Desks

4 legged desks are the simplest of designs and are usually the lowest in price. Beware of some budget priced tables which can lack rigidity and wobble when leant on (viewing recommended before buying), however most are relatively robust and can look very elegant (see Esprit). Invariably you will also find one or two high quality 'designer' desks of the same 4 legged structure (see Nestor).

Panel End. Top, sides and back are wood or wood based. The modesty panel (back panel) is a fundamental part of the structure, without which the desk would have little rigidity. Ideal where desks are facing outwards into an open area because the panels provide privacy for the user and conceals computer CCUs and cables, however if desks are in back-to-back clusters or facing walls the modesty panel can often hinder access to computer, telecom and electric cables.

Cantilever. Similar to Panel End but with steel legs rather than side panels, however the modesty panel is again a fixed feature and comes with the same advantages and disadvantages described above.

Beam System. Similar in appearance to the cantilever desk, but without a modesty panel. The mainstay of the design is a heavy-duty steel beam onto which the legs and desk-top supports connect. A good beam system is by far the toughest, most rigid and most versatile desking solution available (see Arkus and Horizont). Some (Arkus/Horizont) systems allow extended worksurfaces to be created by linking beams and sharing legs.

The positioning of the legs is adjustable along the length of the beam meaning that the seating position is not compromised and that the system can be made to fit into spaces that others can not. Awkward room shapes, floor boxes that sit directly under the leg of the desk and deep trunking preventing the desk from sitting flush against the wall are just some of the problems that this type of system can overcome.