Our Partners • cef Furniture Manufacturer

cef • Warranties / Contracts / Resources

Palmer Hamilton
Palmer Hamilton

Warranties

Product, material or component Warranty period
Most qualifying CEF furniture 12 years
CEF soft-seating frame, foam and upholstery Limited lifetime
Charging carts, excluding electrical components 10 years
Charging-cart electrical components 3 years
Surge protectors Manufacturer’s applicable limited lifetime warranty
HATT dry-erase surfaces and pneumatic columns 1 year
Casters on charging carts, STEM carts and tables 5 years
Metal stools 5 years
Treated butcher-block tops 5 years
Untreated butcher-block tops 1 year
Tough Tops 5 years
Electrical components on furniture 3 years
Dry-erase and markerboard laminate surfaces 1 year
Articulating, fixed and clamp-mounted monitor arms 1 year
Locks 1 year
Pneumatic sit-to-stand bases 1 year
Glass tabletops 1 year
Soft-seating electrical components 3 years
Soft-seating folding brackets and tablet arms 1 year
Soft-seating casters 5 years
Soft-seating dry-erase accent tops and backs 1 year
Soft-seating FENIX and high-pressure laminate components 5 years
Soft-seating locks 1 year

Contracts

  • PEPPM: 548722-056
  • TIPS: 230301

Catalogs (Expand to Full-Screen Mode)

CEF Furniture Limited Warranty Summary

D&D Learning Spaces is an authorized dealer for CEF, also known as Custom Educational Furnishings. CEF manufactures educational tables, charging carts, STEM furniture, teacher desks, storage products, soft seating and other furniture designed for classrooms and collaborative learning environments.

Most qualifying CEF furniture carries a 12-year limited warranty, while CEF soft seating carries a limited lifetime warranty. Certain materials, mechanisms, electrical components and specialized products have shorter warranty periods ranging from one to 10 years.

What Does CEF’s Limited Warranty Mean?

CEF warrants its furniture against defects in original workmanship and manufacturing for the applicable warranty period.

For customers, this means that CEF may repair or replace a covered product if it develops a qualifying manufacturing or material defect during normal use.

For most CEF furniture, the standard warranty lasts 12 years from the date of purchase. To remain eligible for coverage, the furniture must be:

  • Kept in a temperature-controlled environment
  • Kept in a humidity-controlled environment
  • Properly assembled
  • Used according to the product instructions
  • Maintained according to CEF’s care and cleaning guidelines
  • Used normally and for its intended purpose

CEF determines whether a reported condition qualifies as a warranty defect. If a claim is approved, CEF may repair, replace or, where applicable, provide credit for the affected product.

A 12-year limited warranty does not mean that every component is covered for 12 years. Charging carts, casters, butcher-block tops, electrical components, locks, monitor arms and other listed items have their own warranty periods.

Who Is Covered?

CEF’s soft-seating warranty specifically applies to the original purchaser and is non-transferable.

CEF’s published furniture-warranty language does not expressly promise that coverage transfers to a later owner. Customers purchasing used, donated or transferred CEF furniture should therefore not assume that the original warranty remains in effect.

Customers should retain:

  • The original D&D Learning Spaces invoice
  • The purchase-order number
  • The CEF model or item number
  • The original purchase date
  • Product labels and serial numbers, when available

Proof of purchase and detailed product information may be required when a warranty claim is reviewed.

What Is Covered?

CEF’s standard furniture warranty covers qualifying defects in:

  • Original workmanship
  • Manufacturing
  • Structural product components
  • Materials covered under the applicable warranty category
  • Product construction
  • Covered mechanisms and accessories

CEF’s soft-seating warranty covers qualifying defects in:

  • Structural frames
  • Upholstery materials
  • Foam
  • Other upholstered components manufactured or supplied by CEF

Coverage applies when products have been properly cared for and used normally in an appropriate indoor environment.

When CEF approves a claim, it may, at its discretion:

  • Repair the defective product
  • Repair the defective component
  • Replace the defective product
  • Replace the defective component
  • Provide a credit agreement, where applicable

CEF determines the appropriate remedy after reviewing the claim description, photographs and product information.

What Is Not Covered?

