What Are Modern Office Cubicles Made Of? A Material Guide

A cubicle may look straightforward from the outside, but there is more happening beneath its straight-edge surface. Inside each workstation, different materials work together to provide structure, absorb sound, create visual separation, and support the demands of a busy workplace. 

In an Officeflex® Cubicle, a honeycomb core provides the foundation—but it is only one part of the system. Let’s unwrap a modern Screenflex cubicle, layer by layer, to see how each material contributes to a better workday. 

The Heart of the Cubicle: The 2-Inch Acoustic Panel Core 

At the center of an Officeflex® Cubicle, whether Single, Double, or Corner, is a two-inch-thick panel with a closed-cell honeycomb core. The honeycomb pattern distributes material efficiently, helping the panel maintain its shape and rigidity without the bulk of a solid wall. 

That core also contributes to the panel’s sound-absorbing structure. Officeflex® Cubicles have an NRC rating of up to 0.25 with fabric or vinyl panels and up to 0.50 with PET acoustical panels. 

But what does an NRC rating of up to 0.25 or 0.50 mean?

NRC is a laboratory-tested measure of how much sound energy a material absorbs, averaged across several common frequencies. An NRC rating of 0.25 indicates the tested assembly absorbs approximately 25% of the sound energy reaching it at those frequencies, while an NRC rating of 0.50 indicates approximately 50% absorption. These ratings do not mean the cubicle is soundproof or will prevent nearby conversations from being heard. Instead, they reflect the cubicle’s ability to absorb sound and reduce the buildup of noise as voices, keyboards, and other workplace sounds reflect throughout a space. In practical terms, surrounding workstations with sound-absorbing panels can make a busy office feel more controlled.

The Strength of the Frame: Extruded Anodized Aluminum

Extruded aluminum provides a high strength-to-weight ratio, giving the cubicle system structural support without the weight associated with many steel or wood-core systems. This makes Officeflex® panels easier to assemble, reposition, and reconfigure as workplace needs change. 

Available in silver or black, the anodized finish adds a protective layer that helps resist corrosion, scratches, and everyday wear. The result is a durable, professional frame designed to support repeated use and layout changes—without turning each adjustment into a construction project.

The Surface: Commercial-Grade Recycled Fabrics & Vinyls

The panel surface is the part employees see and use every day. Officeflex® Cubicles are available with fabric, vinyl, or acoustic PET panels, allowing organizations to select the material best suited to their environment.  

Fabric-covered panels add color and texture while providing a tackable surface. Employees can pin up calendars, reference sheets, reminders, photos, or project materials directly on the panel. This can be especially useful in offices where information changes frequently. A scheduling coordinator might display a weekly staffing grid, while a creative team could pin up sketches and visual references. 

Vinyl provides a durable, sleek surface that can be wiped clean, making it practical for healthcare administrative areas, training environments, shared offices, and other frequently used spaces. Because cleaning requirements vary, always confirm the recommended care method before applying a new product. 

For workplaces prioritizing sound management, soft-looking PET panels feature a fibrous construction designed to absorb sound energy rather than reflect it into the room. This added absorption can contribute to a more comfortable acoustic environment in shared offices, meeting areas, and phone-intensive workspaces.

Privacy Upgrades: Polycarbonate Sliding Doors & Windows

A cubicle can create separation while still allowing light to move through the workplace. Optional polycarbonate window panels are available in clear, frosted, and fluted finishes, providing different levels of visibility and visual privacy without fully blocking natural light. Lightweight and impact-resistant, polycarbonate is also well suited to active workplace environments. 

For greater enclosure, a sliding door can be added to compatible Officeflex® configurations. Choose from frosted polycarbonate or acoustic PET panels or select a complete cubicle kit featuring a frosted polycarbonate door.

Screenflex Brings Every Material Layer Together

The combination of high-quality materials in Officeflex® does more than mark the boundary of a desk. It can help define focused work areas, add visual privacy, absorb some of the sound in a busy room, and give an organization the flexibility to adapt to its workplace over time. 

Ready to create a workspace built around the way your team works? Explore Officeflex® Cubicles or speak with a Screenflex space-planning specialist to customize a layout for your organization.