FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are many studies on how a properly designed and outfitted office can enhance productivity. Our design team can help you find the right design for your office.

Yes, we carry over 150 lines of new furniture, while used furniture is purchased on a case by case basis.

As a general overview, cubicles are panel-based workstations that provide the most privacy from other employees; benching has either no or minimal panels and provides an open-style row of desks meant to encourage collaboration.

Cubicles can come in many sizes and configurations depending on the client’s needs. Panels come in 39″, 47″, 53″, 67″, and 85″ heights, comprised of fabric, glass, and whiteboard finishes.

Benching or desking is typically used in smaller workspace configurations and can measure anywhere from 3′ to 7′. If privacy is needed, privacy screens with heights of 8″ to 24″ can be added.

As opposed to cubicles, benching is a low-style, no-panel system designed to encourage collaboration. Available in multiple sizes and configurations, benching units generally consist of a worksurface, legs, and, possibly, privacy screens.

To see examples, please view our benching page.

Privacy screens (also known as privacy panels) are used as dividers between workstations to define boundaries and give employees both privacy and improved acoustics. They can come in fabric, lexan glass, laminate, and whiteboard finishes, and are available in many sizes to fit almost any workstation.

Depending on the client’s needs these screens can be placed on top of or in between work surfaces, and even on top of cubicle panels. See examples of each on our benching page.

Power poles and base feeds are both options for bringing power to your workstations. A power pole is generally used in applications where power and data are being brought down from the ceiling. The power pole can connect directly to the work surfaces or panel system you choose. A base feed, on the other hand, is connected to workstations from the floor or the wall.

As more research has been conducted on the effects of sitting for long hours during the work day, it has been found that over-sitting can have significant negative effects on your health.

As a way of combating these negative effects, height adjustable desks have been introduced as a way for people to stand periodically throughout the work day. They can be programmed at different heights if electronic or pneumatic, or they can be hand-cranked to the height you need.

Ergonomic furniture is furniture designed and manufactured to work with the human body. There is also passively designed ergonomic furniture which is designed with less controls.

Modular office furniture is furniture that can be easily moved and reconfigured.

Office design is space planning and setting up the office in a workflow; while interior design is more aesthetics (i.e. colors, rugs, imaging). 

Office design will allow you to maximize workflow and productivity.

Resimercial is a hybrid incorporating residential and office furniture in the same setting, with both open office and open collaboration office furniture. Hotel and office furniture is another combination trend.

Renting office furniture is a short term solution for office furniture whereas leasing is a long term option. There is also the option to lease furniture instead of owning it.

There are many options for green and sustainable office furniture, but not as many as there were in the past. Importing prices have made green furniture much more expensive today.

AIS/Partsco, Global Office Furniture, Friant, Open Plan Systems, Logiflex to name a few of our top of the line producers. Click here for a full list of our manufacturers. 

Office furniture is an asset and can always be depreciated, but you should consult with your accountant as the tax rules change yearly.

Often in a benching-style office there is a need for some privacy between workers. Seated Privacy uses 12″ to 16″ upmount screens to separate workers and provide a sense of privacy while employees can still see those around them.

Number of chairs = table size or circumference / (width of chair + 8″)

For example, if you have a 60″x 36″ table and divide each side by 30″, the 60″ side would allow 1-2 chairs and the 36″ side would allow only 1 chair, giving a total of 4-6 chairs at that table. Note: with round or oval tables you can generally add an extra chair to this rule.

As cubicle walls go down, noise goes up; although collaborative workstations work well in some situations, there is still a need for space that is private. Thus, small areas/rooms called Huddle Rooms evolved. These rooms are typically designed to hold 2-4 people and are ideal for impromptu meetings or phone and video conferencing.

Sound masking is the introduction of an unobtrusive background sound similar to airflow that reduces distractions by making human speech unintelligible. (This does not mean that you cannot hear the person talking.)

A typical installation involves using 3″ speakers in the ceiling and a small 7″ x 5″ control box in the area where you want more acoustic privacy. For more information, take a look at our sound masking page.

Private office, open office, or collaboration office. 

They are evolving due to Covid-19. It is dependent upon how your office is returning to the workplace; the trends are continuously changing. 

An office without partitions and cubicle walls.

Before you can improve your office, you must first figure out what is not currently working in your office.

An executive desk is typically a wood or laminate desk that is 30”d x 72”l.

Everyone will sit and fit in a chair differently. The expense of the chair has no effect on which chair will feel the most comfortable for you.

A task chair is a desk or workstation chair. A chair that you will spend 8-10 hours in, so you want to make sure it is comfortable.

6’ by 6’ is the smallest cubicle size recommended. Depending on your office space and how many cubicles you are looking to put in, will ultimately depend on the size of the cubicle.

Covid-19 has resulted in differing mindsets of office space utilizations: Fully remote, Hybrid model, and full in person return. 

Covid-19 has also resulted in supply-chain issues resulting in longer shipping times and increased prices.

It is dependent on the philosophy of the company and is taken on a case by case basis. Some companies may want employees to return and have their own desk while others may leave more collaboration space for employees who do not come to the office as often.

Marketing, sales and creative departments, are typically in a more open and collaborative space. 

Finance, HR, engineering, and accounting, are typically behind closed doors or at private work spaces.

A typical conference room table can range in width from 36 inches for a smaller table to 48 inches for a standard-sized table. However, larger conference tables can be as wide as 60 inches to accommodate more participants.

