How to Budget for a 50-Person Office Fit-Out in the Philippines

1. The Full Scope of a 50-Person Fit-Out

A complete office fit-out covers more than just furniture. You're looking at workstations, seating, storage, meeting spaces, reception, and breakroom — plus delivery, installation, and any custom fabrication. For planning purposes, divide your budget into three zones: workstations (the largest spend), collaboration spaces (conference and meeting rooms), and support areas (reception, storage, breakroom).

2. Workstation Budget: 50 Seats

The workstation zone typically accounts for 55–65% of total furniture spend. For 50 employees, you'll need 50 chairs, 50 desks or cubicle workstations, and associated storage. Here's a realistic range for Metro Manila in 2026:

• Budget tier (₱8,000–₱12,000/seat): Basic task chairs + simple desks — total ₱400,000–₱600,000
• Mid-range tier (₱15,000–₱25,000/seat): Ergonomic chairs + modular workstations — total ₱750,000–₱1,250,000
• Premium tier (₱30,000–₱50,000/seat): Full ergonomic setup + cubicle systems — total ₱1,500,000–₱2,500,000
• Most growing companies land in the mid-range tier for the best balance of quality and cost

3. Conference and Meeting Rooms

A 50-person office typically needs one main conference room (10–14 seats) and two to three smaller meeting rooms (4–6 seats each). Budget for the conference table, chairs, and any credenzas or AV furniture.

• Main conference room (12-seater): ₱80,000–₱200,000 for table + chairs
• Small meeting room (6-seater): ₱40,000–₱90,000 per room
• Total for 1 large + 2 small rooms: ₱160,000–₱380,000

4. Reception Area

Your reception area is the first impression clients and candidates get of your company. A well-designed reception doesn't have to be expensive — but it does need to look intentional. Budget ₱60,000–₱150,000 for a reception desk, waiting seating (4–6 seats), and a side table or coffee table.

5. Storage and Filing

Often underbudgeted, storage is essential for a functional office. Plan for lateral filing cabinets, mobile pedestals under desks, and overhead storage where needed. Budget ₱1,500–₱4,000 per workstation for storage, plus ₱20,000–₱50,000 for centralized filing and storage areas.

6. Total Budget Summary and Where to Save

For a well-equipped 50-person office in Metro Manila, expect to spend ₱1,200,000–₱2,500,000 on furniture, depending on tier. Here's where you can save without sacrificing quality:

• Prioritize ergonomic chairs — this is not where to cut corners (affects productivity and health)
• Use modular cubicle systems instead of custom-built workstations (30–40% cheaper, more flexible)
• Buy conference chairs in the same family as task chairs for volume pricing
• Phase the fit-out: furnish core workstations first, add meeting rooms in Phase 2
• Ask for package pricing — GreatWorks offers 10–15% discounts on full fit-out orders