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Storage options that are both practical and aesthetically-pleasing are an essential element of every workspace. 

Modular casework, as opposed to traditional, site-built millwork, offers several advantages when planning for a room’s interior. This versatile solution can be configured and changed as needed. It also requires less installation time and comes at a lower cost.

Here, we share important considerations, benefits and other details to help you determine if casework is the right choice for your workspace.

Things to Consider

When weighing options for workroom interiors, it’s important to consider the following points:

Millwork vs. Casework

Millwork is a custom-made solution that is assembled on-site by a contractor or construction company. The result is furniture that becomes a permanent part of the space and meets exact design requirements, including cabinetry, countertops, molding, doors and custom paneling.

Casework is factory-manufactured furniture that is delivered to the site for installation. Modular casework is available in a variety of configurations, finishes and materials, resulting in a semi-custom solution that meets the functionality and design for the workspace. 

Use in a Variety of Applications

Modular casework can be an effective solution and can be used in virtually any workroom interior. Possible applications include:

• Mailrooms/mail centers
• Fax/copy rooms
• Shipping & receiving
• Breakrooms
• Office services
• Marketing departments

• Workstations
• Schools
• Satellite mail stations
• Call centers
• Laboratories
• Retail
• Processing
• Sample libraries
• Plan storage
  

Added Flexibility

Workspaces frequently evolve over time, whether due to technological advances, additional employees, the need for increased space, or other factors. A modular floor plan offers the ability to change workspace configuration as needed.

Modular casework is not actually bolted to the wall or floors. Instead, it often is installed using semi-permanent methods. Base cabinets are leveled and ganged together, while upper wall cabinets are fastened to a zip rail.

This makes any adjustment much easier, since casework does not need to be disassembled — and potentially damaged — for a redesign or other modification.

Other Benefits

In addition to the above considerations, modular casework offers the following benefits.

• Maximize Space

Casework can be adapted in order to eliminate wasted space, no matter the size of the work area. Some combinations even allow for multiple configurations so floor plans can be adjusted as needed.

• Durable & Serviceable

Quality casework solutions are made to last for years, rivaling traditional millwork when it comes to durability. In addition, they offer easy serviceability, if needed. Because modular casework components are engineered to disassemble and reattach, doors, drawers, end panels and hinges are easier to repair than millwork.

• Lower Purchase Price

Compared to traditional millwork, modular casework offers a less expensive purchase price, as well as a lower amount of labor required for installation and floor plan modifications. The result is a significantly lower total cost of ownership.

• Faster Installation

Casework ships in modules that come ready to install, reducing installation time by roughly half that of millwork.

• Cost Savings Over Time

Modular casework offers an added cost savings, since the freestanding systems are classified as personal property with a seven-year tax depreciation. This offers significant tax advantages compared to built-in millwork, which carries a 31-year depreciation. 

Interested in learning more about how modular casework can benefit your workspace? Contact Systems & Space today.