Cubicles can come in many sizes and configurations depending on the client’s needs. Panels come in 39″, 47″, 53″, 67″, and 85″ heights, comprised of fabric, glass, and whiteboard finishes.

Benching or desking is typically used in smaller workspace configurations and can measure anywhere from 3′ to 7′. If privacy is needed, privacy screens with heights of 8″ to 24″ can be added.

In choosing just the right boardroom table, consider the size of the room, the number of people it must accommodate, the desired style or aesthetic, and the functionality required. The shape of the table (rectangular, oval, round) and the need for features like built-in power outlets or cable management are additional important considerations. Ultimately, the right boardroom table should fit the space, facilitate communication, and align with the overall design and functional needs of the office.

The rectangular shape is the most popular choice for a conference room table. A rectangular table offers a classic and versatile design that accommodates a larger number of participants and facilitates communication across the table.

Depending on the client’s needs these screens can be placed on top of or in between work surfaces, and even on top of cubicle panels. See examples of each on our benching page.

First consider the dimensions of the room and the number of people you need to accommodate. There must be enough clearance around the table for comfortable movement and seating. As a general rule, allocating approximately 3-4 feet of space per person works best. Consider the shape of the table (rectangular, oval, round) and ensure that the table fits within the space without obstructing entrances or exits. Finally, consider any other furniture or equipment that will be in the room.

A 10-foot table typically accommodates 10 chairs, with one chair placed at each end and four chairs on each sides. However, the number of chairs that can fit around a 10-foot table may vary depending on the width of the chairs and the desired spacing between them.

Number of chairs = table size or circumference / (width of chair + 8″)

For example, if you have a 60″x 36″ table and divide each side by 30″, the 60″ side would allow 1-2 chairs and the 36″ side would allow only 1 chair, giving a total of 4-6 chairs at that table. Note: with round or oval tables you can generally add an extra chair to this rule.

A task chair is a desk or workstation chair. A chair that you will spend 8-10 hours in, so you want to make sure it is comfortable.

Regular hours are during the workday, typically between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm. Overtime hours are typically before 7:00 am, after 3:00 pm, or on a weekend (usually on Saturdays). The overtime labor rate is generally time-and-a-half (1.5 X regular time labor rates).

Yes, it does. If the office space is not on the first floor, does the building have an elevator that the installers can use? What size is the elevator? Is the elevator opening large enough for the furniture to fit inside?

If the building does not have an elevator and there are stairs to the office space, the job is considered a “stair carry-up.” The job now requires more labor (manpower) and will take more time; therefore, the labor cost will be higher.

No, a loading dock is not required. But if you don’t have a loading dock, what is the plan to get the furniture into the building? Is there a place where a tractor-trailer can unload? Is there a clear path to the office space? Does your building have dedicated parking for trucks?

A COI is proof that the dealership and/or the delivery/installation company has the proper insurance coverage to work in the building. If a COI is needed, building management will have a sample that includes the language, coverage, and certificate-holder requirements.

If you have received floor plans from either your building management/owner/realtor and/or the architect, you are all set, right? Not necessarily. Is the plan correct, or have the plans been updated? Will your furniture fit just as the test fit on the plan shows? Architectural plans are marked “Architect is not responsible for the accuracy of these plans.” We ALWAYS recommend that you hire someone who can verify the plan and represent your interest in terms of plan accuracy.

Furniture installers can run the electrical through a panel or benching system, but they cannot hard-wire the electrical into the building’s electrical supply. This work must be performed by a licensed electrician. Note that data installation is your (the client’s) responsibility. Furniture installers do not run or install data lines or equipment (i.e., printers, fax machines).

The simple answer is yes, but, more importantly, you can actually now buy new furniture for less than refurbished.

Between the 1970s and 1980s, major furniture manufacturers were making quality, American-made products that were doing well in the booming economy.  In the 90s, after 10-20 years of owning these products, many companies wanted to refurbish their furniture, or sell off their old furniture to refurbishers, as purchasing new furniture tended to be quite expensive. This was the start of the “remanufacturing” era when it was common for new companies to purchase refurbished furniture as an economical way to furnish their offices.

In 2001, following 9/11, many new purchases came to a halt, but the remanufacturing business continued to boom. However, from 2002 until about 2008 manufacturers began to travel overseas to find ways to outsource and make their office furniture for less. After perfecting this process, many manufacturers now import quality products that are less expensive, yet too labor- and cost-intensive for refurbishment. Because of this evolution, it is now generally cheaper to buy new furniture vs. refurbished used furniture.

As an independent furniture dealer, Joyce Contract Interiors is not tied to any single line of furniture. This is an advantage for our clients because we can pick and choose which manufacturers provide the best deals based on quality, warranties, and price point.

Typical lead times are about 3-4 weeks depending on what you are purchasing. Some products may be ordered and received faster as part of a quick ship program, but in those cases the types of furniture and finish options may be more limited.

Delivery costs are calculated by our installers based on many factors: the amount of product being ordered, the location to which it is being delivered, whether or not the building has a loading dock or an elevator, whether the building is union or non-union, and if the delivery can be done during regular business hours or if it needs to be done on overtime.

Because each job is different, it is best to call and get a quote from one of our knowledgeable salespeople. (Note that because of the complexities involved, getting a quote may take a few days.)

As long as you research the furniture and work with a reputable dealer who can work with you to select the right furniture as well as the delivery and installation then buying furniture online should not be an issue.