Office panel systems, they're all the same, right? Actually no, there are many differences in the construction and materials of panels that will have a major impact on the performance, looks, and cost of your office furniture over time. Understanding the construction, materials and connecting hardware of a office panel system will help you make the right choice for your organization.

Office Panel Construction

Most modern panel frames are constructed from wood, aluminum or steel of varying thicknesses and quality levels. You want to be sure that the frame is well aligned, will not warp with changes in weather, and will withstand the abuse that it's likely to get in your office. Look for good "fit-and-finish"; and make sure all of the parts line up and are they well aligned with consistent gaps or spacing where spacing between parts. Do the colors from piece to piece match? Not all cubicle systems are created equal, so be sure to inspect closely.

Office Panel Thickness

Thicker panels, sometimes up to 3" or 4", tend to look more permanent (a personal preference), and have more room to run electrical cables. In a long run of cubicles however, they take up more space. Thinner panels, usually 2" look more streamlined and take up less space in large installations. The real secret to solid panels is not the panel stiffness itself but utilizing the worksurfaces to stabilize them and lock them together as one unit.

Office Panel Durability

The construction and cover materials of a cubicle system panel will determine its durability. Consider these common cubicle systems' elements in assessing the level of durability that you will need:

Is it used 24 hours a day?
Is it shared by more than one person?
Is it in an office or warehouse environment?

Factors that will improve the durability of panel systems are metal trim pieces versus wood or plastic, tempered glass versus plastic, hard surface coverings (laminate, metal, etc.) versus fabric, and a solid metal-to-metal connections between the panels.

Cubicle System Installation and Reconfiguration

Your installer will be most concerned about the method of panel connection, but the simpler the system, the better. Your cubicle systems installation will go faster and save you money. It will also reduce the downtime in your organization and increase the chances of accomplishing an installation over a weekend while you are closed for business. The connection system will also impact the ease and cost of reconfiguring or adding on additional workstations at a later date. Some panels have trim pieces and connector posts that are specific to certain configurations, while others have "universal" posts and no special trim. The universal post systems can be re-used in different configurations and will streamline the reconfiguration or addition of panels.

So if all office panel systems are not the same, how do you decide? Use the construction tips that we've outlined and match them with the needs of your organization to determine the best price/value ratio for your ideal office furniture purchase.

Office Panel Options