CEF’s warranty does not cover damage or product failure caused by:

  • Normal wear and tear
  • Abnormal use
  • Abusive use
  • Misuse
  • Improper maintenance
  • Improper assembly
  • Failure to follow product instructions
  • Failure to follow care and cleaning guidelines
  • Modifications not approved by CEF Engineering
  • Unauthorized repairs
  • Accidental damage
  • Stains
  • Scratches
  • Upholstery fading or soiling
  • Excessive humidity
  • Direct sunlight or other damaging environmental conditions
  • Freight damage caused by carriers other than CEF’s own truck-and-trailer delivery service
  • Indirect or consequential damages

Damage caused by these conditions is not considered a defect in the product’s original materials or workmanship.

Product-Specific Furniture Warranty Periods

Although most CEF furniture carries a 12-year warranty, several products and components have shorter coverage periods.

Most CEF Furniture — 12-Year Warranty

Most qualifying CEF furniture carries a 12-year warranty from the date of purchase against defects in original workmanship and manufacturing.

The furniture must remain in an environment with controlled temperature and humidity and must be cared for according to CEF’s cleaning and maintenance guidelines.

Charging Carts — 10-Year Warranty

CEF charging carts carry a 10-year warranty on all components except electrical components.

The 10-year warranty applies to qualifying defects in the cart’s covered original materials, structure and workmanship.

Electrical components installed in charging carts carry a separate three-year warranty. Surge protectors may be covered under the surge-protector manufacturer’s own limited lifetime warranty.

Charging-Cart Electrical Components — Three-Year Warranty

Electrical components supplied with CEF charging carts carry a three-year warranty.

The warranty applies to qualifying defects in the original electrical components. It does not cover damage caused by:

  • Power surges
  • Improper electrical connections
  • Misuse
  • Liquid exposure
  • Unauthorized modifications
  • Use outside the product’s operating instructions

CEF notes that a surge protector is designed to sacrifice itself during a significant surge to protect connected equipment. A surge protector that no longer conducts power after a surge may have performed its intended protective function rather than failed because of a manufacturing defect.

Surge Protectors — Manufacturer’s Limited Lifetime Warranty

Surge protectors may carry a limited lifetime warranty supplied by the surge-protector manufacturer.

This is a third-party manufacturer’s warranty and may have separate claim requirements, exclusions and remedies. Customers should not assume that every electrical component within the furniture has lifetime coverage.

HATT Height-Adjustable Tilt Tables — One-Year Warranty

CEF HATT Height-Adjustable Tilt Tables carry a one-year warranty for their dry-erase surfaces and pneumatic columns.

The warranty applies to qualifying defects in those components. Scratches, staining, ghosting, misuse, impact damage and improper cleaning are not considered manufacturing defects.

Casters — Five-Year Warranty

Casters installed on the following CEF products carry a five-year warranty:

  • Charging carts
  • STEM carts
  • Tables

The warranty covers qualifying defects in the original caster materials and workmanship.

Ordinary wheel wear, debris buildup, damage caused by unsuitable flooring, overloading and damage from improper use are not covered.

Metal Stools — Five-Year Warranty

CEF metal stools carry a five-year warranty against qualifying defects in original workmanship and manufacturing.

Normal finish wear, scratches, dents, misuse, overloading and damage caused by environmental conditions are excluded.

Treated Butcher-Block Tops — Five-Year Warranty

Treated butcher-block tops carry a five-year warranty.

Coverage applies to qualifying defects in the original top when it is properly cleaned, maintained and used in a controlled indoor environment.

The warranty does not cover damage caused by:

  • Standing water
  • Excessive moisture
  • Improper cleaning chemicals
  • Failure to maintain the surface
  • Cutting directly on the top
  • Heat damage
  • Ordinary scratching
  • Natural wood movement or color variation

Untreated Butcher-Block Tops — One-Year Warranty

Untreated butcher-block tops, supplied in their raw or natural state, carry a one-year warranty.

Because untreated wood is more vulnerable to moisture, staining, warping and environmental changes, customers are responsible for applying and maintaining an appropriate protective finish when required.

Tough Tops — Five-Year Warranty

CEF Tough Tops carry a five-year warranty against qualifying defects in original materials and workmanship.

