Used Knoll Reff appeals to buyers who want something warmer than a fabric panel system. Reff is associated with wood-look worksurfaces, clean edge details and pieces that suit private offices and executive areas as well as open workstations.
That finished look is what makes Reff attractive, and it is also what makes pre-owned Reff different to evaluate than a steel-and-fabric panel system. This page focuses on those surface considerations.
Veneer versus laminate: know which you are buying
Reff has been specified in both real wood veneer and laminate finishes. On a listing they can look similar. In daily use they behave very differently.
| Factor | Wood veneer | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Natural grain variation, richer depth | Consistent printed pattern |
| Scratch resistance | Lower; shows scuffs and pen marks | Higher for everyday wear |
| Sun exposure | Can darken or lighten over time | Generally more color stable |
| Water and heat | Vulnerable to rings and white marks | More forgiving |
| Repairability | Limited touch-up; veneer is thin | Chips are hard to hide |
| Best placement | Private offices, conference, reception | Busy open workstations |
A simple tip: look at the edge and underside of a worksurface in photos. Grain that continues naturally around an edge usually points to veneer. Ask directly if you are not sure.
Wood-finish inspection checklist
Use this list when you review photos or see pieces in person:
- Edges and corners. Chipping is most common where surfaces were bumped during moves.
- Top surface in raking light. Hold a phone light low across the surface to reveal scratches and dents.
- Water rings and heat marks. Check near where monitors, plants or coffee usually sit.
- Fade lines. A lighter or darker rectangle often shows where a monitor or desk pad sat for years.
- Grommets and cutouts. Make sure cable grommets are present and not cracked.
- Drawer fronts and pulls. Confirm pulls match across pedestals and drawers run smoothly.
- Locks and keys. Account for keys or plan for replacement lock cores.
- Structural parts. Supports, modesty panels and connectors should be complete and stable.
Grades and pricing
Every pre-owned piece carries a condition grade: A is like new, B is very good and C is good. For wood-finish furniture, those grades mainly reflect surface wear on tops and edges.
For budgeting, a 6'x6' workstation, furniture only, runs:
- Liquidation-grade: $615, in as little as 72 hours when in stock
- Remanufactured: $1,245, usually 7 to 14 days
- New: $1,920, typically 4 to 6 weeks
Private office suites, credenzas and conference pieces are priced by configuration and grade. All prices exclude electrical, delivery and professional installation. Installation runs $95 per workstation with a $495 minimum. Greater Phoenix delivery is $195 central or $295 metro, and freight elsewhere is quoted per project. Volume pricing is 5% at 20 or more stations, 8% at 50 or more and 12% at 100 or more.
Matching wood finishes across a floor
Finish names only get you part of the way. A veneer piece that sat in a sunny corner office will not look the same as one from an interior room, even if both were ordered in the same finish. A few ways to handle that:
- Compare photos of your existing furniture and the pre-owned pieces taken in the same type of light.
- Keep each private office consistent within itself, even if offices differ from one another.
- Use mismatched pieces in separate zones, such as a team area or a training room.
- Pair wood-look worksurfaces with neutral panels or storage to reduce the visual contrast.
Free space planning can help you decide where each grade and finish belongs before anything is delivered.
Protecting the surfaces after delivery
Once installed, simple habits keep pre-owned wood finishes looking good longer. Use coasters and desk pads, keep liquids away from edges, avoid harsh cleaners on veneer, and use window treatments where direct sun hits worksurfaces for much of the day.
Where pre-owned Reff makes the most sense
Because wood-look finishes show wear differently, think about placement before you choose a grade:
- Executive and private offices. Grade A or B veneer gives you the finished look at a fraction of new cost.
- Reception and client areas. Visible surfaces deserve the best grade you can source.
- Team workstations. Laminate surfaces in grade B or C hold up well to daily use.
- Training and project rooms. A good place for mixed finishes or pieces with honest wear.
Mixing grades by room lets you put your budget where visitors and leadership will see it, while keeping costs down in heavy-use areas.
Reseller status and warranty
Office Station sells pre-owned Knoll as an independent reseller, not an authorized dealer. Manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned furniture, so rely on grade, photos and the itemized quote.
Clearing out a floor of Reff instead? A written net offer compares resale value against removal cost, and a positive result means you are paid.
Related pages
- Pre-owned office furniture
- Used Knoll Dividends Horizon
- Pre-owned office chairs
- Contact Office Station
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in used Knoll Reff?
Focus on the surfaces. Check edges and corners for chips, look for water rings or sun fading on worksurfaces, and confirm whether each piece is wood veneer or laminate. Ask for photos of the actual pieces in natural light.
Can scratched wood veneer be repaired?
Light surface wear can sometimes be improved, but veneer is a thin layer of real wood, so deep gouges or heavy sanding are limited. Laminate resists scratches well but is harder to repair invisibly once chipped. Price and grade should reflect the condition you see.
Will used Reff match my existing Reff furniture?
Wood finishes vary by original finish choice, age and light exposure, so two pieces with the same finish name can look different side by side. Compare photos of both in the same lighting before you buy, and consider placing mismatched pieces in separate rooms or zones.
How much does a used Reff workstation cost?
For a 6'x6' workstation reference, furniture only: liquidation-grade $615, remanufactured $1,245 and new $1,920. Wood-finish pieces and private office components are priced individually based on grade and configuration, and prices exclude electrical, delivery and installation.
Is Office Station a Knoll dealer?
No. Office Station is an independent reseller of pre-owned furniture, not an authorized Knoll dealer. Manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned furniture.
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
