Whether you work from home, in your personal studio, or in an office building, the desk and table top you choose has a huge impact on the overall look and functionality of your workspace. But many people find that mass-produced desks do not meet their needs for one reason or another.

With a custom desk, you can create a workspace that is tailored to your needs and preferences, allowing you to work more efficiently and effectively. A custom desk table top can help you declutter your space. When you have a more organized and functional workspace, it’s easier to focus on the tasks at hand.

Designing a custom table top for your workspace is incredibly rewarding, but there are a few considerations you should keep in mind. Keep reading to learn how to design a custom table top for your office that meets your needs.

Choosing the Right Size and Shape for Your Workspace

When designing a custom table top, the first thing to consider is what size you need. Some people assume their table top should be the same dimensions as their custom-size desk frame, but that's not the case; the table top should be a little bit bigger than the frame on all sides.

If you know your desk dimensions already, you can simply add between one and ten inches to the width and length, depending on how much overhang you desire. If you don't know your desk's dimensions, you will need to take those measurements before moving on.

In addition to size, the shape of your desk is also an important consideration. If you have minimal equipment, a basic rectangular table top should be all you need. However, if you have several monitors, use lots of equipment, or require a larger physical workspace, an L-shaped or U-shaped desk may better meet your needs.

Of course, the shape of your workspace also impacts the design of your custom table top. Rectangular desks only need one table top, whereas L-shaped and U-shaped desks may need two or three custom table tops, respectively.

Determining Which Material Meets Your Needs

Once you know what size and shape you need, it's time to determine the best material for your desk top. In terms of strength, durability, and style, two materials stand out from the rest: butcher block and laminate.

Butcher block table tops are made from solid wood and offer a uniquely warm and modern appearance.

Alternatively, laminate table tops are made from multiple layers of composite material, which is bonded together and topped with a sheet of wood-look laminate. Laminate allows you to achieve a warm and organic look similar to butcher block but at a more affordable price.

Both butcher block and laminate table tops are very durable, but the butcher block is slightly more prone to scratches. Fortunately, scratches and other superficial blemishes are easy to sand out. However, butcher block does require a little more maintenance than laminate table tops since it must be resealed periodically.

The Finishing Touches

Put the finishing touches on your unique office desk by choosing your favorite finish and style.

Some people prefer a light-colored desk, such as white or gray, for a sleek, bright, and modern feel. Others appreciate the rich nature of darker brown and black hues. Or maybe you're going for an organic, all-natural feel. If so, opt for a table top with a natural wood grain finish, such as walnut, maple, cherry, or beechwood.

Lastly, you should consider the number of grommets you need and their location. Grommets are small holes that are drilled into the desk top to make wire organization simple.

For desks with lots of wires that may get tangled up, two grommets provide more space and can accommodate multiple bundles of wires. Meanwhile, simpler workstations may only need one grommet or no grommet at all.

Why Should You Design a Custom Table Top?

Custom table tops have several benefits that make them a practical solution for many people. For starters, they allow you to design a desk that perfectly fits into your space.

Whether you work in a small corner of your home or a spacious private office, you can create a custom desk to maximize your workspace and fit perfectly in the available area. But there are even more reasons that it's a good idea to design a custom table top for your office.

Express Your Personal Style

Designing a unique office desk is a great way to express yourself and ensure that you're pleased with the overall appearance and style. A custom desk showcases your personal design preferences and gives you the opportunity to exert more control over your workspace.

Create a Happier and More Productive Workspace

Imagine walking into your office and feeling happy, motivated, and invigorated. This is possible when you have a workspace that is designed specifically for you.

A custom desk and table top can help you enjoy spending time in your office and make it easier to get work done. Designing a custom desk table top not only boosts your overall mood but also helps boost your productivity.

Having a workspace that matches the décor and style of the room can also help to create a more cohesive and visually appealing space. A pleasant environment can help relieve clutter-related stress and reduce distractions in your office. With fewer distractions, you're able to focus better and work more effectively.

Design Your Custom Desk Top Table with Porvata

If you're ready to design your custom table top, look no further than Porvata to get the job done. All of our table tops are made in the United States — and we make them to order, which allows for more customizations than any other manufacturer in the country.

Browse our hand-picked collection to find the right table top for your space, or put the finishing touches on your workspace by designing your custom table top with Porvata. Select your perfect material, size, finish, and configuration, and let us take care of the rest.

April 10, 2023