Used U-Shaped Desks

The U-shaped desk is the workhorse of the private office. You get a primary desk facing the door, a credenza behind you, and a bridge connecting the two so your phone, files and second monitor are always one swivel away. It is a lot of worksurface in a compact footprint, which is why it shows up in executive offices, manager suites and professional practices.

Because U-shaped suites are made of several large pieces, they are also a smart pre-owned purchase. The casegoods tend to hold up well, and the savings over new are meaningful when you are furnishing more than one office. What matters most is fit: the suite has to match your room, your door and your handing.

Anatomy of a U-shaped desk

Most U-shaped desks are assembled from three to five components. Knowing the parts helps you read a listing and spot what is missing.

• Desk shell. The main worksurface, usually facing the door with a modesty panel in front.
• Credenza. The rear run, often with built-in pedestals or storage below.
• Bridge. The connecting surface between desk and credenza. It creates the U and is often where the computer lives.
• Pedestals. Box, file and lateral drawer units, either freestanding or hung under the surface.
• Hutch or wall storage. Optional overhead storage above the credenza, sometimes with doors or tackboards.

U-shaped desks compared with other private office layouts

If a U-shape crowds your room, an L-shape or a desk with a freestanding credenza often gives you most of the storage without the pinch.

How to measure a private office for a U-shaped desk

A U-shaped desk that does not fit is an expensive mistake to undo. Take these measurements before you pick a suite.

1. Wall to wall in both directions. Measure at floor level and again at desk height, since baseboards and window sills can steal inches.
2. Door position and swing. Note which wall the door is on and how far it opens into the room. The desk should not block it.
3. Windows and HVAC. Mark sill heights and any floor or wall vents a credenza or hutch would cover.
4. Power and data. Locate outlets and data jacks. The bridge or credenza usually needs to sit near them.
5. Chair zone. Leave enough space between desk and credenza for the chair to roll and turn comfortably.
6. Guest seating. If you meet in the office, leave room in front of the desk for guest chairs and a clear walking path.
7. Access path. Measure doorways, hallways and elevator openings. Large desk shells need a clear route in.

Send those numbers along and Office Station will lay out options with free space planning, including handing and which components fit your room.

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What to check on a used U-shaped desk

Pre-owned casegoods are durable, but moves are hard on them. Check each component separately.

• Handing. Confirm whether the bridge attaches left or right, and whether that matches your plan.
• Connection hardware. Bridge brackets, cleats and support legs are small and frequently lost. Make sure they are included.
• Edges and corners. Look for chipped veneer or laminate and lifting edge banding, especially on the front edge of the desk shell.
• Top surface. Check for water rings, heat marks and deep scratches, which are harder to hide on wood veneer than laminate.
• Drawers and locks. Every drawer should glide and close fully. Ask whether keys are available, or plan for lock cores.
• Finish match. When pieces come from different offices, veneer tone can vary. View components side by side if you can.
• Levelers. Adjustable glides let the bridge line up flush between desk and credenza. Missing glides cause uneven seams.

Condition grades for private office furniture

Every pre-owned piece is graded so you can decide where to spend.

• Grade A, like new. Best for executive and client-facing offices where the desk is the first thing a visitor sees.
• Grade B, very good. Light wear that disappears once the desk is in use. A strong value for manager offices.
• Grade C, good. Visible wear, fully usable. Well suited to back offices, project rooms and temporary space.

A practical approach for a multi-office floor is to put Grade A suites in leadership offices and Grade B in the rest, keeping the same line so finishes stay consistent.

Delivery, installation and timing

U-shaped suites are quoted by component and grade, so ask for pricing on the configuration you need. The costs around the furniture are published:

• Installation is $95 per workstation with a $495 minimum.
• Greater Phoenix delivery is $195 in the central zone or $295 metro.
• Freight elsewhere nationwide is quoted per project.
• Furniture prices exclude electrical, delivery and professional installation.

Pre-owned pieces in stock can move quickly, while matched suites for several offices may take longer to assemble. If you need a mix of private offices and open workstations, you can price the open area with the cubicle quote builder and add seating from pre-owned office chairs. For the full range of casegoods and tables, browse pre-owned office furniture.

Moving out of an old office at the same time? Office Station also handles office furniture liquidation, where a written net offer reflects the resale value of your existing furniture minus the removal cost.

Browse pre-owned office furniture

Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.

Frequently asked questions

Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.