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Fire Codes for Commercial Cushions: CAL TB 117-2013, NFPA 260 and UFAC Explained
What the common upholstery flammability standards mean, which ones commercial buyers ask about, and what paperwork to request from your cushion supplier.
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Updated October 2026 · By Sam K, Fabrica Kraft
Quick summary
Hotels, restaurants and property managers are often asked to show that cushion fabrics meet a flammability standard. The ones that come up most for upholstered cushions are CAL TB 117-2013, NFPA 260 and UFAC. Requirements depend on your city, state and type of building, so always confirm the exact standard with your fire marshal or building inspector, then ask your supplier for the fabric maker's test reports.
This guide is general information, not legal or code advice.
The standards buyers ask about
| Standard | What it covers | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|
| CAL TB 117-2013 | California's smolder-resistance test for upholstered furniture cover fabrics, barrier materials and fillings | Widely referenced across the US furniture industry |
| NFPA 260 | A test method for the cigarette-ignition resistance of upholstered furniture components | Often requested in commercial and contract specifications |
| UFAC | A voluntary industry program that classes fabrics (Class I or Class II) by smolder resistance | Common on fabric spec sheets |
Some public buildings and jurisdictions require stricter full-scale tests for finished furniture. If your inspector names a different standard, ask your supplier before ordering.
How Fabrica Kraft's fabrics are tested
- Sunbrella upholstery fabrics: tested by the maker to Cal TB 117-2013, NFPA 260 and UFAC Class I.
- Ultraleather: tested to Cal TB 117 and NFPA 260.
- Sunbrella Horizon marine vinyl: tested to Cal TB 117-2013.
Results are confirmed per pattern, and we send the fabric maker's test reports with your quote.
What to ask your cushion supplier
- Which standards has this exact fabric pattern been tested to?
- Can you send the maker's test report with the quote?
- What foam is used, and is it certified (for example CertiPUR-US)?
- If I supply my own fabric, who provides the test documentation?
FAQ
Do outdoor cushions need to meet fire codes?
It depends on the property and location. Hotels and restaurants are more likely to be asked. Check with your inspector.
Does the foam matter?
Yes, standards can apply to fillings as well as fabric. Fabrica Kraft uses CertiPUR-US certified foam; ask us for details for your project.
Can you provide paperwork for an inspection?
Yes. We send the fabric maker's published test results for the fabric you choose.
See our fire safety standards page, commercial outdoor cushions and restaurant cushions.
