How to Assemble Modular Office Cubicles

The maze of cubicles at your office isn’t nearly as complicated to assemble as it is to walk through. (Seriously, how many times have you found your way back to the break room for some Snickers action only to forget which delectable candy bar you were craving en route because you had to use all your brainpower to remember how to get to the break room in the first place?)

In fact, building a functional workspace for your entire office is probably easier than assembling that bookcase you just bought from Ikea (what the heck is a Linnarp, anyway?).

There are four basic types of wall configurations you’ll assemble to create your workstations: Connecting panels end-to-end to create a wall lengthwise, connecting two panels perpendicularly to create corners, connecting three or more panels together in a T-shape, and connecting four panels in a cross-shape. Master these configurations, and you’ve mastered cubicle construction. Read on.

What You’ll Need*

– Cubicle panels

– Straight panel connectors

– T-shaped connectors

– Corner connectors

– Four-way or star-shaped connectors

– A friend

*Supplies might vary depending on the type of cubicles you purchase.

Steps

1. There are a variety of ways you can set up cubicle walls, so first, create a diagram for how you want to lay out your office. This will act as a map for how you will place your panels. If you need help creating a configuration, plenty of companies offer space planning and design services.

2. Stand two cubicle panels next to each other. The panels should have grooves at the tops and bottoms. Snap a straight panel connector into each of the grooves to join the panels. Continue joining panels to create a wall according to your diagram.

3. Create a corner by standing two panels next to each other at a 90-degree angle (here’s where a friend might be useful). Use a corner connector at the tops and bottoms to secure the two panels.

4. To create a T-shaped partition, place the end of one panel to the side of one wall of panels. Put the T-shaped (or three-way) connectors into the grooves at the tops and bottoms of the panels, sliding them into place.

5. Create a four-way connection by standing the ends of four panels in a cross-shaped. Use your four-way (or star-shaped) connectors to secure the four panels at the tops and the bottom.

6. Use the basic panel constructions in various combinations to create the layout you’re seeking. To create the traditional four-sided cubicle, place a right-angle section against the shorter side of a T-shaped section. Be sure to leave an open space for the cubicle’s entrance.

Common Challenges When Assembling Modular Office Cubicles

We can all learn from the experience of others. Several common challenges pop up with assembling office cubicles, including:

• Assembly time: Arnold’s Sunline sliding cubicles are the easiest to install on the market, and you can assemble them in under an hour. Your team must learn how to install them and potentially build many units. This process can become expensive and time-consuming. 
• Layout design: Measuring space and drawing out how to fit many cubicles on a floor is complex. Think about how employees will navigate the space and whether the aisles are wide enough for wheeled objects like industrial track vacuums and mail carts. 
• Panel creep: This issue occurs when you have measured the width of each panel for your layout plan without considering the width of each panel connection. On a single unit, the extra width is small, yet it can become significant with many units. 
• Electrical installation: The process of planning and connecting building electricity to cubicle power can become complicated when there are many devices using electricity. 
• Safety measures: Installing the full workstation involves assembling cubicles, connecting electricity, building desks and more. Large jobs can run into challenges without professional installers, like workers who are not strong enough to move parts, employees who struggle with power tools and more. 
• Garbage disposal: You may have an elaborate plan in place to install the cubicles, but who will dispose of excess building materials? Consider professional waste disposal services and avoid regulatory fines from placing these materials in public dumpsters.

How Arnold’s Can Help With Cubicle Installations 

You have employees to manage and deadlines to meet. Leave the office overhaul to Arnold’s professionals, who have over 90 years of experience nationwide. 

We’ll plan the layout and perform the installation all the way to trash removal. Our services include: 

• Planning and inventory: Arnold’s will take an inventory of your current furniture and draw a layout for your office floor plan.
• Delivery: Our team will deliver the cubicles and furniture to your facility and double-check that you have everything you need. 
• Installation: We will install your office furniture on time and within budget. We’ll check to make sure everything meets warranty standards and safety regulations. 
• Disposal: Arnold’s will professionally dispose of any extra materials and recycle them when possible. 

Interested in professional installation help? Reach out to a friendly representative at (610) 272-2050 or fill out a contact form online today. 

Source: eHow.com

Photo courtesy of lisabiz on Flickr.com