School Desks
Buying Guide
School Desks
Buying Guide
School Outfitters Tips
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.
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.
Desks have steel frames measured by gauge. The lower the gauge, the stronger the steel.
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.
Grades without lockers or students in early elementary can benefit from open front desks with storage.
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
Desks with storage keep work surfaces free of personal belongings and allow students easy access to extra supplies. They also help minimize locker visits between classes. Plastic book boxes come in many colors and help reduce noise when students access materials inside. Metal book boxes are the most durable. Wire book boxes give teachers visual access to the contents inside. School desks with storage are available with adjustable heights for use in multiple grade levels.
Collaborative desks are designed for both independent and shared work. Shapes like boomerang and trapezoid make it easy for students to fit their desks together to create small groups. Special features like casters and whiteboard tops allow for flexible classroom arrangements for group work.
Most whiteboard desks are designed for both individual student use and for group collaboration. They encourage note taking and idea sharing without extra paper or posterboards. Students can use dry erase markers on their desktop to draw, problem solve and jot down questions. Desk shapes like bow tie, cog and triangle make fitting multiple desks into one collaborative workspace a snap.
Standing desks can increase focus and engagement for many students. Sit-to-stand desks give students the flexibility to sit or stand while in class.
Mobile desks give students the power to instantly rearrange their workspace. These desks feature durable locking casters for smooth maneuverability and are ideal for classrooms that require frequent rearranging. Mobile classroom desks are available in all sizes and styles, but common features include height-adjustable legs, steel frames and whiteboard or laminate tops.
Floor desks allow students to work comfortably right on the floor. Ideal in flexible or collaborative learning spaces, these desks are easy to pick up and move at a moment’s notice and can be paired with cozy floor cushions or swiveling floor chairs for added postural support. These tables are often height-adjustable to comfortably accommodate kneeling or other on-the-floor positions.
Floor desks allow students to work comfortably right on the floor. Ideal in flexible or collaborative learning spaces, these desks are easy to pick up and move at a moment’s notice and can be paired with cozy floor cushions or swiveling floor chairs for added postural support. These tables are often height-adjustable to comfortably accommodate kneeling or other on-the-floor positions.
ADA Desks meet the requirements set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act and are wheelchair accessible. The design can include a fixed or an adjustable height. The height can be easily adjusted with a knob, hand crank or even a motor.
ADA Desks meet the requirements set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act and are wheelchair accessible. The design can include a fixed or an adjustable height. The height can be easily adjusted with a knob, hand crank or even a motor.
Multi-student desks give students extra space to spread their work out and work one-on-one with another student. Some can be arranged to accommodate more than two students if placed side by side. For added flexibility, choose a style that has an adjustable height or casters.
