How to Put a Cubicle Together

Traditional office cubicles come together through a fairly involved process. The exact steps may look different depending on the specific brand and model of cubicles you have selected. Depending on the layout you’re creating, you’ll need the following types of panel connectors to bring your cubicle panels together:

• Straight panel connectors
• T-shaped connectors
• Corner connectors
• Four-way connectors, also called star or X-connectors

In addition to the cubicle panels themselves, you’ll likely also need the following tools on hand to put them together:

• Allen wrench
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Power drill
• Tape measure
• Rubber mallet or hammer
• Magnetic torpedo level

Now, let’s look at how to install cubicles. There are 10 essential steps you’ll need to work through.

1. Check your design plan: Before you get started with assembly, make sure you have all your materials ready to go and that you know exactly what configuration you are aiming to create. You also want to know that the design you have planned will fit into the available space, so don’t be afraid to get out your tape measure.
2. Assemble panels: In some cases, your first task will be to put together the panels you’ll use to create your cubicle. This step typically entails connecting metal frame pieces to flat pieces of material that form the walls or windows of your cubicle.
3. Install straight connectors: Connector plates attach along the vertical edge of a panel and are what allow you to connect panels. The panels should have grooves for the connectors to fit into. With most cubicles, you’ll need to screw connector pieces into place on the edge of one panel, then lock your other panel into place using the connector. Start by using straight connectors to attach panels you’re joining side by side to form a longer wall.
4. Add other connectors: Next, move onto creating connections that involve 90-degree angles. The type of connector you use in these instances will depend on whether you’re creating corners, T-shaped intersections or four-way intersections of panels. Choose the appropriate connector pieces and screw them into place before using them to connect panels to form the cubicle layout you’ve planned.
5. Cap off exposed edges: Once all your panels are in place, you’ll want to cover unfinished edges that are showing. Use end trim pieces to cover the exposed vertical edges on panels and kickplates to cover the bottom edges of panels. Finally, use end caps to create a polished finish for the bottom corner where the vertical edge piece and kickplate come together.
6. Arrange wiring: The wiring system you use to power electronics in your cubicles will depend on whether you have panels with raceways that contain electrical wires or whether you need to use extension cords under the panels, so each worker has a power strip to connect their electronics to. Whatever method you’ll use to provide electrical power to your cubicles, now is the time to get that sorted before moving on.
7. Install storage options: If your cubicle system includes overhead storage or file cabinets, install these accessories next. The way you attach overhead storage containers to your cubicle will depend on your specific cubicle model. Typically, you’ll use cantilevers, pieces that affix to the wall and protrude out, to hold the accessories. Filing cabinets can likely sit wherever you want to place them.
8. Install countertop: Next, space out cantilevers and screw them into place along your panels so they can support a countertop. Once the cantilevers are in place, you should be able to set your counter pieces down on top of them before screwing the cantilevers and any other necessary connector pieces to the bottom of the counter.
9. Add accessories: Next, add any extra touches you want in your cubicles, such as marker boards, tack boards, track lighting or anything else you need to fully equip your cubicles to get them ready for your employees.
10. Invite employees in: Finally, wipe down surfaces to ensure your cubicles and the workspaces they contain are clean. Then, you can allow employees to move their possessions into the cubicles and get working.

Now, let’s look at Sunline cubicle installation instructions. When it comes to assembling this brand of cubicle, the process is much more straightforward. The only tools you’ll likely need are a level and a small drill along with just a handful of screws. You can watch a video tutorial that will break down the process even further, but we can boil it down into eight steps.

If you compared the two sections of cubicle assembly instructions above, you might have noticed there are fewer steps involved in the assembly process for Sunline cubicles, and that the procedure is less complicated. You probably also realized there was no need to include a long list of tools you’ll need for installation. The unique design of Sunline cubicles enables an easy and flexible installation. Let’s look in more detail at four valuable advantages of assembling Sunline cubicles.

One considerable advantage of Sunline cubicles is that they come together far more quickly than traditional cubicles do. Assembling just one traditional cubicle typically takes four or more hours. That means outfitting an office space with standard cubicles can take days or even weeks. You can outfit an office with Sunline cubicles in a small fraction of that time, since it takes less than an hour to set up each Sunline cubicle.

Sunline cubicle assembly isn’t just faster. It’s more straightforward, too. Rather than gathering a bunch of tools, you can rely on nothing more than a small drill and five screws to put a Sunline cubicle together. You may also use a level and a pry bar. Much of the extra time it takes to assemble traditional panels is due to screwing so many pieces into place. With Sunline cubicles, all you have to do is slide panels into the connecting poles — no tools needed.

3. Lower Installation Costs

In addition to a faster, easier and cheaper installation, you can also enjoy greater flexibility with Sunline Sliding cubicles compared to traditional cubicles. You can configure and reconfigure panel sections however you want, changing out fabric panels for glass windows, shortening the height of panels for a more open feel, raising the height of panels and using fabric panels to provide more privacy. You can also choose colors for panels that match your branding.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of cubicle assembly and some of the advantages of Sunline cubicles over standard ones, let’s go over a few of our recommendations to make your assembly a breeze.

• Wash your hands: Our first tip is to start with clean hands or use gloves to ensure you keep the cubicle panels clean.
• Read your manual: Since all cubicles come together a bit differently, make sure you read the manual for your cubicle system carefully and follow those exact instructions.
• Have a plan: You can make changes if needed as you go, but you always want to start with a detailed plan for your cubicle layout. As we mentioned, measure to make sure this plan works for your space.
• Grab a buddy: If you’re installing cubicles yourself, make sure you have another person to help you hold onto pieces and balance them as you connect them.
• Expect a learning curve: As with many things, assembling cubicles involves a learning curve, so be patient in the beginning and expect installation to go faster once you’ve got the hang of it.
• Use a level: Since some floors are not perfectly level, use a level as you assemble panels to make sure they match up correctly. You can adjust the feet on a panel if needed to raise it or lower it slightly.
• Prioritize safety: When you use a power drill or any other tools, exercise safety, so you don’t injure yourself.
• Hire a professional: The easiest installation option, even for Sunline cubicles, is to leave it to the pros.

As we’ve seen, there’s a lot that goes into assembling cubicles — especially traditional ones. Sunline cubicles are much more intuitive to put together, but you’ll still need to follow the steps above to ensure the various pieces come together correctly. When you want to outfit your office space with cubicles, but you’d prefer to have them installed professionally, Arnold’s can help.

Arnold’s Office Furniture is your exclusive Sunline dealer. We offer installation services to streamline the process, so all you have to do is choose the cubicle size, configuration and color to meet your needs and preferences. Let us do the work to make your vision come to life. In a single afternoon, we can transform your empty office space into a space full of attractive and functional workstations your employees will love.

We provide our service nationwide, so no matter where you are, you can enjoy Sunline cubicles, professionally installed, in your office. Contact us to learn more.