Benching Workstations vs. Cubicles: Which Is Right for Your Office? 

When furnishing an office, choosing the right workstation layout can make a big difference in how employees work, collaborate, and stay productive. Two popular options for modern workplaces are benching workstations and traditional office cubicles. Both offer unique benefits, but which is the better fit for your space, team, and budget? 

At Office Furniture Resources we help businesses find the right balance between functionality, affordability, and workplace design with new, used, and refurbished office furniture. 

What Are Benching Workstations? 

Benching workstations are shared desk systems where multiple employees sit alongside or across from one another, typically with minimal dividers. This open-concept layout is popular among businesses looking to maximize floor space and encourage collaboration. 

Benefits of benching workstations: 

• Space efficiency: accommodate more employees within a smaller footprint. 
• Collaboration: open layouts make communication between team members easier. 
• Modern appearance: create a clean, streamlined office aesthetic. 
• Flexibility: many benching systems can be reconfigured as teams grow or change. 

However, benching workstations may offer less privacy and noise control, making them less suitable for employees who frequently take calls or need uninterrupted focus. 

What Are Office Cubicles? 

Office cubicles use partition panels to create individual workspaces, offering employees a greater degree of separation and privacy. Modern cubicle systems have evolved far beyond the tall, enclosed workstations of the past. Today’s options include lower panels, glass dividers, integrated storage, and height-adjustable desks. 

Benefits of office cubicles: 

• Privacy: Partition panels help reduce visual distractions. 
• Noise management: Panels can help limit surrounding office noise. 
• Personal workspace: Employees have designated areas for storage and organization. 
• Customization: Cubicles can be configured in different sizes, heights, and layouts. 

Cubicles may require more floor space than benching systems, depending on the configuration, but they can be an excellent choice for offices that prioritize focused, independent work.

Making the Most of Your Office Furniture Budget 

Whether you prefer benching workstations or cubicles, furnishing an office doesn’t have to mean purchasing everything new. OFR specializes in sourcing quality used and refurbished office workstations from leading commercial furniture manufacturers, including Steelcase, Herman Miller, Allsteel, Knoll, and Haworth. 

Pre-owned furniture can offer significant savings compared to purchasing new, while extending the useful life of quality commercial furniture. Our team can also help businesses combine used workstation systems with new components, such as height-adjustable desks, work surfaces, or storage, to create a functional and cohesive office. 

Can You Combine Benching and Cubicles? 

Yes, in fact many offices benefit from incorporating both workstation styles. For example, collaborative departments may prefer open benching systems, while accounting, human resources, or administrative teams may benefit from the additional privacy of cubicles. 

A hybrid layout allows businesses to create work environments tailored to different employee needs without committing to a single workstation style throughout the entire office. 

Find the Right Workstations with OFR 

At OFR, our team has been furnishing a variety of office spaces for years – decades even – and they have seen it all. Our Sales & Design department is extremely knowledgeable on space planning and design and can find the best option for your space. Best of all, OFR is a full-service furniture dealership offering used, refurbished and new furniture at cost effective values. Let’s get started on your office project – contact us today.