Resources

Please use the Resource page to find more information on various Surface Collection related topics such as ACT Standards, Glossary, Care and Maintenance, Obsolescence and more.

By clicking on the navigation on the left, you will be able to read and / or download relevant information on each topic.

Contacts

If you need further assistance, please contact the Haworth dealer nearest you.

ACT Standards

All fabrics in the Haworth Surface Collection program are tested to ensure that they meet or exceed applicable industry standards. This is a brief overview of the ACT standards.

The ACT (Association of Contract Textiles) Guidelines

The Association for Contract Textiles (ACT) has set independent guidelines for textile performance. Haworth voluntarily indicates that its textiles meet or exceed these guidelines by including the ACT symbol(s) on the back of its fabric swatches.

Fire Retardancy (resistance to burning)
Seating upholstery meets Californian Technical Bulletin 117-2013; vertical surface fabrics meet
ASTM-E-84. Tested on Haworth upholstered panels

Colorfastness to Wet and Dry Crocking (color will not rub off wet or dry fabric to soil clothes, hands or other materials). Seating upholstery meets AATCC8-Dry Crocking, Grade 4 minimum;
vertical surface fabrics meet AATCC8-Dry Crocking, Grade 3 minimum.

Colorfastness to Light (fabric retains its color when exposed to light)
All textiles meet AATCC option 1 or 3 - 2003, Class 4 minimum at 40 hours.

Physical Properties (resistance to pilling, tearing and coming apart at the seams)
Seating upholstery meets:

* Brush pill ASTM D3511, 3-4 minimum
* Breaking strength ASTM D5034-95 50lbs. minimum in warp and fill
* Seam slippage ASTM D3597-02 D434-95 25 lbs. minimum in warp and fill.

Abrasion (resistance to damage from wear and rubbing)

* Heavy-duty specification ASTM 4157-02 modified (#10 cotton duck); 30,000 double rubs
Wyzenbeek method.
* Heavy-duty specification ASTM D4966-98 (21 oz. weight); 40,000 rubs Martindale method.

General Contract Specification

* ASTM D4157-02 modified (#10 cotton duck); 15,000 double rubs Wyzenbeek method.
* General contract upholstery specification ASTM D4966-98 (21 oz. weight); 20,000 rubs
*Martindale method.

Many Haworth fabrics exceed ACT standards; please refer to our website or swatching for specific fabric line results.  Please be aware that vertical/systems fabrics are not tested to the Abrasion standards.

Please note that effective April 1^st, 2015, ACT is asking that members who publish Abrasion test results in excess of 100,000 double rubs (including statements of ‘100,000+’ or ‘exceeds 100,000’) must include the following information on any swatching or websites:

Multiple factors affect fabric durability and appearance retention, including end-user application and proper maintenance.  Wyzenbeek results above 100,000 double rubs have not been shown to be a reliable indicator of increased fabric lifespan.

For more information on ACT you can visit their website.

Care & Maintenance

Reference Documents

Care and Maintenance Standards
Covid Product Cleaning Guide
High Performance/Bleach Cleanable Fabrics: Seating

In order to preserve the integrity and longevity of our products, Haworth has established certain care and maintenance standards for our fabrics and finishes. Two important reminders: when using any cleaning agent, we recommend that a small, inconspicuous area be pre-tested for colorfastness before cleaning the stain. And in the case of overall soil condition or a large-scale stain, you should contact a professional furniture cleaning service for cleaning recommendations.

Important! Improper cleaning and maintenance of any material may result in the voiding of the material warranty.

Maintenance For Any Material

• No material is immune from stains or soiling.
• Lack of cleaning or improper cleaning will shorten the life span of items such as fabrics, faux leathers, and leather.
• Treatments such as Alta™ do not eliminate the need for routine cleaning and proper maintenance.
• The longer a stain remains on any surface, the more difficult it will be to remove. Address any stain as quickly as possible.
• Removing any cleaning residue is an important part of the cleaning process, and one that is often overlooked. All cleaners, even mild ones, leave behind a residue that can be harmful to the surface if not thoroughly removed (usually through clean water).
  
  

General Recommendation for Environmental Cleaning Procedures to Reduce Interior Environmental Impacts

• Minimize the amount of cleaning chemicals used since excess chemicals result in rapid re-soiling.
• Use of Green Seal Certified Cleaning Products. Green Seal is awarded to product that work well and have less impact on the environment.
• For general maintenance cleaning, consider using vacuums with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration to trap airborne particles and keep them from affecting the indoor air quality.
• Use no or low VOC cleaning products. Consider detergent based products compared to those containing solvents, where possible.
• Consider extraction processes where appropriate to remove excess chemicals and water and to maximize cleaning results. Extraction can also help reduce chemical levels in the indoor environment.
• Spot extraction may also reduce the chances for over-wetting of fabrics and resulting water stains.
• Choose cleaning products with no or low levels of dyes or fragrance. Dyes and fragrance do not generally improve cleaning results and can cause allergic reactions in people with sensitivities to chemicals. Some dyes could cause staining on fabrics.
• Consider choosing biodegradable cleaning products.
• Environmentally preferable ingredients for cleaners include surfactants containing terms such as lauryl, amides and glycosides.
  Not recommended are products containing ammonia and alcohols.

