What Are Remanufactured Cubicles?

Remanufactured cubicles are pre-owned office workstations that have undergone a comprehensive restoration process to meet quality standards comparable to new furniture. Unlike used cubicles that may simply be cleaned and resold, remanufactured options go through a rigorous process that includes disassembly, cleaning, repair, component replacement, and refinishing.

The remanufacturing process typically involves replacing worn fabrics, refinishing surfaces, updating hardware, and ensuring all mechanical components function properly. These workstations often come from large corporate environments where companies have upgraded or relocated, making high-quality systems available for remanufacturing. The end result is office furniture that looks and functions like new but comes with a significantly reduced price tag and environmental footprint.

The Remanufacturing Process Explained

The journey from used to remanufactured begins when cubicles are sourced from companies that are downsizing, relocating, or upgrading their office furniture. Once acquired, these workstations undergo a systematic transformation process that sets them apart from simply used furniture.

First, each component is thoroughly inspected to assess its condition. Damaged or worn parts are identified for replacement or repair. The cubicles are then completely disassembled, and each part is cleaned using industrial-grade cleaning solutions. Work surfaces are refinished, metal components are repainted if necessary, and worn fabrics are replaced with new upholstery. Electrical components are tested and updated to meet current safety standards. Finally, the refurbished components are reassembled according to original specifications or reconfigured to meet the new owner's needs. This meticulous process ensures that remanufactured cubicles maintain structural integrity and aesthetic appeal while extending their useful life.

Provider Comparison: Leading Remanufactured Cubicle Suppliers

When selecting a remanufactured cubicle provider, several established companies offer varying specialties and service levels. CDI Workspace focuses on high-end remanufactured systems with extensive customization options and nationwide installation services. Cubicles.com offers a wide range of price points with an extensive inventory and interactive design tools for office planning.

Office Furniture Center specializes in remanufactured Herman Miller and Steelcase systems with robust warranty programs, while Arnold's Office Furniture provides complete office solutions beyond just cubicles with comprehensive space planning services. For budget-conscious buyers, Cubicle Solutions offers economical options with quick shipping and installation packages.

When comparing providers, consider factors beyond just price: inventory selection, customization options, warranty terms, delivery timeframes, and installation services. The table below highlights key differences between major suppliers:

  • CDI Workspace: Premium brands, 10-year warranty, extensive customization
  • Cubicles.com: Wide selection, 5-year warranty, virtual design services
  • Office Furniture Center: Steelcase/Herman Miller specialists, 7-year warranty
  • Arnold's Office Furniture: Full office solutions, 5-year warranty, nationwide service
  • Cubicle Solutions: Economy options, 3-year warranty, quick shipping

Benefits of Choosing Remanufactured Workstations

The advantages of selecting remanufactured cubicles extend beyond simple cost savings. First and foremost, businesses typically save 40-80% compared to new cubicles of similar quality. This substantial cost reduction allows companies to acquire premium brands like Herman Miller, Steelcase, or Haworth at fraction of their original price.

Environmental benefits are equally compelling. Choosing remanufactured furniture diverts substantial waste from landfills while reducing the demand for new raw materials and energy-intensive manufacturing processes. Many remanufactured options can contribute to LEED certification points for sustainable building practices.

Quality is another significant advantage. Premium office systems are built to last decades, so remanufactured versions of high-end brands often deliver better quality than new budget-oriented alternatives. Most reputable suppliers also offer warranties on their remanufactured products, sometimes extending to 5-10 years, comparable to warranties on new furniture.

Finally, remanufactured cubicles offer excellent availability and customization options. With shorter lead times than custom-ordered new furniture, businesses can outfit their offices more quickly while still enjoying extensive fabric, finish, and configuration choices to match their specific aesthetic and functional requirements.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While remanufactured cubicles offer numerous advantages, businesses should be aware of potential limitations. Inventory availability can sometimes be unpredictable, as the selection depends on what systems have recently been acquired for remanufacturing. This may require flexibility in design preferences or patience in waiting for suitable inventory.

Consistency can be another challenge when outfitting large offices. If you need numerous identical workstations, finding matching sets in remanufactured inventory might be difficult. Some suppliers like Connectivity Center specialize in large-volume matching sets, but this might limit your brand or style options.

While quality remanufacturers thoroughly refurbish their products, some components might show minor signs of previous use. Most reputable suppliers like ReWork will clearly communicate the condition grade of their products, but expectations should be realistic about perfect-condition aesthetics.

Finally, not all remanufacturers are equal in their processes or quality standards. It's important to research providers thoroughly, request sample photos of actual inventory, understand their warranty terms, and possibly visit their showrooms before making significant purchasing decisions.

Conclusion

Remanufactured cubicles represent a smart solution for businesses seeking to balance budget constraints with quality workspace needs. By understanding the remanufacturing process, comparing reputable providers, and weighing the benefits against potential limitations, companies can make informed decisions that support both their financial and sustainability goals. With potential savings of up to 80% compared to new furniture and significantly reduced environmental impact, remanufactured cubicles offer compelling value for organizations of all sizes. As workplace needs continue to evolve, these refurbished solutions provide the flexibility and affordability many businesses require to create productive, attractive office environments without excessive spending.

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This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.