Know Everything About Office Desks
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 decor 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. |