Polyester or Olefin Fabrics

• These fabrics are colorfast when using standard wet and dry processes and are also resistant to most spot-cleaning solvents.
• Oil or grease spots will respond to mild solvent or dry cleaning agents. A blotting technique should be sufficient to remove most spots.
• Accumulated dirt and grime spots can be removed with a mild detergent or upholstery shampoo. Rinse well with a clean sponge to remove traces of the water-based cleaning agent, but do not soak the substrate, if possible. Fabric will dry very quickly.
• Avoid excessive brushing or rubbing to prevent pilling of the fabric surface.

Wool Content Fabric

• Dry (solvent) cleaning methods are preferred; water-based products may cause shrinkage.
• Oil, grease, and general dirt spots should respond to a mild, dry cleaning solvent. Use a blotting technique. Rubbing the fabric may lead to surface abrasion.
• Should an unacceptable degree of surface distortion – such as pilling – result from spot-cleaning, you may realign the fabric fibers using a standard handheld steam iron. Use the ‘wool’ setting, with steam, to press the affected fibers back into place.

Nylon Content Fabric

• These fabrics are colorfast when using standard wet and dry cleaning processes and are also resistant to most spot-cleaning solvents.
• Dry soils: vacuum surfaces regularly to prevent sand, dust, ash, and dry dirt from being worked into the fabrics.
• Wet soils: use commercially available water-based upholstery detergents to clean mud, spills, food, and so on. Follow directions on package.
• Oily spills: grease, tar, greasy foods, and the like may require cleaning with a solvent cleaner or solvent-fortified detergent.  Follow directions on package.
• A blotting technique should remove most spots. Avoid brushing or rubbing to prevent pilling of the fabric surface.

Seating Meshes and Knits

• Most meshes and knits can be cleaned with a vacuum.
• If some soiling does occur, use a mild detergent (10%) and water solution. Support the surface with a clean towel on the back, and gently apply the cleaning solution. Use gently circular motions.
• Once clean, remove any residue with clean water and a clean towel (still supporting the surface) and a clean white cloth.
• Do NOT use a heavy bristle brush as this may damage the fabric.
• Do NOT use excessive heat while cleaning.

Seating Faux Leather

Vinyl

• Wipe regularly with clean water and a damp, clean, soft white cloth.
  General cleaning can be done as needed with a mild (10%) detergent and water solution. Always rinse with clean water and dry.
• For heavy soiling, dampen a soft white cloth or soft bristle brush with a one to one (1:1) solution of Fantastic® and water or Formula 409® and water. Use care as scrubbing can damage the surface.
• Difficult stains can be treated, but this should be occasional, not daily, cleaning. ANY cleaning solution used must be removed with clean water and a clean white cloth. Cleaning residue left on the vinyl can cause it to dry out and crack, or affect the color.
• For more difficult stains, dampen a soft white cloth with a solution of household bleach (10% bleach / 90% water). Rub gently and rinse with a water dampened clean cloth to remove the bleach concenration. It is important that all bleach residue be removed as this is the primary cause of surface cracking.
• DO NOT use any cleaners with corrosive ingredients (such as lye or acids) or ammonia.
• DO NOT use solvent cleaners.any cleaners.

Polyurethanes

• Refer to the top 3 steps listed under 'vinyl' ONLY. Cleaners for heavier soiling should NOT be used as this can damage the material.

Wellington (XJ)

The cleaners below are not recommended for use on Wellington. They have been determined to be especially damaging to the material. Follow the Polyurethane guidelines above including wiping with water and drying after cleaning.

• Ecolab Spot Cleaner
• Clorox Broad Spectrum
• Caltech Precise Spray
• Cavicide
• Wex-Cide 128
• Oxivir Tb

Noble (JA) (Faux Suede)

• Daily maintenance with a lint brush will help maintain the 'suede' nap on the fabric. Occasional vacuuming followed by a gentle dusting with a damp, clean, white cloth is recommended.
• Spot cleaning can be accomplished with a paper towel until absorbed. Dried-in soiling requires a light brush or vacuum of the area. If soil is still not removed, you can try wiping the area with a damp (lukewarm water), clean, white cloth working from the outside of the stained area in.
• Oil based stains should be wiped up as much as possible with a dry cloth or paper towel. Try not to spread the stain. Pat the stained area with a clean white cloth soaked in ethyl alcohol from the outside in, and pat the loosened dirt and oil off with a clean, dry cloth.

Leather

• Most stains can be removed with lukewarm water and a mild soap. Then wipe the leather with a damp cloth and dry with a soft, dry cloth.
• Saddle soaps, polish, or wax should never be used.
  For general maintenance, dust the leather surface just as you would furniture.
• Leathers with a specialty finish or a ‘sueded’ finish should be professionally cleaned.

Laminate

• For general cleaning, use a damp cloth or sponge and a mild soap or detergent. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry.
• Spray cleaners such as Glass Plus or Windex may also be used.
• Difficult stains such as coffee or tea can be removed by using a mild household cleaner/detergent and a soft bristled brush, repeating as necessary.

Markerboard Laminate

• When a markerboard needs to be cleaned because of erasing (ghosting) problems, we recommend that you use Quartet Re
• Mark-Able Conditioner and Cleaner. The surface should then be wiped with soap and water and a clean cloth.
• Sanford Expo Dry Erase markers are recommended for use on our markerboards. Sanford White Board Cleaner can also be used.
• Ink should be completely dry before erasing. Attempting to erase wet ink can lead to excessive smearing and ghosting.

