Both fabrics are industry-standard for acoustic panels in commercial environments. The short answer: Burch Fabrics Prime Time is the Made-in-USA equivalent of Guilford of Maine FR701 (Guilford of Maine is a Canadian company). Both are Class A fire-rated, acoustically transparent, and durable in commercial use. We use Burch Fabrics Prime Time exclusively. Here is the side-by-side.
Specifications
Burch Prime Time
Guilford of Maine FR701
Country of manufacture
USA
Canada
Fiber content
100% post-consumer recycled polyester
100% post-consumer recycled polyester
Fire rating
Class A per ASTM E84
Class A per ASTM E84
Acoustic transparency
Yes
Yes
Color count (typical)
60+ stocked colors
60+ stocked colors
Width
66 inches typical
66 inches typical
Weight
Around 13 oz/yd
Around 13 oz/yd
Durability rating
Heavy-use commercial
Heavy-use commercial
Why we use Burch Prime Time
Made in the USA, keeps our supply chain domestic and shortens lead times
Identical performance characteristics to Guilford of Maine FR701
Color palette runs to 60+ stocked options that match standard FR701 colorways
Same Class A fire rating accepted on plan review
Often in stock when FR701 has color-specific lead times
What this means for your project
If your spec sheet calls for "Guilford of Maine FR701 or equal," Burch Prime Time meets that "or equal" requirement on every published metric. We supply the fabric data sheet and Class A documentation for plan review. If your spec rigidly specifies Guilford of Maine by brand name and your project owner refuses any equivalent, we can source Guilford of Maine separately on a project basis but lead times stretch.
Anchorage and other FR701 colorways
"Anchorage" is a popular Guilford of Maine FR701 color. Burch Prime Time has several near-identical colorway equivalents. Order a refundable fabric swatch sample and we will match the exact color you need.
Frequently asked questions
Is Burch Prime Time really equivalent to Guilford of Maine FR701?
Yes on every published spec - fiber content, fire rating, weight, weave, acoustic transparency, and durability rating. The two fabrics are designed to compete in the same market and meet the same commercial-finish performance bar.
Why do specs always say 'Guilford of Maine FR701'?
FR701 has been the dominant fabric in the commercial acoustic panel space for decades, so architects often name it specifically. Most specs include 'or equal' language that allows substitution. Burch Prime Time is the most common equivalent.
Can I order a swatch before committing?
Yes. Order a refundable fabric swatch sample. The sample cost is credited back when you place a panel order.
Do you ever use the Guilford of Maine fabric instead?
On rare projects where the spec rigidly requires Guilford of Maine and the owner will not accept an equivalent, we can source it separately. Lead times stretch by 2-3 weeks when we do.
What about other FR701 equivalent fabrics?
Burch Prime Time is the most widely accepted FR701 equivalent in our category. Other equivalents exist but are less common in commercial-finish spec packages.
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