Yes, you can install your own cubicles. However, we recommend only attempting this with certain brands or makes. Brands that are easy to install include: Herman Miller AO2, Friant, Open Plan, Haworth Premise, Knoll Morrison, Steelcase 9000, and Haworth UniGroup. Difficult brands include: Herman Miller Ethospace, Herman Miller Canvas, Knoll Reff, Knoll Autostrada etc. Essentially most systems that are tiled or segmented are more difficult to install. Granted, you can install any of these yourself, you just need to be prepared, patient and have a manual handy. Herman Miller AO2 is by far the easiest, one person with a drill can typically install one cubicle in about an hour. The larger the cubicle, the longer it takes to install.
Frequently Asked Questions
Union labor will affect the price of your cubicle installation. In most cases the price is double and it will likely take longer to complete. Main cities to watch for union labor include Chicago, NY, CA and parts of NJ. Not all buildings or properties will require union labor to install cubicles. It's always best to ask your property manager or real estate broker to check if your building requires union labor before leasing a space.
Virtually all cubicles come with powered and non powered panels. Powered panels are usually found on the spine of a cubicle pod. Powered panels contain the "raceway" harness that includes the power for that particular panel. There are "jumpers" or power festoons that connect one powered panel to the next like a daisy chain. At the end of each cubicle pod or run you will need either a base feed or a power pole. Basefeeds run power to a wall or to the ground, power poles run power to the ceiling. The guts of a base feed and a power pole are the same and they typically hook into the cubicles the same. Most basefeeds hook into a receptacle port inside the cubicle or on the end of the raceway inside a powered panel. To wire the base feeds or power pole you will need an electrician. Almost all cubicle power is a variation of 8 wire / 4 circuit - 20 amps - 220v.
Our staff uses AutoCAD and Giza to make sure the furniture fits. This furniture space planning and furniture design service is usually free. Very comprehensive designs or multiple revisions may require a small fee. AutoCAD file not available, most .pdf and hand drawings can be entered into AutoCAD to insure isles are the correct width and fire code standards are met.
Matching cubicles can be complex, especially if your cubicle system has been discontinued or is not widely sold. To match your cubicles you first have to know the make and model. This can be found under a top cap, under a file or under a work surface. To find the actual panel fabric and trim color you will usually need to look under the top cap of a panel. Trying to find used cubicles that perfectly match your existing cubicles can be difficult. It's usually best to find some lower grade cubicles and have them remanufactured with new fabric or paint. Keep in mind, remanufacturing cubicles can be expensive, and in some cases, cost as much as buying brand new cubicles. Most of our clients decide to replace all their cubicles at once so they can match. This is why it's always a good idea, especially when buying used cubicles, to buy more than you need. We actually offer a wholesale price to clients that buy more cubicles than they need for this reason.
You can make your own arrangements if you prefer to use a particular freight company. Not comfortable arranging shipping? Not to worry, we leverage the shipping/freight services of 3 qualified freight companies so that your rate is competitive. Providing a good freight rate is a MUST. We don’t want a high freight rate to influence your used cubicle buying decision.
Cubicle installation costs vary based on the size, make or model and the components inside each cubicle (files, overhead storage etc). Base model cubicles such as Herman Miller AO2 can be installed between $160- $200 each. More complex cubicles such as Herman Miller Ethospace or Knoll Reff will cost between $250 - $350 each depending on where you're located. You also have to consider things that would add time to the installation such as not having a dock, no elevator, after hours delivery, stair carries and union labor.
Manager cubicles can range greatly in size based on the type of office and the configuration of the cubicles in the space. Example: In callcenter or telemarketing applications, where the majority of the cubicles are 4X2, the manager station would be found on the end of a cubicle pod and be a 5X2. It would also usually include an extra file or shelf. In an office where the majority of the cubicles are 6X6, the manager station would usually be a 6X8 and have taller walls or a sitting area for small meetings. In offices with larger cubicles like an 8X6, manager cubicles can be 8X8, 8X10 or even an 8X12.
In the early 80's and 90's 8X8 cubicles and 8X6 cubicles were more popular. However, with inventions such as compact printers, laptops and email 6X6 cubicles have been the most popular since the year 2000.
Cubicle parts can be extremely difficult to find, unfortunately. There are hundreds of parts and pieces for each cubicle and each cubicle brand manufacturers their own parts, universal parts are few and far between. The best way to find parts for your cubicles is to figure out the make and model (which can usually be found under a file, top cap or work surface) and contact the manufacturer directly or find an office furniture dealer who sells your particular brand. Caution: most dealers aren't keen on selling a few parts because the profit margin is extremely low. You will have to be persistent.
