How do I assemble my Way Basics furniture?

Peel, stick, done! It's incredibly easy to assemble and requires no tools at all. Our zBoards attach to each other with industrial-strength double-sided adhesive strip from 3M. Just peel, stick, and you're done. For maximum performance and longer furniture lifespan, we recommend letting all Way Basics pieces set for 24 hours before use. When you order your furniture, we send along some pretty thorough assembly tips to guide you through the steps. You can also download the appropriate assembly guide, or simply watch the video below to get started.

Basic Series Assembly Guide
Possibility Series Assembly Guide
Way Basics Divider Boards
Way Basics Table Assembly

Back to Top

 

What do I do with the backer board that came with my Way Basics furniture?

When you're done assembling your Way Basics furniture piece, place the backer board at the rear of your furniture. This sturdy paper board is the essential framing piece that holds it all together. It's designed to adhere neatly, stabilize your furniture and create a finished look.
Back to Top

 

Can I use my Way Basics furniture on it's side?

To ensure a great experience with Way Basics products, use only in the orientation displayed on that product's page.  Using the product on it's back or side compromises it's strength and may cause product failure.  You'll know you're using it correctly when only one zBoard is touching the floor.

Back to Top

 

zBoards: What is a zBoard?

Glad you asked – we're proud to say that zBoards are made from 99% post-consumer waste paper. Our Kraft Series are made from 100% post consumer paper. That means recycled paper that's already been used, so we're not chopping down any more trees to create zBoards. Also, we're saving the enormous amounts of water that are used to make virgin paper. Our purpose is to eliminate as much environmental impact as possible by offering an avenue for sustainable living. Many moons from now when your Way Basics furniture has reached the end of its life, you can simply recycle it in your recycling bin.

zBoards are created through a patented, proprietary process that's revolutionized paperboard manufacturing. Developing this process took more than 10 years, and it combines techniques of plywood craftsmanship, paperboard composition, and furniture manufacturing. It leads to extremely sturdy yet lightweight boards that hold up to plenty of use.
Back to Top

 

Made from paper...is it strong? How much weight can zBoards hold?

It's very strong indeed! zBoards are constructed through our patented process and are made from multiple, overlapping layers of paperboard and corrugated paper that combine to withstand tremendous pressure. We like to describe the zBoard as carbon fiber of paper. For instance, our founder weighs 195 pounds and when he stands on our Cube it can easily bear his weight.

zBoards are just as strong as common particle board constructed furniture. Our furniture is designed for use in common storage, home, and work purposes. The following are recommended maximum loads per shelf.

Product	Recommended Max Load per Shelf
Cube	50 lbs
Cube Plus	50 lbs
Cube Plus2	50 lbs
Cube Plus3	50 lbs
Rectangle Plus2	20 lbs
Rectangle Plus3	20 lbs
Tribeca	20 lbs

Back to Top

 

Is the Way Basics packaging recycled too?

Yes, even our packaging is recycled. We use materials made from 90% post-consumer waste. Since packaging is just to safely transport and protect your furniture, we'd rather keep it basic, recycled, and completely recyclable to ease the load on our environment. Please reuse or recycle your packaging when you're done with it, too. Thanks!
Back to Top

 

My zBoard(s) have minor residue/blemishes, is this normal?

This is completely normal, and is caused by friction from packaging materials we use to keep your product safe during shipping. To get your zBoards zesty clean just wipe off with a slightly damp cloth and voila, problem solved! 
Back to Top

 

What is the difference between a Storage Cube, Storage Cube Plus and Super Cube?

The difference between the Cube and Cube Plus is the height of the product, all other dimensions are equal. The Cube is 12.6” tall and the Cube Plus is 15.5” tall. If you intend to store taller items such as large books or textbooks we recommend using the Cube Plus. The Super Cube is a larger size cube that is in between the height of the Cube and Cube Plus and the widest among the three. The Super Cube is a great option for storing Vinyl Records or anything needing more storage. Below is a chart comparing the three sizes.

Back to Top

 

Where is Way Basics furniture manufactured?

Way Basics furniture is made on the beautiful island of Taiwan. Taiwan inherited advanced paper engineering and manufacturing processes enabling 74% of total paper production to come from recycled paper. Taiwan is also very eco conscious recycling 60% of paper used, compared to 50% here in the United States. The Way Basics zBoard is non-toxic and contains no VOC or formaldehyde so it's safe for your home and our environment!
Back to Top

 

How should I attach my modular Way Basics products to each other?

