# Desk; I need a new one **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 16, 2014, 8:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-i-need-a-new-one/688572 "2014-05-16T08:20:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jake\_Jones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Jake\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake_Jones)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2014, 8:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-i-need-a-new-one/688572/1 "2014-05-16T08:20:16Z")
My current desk is 36" x 24" with no drawers and I need something at least 60" wide to replace it. I want to add a second monitor and not have my speaker stands dangling over the edge like they are now. I want a hardwood desk with some drawers built in (luxury!) Probably oak, maybe some other hardwood. My computer case is a fairly robust tower that now sits outside of the 36" width and I don’t have much room to fit the whole kit into, so I probably need 38" of space under the top, between the drawers. I expect this to be the last desk I ever buy, so I want something nice. I would love to be able to find something for around $1000, but realistically, I’m probably not going to find what I want at that price. Double that is my absolute, tax and delivery included, maximum. Probably. Any recommendations? ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2014, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-i-need-a-new-one/688572/2 "2014-05-16T16:01:18Z")
In a moment of silliness, I saw how the thread title was punctuated and decided it needed to be sung to the tune of Edwin Starr’s “War”: \*DESK! (huh! yeah!) I need a new one Any recommendations? (say it again, y’all)\* Sorry, I have no recommendations myself, but at least this’ll bump the thread. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2014, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-i-need-a-new-one/688572/3 "2014-05-16T17:33:17Z")
[Stay minimal](http://www.palbes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Modern-anda-Unique-Surf-Chair.jpg). Seriously, think alternative. Perhaps an IKEA table with rolling file cabinet that fits underneath, [with a quality desktop](http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40057853/). ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2014, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-i-need-a-new-one/688572/4 "2014-05-16T17:43:57Z")
[This](http://www.pastpresentfuture.net/examples/images/desk32.jpg) is what I have. Best. Desk. Ever. Might not be stylish enough for you, though… ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2014, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-i-need-a-new-one/688572/5 "2014-05-16T19:31:37Z")
A continuous desk high shelf around 2 sides of our den. The corner has an added triangle that gives me a desk width flat place for my chair. 2 monitors 1 big tower 1 printer 1 sound system To my left is the wife’s position. Tower I monitor. To my right is 4 feet of shelves. To the right of that is the large flat screen TV. To the right of that is the hidden door to a pantry. It has the shelf across it also with a hidden joint. 5 battery backups. Many surge protectors. As you might guess, I vote for built in. ---
**Author:** ![Ca3799](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9f8e36/32.png) [@Ca3799](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ca3799)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2014, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-i-need-a-new-one/688572/6 "2014-05-16T19:34:20Z")
I bought mine at one of those ‘bald furniture’ places and had them finish it. I wanted something solid and well built, but plain. I also shopped some Amish furniture places. I don’t recall what I spent, but it was probably in the range of $600-$800 about 12 years ago. It looks most like this (but much wider- 6 feet, maybe) but with a 2 shelf book shelf topper: [https://www.google.com/search?q=amish+desk&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=ZWh2U6e\_PIGXqAbk8ICoDg&ved=0CAcQ\_AUoAg&biw=1536&bih=708#facrc=\_&imgdii=\_&imgrc=GcEp0cG-jBh8tM%253A%3BMqTxC\_awvf-J4M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fassets.dutchcrafters.com%252Fproduct\_images%252Fpid\_44495-Amish-Desk--180.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.dutchcrafters.com%252FAmish-Grand-River-Desk%252Fp%252F44495%3B850%3B494](https://www.google.com/search?q=amish+desk&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=ZWh2U6e_PIGXqAbk8ICoDg&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg&biw=1536&bih=708#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=GcEp0cG-jBh8tM%253A%3BMqTxC_awvf-J4M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fassets.dutchcrafters.com%252Fproduct_images%252Fpid_44495-Amish-Desk--180.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.dutchcrafters.com%252FAmish-Grand-River-Desk%252Fp%252F44495%3B850%3B494) ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2014, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-i-need-a-new-one/688572/7 "2014-05-16T19:41:03Z")
I bought a 6-foot banquet table at Sam’s Club ([similar to this](http://www.webstaurantstore.com/correll-cf3060m-30-x-60-melamine-top-folding-table-walnut/384CF3060M%20%20WALNUT.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=CJyksqWZsb4CFaZlOgod_A8A9A)) about 25 years ago, and it has been my desk ever since. It’s going to outlive me, of that I’m sure. ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2014, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-i-need-a-new-one/688572/8 "2014-05-16T19:43:36Z")
