People are switching their writing desks with functional computer desks. People spend most of their time sitting on a computer desk rather than on books. And with that people prefer the best wood for their computer desk.
So, the question is what is the best wood for computer desk?
Oak is a robust and stable wood for computer workstations. And walnut is noted for its dark color and durability. Also, notable for small wood things. Though birch Rosewood is heavy to move. If money isn’t a problem, consider teak. Finally, pine and elmwood are options that dry slowly.
I weighed operating efficiency, elegance, and workability in my calculations. From affordability to design, I hope you’ll discover your favorite wood type from a detailed review.
Do you have a few minutes to spare? Let’s go through the important points.
9 Different Wood Types to Choose from
From my experience, people search for wood for computer desks for three reasons. They are;
- Computer desktop for office chores such as reporting, accessing the internet, and so on.
- Functional gaming computer desktop.
- For writing and studying for a long time.
The advantages and disadvantages of each wood variety will be discussed. After going through the article, you’ll know which wood is best for your end aim.
1. Oak
One of the most common hardwoods for computer desks is oak. It is extremely tough and durable. Oakwood has a high level of intensity and stability. An oak computer desk may last a generation if adequately maintained.
The two most prevalent wood kinds on the market are red oak and white oak. It comes in a variety of colors, from white to medium brown. White oak’s growth rings give the wood a stunning dark and light tone.
The Janka hardness test gives white oak a grade of 1360. And red oak has a rating of 1260. These are excellent values that can withstand any weight.
Oakwood has outstanding finishing characteristics. You may obtain whatever color you desire with good finishing. It can readily accommodate screws, cutting, and nails, making it ideal for DIY projects.
Because oakwood is strong and has a large loading capacity. You can easily store your monitor, UPS, workstation, and streaming microphones. And also other equipment with heavy loads.
I only propose oakwood heartwood as the best wood for desk. Because sapwood is not long-lasting. I’ve outlined the benefits and drawbacks of oakwood for use in computer desk construction.
Have a look!
Pros
- Extremely long-lasting
- It’s made of tough, high-density wood
- Stunning natural grains
- Finishing and staining are simple
- Extremely long-lasting
Cons
- Because it is heavy, it is tough to move
- Poor maintenance causes shrinkage and cracking
2. Walnut
Walnut is yet another stunning hardwood. It comes in a pure light brown to chocolate brown tint. Also comes with a distinctive natural texture that gives the walnut wood a classic appearance.
On the other hand, the dark hue tends to fade with time. Walnut computer desks are elegant and trendy due to their natural qualities.
You can also anticipate an aesthetically appealing computer desk that adds personality to the room. Walnut would be the best wood for desk decors. It has distinctive dark, sleek gray, and rich tones.
Here, I’ve suggested a few options for your home decor that goes best with Walnut wood.
Home decorations seem to be a difficult task. But no worries! These recommendations will make it simpler.
Above all, we admire walnut’s strength and endurance. Walnut is a sturdy and long-lasting wood that can tolerate any interior circumstances.
Walnut can withstand a lot of abuse, but we highly advise using it cautiously. Walnut is also popular among woodworkers. This is because of its ability to be molded into intricate, long-lasting curves.
The only significant disadvantage of walnut wood is its high cost. Walnut is a bit expensive compared to other available woods. The prices of quarter-sawn pieces start at $7.5 per foot.
Pros
- Stunning chocolate brown color.
- Pattern with a straight open grain.
- Water- and mold-resistant.
- withstands shock.
- Extremely long-lasting.
Cons
- Dents with heavy wear must be sealed once a year.
- Extremely costly.
3. Cherry
The fine, uniform sanity and silky texture of Cherry Wood will immediately win you over. The subtle natural sheen is another unique aspect. Cherry wood is also very robust and resistant to corrosion and rot.
The heart is a highly hardy organ. Cherry wood is very tough and stress-resistant. A beginner’s woodworker should use cherry wood since it’s easy to work with.
