The Best Wooden Desk

Buying Guide

If you need a new desk for your home, a wooden one is a popular choice both for the timeless look and durability the material offers. A wooden desk can blend in regardless of your other furniture, and you can choose from many styles ranging from the rustic to the modern. There’s also a lot of variety in the types of desks, wood styles and colors available, so you can find something perfect for your tastes.

You should think about the kind of desk you need since popular options include computer, writing and executive desks. Computer desks tend to be longer to accommodate all your equipment, and they range from simple tables to complex designs with shelves, drawers and a keyboard tray. Writing desks tend to be simple and shorter, and they’ll sometimes include a drawer right under the top. Executive desks tend to run large, look fancier and include more storage space. 

The desk’s size and shape are important since you need something that fits your space and offers the best functionality. While compact wooden desks measure 40 inches long or less, larger options can come close to 60 inches and even have a hutch attached that takes up significant vertical space. Most desks are rectangular in shape, but you might prefer a corner desk if you’re low on space or an L-shaped or U-shaped desk if you need more desktop area.

Consider the materials used for the desk so that you get something that is made to last and fits your budget. Some wooden desks have a metal frame with a chipboard top that features a protective coating to improve durability. These tend to be relatively inexpensive, lighter in weight and easy to maintain. If you want something classic and very sturdy, you might opt for a desk that is made of solid wood, but these tend to cost more.

Lastly, wooden desks can have special features to consider. For example, some are made for use while standing and may even have an electric mechanism to adjust the height. Other desks might include features that help you manage cables, hold certain items such as printers or desktop towers, or elevate computer screens for improved visibility and convenience.

• While the color brown likely comes to mind when you think of a wooden desk, you can get painted options in colors like white and black tool. There are also different shades of brown that can offer a unique look.
• If you’d like a convenient, high-tech option, consider wooden desks that include USB ports for charging gadgets or power outlets for plugging in computers and monitors. 
• Unless you get a desk that adjusts, make sure you pick something with a fixed height that is appropriate for your body. You should be able to sit in your chair with your feet flat on the ground, so make sure the desk isn’t too low for your legs. You should also make sure you can properly position your arms and elbows to use the desk comfortably. You can find desk height calculators online that take your height and offer a recommendation.
• To protect your wooden desk’s top from scratches, spills and other damage, consider getting a desk pad. 
• Many wooden desks are easy to clean since you can easily dust them off or use a mild detergent as needed. You should avoid getting the wood too wet since this can cause problems, and you should always dry the desk thoroughly. If you’re interested in using furniture polish, check the manufacturer’s instructions since the polish could damage certain finishes.
• Research how to assemble your particular wooden desk and which tools you might need. Some models come preassembled, but you’ll more often need to attach the top to the frame as well as install any drawers or shelves included. If the desk is very heavy or you’re just not comfortable building it yourself, you should plan on having another person help you with the process.
• Make sure your wooden desk includes all the necessary parts before you get started. You can use the manual’s parts list as you inventory everything included in the box.
• Note any weight limit mentioned for your desk so that you don’t put too much stress on it and end up with a damaged desk or equipment. You shouldn’t have problems having the desk hold typical items like computers and printers, but avoid sitting on the desk or overloading it past the weight limit.