Guide
Furniture Checklist for Opening a Restaurant in Kazakhstan: Timeline, Stages, Documents
Order furniture for a new restaurant 2–3 months before opening: made-to-order takes 30–45 days, stock ships from Almaty in 7–10 working days. A step-by-step checklist by zone, timeline and paperwork.
Start choosing furniture for a new restaurant in Kazakhstan 3–4 months before opening, and sign the contract for made-to-order pieces no later than 2–2.5 months ahead: production takes 30–45 days, plus delivery and assembly. SANDALUCI stock items ship from Almaty in 7–10 working days, and to other cities of Kazakhstan in 10–14 days. Bring furniture in only after finishing works are complete, and accept it against the specification in the contract.
When should furniture planning start?
Furniture arrives near the end of a fit-out, but the decision has to be made near the start. It drives the floor plan, the number of seats, socket and lighting positions and aisle widths. If furniture is chosen after the renovation, the sofa often does not fit the niche and the bar stools do not match the counter that has already been built. The right order: concept and layout with furniture placement — then finishing — then delivery.
Timeline counted back from opening day
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 4–5 months before | Concept, design project, floor plan with furniture layout and seat count |
| 3–4 months before | Choose models, view fabric and furniture samples in the showroom, draft specification, supplier quote (SANDALUCI prepares one within 24 hours from a floor plan) |
| 2–2.5 months before | Contract, final specification, start of made-to-order production — 30–45 days |
| 3–4 weeks before | Order stock items — 7–10 working days in Almaty, 10–14 days to other cities of Kazakhstan |
| 1–2 weeks before | Delivery, carrying in, assembly and placement after finishing and cleaning |
| 3–7 days before | Acceptance against the specification, trial seating, soft opening |
What furniture does a restaurant need: checklist by zone
| Zone | Furniture |
|---|---|
| Main dining room | Dining chairs or armchairs, tables for 2, 4 and 6, banquettes along the walls, spare chairs (5–10% of capacity), high chairs for children if the restaurant is family-oriented |
| Bar area | Bar stools matched to the counter height, high tables for standing guests, a soft lounge zone next to the bar if needed |
| VIP room or private rooms | Softer seating, armchairs, tables for banquet layouts |
| Terrace | Outdoor chairs and armchairs, parasol tables, outdoor-fabric cushions, winter storage space |
| Entrance and waiting area | Sofa or armchairs, coffee table, host stand |
| Banquet hall (if any) | Stackable chairs, folding or modular tables, covers and storage trolleys |
How to prepare a specification for the supplier?
The specification is the key project document: furniture is quoted, produced and accepted against it. For each item list the model or article number, dimensions, frame material and finish colour, upholstery (fabric, colour and, where needed, abrasion and fire data), quantity and the zone it goes to. Attach the layout — the supplier will check the aisles and suggest where to save space. SANDALUCI prepares a specification and quote from your floor plan within 24 hours; price on request.
What documents do you need when buying restaurant furniture?
The minimum package: a supply contract with the specification attached, fixing models, sizes, upholstery, quantities, production and delivery dates, payment terms and liability for delays; warranty terms (SANDALUCI gives a 1-year warranty); a delivery note or acceptance certificate signed on receipt; closing documents for accounting. If furniture is made to the designer’s drawings, attach the approved drawings and fabric samples to the contract — this protects both sides in any dispute about colour or size.
How to avoid delaying the opening because of furniture?
First, split items into stock and made-to-order and order the made-to-order ones first — they set the deadline. Second, approve fabric and colour samples before production starts: any change of upholstery after the start moves the date. Third, do not bring furniture into a room where sanding, painting or floor laying is still going on — dust and paint ruin upholstery. Fourth, check corridors, lifts and doors in advance: a 2.5 m sofa may not fit through a narrow corridor. Fifth, leave 1–2 weeks between delivery and opening for assembly, placement and trial seating.
How to accept furniture on delivery?
Check item by item against the specification: model, quantity, frame colour, upholstery, dimensions. Inspect every piece for chips, scratches, glue marks and uneven seams; make sure chairs and tables do not rock on a level floor. Compare the upholstery with the approved sample in daylight. Record every remark in the acceptance certificate before signing — that makes warranty issues easier to resolve. Keep the specification and article numbers so you can reorder the same model in the same upholstery a year later.
How does SANDALUCI support a restaurant opening?
SANDALUCI has worked since 2011 and completed more than 1,000 projects across Kazakhstan. We help at every stage: furniture layout from your plan, samples in our showrooms in Almaty (193g Zhangeldin St) and Shymkent (21 Beket Batyr St), specification, contract and closing documents, delivery throughout Kazakhstan. We run our own production — factories in Istanbul and Almaty — so custom sizes and upholstery to the designer’s drawings are possible. Restaurant projects: sandaluci.com/en/projects; full catalogue: sandaluci.com/en/products.
FAQ: furniture for a restaurant opening
How far ahead should I order restaurant furniture?
Made-to-order no later than 2–2.5 months before opening, as production takes 30–45 days. Stock items 3–4 weeks ahead — they ship from Almaty in 7–10 working days.
How long is delivery to other cities in Kazakhstan?
From the Almaty warehouse to other cities of Kazakhstan — 10–14 days. SANDALUCI delivers throughout Kazakhstan.
What documents will I receive?
A contract with specification, 1-year warranty terms, a delivery note or acceptance certificate and closing documents.
Can a restaurant open in stages?
Yes: the main hall first from stock items, then the terrace or banquet hall with made-to-order furniture. Stages are fixed in the contract.
What if the furniture does not match the sample?
Record the difference in the acceptance certificate before signing. That is why approved fabric samples and drawings should be attached to the contract.
How much does restaurant furniture cost?
It depends on models, upholstery, quantity and lead time. Send your floor plan — we prepare a quote within 24 hours; price on request.
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