Office Cubicle Buying Guide: 5 Deciding Factors

A cubicle buying guide is essential when selecting workstations, especially if you're doing this for the first time. Choosing the right cubicles affects your team's daily work experience and your company's productivity. We’ve put this guide together to help you make smart decisions. 

Before you sign that purchase order, you need to know the five factors that matter. Get these right, and you'll create a workspace your team enjoys using. Get them wrong, and you could waste money on cubicles that don't meet your needs. 

We must ensure the cubicles you choose are a smart investment. So, let's cut to the chase and discuss 5 crucial factors to consider in office cubicles.

Looking for traditional workspace solutions? Browse our Rectangular Cubicle Collection featuring efficient designs for focused productivity.

Factor #1: Space and Layout

Getting your cubicle layout right means happy employees and better use of your office space. Here's what to think about:

How Much Space Do You Need?

Measure your office and think about giving each person about 75-150 square feet. Draw a simple map of your space, including things like columns and doors that can't move.

Remember to plan for growth - you'll want your layout to handle about 10-15% more people without having to start over. Modular workstations are great for this since you can move them around later.

Walkways That Work

Make sure people can move around easily. Main walkways should be at least 4 feet wide, with smaller paths at least 3 feet wide.

Set up your cubicles so people can easily get to break rooms, meeting rooms, bathrooms, and emergency exits.

Don't forget wheelchair access - allow at least 5 feet for turning space.

Smart Space-Saving Options

Today's cubicles have great features that save space:

• Thin panels that don't eat up floor space
• Overhead shelves and cabinets
• Under-desk storage
• Bench systems for teams that work together
• Built-in cable management to keep things tidy.

Need versatile office setups? Explore our Modular Workstations that adapt to your changing business needs.

Factor #2: Privacy vs. Teamwork

Getting the right mix of privacy and teamwork space affects how happy and productive your employees will be. Here's how to find the balance:

Panel Heights 

The height of your cubicle walls makes a big difference:

• Low panels (30-42 inches) are great for teams that need to talk often, like marketing or design groups. 
• Medium panels (42-60 inches) give privacy when sitting but let people talk when standing. 
• High panels (60+ inches) create private spaces for focused work or handling sensitive information.

Tip: You can mix different heights in your office to meet various needs.

Managing Noise

Controlling sound helps everyone work better. Consider adding white noise systems to mask distracting conversations.

Pay special attention to call centers or teams handling private information. 

The right noise level makes a big difference in how people feel about their workspace.

Team Cubicle Arrangements

How you arrange cubicles can make or break team collaboration:

• Try pod-style layouts where 4-6 workstations face each other with lower central dividers
• Create "team neighborhoods" by clustering related departments together
• Use L-shaped configurations that let team members easily turn to collaborate
• Consider removing panels between immediate teammates who work closely together

For more structured collaboration, complement your cubicle layout with a quality conference table.

Factor #3: Technology and Connectivity

Modern cubicles need to support all your tech needs. Here's how to make sure employees stay connected and productive:

Power and Data Needs

Count how many devices each employee uses daily. Most workers need at least 3-4 electrical outlets for computers, monitors, phones, and personal device charging.

Think about what connections your team requires:

• Standard electrical outlets (minimum 3-4 per workspace)
• Ethernet ports for wired internet
• USB charging ports (both Type-A and Type-C)
• Phone jacks (if using desk phones)
• HDMI connections for external displays
• Wireless charging pads for mobile devices

Try to position these access points at desk level instead of floor level so people don't have to crawl under desks to plug things in.

Keeping Cables Tidy

Controlling cable clutter keeps workspaces looking professional and prevents safety hazards:

• Look for built-in cable channels that guide wires from desk to floor
• Choose systems with desktop grommets for easy connections
• Consider vertical cable troughs along panels to hide wiring
• Use under-desk wire baskets to keep floor areas clear

Organized cables also make IT support easier - technicians can quickly find and fix connection issues without disrupting the entire workspace.

Planning for Future Tech

Smart planning for tech upgrades will save you money down the road. Look for cubicles with parts you can swap out as needs change instead of replacing everything. Think about how easily you can add new types of connections as technology changes.

Make sure your cubicles can handle extras like webcams or second monitors if your team needs them later. Before buying, ask sellers if their products work with newer tech that's coming soon.