Normal surface wear, scratches, impact damage, staining and damage caused by improper cleaners are not covered.

Electrical Components on Furniture — Three-Year Warranty

Electrical components installed in CEF furniture carry a three-year warranty, except where another component-specific warranty applies.

This category may include:

  • Power modules
  • Charging components
  • Electrical connections
  • Power accessories
  • Other integrated electrical parts

Damage caused by power surges, improper wiring, misuse, liquids or unauthorized alterations may be excluded.

Dry-Erase and Markerboard Laminate Surfaces — One-Year Warranty

Dry-erase and markerboard laminate surfaces carry a one-year warranty.

Coverage applies to qualifying manufacturing or material defects. The warranty does not cover:

  • Scratches
  • Ordinary ghosting
  • Staining
  • Permanent-marker use
  • Damage caused by abrasive cleaners
  • Damage caused by unsuitable cleaning chemicals
  • Normal surface wear

Customers should use only approved dry-erase markers and follow CEF’s cleaning instructions.

Monitor Arms — One-Year Warranty

The following monitor-arm configurations carry a one-year warranty:

  • Articulating monitor arms
  • Fixed monitor arms
  • Clamp-mounted monitor arms

The monitor arm must be properly installed and used within its stated monitor-size and weight limits.

Overloading, improper attachment, unauthorized modification and damage caused by incompatible equipment are excluded.

Locks — One-Year Warranty

Locks installed in CEF furniture carry a one-year warranty.

Coverage applies to qualifying defects in the original locking mechanism. Lost keys, forced entry, vandalism, misuse and unauthorized alterations are not covered.

Pneumatic Sit-to-Stand Height-Adjustable Bases — One-Year Warranty

Pneumatic sit-to-stand height-adjustable bases carry a one-year warranty.

Coverage applies to qualifying defects in the pneumatic base or adjustment mechanism. Damage caused by overloading, improper assembly, impact, modification or use outside the product instructions is excluded.

Glass Tabletops — One-Year Warranty

CEF glass tabletops carry a one-year warranty against qualifying defects in the original product.

The warranty does not cover:

  • Scratches
  • Chips caused after delivery
  • Impact damage
  • Breakage caused by misuse
  • Thermal shock
  • Improper installation
  • Damage caused while moving the table

Customers should inspect glass tops carefully at delivery and report shipping damage immediately.

CEF Soft-Seating Limited Lifetime Warranty

CEF soft seating carries a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

The warranty includes qualifying defects in:

  • Structural frames
  • Foam
  • Upholstered components
  • Upholstery supplied as part of the original CEF product

Coverage applies only when the soft seating has been properly cared for and used normally.

The soft-seating warranty applies to the original purchaser and is non-transferable. If CEF approves a claim, it may provide a repair, replacement, replacement cover where applicable or a credit agreement.

What Does the Soft-Seating Lifetime Warranty Mean?

For customers, CEF’s limited lifetime soft-seating warranty means that the original purchaser is protected against qualifying defects in the furniture’s original frame, foam and upholstery for the life of the covered product.

It does not mean that upholstery will remain free from ordinary wear, fading, soiling, staining or cosmetic changes indefinitely.

The warranty covers manufacturing and material defects—not deterioration expected from daily classroom or commercial use.

Soft-Seating Structural Frames — Limited Lifetime Warranty

The structural frame of qualifying CEF soft seating is covered by the limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Damage caused by misuse, overloading, impact, unauthorized modification or improper maintenance is excluded.

Soft-Seating Upholstery and Foam — Limited Lifetime Warranty

CEF states that the original upholstery and foam used in its soft seating are covered against defects in materials and workmanship under the limited lifetime warranty.

Coverage does not include:

  • Normal fading
  • Normal soiling
  • Ordinary wear
  • Stains
  • Cuts
  • Punctures
  • Scratches
  • Damage caused by improper cleaning
  • Damage from direct sunlight
  • Damage caused by excessive humidity
  • Damage caused by misuse or abuse

The distinction is important: a defect originating in the material may qualify, while deterioration caused by use, environmental exposure or maintenance practices does not.

Soft-Seating Product and Component Exceptions

Certain components installed on CEF soft seating have shorter warranty periods than the main frame, foam and upholstery warranty.