It’s easy to use and doesn’t need the usage of any extra equipment. Cherry wood may also be used for gluing, riveting, bolting, and sanding purposes.
Cherry is a popular wood because it is both attractive and simple to work with. Cherry wood has a reddish-brown color with a golden tinge to it. When first cut, this solid wood is whiter, but it darkens to a deep brown-red with time.
The wood is easily recognized by its slender, yellowish-to-red sapwood.
Pros
- It’s made of solid wood, and it’s stunning.
- Excellent finishing qualities.
- Curves, cuts, and molds are simple to do.
- Excellent durability and strength.
Cons
- It’s rather costly.
- Not scratch- or wear-resistant
4. Maple
Another excellent wood for tables and desks, especially computer workstations, is maple. It’s very durable, attractive, and stain-resistant. It’s also lightweight and long-lasting, making it an excellent option for woodworkers.
However, before you start dealing with maple, you should be aware that it comes in a variety of species. The Japanese maple, field maple, sycamore maple, and Norway maple are the most well-known types.
You’ve probably heard of the silver maple. On the other hand, Sugar maple is the most often used maple wood.
The others are referred to as “soft” maples. Soft maples aren’t often considered softwoods. They are, however, usually weaker than hard maples. The black maple is considered as “hard maple” compared to other maples.
Maple wood has a creamy white tint with a subtle pink-brownish tinge in the sapwood. It gives it a contemporary and appealing look. You can also paint the maple wood with UV protection.
Pros
- Strong and long-lasting.
- Extremely durable.
- Swirls in the straight grain.
- Stunning creamy color.
- Extremely water-resistant.
Cons
- Easily harmed by insects.
- It is not weatherproof.
- Not recommended for frequent usage.
5. Birch
North America is the only place where birch could be found. There are multiple birches like black birch, white birch, yellow birch, etc.
White and Yellow ones are mostly known among birch wood. When someone says “birch,” they usually refer to the yellow birch. People also call it a golden birch.
Birch is a popular wood for woodworking tasks and building exterior wood columns. Toys, matchsticks, cardboard, desktop desks, and tabletop all contain it.
On the other hand, selling birch furniture is difficult to come by. Birch has two traits that we admire: strength and longevity.
Here I’ve got a few suggestions for your Computer desk designs.
Hope these suggested products will save some time and help to make the right purchase.
It has an elegant look. Because of the fine stretch with cracks and clear texture, it has a characteristic look.
Birchwood has a permeability that is closed. It facilitates dyeing and polishing, producing a lovely and uniform surface.
It also has outstanding milling qualities, making refinishing easy. Also, birch is extremely cheap compared to other hardwoods.
Pros
- Straight grains are stunning.
- Strong and long-lasting.
- It is not extremely costly.
- Allows for quick completion.
- It’s simple to deal with.
Cons
- There will be no wear or shear resistance.
- In dry circumstances, it quickly warps and splits.
6. Rosewood
Rosewood is another top-notch selection if you want the finest computer desk.
Computer desks made from Rosewood have natural beauty and durability. Also, Rosewood’s dark and bright crimson tones make it appealing and striking.
Rosewood’s oily nature and clear, diverse texture make it appealing and weatherproof. For example, rosewood heartwood, and sapwood differ somewhat.
Rosewood is very hefty. It may be tough to transfer your rosewood desktops, sets, and other decors.
Rosewood also deforms too soon for us. Experts blame the excessive moisture content.
As a result, keep rosewood desks inside to avoid warping. The expensive cost may be a deterrent, given the long list of disadvantages.
Pros
- Durable.
- Stunning color.
- It is more prevalent than others.
- Suitable for many tasks.
Cons
- Deformable.
- Unwieldy and heavy.
- Too much fake rosewood.
7. Teak
You’ve most likely seen woodwork and known about its many advantages. It is resistant to moisture and sunshine. That’s why the most expensive outdoor furniture is teak.
