Author: Joe Aiello

Buying Cubicles as a New Hampshire or Massachusetts Business: Costs and Considerations

Office cubicles have become a staple for modern office layouts, especially in the Greater Boston area with our high density of office space. Cubicle systems offer a non-permanent way to create individual workspaces from large, open parts of office buildings. Their modular and customizable design allows companies to efficiently divide open spaces into dedicated employee workstations without needing to build walls or have to mess with lighting and HVAC systems.

This guide delves into the factors that influence the costs of purchasing and installing office cubicles, providing a comprehensive overview of what to consider when budgeting for this cornerstone office furniture, with a specific focus on the New Hampshire and Massachusetts markets.

What are Office Cubicles?

Office cubicles are modular workstation systems designed to provide semi-private spaces within a larger open office environment. They typically consist of divider panels that section off work areas, along with integrated components such as desks, shelves, filing cabinets, ethernet, data, and lighting tailored to individual needs.

Compared to private offices, cubicles are more affordable and space-efficient, allowing for better use of available office space while maintaining some level of privacy and promoting collaboration. For companies that lease, landlords usually have a clause that can require tenants to put the office space back in it’s original condition before leaving (common in commercial real estate for New Hampshire and Massachusetts areas). This means if a tenant puts up drywall to create rooms, the landlord has the right to have them demo the walls at the end of the lease. This usually means carpet, lighting, HVAC, and ceiling grid will need to be put back to it’s original condition as well. For this reason alone, cubicles have become a cost-effective cornerstone in modern workplace design in New England.

Factors Influencing Cubicle Costs: Size and Configuration

One of the primary factors affecting the cost of cubicles is the size and layout of the workstations:

• Cubicle Sizing: Cubicles can range from 5’ x 5’ to 8’ x 8’ in size, with 6’ x 6’ cubicles being the most common for an employee workspace. Cities like Lawrence, Haverhill, and Manchester usually have smaller office spaces to rent, so to maximize the use of the space, we usually recommend standardizing on 6’ x 6’ cubicles.
• Cubicle Layout: A workstation layout that is configured as a 6-pack would cost less than 6 spread out cubicles because of how many panels are shared. Layouts that require more panels will always cost more than layouts that share panels as sides. Taller panels also generally cost more than shorter panels since there is more material.
• Accessories: Companies can also select add-ons such as frost glass stackers on top of the panels, PET stackers for sound attenuation, tackboards, glass markerboards, monitor arms, and extra storage depending on employee needs.

Construction Materials and Features

Materials and add-ons for office cubicles significantly impact their price:

• Divider Panels: Laminate divider panels are the most budget-friendly and are the easiest to clean. Fabric panels are more common however because the fabric helps to absorb sound, which results in less echo and overall noise levels in the workspace. Tile and Frame systems can allow for a great compromise between both of these panel types by lowering costs without compromising acoustics. Artopex’s Axel line will allow for adjustments to be made so that the bottom 1/3 of the panels are laminate (preventing dirt stains as they get kicked) and have the top 2/3 be fabric to help mitigate sound levels.
• Work Surfaces: Laminate work surfaces are the most common type of surface in cubicles due to their resistance to scratching, chipping, and cracking. Veneer surfaces are more expensive and less resistant, making them less suitable for a workstation. Lastly, Fenix can be used as a matte, fingerprint-resistant surface with very high durability due to its self healing properties. Thanks to nanotechnology, scratches on Fenix surfaces can be ironed out like a T-shirt.
• Storage: Cubicles can be configured with single or double peds (3-drawer file under the desk), overhead bins, combo files, lateral files, mini-wardrobe units for coats, and shelves for books or pictures depending on the size of the workstation
• Ergonomic Furniture: Office furniture like adjustable height desks, monitor arms, ergonomic task chairs, and keyboard trays should also be considered. These add-ons will improve productivity, reduce the occurrence of repetitive stress injuries, and reduce Worker’s Comp claims.