Wood Furniture

To maintain our finely crafted wood furniture, you should pay special attention to the wood surface and finish. Careful maintenance is necessary to protect your investment.

Special Precautions

• Haworth wood products are finished with a water based UV cured finish (EcoShield). All finishes are designed to protect wood surfaces against most common spills of inks, perfumes, nail polishes, nail polish removers, and beverages if removed immediately with a damp cloth.
• To protect the wood surface, protective desk pads must be placed under all writing areas and business machines.
• Extreme heat and humidity can be harmful to wood furniture. Do not place products in direct sunlight, near radiators or air conditioning vents, humidifiers, fireplaces, etc. Always use coasters under hot objects, such as coffee pots and cups.
  
  

Regular Maintenance

• Regular dusting will help avoid build-up of dirt and grime that can dull the finish. Use a damp cloth and follow the grain of the wood. Water should not be used in excess amounts when cleaning, nor should it ever be allowed to stand on wood surfaces.

Wood Trim and Skins

Regular Maintenance

• Regular dusting will help avoid build-up of dirt and grime that can dull the finish. Use a damp cloth, following the grain of the wood, and wipe dry.
• Avoid using any cleaners containing any form of abrasives or corrosive agents.
• For more through cleaning, use a mild detergent and wipe dry with a lint free cloth.

Painted Steel Furniture

• Files, cabinets, and pedestals require minimum maintenance. Clean all surfaces with lukewarm water and a mild soap as needed. After washing, rinse with water, and dry with a soft cloth.
• Slide mechanisms need no lubrication. All mechanisms have been pre-lubricated at the factory to last for the life of the product.

Painted Steel Trim

• Painted metal/steel trim requires minimum maintenance. Clean with lukewarm water and a mild detergent as needed. After washing, rinse with clean water on a soft cloth, and dry with a clean soft cloth.

Plastics

Seating Plastics (shells - including arm caps, bases and Very Tetro)

• Do NOT use oil-based cleaners.
• Warm water and a mild detergent (10%) solution will remove most soiling. A soft bristle brush can be used to remove heavier dirt. Always use a clean white cloth and clean water to remove any residue.
• Do NOT use a hard bristle brush as this may damage the surface of the plastic.
  
  

Polyethylene (Hoop table)

• Mild soap and water should remove most dirt and soiling. Rinse with clean water when done to remove any soapy residue.
  For more difficult stains, use a damp Magic Eraser®. Remove any residue with a clean damp cloth.

Metal

• Warm water and a mild detergent will remove most spills and scuffs.

Stone

• Stone should be washed with clear, lukewarm water, and cleansed thoroughly about twice a year with a mild detergent solution.
• Some stones may require periodic re-sealing of the surface.

Systems Glazed/Glass & Walls Glass

• Straight glazed panels have ¼” tempered safety glass or frosted acrylic. Use any good glass cleaner and a soft cloth to clean the glass.
• For either systems or walls glass, you can also use a mild solution of ammonia, water, and a few drops of mild liquid soap. Apply with a soft cloth, and remove excess with a squeegee or wipe dry with a clean, lint free cloth.

Translucents (PREMISE/Moxie) or Systems Acrylics

• Use warm water, mild detergent, and a soft sponge, cloth, or chamois to clean the surface.
• Stains can be removed using 3M Finesse-It compound according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not use glass cleaning products, acetone, gasoline, benzene, lacquer thinner, chlorinated solvents, gritty abrasive scouring compounds, or alkaline cleaners to clean the surface as damage will occur.
• Remove any oil residue left behind from solvent cleaning with detergent and water.
• Never scrub the surface as damage may occur.

Moveable Wall Wallcoverings

Any stains should be removed quickly as permanent damage can occur. Work from the outside of a stain moving inwards. Always carefully rinse a wallcovering surface after cleaning with clean water to remove any residual cleaning agents. Avoid saturation. Dry the surface with a soft, lint-free cloth or towel using a blotting motion.

Vinyl

• Remove common dirt or smudges with a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth to wash the area, rinse with clean water, and dry with a lint-free cloth. A soft bristle brush may be needed if there is a surface texture to remove dirt from crevices.
• Do not use abrasives or steel wool as this will damage the surface.
• Do not use solvent cleansers.
  
  

Non Vinyl (Sustainable)

• Blot wet spills promptly with an absorbent cloth or polyester sponge.
• Remove common dirt or stains with a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth to wash the area, rinse with clean water, and dry with a lint-free cloth.
• Do not use solvent cleansers.
• Do not use firm bristle brushes of any kind.

Woven/Olefin

• Brush dry stains off with a soft nylon brush.
• Blot wet stains with an absorbent cloth or polyester sponge.
• Remove common dirt or stains with a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Use a soft brush if necessary to loosen dirt from crevices. Rinse with clean water, and dry with a lint-free cloth.