Snowstorms or scorching summers won’t affect your furniture’s inherent features. Teak is also resistant to pests. That is why you don’t have to worry about mites on your hardwood desks.
And it’s gorgeous and low-maintenance. Teak wood furniture has a lustrous honey-brown finish. This gradually matures into a grey patina tint.
It may be stained to restore the original hue. Regardless, light brown or gray natural colors nicely complement contemporary constructions.
Remember that teak does not rust when in touch with metal. Another remarkable feature permits teak wood goods to last an extended period. Some teak items endure a lifetime.
Pros
- Strong and long-lasting.
- Touches well.
- Waterproof and breathable.
- Patterned straight grain.
Cons
- It’s pricey.
- Teak wood is rare.
8. Pine
Pine is another common wood for desktops. Pine is softer than hardwoods. Its stiffness and stress resistance make it ideal for most woodwork.
Woodworkers admire how simple pine is to work with. It has a soft, milky white tinge to it. The timbre, even so, differs depending on the pine species.
Its light tone makes it ideal for painting your computer desktop table. But you can get whatever hue you want. Alternatively, a stain may protect the wood and keep the white tone.
Here are my favorite pinewood stains. The major benefit of pine over other woods is its low cost. Pine is cheaper than hardwoods. It’s also inexpensive to keep.
Pine is the finest choice if you look for cheap, best wood for desk projects. Besides being cheaper, pine is also lighter than other hardwoods. So, be ready for a lighter, more mobile workstation.
Pros
- Lighting is versatile.
- Paintable.
- High shock and damage resistance.
- It’s stiff therefore it’s powerful.
- Cheap desktop wood.
- Unshrinkable.
Cons
- Style-wise, limited.
- increased wear indications.
9. Elm Wood
Finally, elmwood is an excellent wood for building a wooden desk. Elm is both robust and durable. It makes a fantastic option for wood that resists splitting.
It would be ideal for a huge desktop or perhaps a mainframe. It works well for office desks, chairs, and other furniture.
Sadly, elm cracks readily, particularly in the winter. The good news is that skilled woodworkers may offer elmwood items with splits.
You may style the splits by tying them with butterfly keys. Elm is a hardwood to work. But it makes up for it with a great finish. Cut, sand, and polish easily.
However, elmwood with interlaced grain tends to shred easily when planned. Above all, elm is long-lasting and low-impact on the environment. It’s 830, Janka.
Pros
- Ideal for work desks.
- Long-lasting.
- Squeaky-clean.
- Low-impact.
Cons
- Hard to dry.
- Attacked by insects.
Others
Other good possibilities include bamboo, cedar, and plywood. Technically, plywood isn’t wood. But, you can use these airy woods to make birdhouses.
Instead, it’s a sophisticated glue that joins resin and fiber plywood sheets. Here are a few suggestions for you.
The indicated products will make it easier for you to finish the job.
However, its low moisture content makes it a popular choice. Plywood is very easy to finish.
FAQs
What is the ideal thickness for a hardwood desk?
19mm thick plywood sheets are the sweet spot for desk construction. You’ll have enough strength to keep your desk stable at this thickness. In most situations, avoid warping.
How much does it cost to construct a desk?
Expect to pay between $3,000 and $10,000 for a handmade solid wood desk. If you go to a cabinetmaker to make it, no one else will have one like it. Other demands, such as specialized hardware, will increase the final cost.
Which wood is the most expensive?
The most costly wood on the planet is African Blackwood. Despite its similarities to African ebony, African blackwood is a distinct species. Wood is widely used to make musical instruments. But overharvesting poses a danger to this tradition.
Final Verdict
I hope now you have an idea or can make a conclusion on the best wood for computer desk.
So, well you may now evaluate all of the advantages and disadvantages. And it will make it easier for you to choose the perfect wood that is best for a computer desk.
Best of luck!
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