Understanding the different types of cubicle dividers will help you make the best choices in workstation design. Cubicle dividers are also called cubicle panels or cubicle partitions, so if you hear these terms in the meeting, please understand that they are synonyms. Cubicle panels come in many varied sizes, constitutions, thicknesses and functional intentions. With a basic working knowledge of these various forms, you can quickly make the best choices for cubicle designs that will meet your office workflow needs within the boundaries of budget tolerance.
Cubicle Divider Constitution
There are four basic materials from which all cubicle dividers, regardless of appearance, size, or purpose—are manufactured:
- Wood veneer—consists of a particle board core and a fine wood overlay. Veneer creates a traditional, formal look
- Laminate—a high grade plastic compound available in hundreds of color options. Typically used for contemporary and modern interior design
- Fabric—literally thousands of color and pattern options. Fabric helps to muffle sound, and when it laid over a core made from cork or some other soundproofing substance, can block almost all surrounding noise from entering the workstation interior.
- Glass-Glass is the most sophisticated partition material. It is also the most expensive. Due to its cost, we often use glass “windows” in cubicle dividers made from other materials. The mixture of glass and other materials helps reduce the cost of the partition.
We can further classify cubicle dividers by the way they are mounted. Partitions mount either to the surface of a desking system, or they mount to the floor. Cubicle dividers that mount to the floor establish the outer boundaries of a workstation. Cubicle dividers that mount to the desk subdivide the workstation into individual areas.
The largest floor mounted partitions rise all the way up to the ceiling, taking the place of dry wall construction.
Also known as private office panels, these partitions are used in the construction of conference rooms and individual offices. While the cost of these cubicle dividers is higher than that of drywall, they are classified as office furniture. Over a five-year period, their depreciated value can be written off your taxes. You can also use them to setup new office and meeting areas when you move to a new office.
Floor mounted partitions are also used in creating the outer shell of custom workstations. Typically measuring 48”-72” in height, they encompass a desking system on at least three sides. They can also be constructed with 3 ½ panels and a door of some type that allows the user to completely close off the cubicle interior just like he or she would in a traditional office.
Desk Panels, also known as “privacy screens,” are cubicle dividers that attach to desktops and divide the worksurface into personal areas for individual employees. This design strategy is often called “team desking” because the workstation is basically one large desk that is subdivided into individual workspaces. They limit visibility to displays and paperwork so that each worker has a reasonable measure of personal privacy. However, they also allow for easy collaboration between teammates when necessary.
Style plays a key role in choosing the type of cubicle dividers.
If you want a classic, traditional office design you are more likely to use floor-to-ceiling veneer partitions with glass inserts that emulate the look and feel of hardwood walls and windows. If you want a strictly contemporary look and feel to your office, you will favor lower partitions panels made from laminates and topped with glass. Transitional designs which blend traditional and modern elements can be created with any materials, including fabrics. Individual workstations can be customized to individual job descriptions that require sound insulation, enhanced privacy, accessibility, or exceptional filing and storage needs.
Cubiture owns its own factory.
We can design any type of cubicle divider to create the workstations your employees need. Start with a free office layout drawing that will help you see where your new locations need to be located and how large each cubicle needs to be. Form follows function, so focusing first on workflow, and then on interior design, will help us determine the very best and most affordable cubicle dividers for your new desking and workflow systems. Call now.
Types Of Cubicle Dividers
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