Let's talk about office pod materials and finishes. These structures are private workspaces that companies add to open floor plans. The right ones can create a professional yet cosy place to get your best work done.
The core building materials used to construct office pods are key. They determine acoustic properties, longevity, and overall workspace quality for professionals. For example, thick insulation keeps sound from leaking in or out. And polished wood finish options make for an upscale, corporate look.
Once the pod structure is up, the fun finishes complete the workspace. Finishes refer to coatings, fabrics, and panels added at the end. They give pods a stylish look that aligns with company branding. Upholstery and glass windows or doors all make for great finish options.
In the right office spots, pods check some big boxes. Well-made acoustic and glazed office pods designed with high-quality materials support work focus. They drive employee satisfaction way up and keep maintenance costs down. Pods also move companies closer to green, eco-friendly operation goals.
Putting thought into office pod materials and finishes pays off. It leads to spaces where busy professionals enjoy getting projects done, and companies see solid returns on design and planning investments.
This guide will walk through the top material and finish considerations when making office pod plans. Let's get to creating workspaces everyone will love!
Key Takeaways:
- Prioritise durability and acoustic properties when selecting core office pod materials to maximise their lifespan and functionality.
- Carefully choose finish options with protective qualities like antimicrobial coatings or scratch-resistant laminates to ease maintenance.
- Implement simple daily and weekly office pod cleaning protocols to properly care for materials and finishes long-term.
Understanding Office Pod Materials
Core Materials Used in Office Pod Construction
The materials selected for constructing office pods are critical. They determine durability to withstand frequent use and moving around your office with their integrity intact over time. Materials also impact acoustic properties—the ability to block exterior noise and prevent sound from carrying between pods. Sustainability is another consideration, with recycled plastics and metals allowing for eco-friendly builds.
Top pod construction materials include wood, metal, and glass:
Wooden office pods like our Busy Pod offer a warm, natural aesthetic suited to many company cultures. Some of the woods you might often see in office pods are oak, ash, or maple. Oak and teak resist wear, while maple is easily refreshed with new stains and finishes. Wood requires minor upkeep but gives off an upscale vibe.
Metals like aluminium and steel make sturdy, soundproof pod structures able to withstand the test of time. Metal surfaces of pods like the Kolo Duo also take little effort to keep clean and sanitised for healthy work zones. Insulation helps maintain comfortable temperatures inside.
For transparent office meeting pods (such as our HushFree Small Work Pod), glass panels allow sunlight in while blocking noise. Glass can be fused with metals or composites to improve durability. They must be kept clean to maintain visibility but hold up well against general office use.
Innovative Materials for Modern Office Pods
Today's office pods integrate cutting-edge materials for improved sustainability, acoustics, and functionality.
Advanced sound-absorbing materials enhance privacy through noise reduction. Noise-cancelling panelling uses acoustic lining made of popular materials like felt, which is made from recycled plastic bottles, to block exterior noise from entering pods. Suspended ceiling baffles with integrated LEDs also absorb echo for improved audio environments.
Antimicrobial mineral additives in finish coatings inhibit mould and bacteria growth on surfaces. Materials with embedded tech capabilities enable automatic temperature and lighting adjustments tailored to employees' personal comfort preferences.
Choosing the Right Finish for Your Office Pod
Aesthetic Considerations
The finishes selected for office pods make a strong visual impact on the workspace. Companies should consider how potential finishes align with branding and culture.
Inviting textures, colours, and decorative touches boosts employee morale. Warm wood tones or cool grey metals help set the overall office mood. Upholstering seating in pods like our Bea Meeting Lounge Pods in branded fabric conveys professionalism with a fun twist. Adding custom lighting or wall art reflects the company's style.
Finishes must attract and retain top talent in addition to customers. Vibrant colours like orange or yellow foster creativity, while neutral tones promote focus. Elements echoing a brand’s colour scheme and logo remind employees of shared goals. Finishes should spark productivity on projects furthering the company mission.
Functional and Practical Aspects
Beyond the look, office pod finishes serve critical practical purposes. Durability, easy maintenance, and flexibility help maximise pods' functionality.
Durability ensures finishes withstand wear from daily use over time without showing scratches, scuffs or cracks. Materials like metal, high-pressure laminate, or vinyl flooring resist damage from furniture, foot traffic, and other elements.
Easy maintenance finishes simplify upkeep so pods maintain visual appeal with minimal effort. Powder-coated surfaces do not require polishing or re-coating. Antimicrobial coatings prevent staining. Non-porous woods, plastics and glass clean up easily with basic cleaning products.
Flexibility in finishes facilitates future office layout and branding changes. You should also be able to reconfigure pod arrangements as your needs change. Interchangeable fabric covers refresh seating, walls and ceilings as companies restructure or relocate.
