It is also good to discuss your wants in terms of the pews. Do you have a preference for all wood or upholstered pews. Generally, the more fabric, the less expensive the total cost to the church, unless you have selected a fabric that is extremely expensive. The typical pew construction options are bulleted below. There are other options too, but you don't really have to know or discuss them prior to the initial contacts.
General pew options
- all wood pew
- a cushioned seat with a wood back
- a cushioned seat with a cushion back with wood on the back side - either veneer of solid wood depending upon the company
- a cushioned seat with a cushioned back with fabric on the back side of the pew back.
It is also a good idea to discuss pew construction materials prior to initial contact with manufacturers. Solid wood is a term you'll hear during your conversations. What is it? Some manufactures describe particle board as solid wood. Some consider plywood solid wood. What does the committee prefer? Solid oak or veneer. Is oak veneer over particle board acceptable? Veneer pews are typically less expensive. How does your committee describe solid wood?
Look at wikipedia for particle board, MDF (medium density fiberboard),OSB (oriented strand board), engineered wood, plywood and any other terms that a pew salesperson might throw out there. Clarify this prior to any discussion with pew manufacturers and you'll same time. Also know that solid wood can vary widely too. There are solid pine pews and solid red oak pews and solid northern red oak pews and others too numerous to mention. Discuss this with your committee members.
One other thing - the typical lead time on pews is between 90 and 120 days, so don't delay if you have a deadline approaching and want to occupy your building at a certain date.
With these general preferences outlined now you're ready to have some discussions with manufactures.
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