If you are shopping for used Steelcase Answer, you are looking at one of the more common panel systems in corporate offices, which means it turns up regularly when those offices close, downsize or refresh. That availability works in your favor. It also means listings vary widely in completeness and condition, so it pays to know what you are buying before you commit to a count.
Why buyers look for Answer specifically
Most people searching for pre-owned Answer fall into one of three groups. Some already have Answer on their floor and need more stations. Some want a recognized commercial panel system without paying new-furniture prices. Others are building out a large open area and need a system they can buy in volume and reconfigure later.
A panel system like Answer is built from components: panels, connectors, worksurfaces, supports, storage and power pieces. That modular approach is what makes it practical to reuse. It is also why a "lot of 40 cubicles" is only useful if every one of those 40 has the parts to stand up as a working station.
How availability actually works
Pre-owned inventory comes from decommissioned offices, so what is on hand at any moment depends on which projects just finished. Plenty of Answer moves through the secondary market, but a specific finish, panel height and fabric in a specific quantity may take some patience or some flexibility on your end.
A few ways to make sourcing easier:
- Lead with function, not finish. Decide the footprint, panel height and storage you need first. Color is the easiest thing to be flexible on.
- Consider remanufactured. Refreshed stations can bring mismatched sources closer to a uniform look.
- Buy a small overage. A few extra connectors, supports and end panels save a return trip during installation or a future reconfiguration.
- Share a floor plan. Free space planning helps you order the right mix of runs, corners and end conditions instead of identical stations that will not fit.
Liquidation-grade, remanufactured or new
Office Station prices workstations in three tiers. The figures below are for a furniture-only 6'x6' workstation and exclude electrical, delivery and professional installation. Your actual Answer quote depends on configuration, storage and what is in stock.
| Option | Typical lead time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Liquidation-grade | As little as 72 hours if in stock | Tight budgets and fast move-ins |
| Remanufactured | Usually 7-14 days | A more uniform, refreshed look |
| New | 4-6 weeks | Specific finishes or a fully matched floor |
Larger orders are quoted together, and your quantity is reflected in the written quote.
Installation is quoted with your project, based on the number of stations, building access and the complexity of the layout. Delivery is quoted with your project, based on your address, building access and the size of the order. Everywhere else nationwide, freight is quoted per project.
What to check on a used Answer listing
Condition grades tell you how a piece looks: A is like new, B is very good and C is good. A grade does not tell you whether the station is complete. Use this checklist before you approve a quote.
- Complete component list. Every station needs its panels, connectors, worksurface supports and end panels. Ask for an itemized list, not just a station count.
- Panel heights. Mixing heights can be intentional, but it should be on the plan, not a surprise on delivery day.
- Power and data components. Confirm what electrical pieces are included and plan for a licensed electrician to connect them to your building. Electrical is not included in furniture pricing.
- Fabric and tiles. Look for stains, fading and fraying at edges. Fabric condition is often the biggest difference between a B and a C.
- Worksurface edges. Chipped edges and delaminating laminate show up fast in daily use.
- Storage keys. Pedestals and overheads without keys can be rekeyed, but it is better to know in advance.
- Finish consistency. If the order comes from more than one source, ask whether finishes match or whether remanufacturing is recommended.
Expanding an existing Answer install
If you already have Answer, the goal is stations that connect to and look like what is on your floor. Before ordering, gather panel heights, worksurface depths, a photo of the connector hardware, a photo of any power components and your fabric and laminate colors. Those details make it much easier to identify compatible pieces and flag anything that will not align.
Plan the new stations at the end of an existing run or as a separate cluster if an exact finish match is not available. A deliberate accent cluster looks far better than one mismatched station in the middle of a row.
Moving out of an Answer install instead
If you are on the other side of the transaction, your Answer stations may carry resale value. Office Station walks the space for free and recommends the best route: resale, a buy, a quote to clear, donation or recycling, or a mix. Walkthroughs typically happen within 48 hours in Greater Phoenix and within 2 to 3 business days in other service markets, with a written recommendation within 5 business days.
Read how a full office decommissioning works, including itemized inventory, e-waste handling with certificates of data destruction and a photo-documented broom-clean handback.
Next steps
Start with your floor plan and headcount, then decide which tier fits your timeline and budget. Browse the broader used cubicles selection, compare seating on the pre-owned office chairs page, or email hello@officestation.com with your measurements and photos.
Frequently asked questions
Is Office Station an authorized Steelcase dealer?
No. Office Station is an independent reseller of pre-owned furniture and is not an authorized Steelcase dealer. Manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned furniture, so ask about condition grades and inspection before you buy.
How fast can I get used Steelcase Answer workstations?
Liquidation-grade stations that are in stock can be ready in as little as 72 hours. Remanufactured stations usually take 7 to 14 days. If you need new furniture instead, plan on 4 to 6 weeks.
Can I add used Answer stations to an Answer install I already have?
Often, yes, but you should confirm panel heights, finishes, connector hardware and the electrical components before you order. Send photos and a few measurements of your existing stations so the added pieces can be checked against what you have.
What does a used 6x6 workstation cost?
Workstation pricing depends on grade (liquidation-grade, remanufactured or new), station size, panel height, finishes and quantity, so every project is quoted individually. Electrical, delivery and professional installation are quoted as separate lines. Volume discounts start at 20 stations.
Do you install used cubicles?
Yes. Installation is quoted with your project, based on the number of stations, building access and the complexity of the layout. Electrical hookup by a licensed electrician is separate and should be planned with your building.
