Does TB117 Apply to Outdoor Furniture?

When shopping for new furniture, it is important to be aware of safety regulations and whether a particular product you are considering meets these standards. In the case of outdoor furniture, does TB117 apply?

What is TB117? TB117 is the technical bulletin issued by the California Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation in 1975 which set a standard for upholstered furniture fire safety. It requires that all foam used in furniture must pass an open flame test, meaning that it must not ignite or smolder when exposed to an open flame for 12 seconds.

Does TB117 Apply to Outdoor Furniture? The short answer is no. TB117 only applies to upholstered furniture, which typically includes indoor pieces like sofas, chairs, ottomans, and more. Outdoor furniture such as benches, tables, and chairs made from wood or metal do not need to comply with the regulation.

However, any outdoor furniture made with foam padding must comply with TB117. This includes lounge chairs and cushioned patio sets. Be sure to check the labelling on any outdoor furniture you are considering buying to ensure that it meets the fire safety requirements outlined in TB117.

Conclusion: In conclusion, while outdoor furniture does not need to comply with TB117 standards, any outdoor furniture containing foam padding must meet these requirements in order to be considered safe for use. Therefore, it is important to check labelling before purchasing any outdoor pieces with foam padding in order to ensure they have passed the open flame test required by TB117.

Photo of author

Samantha Mckinney