Expert: Greg Scholl - 10/16/2011

Question
Hi Greg,

I've read that office/computer desks, solid wood is best, then veneers, then laminate, and that anything with MDF is not desirable for durability. But I'm still confused on which would be best for my home office/computer environment because the best I see on line for and executive or L style desk is....

Solid wood and veneers. Would that mean the top is solid wood or veneer-covered MDF or something similar?  And, for durability, I understand that for any wood top, it's not going to hold up too well against simply writing on it without a pad or something between the paper and the desk.  And that a glass of water or a cup of coffee is essentially forbiden without a coaster.  How is that "the best durability"?  And, I see some executive style desks in the range of $300.00 - $600.00 and others at $1000.00 or more; both touting solid wood and veneers.  Anything that would make one more desirable than the other as far as the construction?

Laminate.  I get that this is MDF/pressboard with a laminate of some kind, but I see things like "finished with laminate melamine" which is touted as being really tough.  Is it really?

Thanks so much for your help!
Skip

Answer
Hey Skip, there are many variations on the theme as you explain it...."solid wood and wood veneers" usually means plywood and solid wood construction...MDF can be covered with sheet laminates like Formica type laminates, or thermafoil, or Melamine which is also a plastic. The finish used on office furniture can also vary in toughness, the higher end products would use a catalyzed urethane, catalyzed lacquer or similar finish on wood, but other high tech solutions on MDF, particle board or plywoods...similarly, MDF and other sheet goods come in different density's as well, and when covered with a high tech laminate or similar covering is very hard and does not dent or mark very easily. Weight is a good indicator as to how tough and well made these pieces are...and there should be good information about the finish on the description .....a coaster is always a good idea, but I have an MDF- Thermafoil type desk in my studio, and it's pretty indestructible. It just went through a flooded basement during Irene, and I was convinced it was going to be trashed...but after 2 days in water, I lifted it up onto some milk crates, and it seems no worse for wear after drying out for a few weeks with the aid of the dehumidifier and fans...I even sprayed it down with a mold killer/retardant for good measure...remarkable actually..post back if need be...and go out and touch, (and lift) the products...try to dig a fingernail into the surface in an inconspicuous area and see if it yields....hope that helps a little- regards- Greg