If you are on the market for a used office desk there are a number of factors to consider before you make your purchase. Questions such as; How do I want my desk to function? How much storage do I need? What shape should the desk be? Will the desk fit in my office? These questions and more must be addressed before settling on a decision. Let’s dive a little deeper into the world of office desks and pinpoint the best desk for your office.
What configuration do I want my desk to be?
There are several different configurations to choose from for your office desk. Some examples include:
U-shaped desk – ideal for users who need extra desk space to spread their work on.
L-shaped desk – this style of desk is best suited for an office where space is a concern. L-shaped desks can nestle up right against a corner, which can save space.
Double pedestal desk – in instances where extra storage is needed, a double pedestal desk is ideal. This style of desk is also a space saver.
Freestanding desk – freestanding desks allow for the most flexibility in the office. The table can be easily repositioned to fit the user’s needs. This style of desk tends to have less storage capabilities than others.
What finish do I want my desk to have?
There are a variety of finishes to choose from for your office desk such as maple, cherry, mahogany, walnut and more. You can also select whether you want a laminate or veneer. A laminate is composed of a “sheet” of paper that is bonded to a core material, where a veneer is thin layer of wood that is bonded to a core material.
Do I need a right or left desk?
How your office is set up will determine whether you need a right or left desk. A right office desk has the return or bridge to the user’s right and vice versa for the left.
What office desk terms should I know?
Before you go ahead and buy an office desk it is important to understand the different parts of the desk.
– Return – attached to the main desk, the return is typically a little narrower, and helps create the L-shape.
– Bridge – the bridge is the middle portion of a U-shaped desk. The bridge connects the main desk to the credenza, forming the U-shape.
– Credenza – the credenza is typically used for storage, or as an extra workspace.
– Hutch – a hutch is more storage space, above the work surface. A hutch can be wall mounted above, or sit, on the desk.
What storage options do I have?
There are a number of ways to add storage on to your office desk. You can add pedestals under the surface, storage towers, a credenza, a hutch and more. Also, be aware of the desk’s data and wire management capabilities. Most desks will have the ability to keep data wires hidden, but make sure to double check.
Now that you have some office desk knowledge the next step is applying what you’ve learned on your next office desk purchase. Be sure to keep in mind the size of the desk you are purchasing, the finish, the configuration, the storage capabilities, data management abilities and more.