Office desks overview
Many people can gain a sense of how you run your business based on the quality and appearance of your office desk. But your desk also needs to be functional. It should have ample work space, sturdy drawers, and locks to protect valuable documents.
While top of the line desks can cost thousands of dollars, it may be worth the investment since it can last for decades and help you create a more productive work environment.
Desk materials
You can purchase a desk made from three types of materials: wood, laminate, or metal.
- Wood – Most desks are made from wood. You can also select different grains of wood such as oak, maple, and cherry. Wood desks tend to get nicked and dinged the easiest so you can pay extra to add a granite, marble, or stone table top.
- Laminate – Another option for protecting wood’s surface is by adding laminate, a sturdy plastic finish. Laminate finishes are more affordable than high-quality wood and are available in a selection of patterns, colors, and designs. Tables made of this material are best for conference room desks and any desk where you need a quality writing surface.
- Metal – Metal desks are easily the sturdiest, but also the least attractive. This material is best suited for businesses that need desks where there isn’t a lot of foot traffic (such as a loading dock or manufacturing plant.)
Desk durability
Every office desk vendor should provide a lengthy warranty with your purchase. This is more of a preventive measure than a necessity – damage to office desks are rare and when it does occur, the costs are minimal. Still, it’s another expense you shouldn’t have to worry about after the purchase.
The length of warranty can give you a good sense for the life expectancy of a desk. Mid-market desks typically come with warranties of 5 to 15 years, while high-end desks are designed to last several decades.
What to look for in an office desk
First, observe the overall construction of a desk. Check out the sturdiness of the legs as well as the type of materials that hold them together (industrial-strength glue, titanium screws, steel nuts and bolts, etc. Each of the drawers should feature sturdy suspension with metal suspension rollers that allow them to open and close easily.
Speaking of the drawers, make sure they are lined with sturdy wood rather than a thin sheet of wood or plastic that may not bear heavy loads. Also, look for desks with interlocking construction rather than adhesive fusion by staples or glue.
If you’re looking at a laminate desk, consider both the type and quality. To withstand the toughest stains and watermarks, thicker, high pressure laminate sheets work best. Also, desks with rounded corners typically have a longer life, are less likely to chip, and help prevent potential injury.
With metal desks, find out what gauge of steel the manufacturer uses. It may depend on the weight of the desk or how solid the construction is. Regardless what type of metal is used, you shouldn’t be able to see any visible gaps when the drawers are closed.
You can also equip desks with a credenza and hutch for additional storage space. In addition, cable management systems can help keep your wires neat and prevent them from getting tangled.
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