Friday, September 5, 2008

Prior to looking at pews - things to discuss

If you've read the first posts on the blog and looked at some pew company sites that are listed there you probably want to narrow down your list of possible companies prior to making direct contact with them, so you don't wind up getting calls everyday from another pew company following-up on your inquiry.  So, first look at company websites, discuss options with your architect or builder and talk with churches in your area or within your faith who've gone through the process in the last few years. Try to get it down to 5 or fewer companies before making any contact.  If you're building a new building, it will probably be listed with F.W. Dodge or some other service so you'll get the calls anyway, but if you're just replacing existing pews or doing a small renovation you may fall below the pew manufacturers' radar. Prior to your discussion with the companies meet with your committee to discuss pew preferences. What is the ballpark budget?  Do you know how many pews and how many lineal feet of pews are in the building, how many people you want to seat and when do you want the pews delivered.  Don't necessarily believe the capacity that is on a plan.  I have seen drawings with people spaced every 18 inches, which is the fire code requirement.  I always recommend 20 inches for actual capacity.  Do the math yourself to verify.  Also confirm the row spacing on the drawings or in actuality.  Measure from a point on the pew in front to the same point on the pew directly behind and record the results.  Do this in three or four places in different rows to verify that it is consistent.  There is often variation in row spacing that is good to know about up front.  Typical pew spacing today is 36 inches, but it used to be a lot less.
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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