School Desks Buying Guide Image

School Desks

Buying Guide
School Desks Buying Guide Image

School Desks

Buying Guide

School Outfitters Tips

space
Keep in mind the total room size when selecting desks. Factor in the footprint of the desk plus 10 - 12 inches for students to sit comfortably, and any aisle space needed to move about the room.
desktop
Desktops are available in many shapes and sizes. Determine if the materials and technology used by students throughout the day will fit the desk’s work surface.
steel gauge
Desks have steel frames measured by gauge. The lower the gauge, the stronger the steel.
wheel
Desks with self-leveling glides will ensure an even work surface and prevent wobbling. Desks with locking casters give educators and students the flexibility to rearrange learning spaces quickly and easily.
desk
Grades without lockers or students in early elementary can benefit from open front desks with storage.
75
Anticipate growth spurts by year’s end and opt for a larger desk size to accommodate.

Desktop & Tabletop Surfaces

Melamine

Use
Intended for low-impact, low-wear furnishings like shelving, folding tables & office furniture
Placement
A popular choice for science fairs, assembly areas and administrative offices
Wear
Resistant to cracks and scratches

High-Pressure Laminate (HPL)

Use
Intended for furnishings in high traffic, high-use areas
Placement
Most commonly used in classrooms, media centers and cafeterias
Wear
High level of impact and scratch resistance

Hard Plastic

Use
Intended for high-stress use in indoor/outdoor classrooms & outdoor play areas
Placement
Elevated durability option for classrooms, makerspaces and labs
Wear
Core material is waterproof and extremely long-lasting

School Desk Styles

Certifications

bifma
BIFMA Certified
The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association, or BIFMA, certification is a voluntary standard that a product has met stringent third-party sustainability requirements. This certification ensures the product is durable, has longevity and promotes a healthy work environment.
greenguard
GREENGUARD Certified
Products that are GREENGUARD Certified meet the stringent standards for low chemical emissions set by the Greenguard Environmental Institute (GEI), an industry independent organization that aims to improve indoor air quality. Products that are GREENGUARD Certified reduce people's exposure to chemicals and other pollutants, improving overall health. GREENGUARD Certification is GEI's first certification offering.
greenguard gold
GREENGUARD Gold Certified
GREENGUARD Gold Certification is GEI's second tier of certification. Products that are GREENGUARD Gold Certified meet an even lower level of chemical emissions plus health-based criteria for additional chemicals. GREENGUARD Gold products meet the indoor air quality needs of sensitive environments like schools, daycares and health care facilities.
Ways we can help
Consultation
Expert Consultation
We'll help plan your spaces
around your specific
educational goals.
Project Management
Project Management
We'll use a proven process to
seamlessly handle every step of
your project, no matter its size.
Afterorder Care
After-Order Care
We'll thoughtfully manage
your after-order logistics like
delivery and installation.
Ready to speak with a project expert? Call 1-800-260-2776 or
with a specialist now.
Ways we can help
icon envirofriendly
Expert Consultation
We'll help plan your spaces around your specific educational goals.
icon doctor design
Project Management
We'll use a proven process to seamlessly handle every step of your project, no matter its size.
icon medical grade
After-Order Care
We'll thoughtfully manage your after-order logistics like delivery and installation.
Ready to speak with a project expert?
Call 1-800-260-2776 or
with a specialist now.
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