Upholstery Flammability Standards in the USA & Canada

Upholstery Flammability Standards in the USA & Canada

Ensuring Fire Safety in Contract Upholstery

At Inside Out Contracts, we know that fire safety is a critical factor when specifying upholstery fabrics for commercial, hospitality, and public spaces. Ensuring that furniture meets regional flammability regulations is essential for creating safe, compliant, and high-performance interiors.

However, flammability regulations in North America can be complex. Unlike in Europe, there is no single national fire safety standard for contract fabrics or furniture. Instead, requirements vary by state and municipality, with local fire officials and building inspectors determining compliance.

One of the most widely recognized standards in the U.S. and Canada is California’s Technical Bulletin 117 (Cal TB 117-2013), which sets safety requirements for upholstered seating. Other key standards include NFPA 260 (Upholstered Furniture Action Council), ASTM E84 (Tunnel Test for panels and wallcoverings), and NFPA 701 (Curtains & Drapes).

This guide provides a clear overview of these key flammability standards for seating, panels, and drapery in North America. Whether you’re designing a hotel, restaurant, office, or public venue, we’ll help you navigate the requirements to select safe, compliant, and high-quality upholstery fabrics.

Q1: What are the key upholstery flammability standards in the USA & Canada?

The most widely recognized upholstery standards in North America include:

The most widely recognized upholstery standards in North America include:

Seating (Upholstered Furniture)

• California TB 117-2013 (Cal 117)
  • A test method for seating fabrics, assessing resistance to a cigarette ignition source on a mock-up chair with non-FR foam (28-29.6 kg/m³ density).
  • To pass, the fabric must:
    • Not smolder for more than 45 minutes.
    • Have a char length under 45mm (1.8 inches).
    • Not ignite into flames.
  • Since California is one of the few states with formal fire regulations, many other U.S. states and Canadafollow this standard.
• NFPA 260 / UFAC (Upholstered Furniture Action Council)
  • Similar to Cal TB 117, but tested with a lower-density non-FR foam (20-25 kg/m³ density).
  • The char length must not exceed 1.8 inches (45mm), and the foam cannot ignite.

While Cal 117 is required in California, NFPA 260 / UFAC is commonly used for non-residential upholstery throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Panels & Upholstered Wall Coverings

• ASTM E84 – The Steiner Tunnel Test
  • Primarily used for upholstered wall panels, wrapped wall systems, and panel system furniture.
  • A 4.5-foot flame is applied to a suspended 25-foot fabric sample in a tunnel chamber.
  • The test measures:
    • Flame Spread Index (FSI) – How fast flames travel across the surface.
    • Smoke Developed Index (SDI) – The level of smoke generated.
  • Fabrics are classified as:
    • Class A / Class 1 (Best fire resistance – FSI ≤ 25)
    • Class B / Class 2 (FSI 26-75)
    • Class C / Class 3 (FSI 76-200)

Curtains & Drapes

• NFPA 701 (National Fire Protection Association Standard 701)
  • A flame is applied to the bottom edge of a vertically hanging fabric.
  • Passing criteria:
    • Any flaming drips must self-extinguish within 2 seconds.
    • The fabric must not lose more than 40% of its weight.

Q2: How does fire retardancy work in contract upholstery fabrics?

For a fabric to burn, it requires three key elements:

• Fuel – The textile itself.
• Heat – An ignition source, such as a flame or smoldering cigarette.
• Oxygen – Available in the surrounding air.

By disrupting this cycle, fabrics can be made flame-retardant using different methods:

• Char Formation – Natural fibers like wool create a protective charcoal layer, slowing flame spread.
• Gas Suppression – Some synthetic fabrics release flame-retardant gases when heated, smothering flames.
• Melt Reaction – Certain synthetic materials melt away from the flame rather than ignite (though this can sometimes cause flaming droplets).

At Inside Out Contracts, we offer a selection of fire-retardant fabrics that meet the necessary safety, durability, and aesthetic requirements for commercial interiors.

Q3: What factors affect a fabric’s flammability performance?

Even if a fabric meets flammability standards, other factors can alter its fire resistance in real-world applications:

1. Foam & Substrate Materials
   • Seating flammability tests (Cal 117, NFPA 260) are influenced by the type and density of foam beneath the fabric.
   • Similarly, panel tests (ASTM E84) may be affected by backing materials like MDF, plywood, or acoustic foam.
2. Post-Treatments & Backings
   • Stain-repellent treatments or foam laminations may impact fire resistance.
   • Always ensure that the fabric is tested in its final intended form, including any coatings or backings.

Q4: What are the ACT (Association for Contract Textiles) minimum standards?

Inside Out Contracts follows ACT (Association for Contract Textiles) guidelines, which set minimum performance benchmarks for fire resistance:

• Upholstery – California TB 117-2013 Section 1 – Pass
• Direct Glue Wallcoverings & Adhered Panels – ASTM E84 (Adhered Mounting Method) – Class A or Class 1
• Wrapped Wall Panels & Upholstered Walls – ASTM E84 (Unadhered Mounting Method) – Class A or Class 1
• Panel System Furniture – ASTM E84 (Adhered or Unadhered Mounting Method) – Class A or Class 1
• Drapery – NFPA 701 Method 1 or 2, as applicable

These standards help ensure contract textiles are safe for high-traffic environments such as hotels, offices, restaurants, and public spaces.

Q5: How do I choose the right fire-retardant fabric for my project?

When selecting upholstery fabrics for contract interiors, consider:
✅ Fire Regulations – Verify local/state fire codes to determine required tests.
✅ Intended Use – Different standards apply to seating, panels, and drapery.
✅ Substrates & Backings – Check if foam or core materials impact performance.
✅ ACT Certification – Look for fabrics that meet industry benchmarks.

At Inside Out Contracts, we offer a curated selection of fabrics that balance fire safety with durability and aesthetics, ensuring compliance for hospitality, corporate, and commercial interiors.