How to choose an office desk

Office Desk Surface Material: balance cost and durability.

Today's office desk are generally available with three finishing materials. Each option is available in a range of wood grains and colors.

Low P​ressure Laminate Also known as melamine. Inexpensive, durable and easy to care for.	High Pressure Laminate A little thicker, harder & more durable than low pressure laminate.	Wo​od Veneer Attractive, but more  susceptible to scratches and water marks.
Top Low Pressure Laminate Desk Safco® Computer Desk	Top High Pressure Laminate Desk HON® "L" Shape Desk

Office Desk Size: how big is your work area?

Your office desk needs to fit in your work area with enough space left over to maneuver around. Don't guess! Measure the width and depth of your office space before you start shopping. Make sure you allot 2-3 feet of walking space on each desk side not adjacent to a wall.

Office desks are available in a range of widths, and come in four basic styles to fit any office environment.

Standard Desks Rectangular and typically 30" deep.	Bow Front Desks Rounded lip in front provides desk space for guests.	Corner Desks Designed to fit in corners. Ideal in offices where space is an issue.	Credenzas Usually 24" deep. Used alone where space is an issue.
Top Standard Desk HON® Rectangular Office Desk	Top Bow Front Desk Alera® Bow Front Office Desk	Top Corner Desk Bush® Corner Office Desk	Top Credenza Desks HON® Credenza with Doors

Office Desk Configuration:  balance work and storage space.

Once you've figured out how much space you can allot to your office desk, it's time to choose a configuration. A good desk plan provides ample work and storage space. 

Does your desk need to accommodate a phone, fax, printer and computer or just a laptop? Do you work exclusively on your computer, or do you need space to lay out multiple sheets of paper and documents? You may need more surface space than provided by a single office desk. Consider adding on an office desk extender. 

Bridges Connects two desks, two credenzas or a desk and credenza.

Returns Attaches to one desk or credenza.

Peninsulas Attaches to one desk or credenza; rounded lip provides desk space for guests.

Need space for files and reference books? You can increase the storage space of your office desk with add-on storage elements. 

Pedestal File Cabinets Fit under desks to keep frequently reference files close at hand.

Desk Hutches Adds storage on top of desks and credenzas.

Once you've determined how many office desk elements you need in your workspace, you can pick a desk plan.