What CORT Office Furnishings Is

CORT Office Furnishings is a furniture rental company that leases desks, chairs, tables, storage units, and other office equipment to businesses on a short-term or long-term basis. You rent the furniture rather than buy it, and CORT handles delivery, setup, and removal when your lease ends. The company operates across the United States through regional offices and a network of warehouses.

CORT differs from buying office furniture because you pay a monthly rental fee instead of a large upfront purchase. The company maintains the furniture during your lease — if something breaks or wears out, CORT repairs or replaces it at no extra cost. When you no longer need the furniture, you contact CORT and they pick it up; you do not have to sell it, donate it, or arrange disposal yourself.

The service is designed for companies that move frequently, need temporary workspace, are testing a new office layout before committing to purchases, or want to avoid the capital expense of buying furniture outright. Startups, growing companies, companies in transition, and those setting up temporary project spaces are common users.

Key Takeaways

  • CORT rents office furniture on monthly leases, with delivery and pickup included, so you avoid buying and storing furniture you may not need long-term.
  • Monthly rental costs vary by furniture type, location, and lease length, and CORT typically requires a signed lease agreement and business information before delivery.
  • You can rent individual pieces or entire office setups, and CORT handles maintenance and repairs during the lease at no additional charge.
  • Lease terms range from a few months to several years, and you can usually end the lease early by paying an early termination fee that CORT discloses upfront.

How Monthly Rental Costs Work

CORT charges a monthly rental fee for each piece of furniture. The cost depends on the type of furniture, its condition and style, your location, and how long you commit to the lease. A basic office chair might cost less per month than an executive desk, and rental rates in major metropolitan areas may differ from those in smaller cities.

CORT does not publish a single price list online because rates are customized to your order and location. To learn the actual monthly cost for your furniture needs, you contact CORT directly — either through their website, by phone, or by visiting a local showroom — and provide details about what you need and where it will be delivered. CORT then provides a quote showing the monthly rental amount and the total cost over your lease term.

Delivery and setup are included in the rental price; CORT does not charge separately for bringing furniture to your office and assembling it. If you end your lease early, you typically pay an early termination fee, which CORT states in your lease agreement before you sign.

What Furniture and Equipment CORT Offers

CORT's inventory includes office chairs (task chairs, executive chairs, conference room seating), desks (individual workstations, executive desks, standing desks), tables (conference tables, meeting tables, breakroom tables), storage (filing cabinets, shelving, bookcases), and accessories like monitor stands and desk lamps. They also rent cubicle systems, reception furniture, and lounge seating for waiting areas.

The furniture ranges in style from basic and functional to modern and high-end, so you can match your office aesthetic and budget. CORT's inventory varies by location, so not every piece is available everywhere. When you request a quote, CORT shows you what is available in your area and can suggest alternatives if your first choice is not in stock.

You can rent a single chair for one workstation or furnish an entire office floor. CORT can work with you to design a complete office layout, or you can select individual pieces. Many companies use CORT for permanent office furniture, while others rent for a few months during a move or renovation.

The Lease Process and What You Need

To rent from CORT, you contact the company and describe your furniture needs and delivery location. CORT provides a quote with the monthly rental cost and lease term options. Once you agree to the terms, you sign a lease agreement that states the monthly payment, lease length, delivery date, and early termination fees.

CORT typically requires basic business information — your company name, address, phone number, and sometimes a credit check or business reference. Small businesses and startups may be asked to provide additional financial information or a personal may provide. The lease agreement is a binding contract, so read the terms carefully before signing, especially the section on early termination fees and what happens if furniture is damaged beyond normal wear.

After you sign, CORT schedules delivery and setup at a time that works for your office. Delivery usually happens within one to two weeks, depending on your location and CORT's current workload. On delivery day, CORT's team brings the furniture to your office, assembles it, and removes packaging. You inspect the furniture to confirm it matches your order and is in good condition.

