Archive for the ‘Refurbished Cubicles’ Category

Buy Cubicles Designed With Your Fabric

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Fabric customization is a perk that you might think is out of reach for something like office cubicles, but it’s really a service that’s offered by most of the name brand manufacturers. When you buy cubicles, you can do more than just specify fabrics from the collections provided by the seller. You can also choose your own materials from any textile supplier. The industry term for this is COM (Customer’s Own Material). Each manufacturer has its own program, but they try to make it as easy as possible for you to figure out what types of textile are suitable. For example, something that would work fine for seating might not be right for a cubicle panel – and vice versa.

Teknion

When you fill out a COM form with Teknion, they will look at the supplier’s name, color name, and pattern name. Based on this information, they let you know if the fabric is already approved for a specific application. If it needs to be tested, they will ask for a few yards of the fabric and some sample swatches. Once the textile is approved, your Teknion dealer will order the appropriate amount for you and send it to the manufacturer.

Steelcase

This company has thousands of fabrics on its approved COM list. They also provide testing services for new fabrics as needed. Steelcase recommends that customers take into consideration whether the textile will be applied horizontally or vertically – some fabrics can only be applied in one direction and this can impact the yardage you need.

Haworth

With the Haworth COM program, fabric testing for systems furniture is free (you just pay to send them the samples). After approval, Haworth handles ordering your fabric so that it goes to the right production plant and there aren’t any unnecessary delays. The company is careful to point out that even if a fabric passes testing this doesn’t mean they warrant it beyond normal quality standards. So, would you need to determine for yourself if a fabric is resistant to wear, staining, or fire if those characteristics are important to you.

Refurbished cubicles can also be fitted with your own fabric at our shop. This means you can get customization at an even better price.

Office Furniture For Sale - San Diego Cubicle Typicals

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

Cubicles and workstations are some of the most commonly listed items you’ll find online if you Google refurbished office furniture for sale. San Diego Cubicles Office Environments has a broad range of these from different manufacturers. There are some workstation designs that are considered more “typical” than others. They’re the ones that are most likely to be in stock in large quantities. A standard office worker cubicle these days is generally 6×6 with a single overhead bin and two filing sections with 2-3 drawers apiece.

A manager’s workstation has similar features but larger dimensions – such as 8’x11’. Another difference is how the worksurface is positioned within the panel system. Managers often need to communicate face to face across a desk to interview applicants and provide instructions for employees. So, their primary worksurface isn’t usually facing an interior corner or wall. Instead, it faces outward with space available along the opposite edge for a side chair.

While these sizes and layouts may be typical, they don’t have to look uniform. These pieces of office furniture can be refurbished with fabrics and colors handpicked by each customer.

How To Keep A New Cubicle Looking Good

Friday, January 14th, 2011

Once you have invested in a set of new cubicles, it won’t be long before they start looking less than pristine. Cubes used in shift work (such as call center occupations) typically see some of the greatest wear and tear since they are occupied continuously by employees who don’t really see the workstation as “theirs”. However, any new cubicle will begin to show signs of being lived in after a while.

Here are several steps you can take to keep your organization’s workstations looking new for as long as possible:

Cubicle panel frames are generally made of powder coated metal that is resistant to scratches and dents. However, it can still accumulate scuff marks. Provide a wide enough walkway between cubes to cut down on shoes bumping the edges of the panel frames in high traffic areas. Preventing cubicles from being jarred lessens the risk of damage to the connectors between panels as well.

Laminate worksurfaces are also prone to getting marked up. Provide pencil cups and tray organizers so employees can keep writing implements off the desk surface. Workers should also be asked not to put stickers or tape on metal or laminate surfaces since this can leave a tacky residue. If Maintenance does find a sticky substance, they shouldn’t try to scrape it off. Instead, they should start with a mild detergent and a damp cloth to see if that does the trick. If not, they can try alcohol or Windex. Industrial strength solvents such as Naptha can be used as a last resort but should be spot tested first.

Fabric is the most delicate material found in a new cubicle. Some manufacturers make their textiles resistant to stains, but no fabric is completely immune. Eliminating food and drink at desks to reduce the risk of staining cube fabrics is not likely to be a popular policy. So, familiarize your janitorial staff with the cleaning agents recommended for removing stains from your cubicle panels. For some brands, warm water and soap will work. For others, specialized cleaners must be applied. Using an upholstery vacuum attachment to remove surface dirt and dust every couple of weeks is usually a good idea but actual steam cleaning is too harsh.

Get a Professional Retouch

If your cubicles are older, it is possible to get them refurbished so that they look new again. This process can include replacing the fabric and laminate as well as repainting the metal frames. Broken or missing components can also be replaced. If you are satisfied with the size and shape of your existing workstations but want a new color scheme and restored functionality, refurbishing may be the cheapest option.

Refurbished Office Cubicles And The LEED Controversy

Monday, January 3rd, 2011

If you’ve been keeping up with the latest news on LEED certification, you know that the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has been hit with a class action lawsuit. So far, though, there appears to be only one main plaintiff in the case. That’s energy consultant Henry Gifford. He contends that LEED certified buildings really aren’t more energy efficient than average. According to the statistics he has compiled, he says they are actually much less efficient. Of course, we all know what Mark Twain liked to say about statistics. Gifford feels that the USGBC program is crowding everyone else out of the market and creating a monopoly which is hurting his business. You can find a very thorough overview of the case at the greensource blog.