View Textile Cutting Directions

Fabric Protection Options

Reference Documents

ALTA FAQs
Alta Cleaning Instructions

Alta™ Stain Repellent:

• Standard Collection: Offered on all current seating fabrics. (exception: Element (4Z) comes with a stain repellent)
• Alliance and COM: Not available on fabrics that come standard with a stain protection treatment.
  * A unique COM order entry coded is required for this option. Complete a COM Request and updated the notes section with "Add Alta".

Please check price books for product availability. (Specify by adding a "P" to the end of the product number).  A small up-charge does apply.  Lead-times are the same as untreated fabrics.

Alta™ Stain Repellent w/Moisture Barrier:

• Standard Collection: Offered on current fabrics with the following exceptions. (Big Arrow, and Big Diagonale)
• Alliance and COM: Option not available.

Please check price books for product availability. (Specify by adding a "D" to the end of the product number). A small up-charge does apply. Lead-times are the same as untreated fabrics.

**Treatments are not available on leather, faux leather (vinyl, polyurethane, silicon or other coated fabrics) or Vertical Fabrics.

Fabric Retention

View Retention Guidelines

The Fabric Retention Program provides a process in which a dealer can purchase and retain standard Haworth fabrics that are scheduled for obsolescence.

We strongly recommend that if you will need a fabric past its obsolescence date that you review the Program document and follow the steps well in advance of the obsolescence date.

Glossary

Abrasion Resistance : The ability of a textile or other surface material to withstand rubbing and/or abrasion without the loss of the original color or other physical properties.

Absorbency : A measurement of a textile's ability to absorb liquid, in terms of both the amount that can be absorbed, and the rate of absorption.

Across Roll Cutting : When a fabric is cut horizontally from the roll.

Acrylic : A manufactured or man-made fiber with low moisture absorbency and quick drying properties. It is resistant to the degrading effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays as well as a wide range of chemicals, but it has poor flame resistance compared to other fibers.

ACT Standards : Technical performance guidelines developed by the Association for Contract Textiles. These guidelines are for fire retardancy, color-fastness to light and crocking, physical properties and abrasion. There are five graphic symbols used to denote compliance with these standards.

After Flame : Refers to the burning of a fabric specimen after the removal of a flame source.

Analogous Colors : Colors that fall side-by-side on the color wheel. Unless values are very intense, the combination of analogous colors is relaxing to the eye.

Aniline Dyed Leather: The process of coloring leathers throughout in a rotating drum using non-toxic aniline dyes. The dye is transparent and therefore allows all the natural markings in leather to be visible.

Animal Fibers : Any natural protein fiber, such as wool or silk, that is derived from animals.

Anti-microbial : The ability of a textile to resist or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

ASTM : The American Society for Testing and Materials; a technical organization concerned with the performance of textiles and other materials.

ASTM Standards : Minimum standards established by the ASTM in testing upholstery fabrics:

• Abrasion Resistance: ‘Heavy Duty' rating indicates no noticeable wear after 30,000 double rubs
• Resistance to Yarn Slippage at Seam: 25 lbs. minimum
• Tensile Strength: 50 lbs. minimum
• Tear Strength: 6 lbs. minimum
• Crocking: Colorfastness to dry = Class 4 minimum; Colorfastness to wet = Class 4 minimum
• Colorfastness to Light: Class 4 minimum

Back : The side of a textile not seen in ordinary use; the side opposite the front or the face.

Backing : A material or coating on the back of a textile that is used to stabilize the weave, reducing fraying, raveling or slippage.

Back Painted Glass:  Clear or low iron tempered glass with solid color painted on backside:  may be specified for markerboard use on the glass side.

Blend : A yarn or fabric that combines two or more different fibers.

Bolt : A roll of fabric, typically 50-60 yards long.

Bouclé Yarn : A yarn that combines a looped yarn and a straight yarn, by twisting them together.

Book Matching : A veneering technique in which every other veneer sheet is turned over and aligned like the open pages of a book. This results in a symmetrical pattern with prominent vertical and horizontal repeating lines.

Carding : A process used in the manufacturing of yarn. Short fibers are manipulated to be parallel to each other, forming a ‘roving', which can then be spun into yarn.

Chroma : The intensity of a color or hue. High chroma means the color is very intense and dramatic; a low chroma means the color is more subdued and subtle.

Chrome Free Leather: Refers to not using chromium as an agent in tanning. Chromium is a heavy metal that will not bio-degrade.

Coating : A surface material that allows color to be supplied to metal and wood substrates.

Color : A combination of hue, value and chroma.

Color Level : The relative lightness or darkness of a color; also known as ‘color value'.

Colorfastness : A term used to describe a fabric's color retention when exposed to light, chemicals, cleaning fluids or abrasion.

Colorways : Colors or color combinations available for a surface material.

Color Wheel : A tool that demonstrates the relationship between colors. The colors are arranged like the spokes on a wheel and move from yellow to yellow-green, green, blue-green, blue, blue-violet, violet, red-violet, red, red-orange, orange, yellow-orange, and back to yellow.

COM : Customer's Own Material; this can be any material from fabrics to laminates to wood that are not a standard offering on products, but purchased separately, and applied to products in a custom fashion.

Commercial Match : A slight variation in production materials regarding color, texture or finish.

Complementary Colors : Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. Using them together creates a bold, vibrant effect. The impact is softened when one color dominates the other, and the second color is used as an accent.

