get CAD layouts for each room to confirm quantities and fit.
- Select finishes and colors.
- Finalize quotes, including delivery and installation, and confirm the purchasing method (bid, cooperative contract, etc.).
Spring: approve and order
- Obtain board approval if required.
- Issue purchase orders as early as possible. Ordering in spring gives manufacturers time to produce and ship before summer.
- Schedule installation dates with your facilities team.
Late spring: prepare the building
- Plan removal or disposal of old furniture
- Coordinate with summer cleaning, painting and flooring projects
- Confirm building access, elevators and loading areas
Summer: deliver and install
- Furniture is delivered, assembled and placed according to the layout
- Packaging and debris are removed
- A final walkthrough checks every room
Running late?
If a project is approved late, quick-ship programs can still deliver in-stock items fast. Read more in Quick Ship: furnishing a classroom on a tight deadline.
We handle the details
Proacademy Furniture manages your project from layout to final placement: free CAD layouts, product selection, cooperative contract pricing, delivery, assembly and installation, including summer, weekend and after-hours scheduling. Start planning today.
