FORMS

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has SFA been in business?
SFA was established in 1986 and is the oldest street furniture company in Australia.

Who is / owns SFA?
SFA is owned by CM+ International, a multi award-winning architectural, urban design, master planning firm that has been in business for over 40 years.

Where can I see a display of your products?
SFA has a showroom in Sydney and offices in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth. Please contact your nearest state representative to organise a meeting.
See contact details

Where are SFA products manufactured?
SFA manufacturing plants are located in Sydney and Brisbane.

Does SFA offer a design service for custom furniture?
SFA manufactures custom furniture from the client’s drawings and plans. The parent company CM+ also offers a design service for large prestige projects.

Do you ship anywhere in the world?
Yes.

Does SFA sell to the public?
Yes. SFA seats, benches and tables are suitable for residential purposes and provide a commercial level of quality and finish.

Products - General

What do surface, sub-surface and freestanding mean?
Surface fixed – Furniture is fixed down to the pavement. SFA provides both exposed and concealed fixing systems.
Sub-surface fixed – Furniture is fixed to a structural element below the pavement surface. The standards are 80mm subsurface (to suit 50mm pavers with 30mm sand/mortar base) with baseplate (bolt-fixed) or concrete encased (with welded bar).
Freestanding – Not secured with nylon skids to protect the flooring. All SFA seats and benches are available as freestanding units besides the Plaza range.

Does SFA have an eco-friendly timber alternative?
Yes. SFA offers Neowood™ - the recycled and recyclable material.
Neowood™ is made of timber residue (sawdust, scraps etc) and non-toxic polymer. Prior to launch, the material has been tested extensively both in-house and externally for a 12 month period.
Neowood™ batten is available for the Mall Seat, Mall Bench, Mall Slim Bench, Mall Table and Wheeled Bin Enclosure.

Can I order custom material for furniture products?
Yes. SFA can manufacture furniture using other species of timber. However added costs would apply and SFA would give advice on suitability and durability. Warranty periods may be affected.

What are your standard powdercoat colours?
SFA standard colours are black, silver and heritage green. For an additional set-up fee, other colours may be specified.
See Dulux Colours

Can I replace damaged battens?
Yes. SFA can supply replacement battens once the customer specifies the length.
Batten replacement applies to Galleria, Mall, Park and Plaza ranges, which have exposed battens at the ends.

Are timber and aluminium battens suitable in high temperature and direct sunlight situations?
Yes, however timber requires regular maintenance. Aluminium battens disperse heat extremely well and does not become hot in direct sunlight.

Which furniture range is best suited for schools?
SFA provides the School Bench as an affordable yet stylish option. The matching Park Seat, Park Bench and Park Table are also popular for schools.
Universities and colleges often specify the Plaza Seat, Plaza Bench and Plaza Table and Café Table and Café Stool for their robust construction.
See Educational projects

Can we have our own company logo on your furniture?
Yes. Additional fees apply for templates, patterning and set-up. Custom logos are commonly used for high volume projects.

What is the difference between SS304 and SS316?
SS304 is the equivalent grade of stainless steel used on kitchen sinks and is also used in cookware and food manufacturing equipment. With simple and regular maintenance, SS304 will maintain its appearance.
SS316 is "marine grade" stainless steel and is used in marine fitting, surgical equipment etc. SS316 is recommended for areas near the sea.

Why is my SS "rusting"?
This is known as "tea staining" and is the subject of some current research. All stainless steel (SS304 and SS316) can be subject to tea staining especially near the coast. The staining should be rubbed off with a suitable nylon scourer keeping in mind the quality and direction of original polishing.
In SFA’s experience, this staining will diminish over time and the stainless steel furniture will maintain equilibrium with the environment.

Products – Seats, Benches and Tables

What is the difference between a seat and bench?
The seat has a backrest and the bench does not. Currently all SFA seats are available with matching benches.

Do you have sub-surface fixed seats and benches?
Yes. Most SFA furniture can be sub-surface fixed. Standard depth is 80mm below ground level.

Can I order custom lengths for furniture products?
Yes. Timber batten furniture is available in any length up to 1800mm, and aluminium batten furniture is available up to a length of 6 metres. Maximum length may depend on transport restrictions. Please note that additional fees apply.