Soft-Seating Electrical Components — Three-Year Warranty

Electrical components installed in CEF soft seating carry a three-year warranty.

Surge protectors may carry a separate limited lifetime warranty through the surge-protector manufacturer.

Folding Brackets and Tablet Arms — One-Year Warranty

Soft-seating mechanisms, including folding brackets and tablet arms, carry a one-year warranty.

Coverage applies to qualifying defects in the original mechanism. Damage caused by excessive force, overloading, misuse or unauthorized alteration is excluded.

Soft-Seating Casters — Five-Year Warranty

Casters installed on CEF soft seating carry a five-year warranty.

Ordinary wheel wear, floor-related damage, debris buildup and damage caused by misuse are not covered.

Dry-Erase Accent Tops and Backs — One-Year Warranty

Dry-erase accent tops or backs incorporated into soft-seating products carry a one-year warranty.

Scratches are specifically excluded from coverage. Staining, ghosting and damage caused by unsuitable markers or cleaning products may also be excluded.

FENIX and High-Pressure Laminate Components — Five-Year Warranty

FENIX and high-pressure laminate components used as tabletops or backs on soft-seating products carry a five-year warranty.

Coverage applies to qualifying defects in the original laminate material and workmanship.

The warranty does not cover:

  • Ordinary scratches
  • Impact damage
  • Staining
  • Heat damage
  • Moisture damage
  • Improper cleaning
  • Damage caused after delivery

Soft-Seating Locks — One-Year Warranty

Locks incorporated into CEF soft seating carry a one-year warranty.

Lost keys, forced entry, vandalism and damage caused by misuse are excluded.

Summary of CEF Warranty Periods

Product, material or component Warranty period
Most qualifying CEF furniture 12 years
CEF soft-seating frame, foam and upholstery Limited lifetime
Charging carts, excluding electrical components 10 years
Charging-cart electrical components 3 years
Surge protectors Manufacturer’s applicable limited lifetime warranty
HATT dry-erase surfaces and pneumatic columns 1 year
Casters on charging carts, STEM carts and tables 5 years
Metal stools 5 years
Treated butcher-block tops 5 years
Untreated butcher-block tops 1 year
Tough Tops 5 years
Electrical components on furniture 3 years
Dry-erase and markerboard laminate surfaces 1 year
Articulating, fixed and clamp-mounted monitor arms 1 year
Locks 1 year
Pneumatic sit-to-stand bases 1 year
Glass tabletops 1 year
Soft-seating electrical components 3 years
Soft-seating folding brackets and tablet arms 1 year
Soft-seating casters 5 years
Soft-seating dry-erase accent tops and backs 1 year
Soft-seating FENIX and high-pressure laminate components 5 years
Soft-seating locks 1 year

Warranty periods are subject to the product’s intended use, proper assembly, controlled indoor environment, maintenance requirements and CEF’s complete exclusions.

Controlled Indoor Environment Requirements

CEF requires its furniture to be housed in an environment with controlled temperature and humidity.

This means customers should protect CEF furniture from:

  • Excessive humidity
  • Large temperature fluctuations
  • Standing water
  • Direct exposure to outdoor weather
  • Prolonged direct sunlight
  • Uncontrolled storage areas
  • Excessive heat or cold
  • Moisture-producing environments

Damage caused by unsuitable environmental conditions may not qualify for warranty coverage.

CEF furniture should not be placed outdoors unless the specific product is expressly approved for outdoor use.

Proper Assembly, Care and Maintenance

To preserve warranty eligibility, CEF furniture must be:

  • Properly assembled
  • Used according to its instructions
  • Cleaned according to CEF’s care guidelines
  • Maintained regularly
  • Used within its intended application
  • Protected from misuse and abuse
  • Kept in a controlled indoor environment

Customers should consult D&D Learning Spaces before altering, repairing or adding accessories to CEF furniture.

Modifications not approved by CEF Engineering are excluded from warranty coverage and may affect product safety.

Soft-Seating Care Requirements

CEF soft seating should be protected from:

  • Improper cleaning products
  • Abrasive cleaners
  • Excessive moisture
  • Direct sunlight
  • Sharp objects
  • Food and drink stains
  • Unauthorized repairs
  • Environmental conditions that may damage upholstery or foam

Regular cleaning should follow the instructions for the specific upholstery material.

