The installation of office cubicles is a critical step in setting up a functional and organized workspace. Whether assembling modular cubicles for a new office layout or adding storage and work surfaces to an existing setup, following precise instructions ensures a stable, professional result. The provided documentation offers detailed guidance from multiple sources, including Cubicles.net, Haworth, and general installation tips from usedcubicles.com. This guide compiles and organizes the key steps and tools needed for a successful installation.
General Tools for Cubicle Installation
To begin the installation process, it is essential to gather the necessary tools. According to the documentation, the following tools are required for field assembly and installation of cubicles:
- Allen wrench 1/4″
- #2 Phillips head screwdriver
- #3 Phillips head screwdriver
- Screwdriver medium slotted
- Measuring tape, 25′ or more
- Rubber mallet or dead blow mallet
- Carpenter’s level
Additionally, the following tools can significantly speed up the installation process:
- Cordless drill
- Set of drill bits
- Set of screw bits
- 1/4 Allen bit
- Wrench open end 10mm
- Pliers
- Carton knife
- Ratchet head with 1/4″ allen bit
- 6′ step ladder
- Material handling carts
Prior to starting the installation, it is recommended to unload all products into a clean area and sort them by product number. It is crucial to check for any damages or shortages before the delivery truck leaves and to notify the factory immediately if any issues are found.
Wall Start Applications
For installations that include wall starts, additional tools such as a good tape measure, level, and a drill are necessary. The wall must be reinforced to prevent damage or injury. The installation process involves the following steps:
- Locate the wall start on your cubicle installation plan.
- Measure the wall and mark the location of the wall start lightly with a pencil.
- Level the panel to the wall to determine the mounting height of the wall start.
- Mark the wall at the top of the panel.
- Locate the top 2 holes of the wall start and mark on the wall for positioning.
- Install fasteners to the wall at this location and attach the top of the wall start.
- Level the wall start and repeat the process for the bottom block.
- Cut and attach the filler strip as needed.
The documentation also specifies that the top block should be mounted first, followed by the bottom block.
End Cap Installation
To install end caps, the following steps are outlined in the documentation:
- Place the tabs on the bottom of the end cap into the holes on the raceway.
- Rotate the end cap up to the bottom of the panel.
- Lock the end cap into the tab at the bottom of the panel. If necessary, adjust the tab with a flat tip screwdriver for a trim fit.
- Ensure the finished end trim cover is installed properly.
Cubicle Shelves and Flipper Doors
The installation of open shelves and flipper doors is a multi-step process. The documentation provides specific instructions for both half-height and full-height cubicle open shelves, which are also applicable to the initial stages of flipper door installation.
Step 1: Cubicle Open Shelves
- Position the rear of the shelf end at a slight angle to the panel.
- Insert the bracket at the rear of the shelf end into the slots, not the paneling.
- Rotate the shelf end 90 degrees to the panel. You should feel the shelf end drop into place. If it does not, gently tap it downward to lock into place.
- Insert the shelf end into the slot of the panel at approximately 85 degrees to place it into the track.
- Move all shelf ends 90 degrees to the panels to begin the next step of installation.
Step 2: Cubicle Shelf Pan Installation
- Insert the shelf bolts into the shelf ends. If installing only a shelf, insert 4 bolts. If installing a flipper door, insert 8 bolts.
- With the rectangular slot facing you, gently set the back of the shelf on the 2 lower rear screws.
- Pivot the front of the shelf onto the front screws. If installing only a shelf, tighten all 4 screws to secure it.
- Lower the rear of the shelf pan onto the rear bolts.
- Lower the front of the shelf onto the front screws.
- Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, tighten all 4 screws to secure the shelf to the shelf ends.
Step 3: Cubicle Flipper Door Installation
- Insert the rear of the flipper door onto the rear upper shelf bolt.
- Rotate the flipper door onto the front upper shelf bolt.
- Tighten all bolts, including the shelf pan bolts, to secure the flipper door.
The documentation also includes additional details for ensuring the flipper door is properly aligned and secured.
Cubicle Work Surfaces
The installation of cubicle work surfaces, including corner and extended corner work surfaces, requires careful attention to detail. The following steps are outlined in the documentation:
Step 1: Cubicle Corner Worksurfaces
- Install the cubicle corner bracket in the corner at the desired height.
- Ensure all bracket hooks are fully seated in the slots.
- Install the cubicle cantilever bracket on the hanger frame by inserting the tab on the top hook of the cantilever bracket into the hanger frame slot at the desired height.
- Rotate the bottom of the cantilever bracket into the frame to engage all hooks. Repeat this procedure for the cantilever on the other side of the work surface.
- For corner work surfaces 60″ – 84″ wide, install the center support on the center frame at the same height as the cantilevers on the right and left sides.
- Push down on all work surface supports to ensure all hooks are fully seated in slots.
- Install shoulder screws at the back of the pre-drilled holes. Do not install front spacers yet.
- Install the worksurface on the cantilever brackets by inserting shoulder screws into keyhole slots in the rear of the cantilever brackets. Push the work surface back until the front spacers or pre-drilled holes align with holes in the cantilever brackets. Install front spacers.
Step 2: Leveling and Final Installation
- For 60″ wide or greater work surfaces, align the center support.
- Level the work surfaces by adjusting the leveling screw at the top of the front cantilever brackets.
- Install adjacent work surfaces as required.
- Attach ganging plates between adjacent work surfaces to ensure a seamless and stable installation.
Cubicle Filing Cabinets
The documentation also includes instructions for installing cubicle filing cabinets. While the specific steps are not detailed in the source data, the general process involves aligning the filing cabinets with the cubicle structure and securing them in place using the provided hardware.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Installation
To ensure a smooth and efficient installation, the following tips are recommended:
- Unpack and sort all components by product number before beginning the installation.
- Check for any damages or shortages before the delivery truck leaves.
- Use a cordless drill and ratchet head to speed up the installation process.
- Maintain a level surface throughout the installation to ensure stability.
- Secure all bolts and screws properly to prevent wobbling or instability.
Conclusion
The installation of office cubicles requires careful planning, the right tools, and adherence to detailed instructions. The documentation provided offers a comprehensive guide to assembling various components, including wall starts, end caps, shelves, flipper doors, and work surfaces. By following these steps and using the recommended tools, users can ensure a stable and professional installation. Whether setting up a new office space or adding storage and work surfaces to an existing layout, a methodical approach and attention to detail are essential for success.