Hotels, restaurants, offices and boats often have to meet fire-safety codes for upholstered seating and drapery. This page explains which standards our fabrics and foams are tested to in the US, UK and Australia, so you can check them against your project's requirements before you order. Test reports from the maker are available for every fabric we use. Just ask when you send your brief.
Upholstery fabric standards at a glance
| Fabric | Standards it is tested to | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Sunbrella upholstery fabrics | Cal TB 117-2013, NFPA 260, UFAC Class I (confirmed per pattern) | Pool loungers, patio and restaurant seating, window seats |
| Sunbrella Horizon marine vinyl | Cal TB 117-2013, FMVSS 302, UFAC Class I | Boat seating, booths, high-wipe areas |
| Ultraleather (Ultrafabrics) | Cal TB 117, NFPA 260, UFAC, FMVSS 302, ASTM E84 (adhered) Class A | Banquettes, booths, lobby and office seating |
| Warwick fabrics | AS/NZS 1530.3 (Australian standard). Ranges such as Ronan, Dion, Beachcomber and Lustrell Charisma score 0 out of 10 for spread of flame. | Guest rooms, lobbies and indoor upholstery, especially for Australian projects |
| Gabriel fabrics | Varies by fabric. We send the maker's test data with your quote. | Contract interiors |
What these standards mean
- Cal TB 117-2013: California's smoulder-resistance test for upholstered furniture. A lit cigarette is placed on the fabric over standard foam, and the fabric must not smoulder or char beyond the set limit. Many states and Canada follow it.
- NFPA 260 / UFAC Class I: a similar cigarette-ignition test, widely used for commercial and contract seating across the US.
- FMVSS 302: the flammability standard for vehicle interiors, often requested for boat and RV seating.
- ASTM E84: a building-materials test used for wall panels and upholstered wall systems, not loose seating.
- UK Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988: the UK law for upholstered furniture and cushions, covering both the filling and the cover.
- AS/NZS 1530.3: the Australian and New Zealand test for ignitability, spread of flame, heat and smoke. It is the standard most Australian commercial projects ask for.
- NFPA 701: the standard for curtains and drapery in public spaces such as hotels and restaurants.
Warwick for US projects
Warwick tests its fabrics to the Australian standard, not to the US cigarette tests. If your US project specifically requires Cal TB 117-2013 or NFPA 260, choose Sunbrella or Ultraleather, or ask us and we will check the Warwick range you have in mind before quoting.
Drapery for public spaces
If your fire marshal requires NFPA 701 or California Title 19 drapery, tell us at the brief stage. Inherently flame-retardant fabrics such as Sunbrella Exceed FR can be quoted for these projects.
Foam by country
| Market | Foam supplier | Fire safety | Outdoor foam |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States & Canada | The Foam Factory (USA) | CertiPUR-US certified foam made without added flame-retardant chemicals. Fabric fire tests are run over standard non-flame-retardant foam. | Dryfast open-cell foam that drains and dries quickly |
| United Kingdom | GB Foam, High Wycombe (ISO 9001, since 1976) | Foam meets UK fire safety regulations for upholstered furniture. | Quick Dry reticulated outdoor foam, which self-extinguished in independent ignition tests where standard reticulated foam ignited |
| Australia | Premier Group, Sydney (100% Australian owned) | Commercial high-resilience grades, with fire-retardant grades available for projects that need them. | Outdoor reticulated foam (soft and firm) that is mould-resistant and quick-drying |
If your jurisdiction or venue needs flame-retardant foam or a full-furniture test such as Cal TB 133, let us know before quoting so we can confirm the right options for your country.
How to check your requirements
- Ask your fire marshal, building inspector or the property's brand standards which tests apply.
- Send us the requirement with your brief.
- We match fabrics and foam that meet it and attach the maker's test reports to your quote and spec sheet.
Codes vary by country, state, city and venue type, and the local authority has the final say. We don't certify finished installations, but we make sure every fabric we supply comes with its published test results. See where every material comes from on our supply chain transparency page.
Questions? Email operation@fabricakraft.com or call +1-302-803-5171.
