Decoding the Cost of Furniture
Commercial Budgeting That Prevents Sticker Shock
The cost of furniture isn’t just “desks and chairs.” In commercial projects, the biggest surprises usually come from scope gaps: delivery constraints, installation, power coordination, and the meeting spaces everyone forgets to count until the end.
Budget Move: Early budgets work best when you price systems (workstations + services), not just individual items.
01 Seat Mix (Not Just Headcount)
Two offices with the same headcount can have wildly different costs. Define a “typical seat” first and price that. Variables include:
- Assigned vs. unassigned seating.
- Ergonomic tier (basic task chair vs. fully adjustable).
- Storage needs (lockers vs. pedestals).
02 The Hidden Cost of Meeting Rooms
Teams often budget for desks but undercount the collaboration layer. Don't forget to inventory:
- Tech Readiness: Mounts, credenzas, and cable management.
- Power: Integrated modules in tables.
- Guest Seating: Additional chairs for perimeter overflow.
03 Services & Site Conditions
Commercial spend includes operational reality. Tight elevators, limited docks, or strict delivery hours in Miami can push costs significantly. Always request an “all-in” line that includes:
Freight, re-delivery fees, installation labor, and punch-list resolution.
Mini Checklist: Tighten Your Budget
- ✔ What is the target headcount (Day 1 vs Year 1)?
- ✔ Assigned or shared seating model?
- ✔ How many meeting rooms and what sizes?
- ✔ What are the building delivery constraints?
- ✔ Who owns installation coordination?
Need a budget you can trust?
We can produce an all-in furniture budget map so your team can approve spend early—and avoid last-minute surprises. Get your budget map.