We recommend you use one of the following methods, based on your needs, to secure your modular creation in place. This tape/hardware is not included, but is readily available at your local hardware store.

Back to Top

 

How can I secure my Way Basics product from tipping if I am concerned about children's safety?

We recommend you secure as shown below, with L-brackets and screws into studs in your wall.  This hardware is not included, but is readily available at your local hardware store.

 
Back to Top

 

How strong is the double-sided adhesive tape?

Very, very strong. We use only 3M industrial-strength heavy-duty adhesive tape on our products. To take full advantage of all that sticking power and get optimum adhesion, make sure your bonding adhesive surfaces are clean, dry, and properly joined. It works best if you put together your furniture in a room that's between 70° F to 100° F (21° C to 38° C). This super-tape's bonds get stronger during the first 24 hours, so we recommend that you let your furniture sit in place for the first day. Still have doubts? Check out the zBoard Tape Strength video here.
Back to Top

 

Can I display my Way Basics furniture on the wall?

Yes, of course you are able to display your Way Basics products on the wall with the support of L brackets or other support hardware beneath your furniture. Make sure to support your Way Basics furniture from the bottom, as these products draw their strength from their vertical construction. The zBoard can be used like other wood products by drilling on its main surfaces, but drilling on the edges is not recommended. Hey, I just came up with a new design idea!

Back to Top

 

Are zBoards water-resistant?

Yes, the exterior layers of the board are treated with a water resistant material just like other finished wood veneers. If water gets on the zBoard surface, it will dry (though of course it's best if you wipe it up like all spills). You'll want to keep water away from the furniture's edges and corners where it's a little more vulnerable to moisture. Again, we hate to sound like your mom, but if water spills, just wipe it up!
Back to Top

 

How should I care for my Way Basics furniture?

Just wipe it clean with a damp cloth, using plain water or slightly soapy water. Use a coaster under hot mugs or dishes as you would on wood furniture. Sharp or pointed objects can scratch the paper veneer, so you should take special care with those.
Back to Top

 

Can I recycle Way Basics furniture when I'm done with it?

Absolutely. All our products are made from paper, so at the end of its useful life you can just recycle it in your curbside bin. Then your furniture might even find its way back to Way Basics to begin another life as a new zBoard or two!
Back to Top

 

Does Way Basics furniture off-gas?

No, Way Basics furniture does not "off-gas". Off-gasing occurs in the manufacturing process of particle poard and MDF in which various types of formaldehyde are used. There is no formaldehyde in our products. Have no fear, our products don't pass gas!
Back to Top

 

What kind of glue do you use in manufacturing zBoards?

We use a water based glue that is completely environmentally friendly, and recyclable too!
Back to Top

 

What are the differences among zBoards, particleboard, plywood, solid wood, or MDF?

zBoards are made almost entirely (99%) from post-consumer recycled paper, and do not consume additional natural resources like trees and the enormous amounts of water needed to make virgin paper. While very strong, paper zBoards are made from the lightest form of wood byproduct.

Particleboard is made from wood particles (like wood chips, sawmill shavings, or sawdust), which is bound together with synthetic resin or other materials, then pressed and extruded. It is fairly heavy.

Plywood is engineered from thin sheets of wood veneer in layers that are glued together. It's fairly heavy and expensive. It also means that trees must be chopped down to harvest the wood.

Solid wood is made directly from lumber, which means chopping down thousands of trees which adds to the continuing deforestation of large areas of our planet. Solid wood furniture is heavy and generally very expensive.

MDF stands for medium density fiberboard, a variety of particleboard. It's made by breaking down softwood into small wood fibers and particles that are then bound together with wax and resin. The panels are formed by applying high temperature and pressure. This manufacturing process uses lots of energy resources and puts contaminants into the environment.
Back to Top

 

How will my order be shipped?

Our standard shipping method is with UPS Ground, the most efficient and economical way. As an added bonus, we cover 45% to 75% of your total shipping to pass maximum savings to you. Way Cool!
Back to Top

 

When will my order be processed?

Orders arriving Monday - Friday before 11:00 AM (EST) will be processed and shipped on the same business day. As an example, if your order was placed on Friday at 11:25 AM (EST), your order would be processed and shipped on the following Monday. It is our highest priority to process and ship your order as quickly as possible; however certain items may take an extra day to ship depending on our vendor’s backlog.
Back to Top

 

When will I receive my order?