Corrected Leather: A new grain is printed or embossed on the leather surface after buffing. (See Embossed Leather)

Construction : Refers to the pattern in which yarns are interlaced to form a fabric.

Cotton : A natural fiber taken from cotton plants. Cotton fibers are strong and long in length; they accept color beautifully. Usually used in combination with other fiber(s) to meet contract industry standards.

Crêpe : A woven textile without a visible pattern repeat that has a pebbled or grained surface appearance.

Crocking : The transfer of color or dyes from one surface to another by abrasion.

Cross Dyeing : Refers to the coloring of a fabric woven of two different yarns by different dye stuffs.

Custom Color : A color created in a surface material to meet a customer's specific needs. Only certain materials, such as paint and some fabrics, can be custom colored.

Cutting Direction : The way pattern pieces are cut from a roll of fabric; i.e. vertically or horizontally across the roll.

Dobby Weave : A weaving method that produces very basic, small-scale patterns and geometric shapes.

Down Roll Cutting : The fabric is used vertically from the roll for cutting with selvages left and right. The fabric is used the same way it is woven; it is sometimes referred to ‘woven way', ‘warp vertical', or ‘right way'.

Double-cut Veneer : Also known as ‘Recon Veneer'. A wood cutting technique in which large logs (from Obeché trees) with little or no grain pattern are rotary sliced and cut into veneer sheets of uniform size. The veneer sheets are dyed, dried and stacked with a tinted adhesive between the layers; the glued layers are then compressed to create a solid, layered block. The block is cut at an angle into thin sheets that manifest a somewhat uniform grain pattern produced by the bands of tinted adhesive.

Double Rub : The term is used to describe how many abrasions can be applied to a fabric before it shows signs of wear.

Dye : A natural or synthetic soluble with particles used to color fabric.

Dyeing : The application of dye stuffs to fiber yarn or fabric.

Eco-Intelligent : The term used by Victor Innovatex to describe some of their 100% recycled content fabrics.

Embossed Leather: A process of altering the natural grain of leather by using plates or rollers creating a very uniform grain pattern.

End-matching : A veneer technique used to extend the length of a veneer so that it can be used for large or long surfaces. Veneer sheets are book- or slip-matched end-to-end, then side-to-side, alternating end and side. This produces a continuous grain pattern that repeats over the length and width of the surface.

Etched Glass:  Glass that has been processed with substances applied to the surface, resulting in the desired design.

Face : The side of a fabric designed to be seen in ordinary use; the front, or finished, usable side of the fabric.

Fadeometer : A machine that tests the permanence of a fabric's color when exposed to sunlight.

Fiber : Any tough, long, pliable substance that can be woven, knitted or matted into a fabric. The basic element of yarn; can be man-made or natural.

Fiberboard : A substrate made from the fine wood particles that are compressed and formed into sheets that can later be machined into usable shapes. Fiberboard is available in different densities with MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and HDF (High Density Fiberboard) being the mot common.

Filament : Any continuous strand or fiber, either man-made (such as nylon) or natural (such as silk).

Filling : Refers to the yarns that interlace at right angles to the warp in a woven fabric; they lie in a horizontal direction. Sometimes referred to a ‘pick' or ‘weft'.

Film Thickness : A measurement of the thickness of a coating material, such as paint, usually given in millimeters.

Finish : Any mechanical or chemical treatment that alters the natural state of the fabric.

Flame- or Fire-Resistant Fabric : A fabric that resists burning because of its fiber content or weave, or because it has been treated with a flame- or fire-retardant finish.

Flammability Test : Used to determine a fabric's resistance to burning. The most commonly used tests in the contract market are:

E-84 Tunnel Test: Fabric sample is mounted on a tunnel ceiling and exposed to open flame.

Vertical Flame Test: Fabric sample is mounted in a vertical holder and exposed to an open flame for a specific length of time. Continued flaming time and char length of the sample are measured.

Flat Cut : Also known as Plain Cut. A wood-cutting technique in which a half-log is placed in a vertical slicer and sliced parallel to the flat edge of the log. This produces a cathedral pattern with elongated arches widening from the center.

Flitches : Bundles packages of veneer sheets, collated in consecutive order.

Full Grain Leather: Any leather in which only the hair has been removed while the grain remains in its original (uncorrected) state. The grain and natural markings, which many consider the hallmarks of fine leather, remain.

Grade Level : Another term for Price Group.

Grain Direction:  The direction or orientation of the tree growth rings on veneer. - does not apply to fabrics.

Grey Goods : Also known as ‘Greige Goods'. Fabric woven directly from a loom that is undyed, unbleached or unprinted.

Hand : A term used to describe how a fabric feels, i.e. soft, rough, stiff, etc. A fabric with a ‘good hand' usually soft and pleasant to the touch.

Heathered : A textile or other surface material that is created by blending multiple colors or values.

High Pressure Laminate (HPL):  A form of decorative laminates in which the layers of kraft paper impregnated with melamine resin are infused with decorative paper and protective overlay and the resulting laminate is attached to the substrates at high pressures and temperatures.

Hue : The name or label for a color such as Red, Orange or Blue.

Intensity : The brightness or dullness of a color; its purity of strength.

Jacquard Weave : A weaving method that produces a variety of intricate patterns and designs, utilizing a jacquard loom. This loom permits each warp thread to be manipulated independently, allowing it to produce textiles of a complex nature.

