L-shaped desks are the workhorse of the modern office. One side holds the computer, the other handles paperwork, a printer or a second screen, and the person swivels between them without getting up. Buying a used L-shaped desk makes sense for almost any office, but only if the sizes and the return side match your room. This page focuses on getting those details right.
The parts of an L-shaped desk
Pre-owned L-desks are usually sold as components, so it helps to know the vocabulary before you read a quote.
- Main top (desk shell): the primary surface, usually the wider of the two.
- Return: the shorter surface that meets the main top at a right angle.
- Corner or connector: hardware or a corner piece that joins the two surfaces.
- Pedestal: drawer storage, either freestanding or hung under a top.
- Hutch or overhead: optional storage above the surface.
- Modesty panel: the front panel that hides legs and cords.
Sizing chart
These are common pre-owned dimensions and the rooms they tend to suit. Treat them as a starting point, then confirm with a plan.
| Main top (W x D) | Return (L x D) | Overall footprint | Typical room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48" x 24" | 36" x 20" | About 4' x 4.5' | Reception, small shared office |
| 60" x 30" | 42" x 24" | About 5' x 6' | Standard private office |
| 66" x 30" | 48" x 24" | About 5.5' x 6.5' | Manager office with a guest chair |
| 72" x 30" | 48" x 24" | About 6' x 6.5' | Larger private office, dual monitors |
| 6' x 6' workstation | Panel-based L | 6' x 6' | Open plan teams |
Remember the overall footprint is only the furniture. Add about 36 inches behind the seated edge for the chair to roll back, and more if people walk behind it.
Depth matters as much as width. A 30-inch main top keeps a large monitor at a comfortable distance, while a 24-inch return is plenty for a printer, a phone and a stack of files. If the return will hold a second monitor, look for a deeper return or plan a monitor arm so the screen does not crowd the front edge. Also check the height of both surfaces against any keyboard tray you plan to add.
Left return or right return
Handedness trips up more L-desk orders than anything else. Sit where the user will sit, facing the main top. If the return goes off to your right, you need a right-hand return. Before you decide, consider:
- Which side the door is on, since most people prefer to see the door.
- Where the outlets and data jacks are.
- Whether the user is left or right handed and where they want a writing surface.
- Whether windows would create glare on a monitor placed on the return.
Pre-owned tiers and grades
You can buy L-shaped setups in three tiers, and each has a price and speed tradeoff. For a sense of scale, a 6'x6' panel-based workstation, which is essentially a team-style L, runs furniture-only at these prices:
| Tier | 6'x6' workstation price | Typical lead time |
|---|---|---|
| Liquidation-grade | $615 | As little as 72 hours, in stock |
| Remanufactured | $1,245 | Usually 7 to 14 days |
| New | $1,920 | 4 to 6 weeks |
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
Freestanding L-desks for private offices are quoted by model and grade. Every piece is graded A (like new), B (very good) or C (good). We sell pre-owned furniture from lines such as Herman Miller, Steelcase, Knoll, Haworth, Teknion, Allsteel, Kimball, AIS and Friant as an independent reseller, not an authorized dealer, and manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned furniture.
Delivery and installation pricing
Prices exclude electrical, delivery and professional installation. Here is how the rest adds up.
- Greater Phoenix delivery: $195 central zone, $295 metro zone.
- Everywhere else: freight quoted per project, nationwide.
- Workstation installation: $95 per workstation, $495 minimum.
- Volume pricing on workstations: 5% at 20+, 8% at 50+, 12% at 100+ stations.
- Space planning: free.
A quick example: ten liquidation-grade 6'x6' workstations come to $6,150 in furniture. Installation at $95 each is $950, and central-zone Phoenix delivery adds $195. Electrical is separate.
Pre-owned L-desk checklist
- Main top and return are the same height and finish.
- Connector hardware is included and the joint does not sag.
- The return side matches your layout, or the desk is reversible.
- Pedestals fit under the side you want without hitting a leg.
- Grommets or cable trays line up with your power.
- Edge banding is intact along the inside corner, where wear is heaviest.
Next steps
For open-plan teams, build a station count in the used cubicle quote builder or read more on used cubicles. If your room is tight, compare against used corner desks, and for a leadership office, see used executive desks. Finish the setup with pre-owned office chairs.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I need a left or right return?
Stand where you will sit, facing the main top. If the return extends to your right, it is a right-hand return; if it extends left, it is a left-hand return. Many pre-owned L-desks are reversible, but confirm before you order.
What size L-shaped desk fits a 10 by 10 foot office?
A common fit is a main top around 60 to 72 inches wide with a return of about 42 to 48 inches, leaving chair and door clearance. The exact answer depends on door and window placement. Free space planning will confirm it for your room.
How much is delivery for a used L-shaped desk?
In Greater Phoenix, delivery is $195 in the central zone and $295 across the metro. Outside Greater Phoenix, freight is quoted per project nationwide.
Can I order L-shaped desks for a whole team?
Yes. For panel-based workstation configurations, volume pricing is 5% off at 20 or more stations, 8% at 50 or more and 12% at 100 or more. Installation for workstations is $95 each with a $495 minimum.
How fast can I get one?
Liquidation-grade pieces can be ready in as little as 72 hours when in stock. Remanufactured usually takes 7 to 14 days and new runs 4 to 6 weeks.
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
