Squeaky chairs, wobbly tables, broken drawers—are your office furniture pieces ready to be replaced or can they still be repaired? Office furniture endures daily wear and tear, both in professional settings and home offices. As we strive to create comfortable and stylish workspaces, the temptation to replace old furniture with new models or styles grows. Yet with the alarming increase in landfill waste, it's crucial to think twice before deciding to replace them.
Deciding the fate of your office furniture requires more than a simple yes or no; it involves understanding the repair process and assessing whether the effort and cost of fixing them will result in a comfortable and productive workspace for you and your team.
In this blog, we'll review furniture warranties, provide insights into common furniture issues, along with repair techniques and tips for regular maintenance to help you extend the lifespan of your office furniture, ensuring a sustainable and cost-effective approach to managing your workspace.
Warranty
Most commercial office furniture is covered under warranty. The warranty period (which can last as long as 5 years) runs from the date of manufacture and covers defects in materials and craftsmanship. To check if your furniture repairs are covered under your warranty, feel free to contact us.
When to Repair Office Furniture?
Repairing office furniture can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option, but it's important to know when a repair is feasible and worthwhile. Minor issues like loose screws, small scratches, or worn-out cushions are often easy and inexpensive to fix, making repair a practical choice. Here are some tips on how to repair minor issues on our most-used office furniture.
Chair
- Squeaky Sounds: Apply lubricant to moving parts such as wheels, swivel mechanisms, and armrests to eliminate squeaks.
- Loose Screws: Tighten any loose screws or bolts with the appropriate tools to stabilize the chair.
- Worn-out Cushions: Replace seat cushions or covers to improve comfort and extend the chair’s lifespan.
- Broken Wheels: Replace damaged wheels with new ones, ensuring they are compatible with the chair's base.
Desk and Height Adjustable Desk
- Scratches and Surface Damage: Use furniture polish or a touch-up marker to hide minor scratches on the desk surface. For deeper scratches, consider using a wood filler before refinishing the area.
- Wobbly Legs: Tighten or replace loose screws and bolts on desk legs to improve stability. If the legs are damaged, consider replacing them entirely.
- Height Adjustment Issues: Ensure all connections are secure and cables are undamaged. If the desk doesn’t move at all, check the power connection and all plugs. Lastly, follow the initialization procedure provided by the manufacturer.
Cabinet
- Stuck Drawers: Lubricate the drawer slides with a silicone-based lubricant to ensure smooth operation.
- Loose Handles or Knobs: Tighten any loose screws or replace damaged handles or knobs to ensure drawers can be easily opened and closed.
- Wobbly Structure: Tighten all screws and bolts on the cabinet frame. If the cabinet is still unstable, reinforce it with additional brackets or braces.
- Surface Wear: Clean and polish the surface to remove minor scratches and scuffs. For more significant damage, consider sanding and refinishing the affected areas.
Tips for maintenance of office furniture
Maintaining office furniture is essential for ensuring a comfortable and productive workspace. Proper care can extend their lifespan and enhance their performance. Explore these practical maintenance tips to keep your office furniture in top condition.
Chair
- Regular Cleaning: Wipe down the chair regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. Work with your office services provider for deep cleaning of fabric and seating as needed. Also consider Fabric protection to protect from stains and spills.
- Inspect and Tighten: Periodically check for loose screws or bolts and tighten them as needed to ensure the chair remains stable and safe to use.
- Upholstery Care: Vacuum upholstery regularly to remove debris and prevent dirt buildup. Treat stains promptly with a gentle upholstery cleaner to maintain the appearance of the chair.
In case you need further help in maintaining your office furniture, Apex offers professional chair cleaning services. We also provide fabric protection for seating and cloth panels, helping to preserve the appearance and durability of your furniture.
Desk and Height Adjustable Desk
- Surface Protection: Use coasters or desk pads to prevent scratches and water damage to the desk surface.
- Organizational Systems: Implement systems such as cable management solutions and desk organizers to control clutter and maintain a tidy workspace.
- Regular Cleaning: Use a mild cleaner and soft cloth to clean the desk surface regularly, removing dust and spills.
Cabinet
- Drawer Maintenance: Periodically clean and lubricate drawer slides to ensure smooth operation. Remove any debris or obstructions that may hinder movement.
- Proper Use: Avoid overloading drawers or placing heavy items on top of cabinets, as this can strain the structure and cause damage over time.
- Surface Care: Clean cabinet surfaces with a mild cleaner and soft cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.
- Hardware Inspection: Regularly inspect cabinet hardware such as handles and hinges for signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn or broken hardware promptly to prevent further damage.
While maintaining your office furniture can significantly extend its lifespan, there may come a time when replacement is inevitable. However, when making the decision to replace, it's essential to consider factors such as the extent of damage, budget constraints, and the needs of your employees. If replacing furniture becomes necessary, investing in quality products is paramount or consider purchasing reused furniture to minimize waste and environmental impact. When decommissioning your used furniture, work with professionals to ensure proper disposal or recycling, contributing to a more sustainable approach to office management.
