What makes a desk so expensive? After all, it’s just a few pieces of wood most of the time. However, there are several reasons you might not have thought of as to why desks can be so pricey.
Expensive desks are made from premium solid wood that has been measured, precision cut, and flawlessly connected. These factors add up to mean high-end desks can cost $800-$6000. It’s also worth noting expensive desks are built to last up to 20 years, meaning the cost per year of the desk is likely lower than expected.
5 Reasons Desks Cost So Much
Built To Last
The main reason desks are so expensive is because they’re built to last. This is one of the biggest factors you are paying for.
When you buy a desk, you’re not just paying for something that looks good – you’re also paying for something that’s built to last thanks to quality craftsmanship.
Most desks are made from high-quality materials like solid wood and premium finishes. This means that they’re designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear. As a result, you can expect your desk to last for many years, even with heavy use.
Of course, this also means that you’ll have to pay more upfront. However, in the long run, investing in a durable new desk can save you money because you won’t have to replace it as quickly.
Brand Name
The brand name is also a big factor when it comes to the cost of a desk.
There are a lot of well-known and respected furniture brands out there that charge extra for their products. This is because they’re known for their quality, durability, and style.
As a result, you’ll often find that branded desks are more expensive than their unbranded counterparts. Examples include Herman Miller, Steelcase, and Haworth.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that all branded desks are expensive. Some brands pride themselves on offering budget-friendly furniture like IKEA. However, if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line product, you’ll likely have to pay a bit more.
Solid Wood Is Expensive
The vast majority of expensive desks are made from solid wood. And for good reason too – it looks great, feels sturdy, and has a certain natural charm to it.
However, the downside is that solid wood is very expensive. If you want a top-quality desk made from this material, you’ll have to be prepared to spend a lot of money.
To add to this, solid wood is also quite difficult to work with. This means that the desk-maker will need to spend more time and effort creating your desk, which will also add to the cost.
Premium Finishes
Veneers can also be pricey. Despite being thought of as a cheaper alternative to solid wood, veneers can be used intricately and end up still costing more than you would expect.
This is because they need to be cut perfectly to fit the furniture piece and then glued on. The process is quite time-consuming and requires a lot of skill.
Similarly, finishes like lacquer can also add a lot to the cost of a desk. This is because they need to be applied carefully and evenly, which is a difficult and time-consuming process.
Lacquer is also quite delicate. If it’s not applied correctly, it can easily be damaged, which will ruin the look of the desk. This means that desk-makers need to be very careful when applying it, which further adds to the cost.
More Additional Features
When you’re buying a desk, you’re not just paying for the actual desk itself. You’re also paying for all the extras and accessories that come with it.
For example, many desks come with built-in drawers, shelves, and other storage solutions. These are all great features to have, but they also add to the cost of the desk.
Similarly, things like cable management systems and power outlets can also drive up the price. While they might not seem like much, they can add a sizeable amount of time to the construction of the desk.
Of course, all of these features are optional, so you can save money by choosing a desk that doesn’t have them. However, if you do want these features, be prepared to pay a bit more.
What Are The Most Expensive Types of Desks?
If you’re wondering which desks are most expensive, here are a few types of desks that are very expensive:
Custom Desks
Now custom desks are naturally more expensive than mass-produced alternatives. However, you might be surprised by just how expensive some custom-built desks can be. Luxury manufacturers like Parnian are said to have built desks worth $200,000.
While you shouldn’t expect quite this extreme of a price tag if you are in the market for a custom desk, there are many custom desks sold for around $5000
Luxury Executive Desks
These desks are typically made from high-quality materials like wood or metal, and they often come with features like built-in storage, lighting, and power outlets. They’re designed for executives who need a desk that’s both functional and stylish.
These desks are often extremely large, usually with plenty of cabinets and an L-shaped design. Although the price tag depends on the size and make, most luxury executive desks will cost $2000 – $6000.
Office Furniture Sets
Office furniture sets can be very expensive, especially if they’re made from quality materials. They typically include a desk, bookshelves, drawers, and a credenza. While the items you get in the sets make up a better deal than if you bought the items separately, they still aren’t cheap.
Even from wholesalers like Costco, there are 5-piece sets priced at over $5000. These sets are high-quality builds and are usually good deals but that doesn’t mean they aren’t expensive.
Gaming Desks
Gaming desks can be very expensive, especially if they’re of good build quality. They often come with room for multiple monitors, and cable organization systems to maintain a clean look for the desk.
There are plenty of cheaper gaming desks available on Amazon but there are some worth far more. Gaming desks range in price from $250-$1500.
Standing Desks
Standing desks are becoming more popular as people realize the health benefits of standing while working. They can be very expensive, especially if they’re adjustable or come with features like built-in storage.
More and more budget standing desks are entering the market meaning that you can now get a budget adjustable desk for $250. On the higher end, there are plenty of high-end stand-up desks still sold at $2000.
Where Is The Best Place To Find Affordable Desks?
There are a few places you can look for more wallet-friendly desks. These are just a few places where you can find great value desks. Be sure to shop around to find the best deals.
Office Depot
Office Depot is a popular office supply store that has a wide selection of desks at lower and higher price points. You can find almost every type of desk at Office Depot, plus, their prices are always competitive.
Ikea
Ikea is a great place to find affordable furniture, including desks. They have a wide variety of styles and prices, so you’re sure to find something that fits your needs.
My desk is from IKEA, I’ve had it for around 3 years and it’s perfect for what I need. Plus I got it at a great price – you can see my desk here.
Walmart
Walmart had everything, desks are no exception to this rule. They have a wide selection of desks at various price points. You can find plenty of office desks for under $100, and height-adjustable desks starting from as little as $250.
Amazon
Amazon is a great place to find a wide variety of desks at various price points. I usually recommend desks from Amazon due to the convenience factor and the wide selection. You can find almost any type of desk on Amazon, at a variety of price points.
Target
Target is another great place to find affordable desks. They have a wide range of styles and prices, so you’re sure to find something that fits your needs.
How Much Should You Pay For A Desk?
This varies massively depending on the types of desk you are getting, and the brand you are getting your desk from. A luxury executive desk can cost upwards of $5,000 while a simple computer desk might only set you back $100. Which of these options is best for you is something only you can know.
Desks between $300 – $400 offer a great balance between value and quality. However, if you want to save more money to use for other components of your workspace, buying a desk under this price range can be a worthwhile choice.
How Can You Save Money When Buying A Desk?
There are the 3 best ways you can save money on your desk:
Shop around – compare prices between different stores before settling on a purchase.
Look for deals and coupons – take advantage of sales and use coupons to get the best price possible.
Buy used – Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, and Amazon Refurbishments are great places to look for deals on second-hand desks.