Laminated Glass:  Is a type of safety glass that holds together when shattered.  Consisting of two or more sheets of annealed glass held together by an intervening layer of bonding material.

Laminates : Durable materials comprised of layers of paper and phenolic resin, pressed into thin sheets. Laminates can be solid or patterned in nature, and can be applied on work surfaces or in some vertical applications.

Lightfastness : A color's resistance to fading from sun or light.

Loom : A machine used to weave fabric by interlacing vertical and horizontal yarns.

Low Intensity Color : Softer colors that bring subtlety to the aesthetics of an interior space.

Martindale Test : Used to determine a fabric's resistance to abrasion. The fabric specimen is rubbed with a rotating, fabric-covered abrader.

MBDC : McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry, a leading firm in the area of green processes and methodology. MBDC Cradle to Cradle uses a scale of five to denote environmental compliance.

• Basic
• Bronze
• Silver
• Gold
• Platinum 

Memo Sample (Haworth) : An 8 ½” x 8 ½” sample of fabric or other material.

Monochromatic : Refers to color schemes that employ one color in a range of values and intensities; these color schemes are generally the most restful to the eye as contrast is extremely low.

Monofilament : A yarn made of an untwisted, continuous strand of filament.

Natural Fibers : Fibers derived from an animal (such as silk or wool) or a vegetable (cotton, flax, jute or ramie).

Natural Veneer : Veneer that comes directly from an unprocessed log. Grain patterns are the result of natural tree growth and are not created in processing, as they are in Composite or Recon veneer.

Neutral Colors : Colors that have very little actual color. Neutral colors work well as a backdrop for other, more intense colors. They are soothing in nature for large spaces for long periods of use.

Non-Vinyl Wall Coverings:  Wall coverings which are durable and easily cleaned but do not contain the polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Novelty Yarns : Yarns composed of a core thread into which a thicker, textured yarn is spun.

Nylon : A synthetic fiber known for its strength, abrasion resistance and stretching. Nylon's durability makes it especially useful in high traffic areas.

Obéche : A plantation-farmed, quick growing tree from Africa , used primarily for Recon Veneers, known for its straight graining.

Paint : A surface material that allows color to be applied to metal or plastic surfaces.

Palette : A given range or set of colors developed for specific reasons or applications.

Pattern : A design that is woven into the structure of a textile or applied after weaving by dyeing or printing. Can also refer to a printed pattern see on laminates.

Pattern Repeat : The measurement, in length and width, of a single unit of a repeating pattern. Some pattern repeats are very noticeable while others are much more subtle.

Piece Dyeing : The dyeing of a cloth, or grey goods, after it has been woven.

Pick : A single horizontal thread in a fabric. Also known as ‘fill' or ‘woof'.

Pilling : The abrasion-induced accumulation of fibers that look like ‘fuzzy balls' on the fabric's surface.

PLA : A yarn made from corn sugars, a renewable source. Highly environmental, it can be used to create plain and complex fabric designs.

Plain Weave : A textile produced using the simplest weave formation. This is done through a one up – one down of warp and fill creating a very simple, plain fabric.

Plastic : Molded, cast, extruded, drawn or laminated polymer materials. Plastics can be organic, synthetic or processed.

Plying : Creation of a single yarn by twisting two or more yarns together.

Polyester : A man-made fiber known for its strength and resistance to shrinking and stretching. Used throughout the contract industry.

Polypropylene : Also known as Olefin. A man-made fiber known for its strength, toughness and high resistance to mechanical abuse and chemical attack.

Post-Consumer Recycled Content : Material that has been recovered after its intended use as a consumer product. Examples include soda and water bottles. This helps eliminate the possibility of these items ending up in landfills.

Post-Industrial Recycled Content : Material that has been recovered from the manufacturing waste stream, such as scraps from fabric construction and trimming. This helps eliminate the possibility of these items ending up in landfills.

Primary Colors : Red, Blue and Yellow; the three colors from which all other colors are made.

Quarter Cut : A wood-cutting technique in which quartered sections of a log are sliced with a blade at an angle of approximately 90° to the growth rings of the log. This produces a series of stripes or bands, either straight or varied, depending on the wood used.

Railroading : The application of a fabric on furniture or walls so that the warp runs horizontally. The term comes from railroad tracks, with the selvages representing the long rails, and the ties representing the width of the fabric. Also called Warp Horizontal.

Ravel : The deconstruction or a woven or knitted textile; this can be caused by wear that makes the threads of the fabric separate or pull away from each other.

Raveling : The separation of yarns at the cut edge of a fabric.

Rayon : A manufactured fiber made in a wide range of types. It is used sparingly in the contract industry because of poor flammability ratings.

Resilience : The ability of a fabric to return to its original size or shape after being crushed or stretched. This also refers to the elasticity of the fabric.

Rotary Sliced : A wood-cutting technique in which a whole log is turned against a blade that cuts around the circumference and, in effect, unrolls the wood from the log. This creates a variegated grain pattern. Rotary-cut veneers are unusually wide.

Seam Slippage : The pulling apart of sewn seams due to loose fabric construction or weak yarns.

Secondary Colors : Colors obtained by mixing two primary colors together. For example, mixing Yellow and Red = Orange, or Yellow and Blue = Green .

