Custom or made to order pieces, such as bespoke reception desks or custom joinery, typically take 8 to 14 weeks or longer to manufacture and deliver. Standard commercial furniture held in stock by Melbourne suppliers generally has a lead time of 2 to 6 weeks.
The most common project delay occurs when businesses wait until fitout construction is nearly finished before ordering custom furniture.
Lead times for custom versus standard stock
Custom items including non standard configurations, bespoke reception desks, and custom joinery typically require 8 to 14 weeks. Standard stock items held by local Melbourne suppliers usually arrive within 2 to 6 weeks. Businesses that fail to plan for these differing windows risk having a completed office with no furniture.
Coordinating the installation sequence
Furniture must arrive in a staged sequence with workstations delivered before chairs and ancillary storage. For a 50 workstation office, allow 2 to 3 days for professional installation after the fitout handover. This coordinated approach prevents site congestion and ensures a structured setup.
The risk of rushing the procurement process
Rushing furniture decisions often leads to unnecessary expedite fees or poorly considered specifications. Starting the selection process at the same time as the fitout design ensures lead times align with the move in date. This avoids the high cost of operating in an empty office.
Melbourne CBD logistics and delivery
Delivery to upper floors in Melbourne CBD buildings adds complexity to the installation schedule. Assembly for large orders of 50 or more workstations often takes longer than businesses expect. These logistics and time requirements must be accounted for in the final project programme.
Planning your timeline with a local specialist
Bring your floor plans to our Kilsyth or Knoxfield showrooms to map out your specific requirements. Progressive Office provides free CAD space planning to integrate furniture selection with fitout construction for precise timing. This ensures every item arrives at the right time and goes in the right place.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I order custom furniture too late?
You may face expensive expedite fees or find yourself in a finished office without desks.
How long does it take to install a large volume of workstations?
An installation for 50 workstations typically takes 2 to 3 days.
Should I order all furniture to arrive at once?
No, furniture should be delivered in a staged sequence, starting with workstations and ending with ancillary storage.
Questions to ask your supplier before you buy
- Do you manufacture your own furniture or are you a reseller?
- What is your process if there are delays on your end that affect our fitout schedule?
- Can I see examples of similar projects you have completed in Melbourne?
