If you are shopping for new office desks, you probably have a reason: a specific finish, a consistent look across every floor, or simply wanting furniture nobody has used. Those are good reasons. But new also carries the longest lead time and the highest price, and it is worth knowing what the alternatives look like before you place the order.
This page compares new desks and workstations with remanufactured and liquidation-grade options so you can choose by schedule, budget and how the space will be used.
Three tiers at a glance
The clearest way to compare is a standard 6'x6' workstation.
| Liquidation-grade | Remanufactured | New | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical lead time | As little as 72 hours if in stock | Usually 7 to 14 days | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Condition | Pre-owned, graded A, B or C | Restored pre-owned | Never used |
| Best for | Urgent move-ins, expansion space, tight budgets | Balance of appearance, cost and speed | Specific finishes, uniform brand standards, long planning windows |
| Main tradeoff | Limited to what is available | Some wait, mid-range cost | Highest cost, longest wait |
Within each tier, the cost depends on station size, panel height, finishes, storage, power and quantity, so every project is quoted individually.
When new desks make sense
- You need an exact finish or configuration that has to match an existing brand standard across locations.
- You have at least four to six weeks before move-in, plus time for installation.
- The order is large and uniform, and consistency matters more than speed.
- You are furnishing a flagship or client-facing floor where every surface should look untouched.
A large order does not shorten production time, so plan backward from your move-in date.
Quote New, Remanufactured or Liquidation-Grade
When remanufactured is the better fit
Remanufactured furniture is the middle path. It costs less than new and usually arrives in 7 to 14 days instead of 4 to 6 weeks. It suits teams that want a fresh, consistent look but cannot wait on production, or that would rather put the difference toward chairs, storage or conference furniture.
When liquidation-grade wins
Liquidation-grade desks and workstations are pre-owned pieces sold with honest condition grades: A like new, B very good, C good. As the lowest-cost tier, with as little as 72 hours for in-stock items, they solve two common problems: a move date that arrived early and a budget that did not grow with headcount.
Pre-owned furniture comes from brands such as Herman Miller, Steelcase, Knoll, Haworth, Teknion, Allsteel, Kimball, AIS and Friant. Office Station is an independent reseller, not an authorized dealer, and manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned furniture. Browse pre-owned office furniture or used cubicles to see this tier.
Making a mixed order look intentional
Most offices do not need a single tier across every room. A common split is new or remanufactured desks on the floors clients see, and liquidation-grade pieces in training rooms, hoteling areas and space held for future hires. The risk is a patchwork look, and it is easy to avoid.
- Pick one surface finish family and match it across tiers as closely as availability allows.
- Keep work surface heights consistent within each room so rows line up.
- Match panel heights in open areas. Mixed panel heights are more noticeable than small finish differences.
- Group tiers by zone, not desk by desk, so each area reads as one purchase.
- Stage delivery around lead times. Liquidation-grade zones can be ready first while new pieces are in production.
What to budget beyond the desk
- Installation: quoted with your project, based on the number of stations, building access and the complexity of the layout.
- Delivery: quoted with your project, based on your address, building access and the size of the order. Nationwide freight is available.
- Electrical: not included in furniture pricing. Coordinate with your electrician early, especially for powered workstations.
- Space planning: free.
Every project is quoted individually. Request a free quote and free space plan.
Desk buying checklist
- Confirm your move-in date and work backward through lead time, delivery and installation.
- Measure the space or request free space planning before settling on a desk size.
- Decide which areas need new or remanufactured and which can use liquidation-grade.
- Check surface depth. Deeper surfaces keep monitors at a comfortable distance.
- Decide whether you need height-adjustable desks for some or all users.
- Confirm power and data needs with your electrician and IT vendor.
- Confirm your full station count so the whole order can be quoted together.
- Plan what happens to the desks you are replacing.
For that last step, the desks you are replacing may have resale value. Through office furniture liquidation, we walk them for free and recommend the best route, case by case.
For seating to go with your desks, see pre-owned office chairs.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get new office desks?
New furniture typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. Remanufactured pieces usually take 7 to 14 days, and liquidation-grade items in stock can be ready in as little as 72 hours. If your move date is closer than a month out, new may not be realistic for the whole order.
What is the difference between remanufactured and liquidation-grade?
Liquidation-grade furniture is pre-owned and sold as recovered, graded A like new, B very good or C good. Remanufactured furniture has been restored for a fresher result and sits between liquidation-grade and new on price and lead time.
Do prices include delivery and installation?
No. Furniture quotes exclude electrical, and delivery and professional installation are separate lines. They are quoted with your project based on your address, building access, the size of the order and the complexity of the layout.
Is there a discount for larger desk orders?
Quantity is one of the main cost drivers, so larger orders are quoted together and your count is reflected in the written quote. Free space planning helps confirm the count before you order.
Can I mix new and pre-owned desks in one office?
Yes, and it is often the most practical approach. Many offices put new or remanufactured desks in visible areas and use liquidation-grade pieces in training rooms or expansion space. Keeping finishes and heights consistent makes a mixed order look intentional.