New vs. Used Cubicles

• New Cubicles: The benefit of new cubicles is that they will be designed and customized to fit the exact needs of your space, will come with a warranty in case anything fails prematurely, and help create a fresh atmosphere to enjoy. New cubicles for the Greater Boston market will cost the most, starting around $2,500-$3,500 per station (from a reputable mid-market manufacturer like Artopex), but offer the best solution for maximizing a space and delivering power and data to each employee individually throughout the room. As covered in the beginning of the article, this will still always be substantially less than drywall.
• Used Cubicles: On the other hand, for the company looking to reduce costs, used cubicles can offer substantial savings. The only problem is finding the exact sized panels that can be configured to fit the room. For example, some 6’x6’ systems are designed with 4’ and 2’ panels, where others are made with only 3’ panels. This difference doesn’t seem like a big deal, however it can start causing issues when a company wants to reconfigure some of the panels down the line. It’s common to run out of the right panels, jumper cables, and trim when trying to redesign the office layout, and because the panels are used, parts could be hard to come by or even discontinued. Used cubicles in the New Hampshire and Massachusetts markets will typically cost around $1,000-$2,000 per station before install costs.

Cubicle Manufacturers

The choice of brand can also influence cubicle costs:

• Higher End Manufacturers: Brands like Herman Miller, Steelcase, and Haworth command a premium for their cubicles due to a selection of higher grade materials. Some of these systems can also take longer to build than others, leading to increased install fees than typical cubicle systems. Steelcase’s frame and tile panels are notorious for this.
• Mid-Market Brands: Mid-market manufacturers like Artopex, AIS, and Global offer a better balance of design, quality, and price which is why they compete so well against the majors. They’re also fairly local to the NH and MA markets meaning faster lead times on product. Without being in the office furniture industry, it can be hard to tell the difference between systems furniture from Artopex vs Haworth. The price gap however can be substantial, often costing 20%-30% less than the biggest brand names despite an identical look and function.
• Budget Manufacturers: Generally speaking, it is not recommended to purchase cubicles new from budget manufacturers. Options for design elements and add-ons start to become more restricted here and will cost about the same as buying used cubicles.

Budgeting for Cubicles

When budgeting for cubicles, consider additional costs beyond the initial purchase:

• Space Planning and Layout: This will typically cost $1,000-$10,000+ from interior designers and office furniture dealers, but COI always includes this service in the
• Delivery and Installation: Expect to spend $200-$500 per cubicle.
• Electrical Work: Budget around $5,000+ for an entire office.
• Miscellaneous Supplies: Ethernet cables, etc., costing $50-$100 per cubicle.

Purchasing Process

• Select the Right Vendor: Research various dealers, liquidators, and refurbishers. Get multiple bids.
• Get Multiple Quotes: Compare quotes from different vendors.
• Negotiate: Aim for at least a 10% discount or additional upgrades.
• Handle Logistics: Plan delivery, installation, and other logistics meticulously.
• Plan for Future Upgrades: Ensure cubicles allow for reconfiguration and budget for periodic upgrades.

Conclusion

Office cubicles are the optimal way to maximize an office layout with budget constraints. By understanding the economics of cubicles, organizations in New Hampshire and Massachusetts will enjoy the productivity of giving employees private work areas without needing to spend excess funds on implementing permanent walls according to building codes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is the cost of a single cubicle?

The cost ranges from around $1,000 per station for an entry-level used cubicle to over $4,500 for new cubicles from name brand manufacturers. Mid market manufacturers like Artopex sit comfortably in the $2,000-$3,000 price range per station. This price range is specific to the New Hampshire and Massachusetts markets and may vary in other parts of the country.

Is it better to have a private office or a cubicle?

Cubicles allow for some privacy and collaboration, while private offices are better for executives and managers handling confidential matters. This can also depend on if the company owns the office building or is leasing the space. If they are leasing, it sometimes doesn’t make sense to do a full interior renovation because landlords can require tenants to put spaces back to their original condition.

What are the disadvantages of office cubicles?

Cubicles will allow companies to fit more employees in the same space, which could result in an increase in noise and distractions. Proper workstation layout, implementation of acoustical products such as PET panels, and a hybrid work schedule can all help minimize these drawbacks.

How can I maximize the lifespan of office cubicles?

To maximize the lifespan of office cubicles, implement regular cleaning and maintenance schedules. Replacing worn panels and surfaces every 4-5 years, updating components like desk surfaces and task chairs, and ensuring proper use by employees will help extend the life of your systems furniture.

What are the environmental benefits of choosing used cubicles?

Choosing used cubicles helps reduce landfill waste by giving office furniture a second life. It also reduces manufacturing demand, minimizing the need to harvest raw materials and increase energy consumption in the process of producing new cubicles. This sustainable choice can save money while supporting environmentally responsible business practices.