Office fit outs can overhaul the aesthetic of a workspace, but they can also offer incredible benefits for building your brand and creating fantastic first impressions. There are several factors to consider when plotting an office fit out, and one consideration is the kinds of materials to choose. If you’re in the process of creating a vision for a new office, or you’re looking for inspiration, here’s a handy guide to which materials can be used for an office fit out.
The range of materials
There’s a vast range of materials on offer for refurbishing and renovating offices, and the selection you choose will often depend on the look you’re going for and how much you want to spend. Some materials, for example, solid wood, are ideally suited to more rustic and traditional designs, while others, for example, metal, are perfect for an industrial, warehouse vibe. Plastic and vinyl tend to be suited to contemporary spaces where footfall is high and furniture is required to withstand frequent use. Consider how you plan to use your office furniture, and combine furniture and flooring materials that complement each other.
When you’re coming up with ideas, it’s beneficial to consider both flair and functionality. You want your office space to look the business, but you also need to make sure that it works for you. A funky, statement plastic chair might be ideal for a reception area or a communal chill out zone, but it probably isn’t the best choice for an employee work station.
How to choose the best office fit out materials for your project
Having a choice is always a positive thing when planning an office fit out, but how do you go about selecting the best office fit out materials? Every client is different, but typically, it’s wise to consider these factors:
- Cost: some materials are more expensive than others, but it doesn’t always pay to go for the cheapest option. Look for value for money. If you plan to stay in the same place for several years, you may find that paying out more now saves you money in the long-term.
- Purpose: when exploring different types of office materials, it’s useful to base your decisions on how you plan to use your new office. Do you welcome clients on a daily basis? Do you have a large team? Are you a small business that has a few employees that don’t engage in face to face contact with clients at the office? If your office is very busy, and there are people coming and going all the time, durability is critical, so look for materials that will stand the test of time.
- Practicality: an office fit out should always tick the practicality box. If you’re sitting down at a desk for hours, for example, a great looking chair and table won’t ease pain or help you out if you’re not comfortable. We can help you find furniture that will cater for your needs and preferences.
- Aesthetics: how important are aesthetics to you? If you regularly meet with clients at your office, or you want to use your office to showcase and promote your brand, you need to ensure that your fit out delivers in the style stakes. We can help you create a vision and then source materials to turn it into a reality.
There’s a huge choice of materials available for office fit outs. If you’re looking for ideas, or you’re unsure which materials would suit you best, our experts are here to help.