A cleaner that is safe for one fabric, coated textile or vinyl may damage another material. Customers should confirm the appropriate cleaning method before applying a chemical product to the furniture.

Freight and Delivery Damage

Freight damage is not normally handled as a product-warranty claim.

CEF distinguishes between:

  • Delivery on a CEF-owned truck and trailer
  • Delivery by an independent freight carrier
  • Delivery by a carrier selected by the customer

Products delivered by independent carriers must be inspected carefully when they arrive.

Visible Damage and Shortages

When visible damage or a shortage is present:

  • Do not automatically refuse the shipment
  • Ask the driver to remove packaging so the product can be inspected
  • Photograph the damaged packaging
  • Photograph the damaged product
  • Record all damage on the delivery receipt
  • Record any shortages on the delivery receipt
  • Retain a copy of the signed delivery documents

If the delivery receipt is signed without noting visible damage or shortages, the carrier may deny responsibility and CEF may be unable to assist with the freight claim.

Concealed Freight Damage

Concealed damage must be reported to the delivering carrier within five business days.

The customer should:

  • Notify D&D Learning Spaces immediately
  • Notify the delivering carrier
  • Request a carrier inspection
  • Retain all cartons and packaging
  • Photograph the packaging and product
  • Preserve the product for inspection

CEF states that cartons must be retained for the carrier inspection, and the inspection opportunity expires after 15 days.

Customer-Selected Freight Carriers

When the customer selects and arranges its own freight carrier, the customer is directly responsible for pursuing any freight-damage claim with that carrier.

What Will CEF Do for an Approved Claim?

When CEF determines that a furniture or soft-seating claim qualifies under the applicable warranty, it may, at its discretion:

  • Repair the defective item
  • Replace the defective item
  • Replace an applicable upholstery cover
  • Provide a credit agreement

CEF determines which remedy is appropriate based on the product, component, reported defect and available documentation.

CEF’s liability is limited to the available warranty remedy. It does not accept responsibility for indirect or consequential losses associated with a covered product.

Warranty Claim Requirements

A warranty claim should include:

  • A thorough written description of the issue
  • Detailed photographs of the product
  • Close-up photographs of the affected area
  • Original order and purchase information
  • The product model or item number
  • The approximate purchase date
  • Information about the product’s use
  • Information about cleaning and maintenance
  • Information about its environmental conditions
  • Details of any previous repair or modification

CEF reviews the information and determines whether the issue falls within the applicable warranty coverage.

Filing a CEF Warranty Claim Through D&D Learning Spaces

Customers who purchased CEF furniture through D&D Learning Spaces should contact us for assistance with a potential warranty claim.

Please be prepared to provide:

  • The original D&D Learning Spaces order or invoice number
  • The purchase-order number
  • The name of the purchasing school, district or organization
  • The CEF product name
  • The product model or item number
  • The original purchase date
  • A detailed description of the problem
  • A photograph of the complete product
  • Close-up photographs of the defective or damaged area
  • Photographs of product labels or identifying marks
  • Information about how the product was assembled
  • Information about how the product has been used
  • Information about the room’s temperature and humidity conditions
  • Details about cleaning and maintenance
  • Details about previous repairs or modifications
  • Photographs of packaging when freight damage is involved
  • A copy of the delivery receipt when a shipping claim is involved

D&D Learning Spaces can help organize the required documentation and coordinate the claim with CEF.

Customers should not independently modify, repair, dispose of or return the affected product before the claim has been reviewed.

Final decisions regarding warranty eligibility and the appropriate repair, replacement or credit are made by CEF under its published warranty terms.

Warranty notice: This page is a customer-friendly summary of CEF’s published furniture, soft-seating and freight warranty terms. It does not replace, extend or modify the manufacturer’s official warranty. Coverage is subject to CEF’s complete terms, exclusions, product instructions, environmental requirements, care guidelines and claims procedures. The official warranty applicable to the product and original purchase date will govern any claim.

Would You Like to Learn More?

Call us at 800-453-4195 Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm PST or simply fill out the contact form below.