Office Desks: A Buying Guide
By: Katerina Mitrou

Selecting an office desk may seem like the easiest part of creating a functional work environment, but once you venture out into the world of office desks, the task may become a little more daunting. Fortunately, this buying guide will help you through the process step-by-step so you know exactly what to look for in a good piece of furniture.

Although it’s important to choose an office desk that appeals to your personal design sense and matches the décor of your office, quality is really what matters in the end. A well-made piece of furniture will last for decades, while something that has been poorly constructed has a good chance of ending up in the dump within a year.

Wood, laminate, and metal are the primary materials typically used in the construction of office desks. Wood is popular because it looks beautiful in almost any office and tends to last quite long, although wood does scar and requires maintenance to keep up its appearance.

Laminate desks are the right choice if you prefer a low maintenance option. Laminate simply means that the desk has a plastic finish over a wood core. Today you can find laminate furniture in many different patterns, including wood grain and color.

Metal desks are ideal for the greatest durability and strength.

How to Look for Quality
You don’t have to be a professional woodworker to know how to separate the superior pieces from the duds. A small amount of knowledge can go a long way. The first tip is to scrutinize the drawers to discover the overall quality of the desk. Strong drawers have sturdy suspension through the use of metal suspension rollers. Open and close the drawers and make sure they work smoothly (they should be smooth even when items are placed inside). Pull the drawers out the full length so you can see how much space you’ll have to work with.

On wooden desks you’ll have to check the drawers for even more detail. Robust desks have drawers that are put together with an interlocking dovetail in lieu of staples or glue. The bottom of the drawer will either be made of wood veneer or heavy plywood instead of a plastic melanine sheet.

For laminate desks, you will need to base your decision on the type of laminate used in the construction of the desk. Thicker laminates are better able to resist stains, scratches, and other markings. Higher quality laminate desks also tend to have rounded corners.

Metal office desks are categorized according to the gauge of steel used. Feel how solid the desk is and get a sense of how much it weighs. Examine how the drawers look when closed – if there are gaps, this is a sign that the desk is not set properly.

In most offices, the desk is the focal point of the room, so take your time and research several office desks to find one that will last through the years.