Refer to the map below for the average business days it takes FedEx Ground to ship to your address. Please note that the transit day count begins on the day after your package is picked up by FedEx. As an example, a package picked up on Monday with a 4 day transit would deliver on Friday. Furthermore if this same package was picked up on a Tuesday, it would deliver on the following Monday (FedEx does not deliver on weekends). This same logic can be applied to shipments going 2Day or Overnight.

Please consider that although we will do everything to process & ship your order as soon as possible, processing and shipping time may vary. If you need for your order to arrive by a specific date, or you just want to clarify a shipping question, we’re here for you! talktous [at] waybasics.com

Back to Top

 

How are backorders handled?

We know backorders are no fun, that’s why we make sure to ship out all available items right away so you have something to enjoy while you wait! We also only bill you for the portion of your order that shipped. For example if you ordered an Orange Cube and a Blue Cube that is on backorder, we would ship the Orange Cube right away and charge you just for that item. You would only be charged for shipping once, so when that Blue Cube ships you are charged the balance of your order, nothing extra! Phew, maybe backorders aren’t so bad after all?
Back to Top

 

What is the status of my order?

If you are a registered Way Basics customer, login here to get details on your order. If you are not a registered Way Basics customer, please email talktous at waybasics dot com and we’ll be happy to share the details of your order with you.
Back to Top

 

Do you ship to APO/FPO addresses?

Yes we can ship to APO/FPO addresses!
Back to Top

 

What is the best way to buy internationally?

To get a better rate on your international shipping, see our products on amazon.com.
Back to Top

 

How are returns or damages handled?

Please visit our customer care returns page for details and next steps: www.waybasics.com/returns

Rest assured, we are here to help and guarantee a 5 star positive experience with us. 

Back to Top

 

What is the zBoard Storage Product Warranty?

Way Basics warrants that the products will, for a period of one year from the date of shipment of such products to you, be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and conditions. We agree to repair or replace without charge for labor or materials, all defective products which are returned for inspection to the above center within the applicable warranty period, and with the original receipt, provided that the inspection discloses that the product has (i) not been altered or repaired other than by Way Basics personnel, (ii) not been subject to misuse, improper maintenance, negligence, improper handling, inadequate packaging or accident, or (iii) not been subject to misapplication of the product instructions for assembly, use or care, which is included in the delivered package. Those replaced or repaired parts supplied by Way Basics under warranty are excluded from this warranty, and the product, including any replaced and/or repaired parts, will be covered for the unexpired portion of the original warranty. All defective items or parts that we replace shall become the property of Way Basics.
Back to Top

 

What are your terms and conditions?

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The terms accompanying all orders shall become a binding contract. The terms and conditions stated herein may not be altered or amended in any manner, and upon your submission of this order, you accept and agree to abide by the terms and conditions contained herein.

Delivery; Inspection

Shipments are scheduled after acceptance of a valid order. Following delivery of the ordered product, you should examine whether any products are non-compliant, in short supply or damaged. Within three days from the date of delivery, you shall notify us, in writing, of any claimed shortages, or any damaged, non-compliant, or defective products. As soon as commercially practicable following receipt of such written notice of deficiency, we will investigate the claim and inform you of our findings, and, at our sole discretion, either replace or repair the products. Any products that are not subject to a written notice of deficiency or not otherwise rejected in writing shall be deemed accepted.

Limited Warranty

We disclaim all other representations and warranties, expressed or implied (except those expressly set forth hereunder) as to the product, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Except as expressly provided herein, in no event shall Way Basics and/or any of its business affiliates, including its officers, directors, agents, suppliers, distributors or any other representatives, be liable for any direct and/or indirect damages, or any other relief arising out of the use or inability to use any delivered products, including, but not limited to, lost profits, lost business, or lost opportunity, or any indirect, consequential, incidental, exemplary or special damages, even if we have been informed of such possibility, and you expressly agree that our liability, and your exclusive remedy are expressly limited to the repair or replacement of materials pursuant to the warranty set forth herein and such liability shall in no event exceed the purchase price for such product. In no event shall you be entitled to deduct all or any part of the damages resulting from any breach of the terms herein, including the cost of repair or replacement, from the purchase price. The stated warranty is a “repair or replace” warranty and does not cover the costs incurred for assembly, disassembly, or reassembly of the product and/or any damage to your home, office or other location where the products were placed, used or installed.

Governing Law

The terms of this transaction shall be governed, construed, and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California. Any and all actions or proceedings relating to this transaction shall be submitted to binding arbitration in Orange County, California before JAMS/Endispute in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules then promulgated by JAMS.
Back to Top

Any questions we didn't answer or have more questions?
Fill out our online form here.