Cubicles are essential components of many businesses. Whether they’re simple 4’x3’ areas for telemarketers or larger and elaborate structures, they help organize offices and focus workers.
The price for a cubicle depends on whether it is new or used, how large it is, and what features it includes. Expect to pay between $300 and $10,000 for a used cubicle and between $1,000 and $4,000 for a new cubicle.
Of course, there are high-end cubicles that cost outside this range. Also, cubicles are often sold together in units that can contain more than one user. These units cost anywhere from $4,000 to $20,000.
What is a Cubicle?
Cubicles help divide workers in a large room. These structures are less expensive than individual offices, and they allow a lot of workers to fit into an open space.
They provide workers with privacy, which allows them to focus on tasks like answering phones and sending emails. Some cubicles have high walls, which help limit outside noise.
Cubicles are made up of many different components such as wall panels, desk surfaces, and storage components such as shelving and filing cabinets. These components can be mixed and matched to form a cubicle setup that fits a business and its employees’ needs.
Types of Cubicles
There are lots of cubicles available for purchase (Source). Two commons types are call center and L-shaped.
Call Center Cubicles
Call center cubicles are essentially desks with walls. They are typically between 4’ and 5’ wide and 3’ deep.
These cubicles are perfect for workers that don’t need a lot of space, such as agents working at call centers. Call center cubicles can be purchased individually or as a unit that can fit multiple employees.
Individual call center cubicles cost between $400 and $1,200. Units with multiple call center cubicles cost between $1,100 and $7,000.
L-Shaped Cubicles
These cubicles include an L-shaped desk and walls. They provide more desk space for workers that need it, such as those working with papers.
Two common sizes for these cubicles is 5 by 6 feet and 8 by 8 feet. Individual L-shaped cubicles cost between $1,100 and $3,000.
Factors that Affect Cubicle Cost
A number of different factors impact cubicle costs. These include stylistic details, the size of a cubicle, and features such as storage.
Size and Shape
The size of a cubicle largely impacts its cost. Larger cubicles cost more than smaller cubicles.
Additionally, cubicles that can fit more people cost more than cubicles designed for one person.
Number and Height of Panels
Some cubicles feature a semi-open design with walls on only one side of the cubicle. Other cubicles have walls on two sides.
These walls are made up of individual panels. The height of the panels impacts cubicle price; the higher the panels, the higher the price.
Panel Material
Panels come in different materials and finishes including fabric, wood veneer, and laminate. Many panels are coated with fabric in order to dampen noise within an office.
Adding in glass windows or surfaces like whiteboards and chalkboards will increase the cost of the cubicle.
Cubicle Features
Cubicles can just be an enclosed desk, or they can include features such as storage options and utility hookups.
Some storage options include pedestal files, cabinets, shelves, and drawers. The more storage features, the higher the cost of the cubicle.
Other features include built-in outlets and ethernet ports. These features also increase the cost of a cubicle.
Determining What Cubicle is a Good Fit
As noted above, there are a lot of different options when it comes to buying cubicles. Before you decide to purchase a cubicle or cubicles, it’s good to think about the following aspects.
Office Layout
Although it’s probably obvious, cubicle layout is limited by how large an office is. If you have to fit ten workers in a 50’x50’ room, you have more options than if you have to fit 15 workers in the same room.
Remember, workers also need room to walk around. Also, if the cubicles are too close together, the office will be against fire codes.
It’s a good idea to design a cubicle layout before ordering any cubicles. You may be able to save money by purchasing a cubicle unit that can house multiple employees, rather than many individual cubicles.
Many cubicle companies offer 3D renderings so you can see what your office will look like.
Worker Needs
Different types of workers require different amounts of space. Before you spend unnecessary money on cubicles, think about how much space and storage workers really need.
If an employee spends most of their time on a single computer monitor, they may not need much space nor storage. However, if an employee is constantly referencing books and written materials, they made need more space.
Also, think about how much quiet a worker needs to perform well. Taller walls provide more noise cancellation than shorter walls.
Delivery and Installation Costs
Once you purchase cubicles, they need to be delivered and installed. Most cubicle prices do not include installation and delivery.
You can pick up and install the cubicle yourself or pay the cubicle company to install it. Make sure to get a quote on delivery and installation before purchasing, as these services are not cheap.
The more cubicles you buy, the higher the installation costs. Expect installation costs to start at $100 and go upwards of $1,000.
Cost of Purchasing a Cubicle: Average Rates
Before you decide to purchase a cubicle or cubicles, make sure to shop around and figure out what you want. There are a lot of different cubicle layouts and features available.
If you need a specific cubicle arrangement, it’s best to buy new. Prices for new cubicles start at $400 and can go up to $20,000.
If you are flexible with the type and style of the cubicle, consider purchasing used. Used cubicles start at $300 and go up to $10,000.
When you’re determining prices, don’t forget to account for costs associated with delivery and installation.