Selvage : The narrow, reinforced edge of a fabric that runs parallel to the warp. Fabric width is measured selvage to selvage.

Semi-Aniline Dyed Leather: Leather that has been aniline dyed and then slightly pigmented to ensure color consistency and resistance to liquids. The pigments add not only color, but offer stain and fading protection. (See Aniline Dyed Leather)

Shade : A color to which black has been added, thereby lowering its color value.

Silk : A protein fiber produced in monofilament form by silkworms. Its strength, resilience, and elasticity makes it a popular choice for the contract industry.

Slip-Matching : A veneering technique in which veneer sheets are placed sequentially side-by-side. This results in a series of repeating grain figures of approximately the same width, but the joints do not show a grain match.

Slub : A thick spot in a yarn that may be an aesthetic feature or a defect.

SOL : Statement of Line Card, which shows colorways for a line of fabric, trim colors, laminates, etc. Also known as ‘swatch cards'.

Solution Dyeing : The dyeing of man-made fiber while it is still in the liquid state, before it is extruded. Fabrics made from solution dyed fibers are typically more resistant to fading than other dyeing methods.

Spectrum : The comprehensive range of colors in visible light.

Spinning : The twisting of staple fibers into a single-ply yarn, or the twisting of single-ply yarns into plied yarns.

Standard : The accepted or proprietary color and construction of a particular fabric.

Staple Fiber : A short length of fiber, either natural or man-made, which is spun into yarn.

Stock Dyeing : The dyeing of a fiber before it is spun into yarn.

Sunburst Matching : A veneering technique in which veneer sheets are trimmed into pie-shaped wedges, and the wedges are book-matched in succession. This results in a repeating grain pattern that fans out from a focal point in the center of the veneer surface.

Systems Fabric : Fabrics designed and colored for use on systems panels, tackboards and overhead storage fronts. Also known as ‘vertical fabrics'.

Synthetic Fiber : A man-made fiber that is chemically based. These include acrylic, nylon, polyester, acetate, rayon and glass.

Swatch : A sample of a surface material that is used as a specification tool and/or on presentation boards.

Taber Abrasion Test : A fabric wear abrasion test in which a specimen is rubbed by two abrasive wheels on a revolving platform.

Tempered Glass:  Glass consisting of a single sheet of  glass so treated in the manufacturing process that on fracture, the entire piece cracks immediately into very small, granular pieces.  Tempered is a type of safety glass.

Terratex ®: A term used by Interface Fabrics to describe some of their 100% recycled content fabrics.

Tensile Strength : A fabric's ability to withstand pulling or stretching without breaking.

Texture : The appearance and hand of a fabric based upon its fiber content, weave and construction. Texture can also refer to other finishes such as paint, and the fine ‘orange peel' appearance, or fine grained, matte finish of some coatings.

Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL):  TFL panels  are made by fusing a resin-impregnated sheet of decorative paper directly to a substrate.  Heat and pressure activate the resin in the saturated TFL sheet, creating a cross-linked bond with the substrate.

Tweed : A rough-textured, multi-colored weave of heathered woolen yarn.

Tint : A color to which white has been added, there by raising its color value.

Top Grain Leather: During the tanning process, a hide is split into layers and the top layer is referred to as the 'top grain'. This supple layer is the standard of upholstery leather.

Trim Color : A Haworth description for materials/finishes that finish off the edge of a product, such as painted trim on panels, worksurface edge trim, or seating frame colors.

Twill : A basic weave with a distinct, diagonal line, produced by passing filling yarns over two or more warp yarns in a successive progression, resulting in a distinct diagonal pattern.

Ultra Violet (UV) Stability : The fade-resistance of a textile or finish.

Value : A color's lightness or darkness in relation to black and white. The addition of more black lowers the color value; the addition of white raises the color value.

Vegetable Fiber : Any natural fiber of plant origin, such as cotton or linen.

Vegetable Tanned Leather: Leather that is tanned using vegetable extracts instead of chromium to make leather durable, but biodegradable.

Veneer : A thin wood layer of uniform thickness. Depending on its intended use, it may range in thickness from 1/20” to 1/50”. Veneers provide durability and decorative options for wood furniture.

Veneer Species : Refers to the type of tree from which a veneer is harvested.

Anegré : A veneer with a straight grain pattern and a light color that accepts many finishes. Anegré is a hard, durable wood that resembles natural maple in color, and cherry in strength. Originates in Africa.

Cherry : A veneer with a subtle, fine grain and a smooth appearance. When freshly cut, cherry is cream-colored or pinkish, but the wood color naturally deepens with age to a reddish-brown. Cherry readily accepts stains and may be specified with a variety of finishes. Grown and harvested in the United States.

Mahogany: A veneer with a narrow, ribbon-like grain pattern, and a warm, smooth appearance. Although its natural color range spans from light pink to golden brown, Mahogany is often a rich, red-brown color. Grown primarily in West Africa and Central America.

Maple: A hard, dense veneer with a close-set grain. Ranging in color from creamy white to reddish-brown, Maple is a strong, hard-wearing veneer perfect for wood furniture. Commonly found throughout the United States and Canada.

Oak : A veneer distinguished by its bold grain pattern and textured quality. Oak is a strong hardwood that ranges in color from light tan to deep brown, often displaying pinkish or yellow highlights. Abundantly available in the United States.

