| Smart shopping for sophisticated, stylish stackable | | | | design, which allows flexibility in workspace size, |
| panel systems starts with a look beneath the surface. | | | | configuration and in locating bins, shelves and divider |
| As steel beams, concrete and exterior walls are | | | | panels. Knockdown and ready-to-assemble (RTA) |
| integral to modern building construction, so are framing | | | | framing components equipped with self-leveling |
| and tiling the keys to lifetime performance in a modular | | | | connections simplify moving elements into and |
| office furniture system. Look for framing fabricated of | | | | throughout the building, reduce assembly costs and can |
| 16-gauge cold-rolled steel to provide strength and | | | | reduce the number of framing components required. |
| rigidity when in use and remain distortion-free during | | | | With this feature, frames can be added or removed |
| MACs. | | | | without disturbing adjacent structures. |
| The load-bearing capability of stackable framing | | | | Tile or panel segments should be a minimum 24-gauge |
| systems is a strength and safety issue given the | | | | steel to remain distortion free during installation and |
| weight of binders and other office equipment stored in | | | | later moves, and together with framing provide walls |
| bins and on shelves. The highest load capability in the | | | | or panels that are 3-1/2 inches thick. This also |
| industry as measured by Underwriters Laboratories is | | | | contributes to noise reduction and provides an |
| 2.5 tons. This was achieved in a panel configuration | | | | affective barrier to radio frequency (RF) interference. |
| composed of 8-foot panel frames stacked 10 feet | | | | They should be easily removed and replaced to |
| high and supported by two, 24-inch return panels. | | | | facilitate access to the cable management system. |
| There was no counterbalancing provided. | | | | Floor-to-ceiling panels for use as private office and |
| Properly designed framing supports intelligence to the | | | | conference room walls should have a minimum sound |
| desktop by providing unrestricted cable pathways for | | | | transmission class (STC) rating of 35 to provide an |
| electrical, voice, data and video cable runs. | | | | acceptable level of sound privacy. Partial height panel |
| Components should support design flexibility by | | | | walls should have a minimum of .70 noise reduction |
| enabling construction of walls from 30 inches to 14 | | | | coefficient (NRC) for sound absorption contributing to |
| feet in height. They also facilitate reconfiguring wall | | | | worker comfort and productivity in open plan |
| height within these boundaries without disturbing the | | | | environments. will help business owners and operators |
| office cabling system. | | | | make smart choices in systems furniture for their |
| Other framing features to look for include off-modular | | | | offices and selecting the right office cubicles. |