Maintenance, Repairs, and Damage During Your Lease

CORT maintains all rented furniture during your lease. If a chair wheel breaks, a desk surface gets damaged, or a filing cabinet hinge fails, you contact CORT and they repair or replace the item at no cost. Normal wear and tear — minor scratches, fading, or small dents — is expected and covered. You do not pay extra for maintenance.

If furniture is damaged beyond normal wear — for example, a large gouge in a desktop, a broken leg on a chair, or stains that will not clean — CORT may charge a damage fee. The lease agreement defines what counts as normal wear versus damage, so review that section before signing. If you are unsure whether something qualifies as damage, contact CORT and ask; they can tell you whether a repair fee applies.

You are responsible for keeping the furniture reasonably clean and not using it in ways it was not designed for. Placing a desk in direct sunlight for years or using an office chair as a ladder will likely result in damage charges. CORT's lease agreement outlines these expectations.

Ending Your Lease and Pickup

When your lease term ends, you contact CORT to schedule a pickup date. CORT's team comes to your office, removes the furniture, and hauls it away. You do not have to arrange a moving company or figure out where to store or donate the furniture. Pickup is included in your rental agreement.

If you want to end your lease before the agreed term is over, you can usually do so by paying an early termination fee. The fee amount depends on how much of the lease remains and is stated in your lease agreement. For example, if you signed a two-year lease but want to end it after six months, you would owe a termination fee for the remaining 18 months — though CORT may negotiate or reduce this fee in some cases.

Some leases include a renewal option, meaning you can extend the lease for another term at the end without signing a new agreement. If you want to keep the furniture beyond your lease term, you can renew, or you can return it and end the relationship with CORT.

CORT Versus Buying Office Furniture

Renting from CORT makes sense when you need furniture temporarily, want to avoid a large upfront purchase, expect your office to change, or want maintenance included. Buying makes sense when you plan to stay in one location for many years, want to own an asset, or have a large budget upfront and want to avoid monthly payments.

The financial trade-off depends on how long you keep the furniture. If you rent a desk for 12 months at $100 per month, you pay $1,200 total. If you buy the same desk for $800, buying is cheaper over one year. But if you rent for five years, you pay $6,000 — more than buying. However, renting includes delivery, setup, maintenance, and removal, which add to the true cost of buying. Renting also frees up cash flow because you pay monthly instead of upfront.

Companies that move offices, grow quickly, or test different layouts often find renting more practical than buying, even if the per-month cost is higher. Companies in stable locations with long-term plans usually buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent just a few pieces of furniture, or do I have to rent a whole office setup?

You can rent individual pieces. CORT will rent you a single chair, one desk, or a few tables if that is all you need. There is no minimum order. However, CORT may have a minimum delivery fee for very small orders, so ask about that when you request a quote.

What happens if I move to a different office during my lease?

Contact CORT and let them know your new address. CORT can relocate the furniture to your new office for a moving fee, or you can end the lease at your old location and start a new lease at your new location. The lease agreement should address relocation, so review that section or ask CORT directly.

Can I buy the furniture I am renting from CORT?

Some CORT locations offer a purchase option, but not all do. Ask CORT whether you can buy the furniture at the end of your lease or at any point during it. If a purchase option exists, CORT will tell you the buyout price, which is typically less than the original retail price but more than the rental payments you have already made.

How long does it take to get furniture delivered after I sign a lease?

Delivery typically happens within one to two weeks, depending on your location and CORT's current workload. When you sign the lease, CORT will give you an estimated delivery date. You can request a specific date or time window, and CORT will do its best to accommodate you.

What if furniture arrives damaged or does not match my order?

Inspect the furniture when it arrives and note any damage or discrepancies on the delivery paperwork before the CORT team leaves. If something is wrong, contact CORT when ready with photos and your delivery paperwork. CORT will replace or repair the item. Do not sign off on the delivery if you see a problem.