Office Furniture Budget Guide

Today office furniture is inexpensive compared to the late 1980’s when panel-based ‘cubicles’ were sold for around £3000 a head. This is because offices have changed; agile working environments and changing work practices demand open environments - the ‘bench desk’ has become ubiquitous and is sometimes quoted at circa £300 a head.

However, there are costs for the breakout and formal/informal meeting spaces that are required to support ‘non-territorial bench workers’. In addition, each person still needs a decent chair, a screen, perhaps some IT support equipment and a personal storage pedestal or locker.

Many companies also recognise that staff wellness and productivity are enhanced by providing specialist sit/stand furniture to encourage postural flexibility. As a broad guide, use the ‘next category up’ to budget for operable height-adjusting desks.

Of course, there may well be opportunities to re-utilise much of your existing furniture, which can have a real impact on reducing costs. Contact us if you would like us to undertake a full survey of your existing furniture and tell you what can be re-used.

The following budgets apply for a typical ‘mixed’ all-new office environment, mainly open-plan desks with some offices, meeting rooms and break-out spaces £ Ex. VAT installed:

Expenditure Examples

This helps to illustrate another factor – for smaller projects, the ratio of expenditure on front-of-house furniture tends to be higher, increasing the overall cost per head. We can quickly prepare accurate and reliable budgets for your project – Contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

Bronze

£1000- £1500 per person overall

Good quality commercial standard products with a typical warranty of 5 years. Steel-framed system desks with dividing screen, storage pedestal, ergonomic (synchronous) task armchair, and a basic monitor arm. Finishes throughout typically MFC and ‘Group 1’ fabrics.

Silver

£1500- £2000 per person overall

As above, but more choice and flexibility of finishes for important areas, such as veneer tables and credenzas for Meeting Rooms, and fabrics for break-out areas. Full cable management and power distribution, better monitor arms and a better chair. Warranties up to 10 years.

Gold

£2000- £2500 per person overall

Mainline global branded products with refined specifications and warranties of 10 years to lifetime. Very nice ‘front-of-house’ furnishings with some ‘designer’ pieces. Good flexibility for choice of seating and finishes throughout, high volumes of refined storage and/or break-out spaces. (This budget should cover most needs to a great standard)

Platinum

£2500- £3500 per person overall

Mainline global branded products with extensive use of high-quality ‘classic design’ pieces. Finishes to include the best veneers, fabrics and leathers. This budget will create an exceptionally comfortable and impressive working environment. Warranties of 10 years to lifetime.