Why used office desks are worth it

A good desk doesn’t need to be brand new to be reliable. Many commercial-grade desks are built for daily use,
so buying second-hand often means better value and sturdier construction than budget flat-pack alternatives.

• Cost savings versus buying new
• Commercial build quality (especially from office-clearance stock)
• More sustainable than buying new
• Faster availability with fewer lead times

Step 1: Pick the right desk size

Desk width

• 120cm – compact setups, laptops, small rooms
• 140cm – comfortable standard desk
• 160cm – ideal for dual monitors / heavier admin work
• 180cm – larger workstations, design work, shared use

Desk depth

• 60–70cm – fine for laptop + single monitor
• 80cm – better for monitor distance and paperwork
• Wave desks (80/100cm) – extra forearm space and working arc

Step 2: Desk types (and what they’re best for)

Rectangular desks

Most versatile choice. Easy to place against walls or cluster into desk banks.

Wave desks (left-hand / right-hand)

More ergonomic for computer work. Confirm which side the wave returns to—left-hand vs right-hand can be confusing
depending on the viewpoint.

Corner desks

Excellent for maximising space, but measure carefully—corner desks can block walkways more than expected.

Bench desks

Great for team pods. Check whether screens/dividers are included or sold separately.

Sit-stand desks

• smooth up/down movement
• stability at standing height
• handset controls fully working
• cables not snagging or stretching

Step 3: What to inspect on a used desk

1) Stability (non-negotiable)

A desk should feel solid with no wobble. If it rocks, check missing feet/glides, loose bolts, or bent legs/frames.

2) Desktop condition

Normal wear is fine. Avoid structural issues.

• Edge chipping
• Scratches in the keyboard/mouse zone
• Heat marks
• Swelling or lifting laminate (water damage risk)

3) Frame and leg type

• Cantilever legs – common in offices, good knee room
• Panel-end legs – more “solid” feel but less leg space
• A-frame / T-frame – common on benching systems

4) Cable management

Look for grommets, cable trays, and modesty panels if you’re running monitors, docking stations, or sit-stand power.

5) Hardware completeness

If the desk dismantles, confirm all fixings are included and whether it’s supplied assembled or flat-packed.

Step 4: Delivery and access planning

• Stairs, tight corners, and lift availability
• Door widths (especially flats)
• Whether the desk is assembled or dismantled
• Two-person lift requirement

Step 5: Matching desks for a clean look

For office fit-outs, consistency matters. Try to match desktop finish, frame colour, sizes, and desk type.
If you can’t match perfectly, keep frames consistent to maintain a professional look.

FAQs

Are used office desks hygienic?

Yes—clean with a non-abrasive cleaner and disinfect high-touch areas.

Should I buy a desk with drawers?

Pedestals are useful but can reduce leg room. A mobile pedestal gives flexibility across different desks.

What’s best for dual monitors?

Usually 140–160cm wide and ~80cm deep (or a wave desk).