Always get more power outlets than you think you need right now. Teams almost always end up using more devices over time, and adding power later costs a lot more.

Factor #4: Comfort and Health

Your employees spend hours at their desks, so their comfort directly affects their health and how well they work. Here's how to choose cubicles that help people feel good all day:

Desk Dimensions

Finding the right desk size makes a huge difference in comfort and productivity. Different jobs need different amounts of space, so consider what your team actually does each day.

For most office workers, these measurements work well:

• Width: 48-60 inches gives enough space for a monitor, laptop, and work materials
• Depth: At least 30 inches so monitors aren't too close to eyes
• Height: 28-30 inches for a comfortable sitting position

To test if a desk is the right size, have employees arrange their essential work items. They should be able to reach everything without stretching and have room to write or take notes. 

Smart Storage

Good storage prevents awkward reaching that can strain muscles. Keep often-used things within easy reach - the area where you don't have to stretch or lean.

Simple storage solutions that work well:

• Built-in shelves for easy access
• Drawers under the desk for things used daily
• Upright file holders to keep desks clear
• Cable organizers to prevent tripping

The best storage makes it easy to grab what you need without twisting or stretching.

Factor #5: Budget and Value

Making smart choices about cubicles means looking beyond just the price tag. Here's how to get the most for your money:

Price vs. Quality

Good cubicles typically cost between $1,000-$4,000 here at Arcadia. While cheaper options might tempt you, they often cost more in the long run when they break or wear out quickly.

When comparing prices, look at:

• How long it will last (quality cubicles should serve you for 10+ years)
• What's covered by the warranty (Arcadia Furnishing offers a 1-year product quality warranty)
• How easy it is to clean and maintain

Think about cost per year instead of just the upfront price. Spending a bit more now often saves money over time.

Room to Grow

Your cubicle system should grow with your business. Modular systems let you add or rearrange workstations as your team expands.

Before you buy, ask:

• Can you get matching pieces in the future?
• How easily can you change the layout?
• Will the vendor still be around when you need more?

Building a relationship with a reliable supplier pays off. Arcadia Furnishing offers comprehensive space planning assistance, professional installation services, and customizations. As your office needs evolve, we're here to help your workspace grow with you.

Need smart storage options? Check out our Compact Shelving Units designed to keep essentials organized while saving valuable floor space.

Conclusion on Cubicle Buying Guide

Investing in the right cubicle system shapes your company culture and affects how teams collaborate. The decisions you make today will influence your workplace environment for years to come, making thoughtful planning essential to your success.

Need personalized guidance for your office setup? Our design specialists at Arcadia Furnishing are ready to help transform your vision into reality. Contact us today for expert assistance with your workspace transformation.

Looking to maximize your vertical space too? Discover practical and stylish Wall Shelving Ideas to complement your new office layout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a comfortable cubicle size?

A comfortable cubicle typically measures 6x6 feet or 6x8 feet, providing enough room for a desk, chair, and storage without feeling cramped. For employees who need more workspace, 8x8 feet cubicles offer additional room for specialized equipment or multiple screens. Your choice should align with your team's daily tasks, considering both physical comfort and productivity needs.

What is the size of a standard workstation?

Standard workstations typically range from 5x5 feet to 6x6 feet, accommodating a desk area approximately 30 inches deep with enough clearance for a chair. Entry-level positions often use smaller 5x5 feet spaces, while management may require larger 8x8 feet areas for meetings and additional storage. When planning your layout, allow for 2-3 feet of walking space between cubicle rows for safety and comfort.

How do you make a small cubicle look bigger?

Use light colors for panels and accessories to create an illusion of space while incorporating mirrors or reflective surfaces strategically to enhance depth perception. Minimize clutter with vertical shelving and under-desk organizers, opting for streamlined furniture with visible floor space underneath. Wall-mounted monitors and wireless technology significantly reduce desk crowding while maximizing usable surface area.

Are cubicles better than open office?

Cubicles provide more privacy and personal space than open offices, reducing visual distractions and creating defined territories that many employees prefer for focused work. Open offices encourage collaboration but studies show they often increase noise and decrease productivity for tasks requiring concentration. Hybrid solutions combining cubicle clusters with open meeting areas offer the best of both worlds, allowing teams to choose the right environment for different types of work.