A reasonably well-furnished commercial office in Melbourne typically costs between $3,000 to $6,000 per person in furniture. Total project budgets range from $60,000 to $150,000 for small offices under 20 workstations to over $1,000,000 for large scale corporate fitouts.
Businesses that expect residential pricing for commercial products often compromise on quality or encounter significant budget blowouts.
What are the budget benchmarks by office size?
Small offices with under 20 workstations typically require a furniture budget of $60,000 to $150,000. Medium offices of 20 to 60 workstations range from $150,000 to $450,000, while large offices with 60 plus workstations often cost between $400,000 to $1,000,000 plus. These totals vary based on the number of meeting rooms, executive offices, and premium breakout areas included in the scope.
How much do custom and premium pieces cost?
Custom reception desks range from $5,000 to $20,000 plus depending on the specification. Full executive office setups, including a desk, chair, and credenza, typically cost between $5,000 to $20,000. Individual meeting room chairs range from $200 to $700 per unit, while breakout lounge zones cost between $3,000 to $10,000 plus.
What hidden costs affect the total spend?
Professional delivery and installation usually add 10 to 20 percent to the total furniture expenditure. Buying furniture before a floor plan is confirmed often leads to incorrect quantities and configurations that do not fit the space. Using residential furniture in a commercial setting is a common mistake that typically results in the furniture falling apart within 18 months.
How to accurately plan your furniture budget
Break your budget into categories such as workstations, seating, and storage to make better trade off decisions. Visit the Progressive Office showrooms in Kilsyth or Knoxfield to test task chairs before committing to bulk orders. Our team provides free CAD space planning to ensure the furniture layout is optimised for your specific sqm before any orders are placed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost difference between residential and commercial furniture?
Commercial furniture is built to a higher specification for intensive daily use and costs more. Residential furniture lacks the durability required for business environments and often fails quickly.
Should I budget for smart furniture features?
App connected sit stand desks cost between $1,200 to $2,500 and wireless charging surfaces range from $800 to $2,000. These are common investments for Melbourne businesses adopting hybrid or hot desking models.
How do I ensure my furniture meets WHS standards?
Select chairs with AFRDI ratings or those meeting AS/NZS 4438 for height adjustability. Consult a WHS professional or occupational therapist for clinical ergonomic advice to ensure your office is compliant.
Questions to ask your supplier before you buy
- Are the chairs AFRDI rated for the specific intensity of use expected in my office?
- Does the quote include professional delivery and installation, or are these calculated as a separate percentage?
- Can you provide a CAD floorplan to confirm all custom pieces and workstations fit the space before the order is finalised?