Since there are some substantial tax incentives that go along with LEED certification, the current lawsuit is unlikely to dissuade employers from participating in this very popular program. Refurbished office cubicles fall into the category of sustainable purchasing choices that can help companies earn LEED points. Fortunately, when it comes to reusing and refinishing office furniture, the “green” benefits aren’t really under dispute. When you buy pre-owned or refurbished cubicles, this conserves both raw materials and fossil fuels that would otherwise be consumed in the manufacturing process. Since this is also much cheaper than buying new, there’s little doubt that it will continue to be the smart choice regardless of what happens down the road with LEED.

Choose Recycled: Office Furniture Deserves A Second Chance

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Recycled office furniture has its pros and cons, but the benefits are undeniable. If you purchase from a reputable dealer, the items you receive will be in good condition and the price will be cut to the bone. Experienced refurbishers know how to remove dirt and stains from many types of furniture textiles. You won’t be squicked out by receiving an office chair that still has Dorito crumbs in the creases. Scuff marks and scratches may not be eliminated entirely, but each used item is touched up in preparation for its new home in your work environment.

Dealers that support sustainable office furniture practices also know when it’s time to simply start over and resurface a cubicle panel or workstation. They have the tools and supplies to return a piece of furniture to factory condition – and it’s still cheaper than buying new.

You can also rest assured that you will receive sound advice on how to dispose of your old furniture in the most eco-friendly way. It may be refurbished again for use by another company; or it may be broken down into its components for post-consumer recycling. Materials such as steel are almost 100% recoverable and many plastics can also be reclaimed.

Want Custom Office Furniture? San Diego Refurbished Cubicles Are The Way To Go

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

custom office furniture San DiegoAre you in the market for custom office furniture? San Diego businesses that want to brand their workplace with company colors don’t have to spend an arm and a leg for the “right look”. The fact is, most high-quality used cubicles can be stripped and refinished so that they look as good as new. Since this is a typical part of the refurbishing process anyway, customers can take advantage of this opportunity to pick out the perfect fabric, laminate, and paint.

Given the enormous variety of colors and textures available, there is sure to be a selection that matches your vision for the finished product. Occasionally, office furniture clients choose to supply their own fabric for panels. It’s possible to use customer-supplied materials in some cases. However, not every fabric is suitable for covering custom furniture. You need a tough, synthetic textile that won’t stretch out of shape and is resistant to staining. Herman Miller has tested many fabrics for both seating and panel systems applications, so you may be able to use their design tool to see if a textile you like has passed or failed.

Be a Green Giant with Refurbished Steelcase Cubicles

Saturday, February 20th, 2010

32 Green DesignA quick perusal of the Steelcase website will show you that this company takes pride in being eco-responsible. For example, they have actually agreed to purchase the total energy output from a new Texas wind farm for the next 5 years. Another important environmental initiative is their creation of the Green Giant program.

This site offers lots of ideas for being an “eco-hero” on an individual and corporate level. One easy way to get involved is by reusing office furniture. Refurbished Steelcase cubicles are an example of reclaimed products that can make your company greener. This manufacturer promotes refurbishing as the ideal option for items that are durable. Panel systems are a perfect example of furniture that can be easily refinished for an extended life span. It’s also a great way to earn LEED credits for your organization.

Refurbished Cubicles in San Diego Come With Free Services

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

29 Installation PrecautionsThis short video features operations and install manager Sam Bedoy letting you know what to expect when you place an order for new or refurbished cubicles in San Diego. Cubicles Office Environments makes a commitment to provide free project management support to every customer.

This means you will have knowledgeable professionals on hand to work out all the technical details surrounding your cubicle installation. For example, our consultants can collaborate with your other vendors to determine the best power and data drop points for cabling and wiring.

The delivery team always makes an impression by showing up professionally dressed. They take care not to cause any damage to your property throughout the installation process. Better yet, they will make sure your office environment is up and running so you can move your employees in and start achieving productivity ASAP.

Knoll Cubicles: Reff Stands for Refined

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

22Reff CubicleSometimes, modern plastic laminates and grey steel just don’t give your workspace the feel you are looking for. When this happens, you can turn to Knoll cubicles in the Reff line for a solution. They are bringing back the most basic of furniture materials - wood. These quality veneer products come in 18 different finishes that deliver beauty and refinement throughout your work environment. The theme can be carried into your executive offices to supply the same distinctive appearance.

Even with the wood based nature of this system, it still meets Knoll’s high standards for sustainability. It also doesn’t leave anything out when it comes to handling your technical needs. The Reff collection just makes high-tech look high-class. You can mix in glass, metals, fashionable textiles, and trims to create a vision of confident success for your office space.

Fun Facts: Telemarketing Cubicle Art

Monday, January 25th, 2010

21In_Out_againWhen most people talk about telemarketing cubicle art, they are referring to a print or poster you can put in your cube to make it more visually interesting. However, there is another kind of artwork that has to do with the modern, enclosed workstation. Simon Currell is a British artist who brings his creative talent to bear on this seemingly mundane topic.

Currell’s piece “In Out Again” features a row of identical cubes with overhead fluorescents shining their stark light over the commoditized workplace environment. Simon’s says he draws inspiration from his own experience as a call center employee. Art aficionados will no doubt find the repetitious nature of these telemarketing cubicle images reminiscent of Warhol’s famous soup can painting. The whole Currell collection is brilliant, so take a moment to browse - just don’t get lost in the maze!

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