Maintenance and Durability
Factors Affecting Durability
The durability of any office pod begins with choosing quality building materials engineered for commercial use. Metals fabricated from durable alloys, high-density composite woods, and thicker recyclable plastic panels stand up to years of wear better than consumer versions.
Second to materials is finish selection. Opting for scratch and stain-resistant finishes when planning glass windows, doors, and exposed office furniture prolongs their appearance. Plus, easy wipe-clean coatings limit damage from inevitable spills.
Proper care also plays a role. Training staff on cleaning protocols, such as wiping down desks and high-touch surfaces between meetings, keeps office pods looking newer for longer. Immediately treating spills when they happen prevents staining.
Advising employees on proper use is key. Discouraging sitting on pod tabletops and keeping food away from desks preserves pod integrity. Taking small preventative steps makes a huge difference.
Maintenance Tips for Office Pods
Taking small steps to care for office pods preserves their appearance and functionality over years of use. Companies should advise staff on best practices that prolong pod lifespans.
Make daytime cleanliness a priority. Provide eco-friendly all-surface wipes for quick midday wipe-downs between meetings. Cleaners remove grime from glass walls, sanitise high-touch electronic surfaces like phones and computer monitors, and refresh chairs.
Schedule thorough overnight tidying. A commercial cleaning service can systematically wipe, vacuum and disinfect the entire pod, including ceilings. Swapping out dated air filters prevents particle buildup that can damage equipment.
Encourage protective measures. Staff hanging coats or wearing bags with sharp closures risk scratches on walls and furniture. Place carpet pads underneath rolling chairs, and use table placemats or coasters for hot beverages to limit marks and discolourations.
Implementing Your Selection: Practical Tips and Considerations
Once companies decide on materials and finishes for custom office pods, smart planning ensures successful installation and use. Keep in mind timing, quality checks and launch procedures.
Coordinate design, production and delivery timelines upfront. Custom architectural materials and finishes often require significant lead time for engineering and specialised fabrication before shipment. Budgeting extra time prevents frustrating delays.
Prep the office space for installation per experts' advice around electrical, ventilation and layout recommendations for seamless integration. Careful prep work allows pods to achieve optimal durability and functionality.
How Furnify Can Help
The pod specialists at furnify make office transformations simple. Our workplace consultants help companies select perfect office pods tailored to their workspace needs and culture.
We offer a wide range of office pod solutions, from portable acoustic meeting pods to extra-large customisable spaces conducive to creative teamwork. Our pods stand the test of time, constructed using durable metals, sound-absorbing wood panels and scratch-resistant laminates.
Ready to introduce pods to boost focus, collaboration, and productivity at your office? Schedule a consultation with our team today. We'll talk about your workspace, suggest pod configurations that make the most of the layout, specify materials aligning with your branding, handle procurement and product installation, and even advise employees on how to properly adjust and care for new pods.
Contact our office pod specialists through our website or call 020 7632 7573 to discuss upgrading your open layout with multifunctional, design-centric pods purpose-built for business success. Our consultants make office transformations smooth from concept to completion.
FAQs
What does a pod mean in the office?
An office pod is a self-contained structure added to open-plan offices providing private spaces for individuals or small groups. Pods come in many styles, typically with walls and doors to enable quiet, focused work time away from bustling office environments.
What do office pods look like?
Office pods feature a variety of materials like sound-dampening wood panelling or transparent acrylic and glass for an open aesthetic. Some appear like stylish shipping containers plopped inside offices, while others feel like futuristic bubbles. Expect adjustable padded seating plus lighting, outlets and ventilation matching company branding.
What is the difference between a pod and a cubicle?
Unlike basic cubicles, soundproof office pods feature full floor-to-ceiling walls and locking doors, providing complete visual and acoustic privacy. Pods also typically offer seating, writing surfaces and often technology capabilities exceeding basic cubicles. Pods promote productivity through privacy and a comfortable workspace.
Do office pods work?
Yes - well-designed acoustic office pods provide employees with an optimal environment to accomplish individual-focused work. Pods deliver aspects open layouts lack: freedom from disruptions, comfortable ergonomics, space customisation to work style, and professional-grade tools enabling intense concentration. Employees relieved of distractions and stress can achieve greatly enhanced productivity and job satisfaction.
Further Resources:
- Office Pods - Are you ready to take the first step to help your team become more productive? Browse through our extensive catalogue of office pods.
- 5 Reasons Why Office Meeting Pods are a Good Investment - For those who need to do a bit more research, here are the reasons why you should consider getting meeting pods for your office.
- Office Phone Booth Comparison List - If you're looking to get an acoustic office phone booth but don't know where to begin, our comparison list can help you make an informed decision.