Walnut: A veneer offering a variety of grain configurations, including ribbon-like or cathedral patterns. While its natural color ranges from light gray-brown to dark purplish-brown, Walnut veneer can be stained to achieve a wide variety of colors. Walnut provides a strong, resistant veneer appropriate for use in high-quality furniture.

Vinyl Wall Coverings:  Wall coverings which are durable and easily cleaned and generally lower cost.  Vinyl wallcoverings contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Wall Covering:  A flexible sheet of sized paper,  fabric, plastic, usually laminated an printed with a repeat pattern, for pasting on a wall as decoration and protection.

Warp : Refers to the yarns running lengthwise or parallel to the salvage in a fabric. Sometimes referred to as an ‘end' or a ‘woof'.

Warp Horizontal : See ‘Railroading'.

Weaving : The process of making textiles using a loom. Filling (horizontal) threads are run over and under warp (vertical) threads to make a length of woven fabric. Patterns can be created by manipulating the yarns/threads in different sequences.

Weight : Measurement of a textile per linear yard, expressed in ounces.

Wheatboard : An engineered alternative to particleboard, used for work surface substrates. Manufactured from sustainable, annually renewable agricultural fibers such as wheat straw and sunflower hulls, and formaldehyde- and emissions-free synthetic resin.

Wool : A natural protein fiber derived from sheep. It is resilient, dyes easily and beautifully, and is naturally soil- and water-resistant. Commonly used throughout the contract industry.

Woolen : Yarns characterized by bulkiness and softness, created by spinning fibers together using the woolen spinning system.

Worsted : Yarns characterized by smooth surfaces and luster, created by spinning together long fibers using the worsted spinning system.

Woven Wall Coverings:  Textiles which are adapted for use on walls generally with the addition of a backer and a stain repellent treatment.

Wyzenbeek Abrasion Test : Measures a fabric's resilience to abrasion. A fabric specimen is pulled taut and weighted while being abraded with a rotation cylinder covered with a wire screen or cotton duck.

Yarn : Fibers twisted (plied) into a single, continuous thread. Can be man-made or natural.

Yarn Dyeing : The dyeing of yarns before weaving, which makes it possible to create multicolored textiles.

Healthier Hospitals Initiative

Reference Documents

Healthy Interiors Product List

Healthy Interiors Textile List

The Healthier Hospitals Initiative is an invitation for healthcare organizations to join the shift to a more sustainable business model and a challenge to address the health and environmental impacts of their industry.  Haworth is proud to offer products and fabrics that support the Healthy Interiors goal of the Healthier Hospitals Safer Chemicals Challenge, version 2.0. 

The attached lists of products and fabrics meet the Healthier Hospitals guidelines.  Additional products and fabrics may also meet these requirements, pending discussion on surface treatment and chemical content.  Our product list can also be found on the Healthier Hospital website. 

Please contact Haworth’s Sustainability Team [email protected] for more information.

Light Reflectance Values 

Reference Documents

Paint (LRV) Listing - 2018
Laminate (LRV) Listing - 2018
https://standard.wellcertified.com/light/surface-design

Light Reflectance Values (LRV) is a measure of visible and usable light that is reflected from a surface when illuminated by a light source.  See the attached PDF's for Haworth standard laminates and paint LRV values.

Surface Materials Obsolescence

View Obsolescence Material Schedule

Haworth's obsolescence process serves to create a contemporary and competitive finish palette. We continuously monitor the life cycle of our standard surfaces offering; and replace slow-moving materials based on customer preferences with new fresh alternatives. Our goal is to keep you well-informed of all changes to our finish palette.

On Alert (Pre-Obsolescence)
Materials with declining sales volumes may be placed On Alert. They may remain On Alert for multiple years, during which time we continue to closely monitor demand. Standard lead-times still apply.

• Engage in discussions regarding alternative options with existing customers.
• Avoid On Alert materials for new phases and or projects with new customers.
• An On Alert material can be identified with the following designation just above the material image on the website technical page.

Obsolete
Haworth provides dealers notice of material obsolescence activity via Haworth Voice. Last ship dates will vary by material and are also communicated. We attempt to provide a minimum of one-year advance notice.

• As the last ship date approaches, extended lead times may occur.
  In rare cases, stock of some fabrics/colorways may run out before the published last ship date. As these situations arise Haworth will announce the status.
• Situations related to quality and or supply chain issues may create a more immediate need to obsolete a material.
• An Obsolete material can be identified prior to the obsolescence date with the following designation just above the material image on the website technical page. Also includes a Last Ship Date designation.
• Obsolete materials after the Last Ship Date can be searched and viewed on our website.

Pricing Quote Only Codes ~ For Upholstery

When you are undecided about your upholstery pattern(s) and or color(s) selection for your order, you may use the following graded codes as placeholders to submit a pricing quote or to use with List Price Checker in Lynx. These codes are to be used for Pricing Quotes or List Price Checker only and cannot be used on delivery simulations. Delivery simulations require valid order entry codes. (When placing your order product restrictions may apply dependent on the specific upholstery requested)

View Price Quote Only Codes For Upholstery

For questions regarding these codes, please contact the First Call Center @ 1-800-426-8562 or [email protected]