Best Desk Materials for Your Workspace
A desk is the workhorse of an office, so it’s important to choose the right desk material for the best aesthetics and on-the-job performance. Here’s all you need to know about the strength, stability, maintenance, and style of each desk material.
Wood Desks: Versatile and Timeless
Wood is a low-maintenance and hardworking desk material. It’s easy to cut and finish, making it a popular choice for rustic, farmhouse, and mid-century desks. That being said, wood comes in endless grain patterns and color variations, so the flexibility of its gorgeous natural texture is suitable for any home office style.
Solid wood desks are strong and stable, creating a wobble-free surface for writing, typing, or artwork. When it comes to sheer strength and durability, oak desks reign supreme. This high-end hardwood creates desks that are exceptionally tough and wear resistant. It’s a long-lasting option for offices with heavy computer equipment.
Engineered wood is a beautiful and affordable alternative when you’re setting up a workspace on a budget. Both types are durable and easy to clean with dish detergent and water.
Metal Desks: Modern and Easy to Maintain
Hard and resilient, metal is a mid-priced alternative to wood. It doesn’t scratch or dent easily, so you can use it confidently in a space shared with kids and pets. Most metal desks are rust resistant and require the occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove dust or spills.
Many metal desks use open-frame designs to reduce weight for a result that’s surprisingly airy and well-suited to small rooms. This crisp, edgy material shows up frequently in industrial and contemporary desks, often paired with reclaimed wood or synthetic desktops. Opt for a shimmering gold or chrome finish, and you have a design that elevates a glam office.
Glass Desks: Chic and Contemporary
Glass is a fresh, daring material that’s well-suited to an adults-only workspace. The clear surface eliminates visual obstructions, making your office feel more spacious. You can find glass tops paired with a variety of base styles, though they’re usually paired with metallics for contemporary sheen.
Most desks use tempered glass, which is hardened for strength and scratch resistance to be tough enough for everyday use. Since glass doesn’t stain, a weekly once-over with a standard window cleaner is all you need to remove fingerprints and smudges.
Whether you’re choosing a desk for a home office or a multi-use space, the material is almost as crucial to consider as size. But when you’re ready for the fun part, check out our guide to the Top Trending Desk Styles.
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