How to Read a Finish Schedule
Understanding room finish schedules, codes, and material specifications on architectural drawings
What is a Finish Schedule?
A finish schedule is a table that specifies the finish materials for floors, walls (base, wainscot, upper), and ceilings in each room. It's typically found on the interior elevation sheets (A5 series) or general notes within the architectural drawing set.
- • Room number and name
- • Floor finish code
- • Base finish code
- • Wall finish code (sometimes split: wainscot/upper)
- • Ceiling finish code and height
- • Remarks/special notes
Sample Finish Schedule
| Room # | Room Name | Floor | Base | Wall | Ceiling | Clg Ht |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | Lobby | F-1 | B-1 | W-2 | C-1 | 10'-0" |
| 102 | Office | F-2 | B-2 | W-1 | C-2 | 9'-0" |
| 103 | Restroom | F-3 | B-3 | W-3 | C-3 | 9'-0" |
| 104 | Storage | F-4 | B-2 | W-1 | C-4 | 8'-0" |
Finish Code Legend
The finish schedule uses codes that reference a legend (usually on the same sheet). These codes link to full material details in the project specifications. Here's a typical example:
- F-1: Polished Concrete
- F-2: Carpet Tile
- F-3: Ceramic Tile
- F-4: Sealed Concrete
- F-5: Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
- B-1: Stone Base, 6"
- B-2: Rubber Base, 4"
- B-3: Ceramic Tile Base, 6"
- B-4: Wood Base, 4"
- W-1: Paint, Level 4 Finish
- W-2: Paint, Level 5 Finish
- W-3: Ceramic Tile to 4'-0"
- W-4: FRP Panel
- C-1: 2x2 ACT, Armstrong
- C-2: 2x4 ACT
- C-3: GWB, Paint
- C-4: Exposed Structure
Common Finish Abbreviations
Tips for Reading Finish Schedules
- Cross-reference specs — Finish codes point to specification sections with full material details
- Check room tags — Floor plans show room tags with finish codes; they should match the schedule
- Watch for transitions — Where finishes change, look for transition strips or details
- Note wet areas — Bathrooms, kitchens often have waterproof finishes with tile to height
- Verify ceiling heights — Ceiling height affects HVAC, fire protection, and lighting coordination. Cross-check against the reflected ceiling plan
Common Finish Schedule Errors
Room numbers on plans don't match the schedule. Always verify against floor plans.
Codes used in schedule aren't defined in the legend. Submit an RFI for clarification.
Schedule ceiling height conflicts with reflected ceiling plan or sections.
Related Resources
Catch Finish Schedule Conflicts
Articulate cross-checks finish schedules against floor plans, specs, and interior elevations to catch inconsistencies before they become field issues.
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