Does your state have public surplus property auctions. At the one they had here last year, good office desks (think Steelcase and the like) were going for $3 apiece. ---
**Author:** ![Ca3799](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9f8e36/32.png) [@Ca3799](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ca3799)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2014, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-i-need-a-new-one/688572/9 "2014-05-16T21:52:08Z")
> [@Kimballkid](#): > > Does your state have public surplus property auctions. At the one they had here last year, good office desks (think Steelcase and the like) were going for $3 apiece. Universities sell left over and surplus stuff, too. ---
**Author:** ![Grestarian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grestarian/32/3227_2.png) [@Grestarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grestarian)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2014, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-i-need-a-new-one/688572/10 "2014-05-16T22:21:29Z")
> [@Kimballkid](#): > > Does your state have public surplus property auctions. At the one they had here last year, good office desks (think Steelcase and the like) were going for $3 apiece. That’s where my thoughts were going, as well. Depending on your location, you may be able to search the Internet for businesses that recycle used office furniture from companies that are downsizing or closing. You’ll find all sorts of furniture in all sorts of conditions and, because they’re not brand new, they’ll be cheaper than they’re offered a Staples, etcetera. Quite often, you can even haggle on the price. —G! ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2014, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-i-need-a-new-one/688572/11 "2014-05-17T03:41:41Z")
> [@Jake\_Jones](#): > > My computer case is a fairly robust tower that now sits outside of the 36" width and I don’t have much room to fit the whole kit into, so I probably need 38" of space under the top, between the drawers. I don’t think you should base your decision on the size of your current computer case, especially if you intend to use this desk indefinitely; I doubt that you’ll still be buying computers that big in the future. ---
**Author:** ![Jake\_Jones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Jake\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake_Jones)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2014, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-i-need-a-new-one/688572/12 "2014-05-17T07:00:43Z")
> [@Ca3799](#): > > I bought mine at one of those ‘bald furniture’ places and had them finish it. I wanted something solid and well built, but plain. I also shopped some Amish furniture places. I don’t recall what I spent, but it was probably in the range of $600-$800 about 12 years ago. > > It looks most like this (but much wider- 6 feet, maybe) but with a 2 shelf book shelf topper: [amish desk - Google Search](https://www.google.com/search?q=amish+desk&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=ZWh2U6e_PIGXqAbk8ICoDg&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg&biw=1536&bih=708#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=GcEp0cG-jBh8tM%253A%3BMqTxC_awvf-J4M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fassets.dutchcrafters.com%252Fproduct_images%252Fpid_44495-Amish-Desk--180.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.dutchcrafters.com%252FAmish-Grand-River-Desk%252Fp%252F44495%3B850%3B494) Yeah, I’m looking at some Amish furniture places now. That’s a really nice looking desk, but I’m pretty sure I want something with drawers. So far, I really like [this one](http://www.amishavenue.com/products/1154) but with the size and options I want, it’s really at the very top end of my budget. I’m a bit nervous to spend that kind of coin on a desk, sight unseen, but I may do it. If I do, I am so getting the secret compartment. Built-in isn’t an option, as I rent and it’s a one bedroom, so whatever I get is going to sit smack in the middle of my living space. A folding table or even a metal desk isn’t really an option I’m interested in. > [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I don’t think you should base your decision on the size of your current computer case, especially if you intend to use this desk indefinitely; I doubt that you’ll still be buying computers that big in the future. I build my own computers and my current rig is almost five years old. I’ll almost certainly rebuild in the current case in the next year or so and expect it to last as long. I prefer my desktop computing equipment large. Big honkin’ cases and monitors and speakers with full size keyboard and mouse. Honestly, I think anything six feet wide is going to have at least three feet between the drawers anyway, probably four, so it’s probably not an issue. If anyone has more suggestions for hardwood desks, I’m still looking. Thank you all for your input. ---
**Author:** ![Inna\_Minnit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Inna\_Minnit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inna_Minnit)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2014, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desk-i-need-a-new-one/688572/13 "2014-05-17T21:03:57Z")
It can’t hurt to look on Craigslist. Maybe you can find something anique and beautiful.