Do you have a disabled accessible picnic range?
Yes. SFA are able to alter the table and seat lengths to accommodate wheelchairs.

How many adults do your seats and benches sit?
Most SFA seating is designed to sit three adults comfortably. Modular seating such as the Concourse, Ice and Ply are easily extended to seat more users. Batten lengths can also be altered for an additional fee.

Can I mount your products on sloping surfaces?
Yes. The Plaza range and 05 Post Leg (available with the Galleria, Promenade, Mall and Concourse range) enables SFA to cut legs to certain heights.
Some customers modify the pavement around the seat to provide a horizontal area.
Others have provided masonry plinths for the leg mounting on the lower side.

Do you have a Wave or Circular seat?
Not as a core product. Custom items, to the clients’ specifications, are possible for an additional fee and extra lead time.

Can I have a seat identical to one shown in your custom range?
No. SFA custom furniture is only a showcase of previous projects. SFA can however offer alternatives which do not infringe the copyright of other client’s designs.

What size mounting hardware do I need to surface fix SFA seats?
SFA furniture has 14dia mm mounting holes that accept masonry anchors of 12dia body / 10dia bolt.
The installation contractor usually takes responsibility for determining suitable anchors and anchor length appropriate for application and substrate.
Alternatively you may refer to the various masonry anchors such as Dynabolt, Hilti, Ramset etc.

Products – Bollards

What is the difference between a demountable and removable bollard?
“Demountable” leaves a demounting plate secured to the pavement which stands 60mm high. The bollard is secured with a pin and padlock. Please note that padlocks are supplied by the customer.
Padlocks are security rated 1-10 with 1-3 basic protection, and corrosion resistance rated 1-4 with 2 occasionally damp conditions and 3 all conditions other than extreme.
“Removable” uses a pavement socket which is concreted into the pavement and lies flush. The bollard rotates and locks into socket using a universal key supplied by SFA.

Can we specify any sub-surface depth for bollards?
Yes. Simply nominate the depth required. Extra costs may apply.

Do you have “Ram Raid” bollards?
No. However SFA can produce custom bollards to a specific sub-surface depth and strengthen the mounting using an additional surface plate.
Please note that this is not an approved Ram Raid bollard.

Products – Bins

Is the Hinge Bin available with a timber batten body?
No. Battens are available with the Simple Bin and Rim Bin only.

Can we have a polished raw aluminium, or clear anodised bin body?
Yes. However, SFA highly recommends powdercoating due to visible welding down the seams.

Which bin is best for outdoor locations?
All SFA bins besides the Rim Bin (ply) are suitable for outdoor purposes.

Do you have a wall mount or post mount bin?
The Rim Bin (80L version) has a discontinued wall-mount bracket, which can be brought out for an additional fee. Custom-built brackets are also possible.

Do you have a bin to fit into a square corner space?
SFA will soon be releasing a new square 80L litter bin. Wheeled bin enclosures can also be manufactured to your specific size.

Do you have a bird proof rubbish bin?
Yes. Monsoon Bin has been specifically designed to deter birds. Its elegant roof was also formed to shed rainwater.

Which is your most robust rubbish bin?
The SFA Hinge Bin and Monsoon Bin with cast body are extremely rugged and durable.

What does WBE stand for?
WBE stands for wheeled bin enclosures. Alternative terms include “wheelie bin enclosures” and “bin enclosures”.

Do you manufacture WBE in mild steel?
Yes, however only through special request. SFA highly recommends aluminium or stainless steel as mild steel is more prone to corrosion. Aluminium also provides superior durability and longevity.

Are there any other styles of WBE other than the ones in your catalogue?
Yes. SFA have manufactured many different designs to clients’ specifications. Additional fees and lead times apply.

Products – Other

Can I have a polished finish on the Café tables and stools?
Yes, however SFA recommends the polished finish for indoor use only. “Polished” is not a standard SFA finish, hence additional costs and lead times apply.

Is the SFA Bicycle Station only available in 5 bay?
No. They are available from 2 to 10 bay.

What size planters do you have?
SFA provides two standard planters – Round 750dia x 410(H) and Rectangular 1000(L) x 500(W) x 560(H). Alternatively a custom planter may be produced to your specific size and design for additional fees and lead times.