17 Best Types of Wood for Desktops
Published June 24, 2024
If you plan to make a DIY desktop table, one of your biggest dilemmas will likely be the type of wood to use.
While plenty of trees might be in your backyard, not all are suitable for furniture making. Generally, the best type of wood for desktops depends on what kind of desktops you plan to build.
For instance, if you plan to build a desktop to pass on to your great-grandkid, choose a durable type of wood. Or, if you want to move your desktop more easily, choose a lighter type of wood.
Each type of wood lumber has different characteristics, benefits, and disadvantages. That’s why the key to choosing the best wood for your DIY desktop project is to list the qualities you want for your desk. Then, based on your list, look for the right type of wood
To help you out, we’ve made a list of some of the best woods for desktops:
Best Woods For Desktops
1. Oak
If you’re looking for the best wood for desktops, you can’t go wrong with oak. There’s a reason why it’s one of the most popular wood species for furniture making. Aside from having dense and closed grains, oak also has a high tannin content, which makes it extremely resistant to insect attacks and fungal infestations.
However, the downside to using oak is that it can be pretty heavy. So, you’ll most likely need an extra set of hands to move your desktop around. When exposed to cold and moisture, the tannins can also react with oil finishes, making them difficult to protect.
2. Maple
Commonly used in high-end furniture, maple is known for its durability and hardiness. Its creamy color and smooth grain pattern make it ideal for desks and tables. Plus, maple stains easily, so you won’t have difficulty matching it to your room’s aesthetics.
3. Cherry
Possibly the most popular furniture hardwood in America, the cherry or the American Black Cherry fruit tree is prized among furniture makers. Cherry wood furniture has that signature smooth-grained texture and reddish-brown color. New ones tend to have a light pink, which darkens as the wood ages, making them ideal for heirloom pieces.
4. Pinewood
Want a rustic-looking desktop? Then pine wood is for you. Its natural cream, white, or yellow shade makes it ideal for country and rustic-themed furniture. It looks attractive without a finish, and its natural knots only add to its rustic appeal.
Though technically a softwood, pinewood is also known for its durability. Thus, you can get both a long-lasting and rustic desktop table.
5. African Hardwoods
Exotic African hardwoods might be a tad more expensive than other woods on this list, but we daresay the extra penny you’ll spend is worth it. Note, however, that African hardwoods in this context do not refer to a single tree species. Rather, they’re an umbrella term for hardwood species native to the African region. This includes Zebrano, Poculi, Sapele, and Wenge, among others.
Because tropical hardwoods like the ones mentioned come in diverse colors, grains, and patterns, they can be perfect for every type of project.
6. Cedar
Cedar wood is a top choice for outdoor furniture makers. It’s naturally resistant to moisture and, when sealed, can maintain its aesthetics for a long time. So, cedar is the best choice if you plan to put your desktop on your balcony or anywhere exposed to the elements.
7. Walnut
With its durability and luxurious dark color, walnut is the best wood for executive desktops. And if you’re going the DIY route, walnut is one of the easiest woods to work with. Not to mention that they have fine, straight grains and stains pretty well. It’s also stable and offers good shock resistance.
8. Birch
Like many wood species on this list, birch wood is known to be strong and durable. These characteristics make it great for furniture like desktops, dining tables, shelves, etc.
The best thing about birch wood, however, is its versatility. You can stain it to resemble more expensive types of wood or leave it unfinished to showcase its natural beauty. If you want to make a rustic-looking desktop, get the sapwood, as the heartwood tends to have a reddish-brown tinge.
9. Teak
Because of its impermeability, teak wood is a popular material for ships, boats, and high-end yachts. This characteristic also makes it ideal for outdoor furniture. It contains natural oil that helps it repel water and moisture, making it resistant to twisting, warping, and insect attacks.
10. Bamboo
It may not seem like it, but bamboo is one of the strongest and most durable types of wood. Not to mention that it’s very versatile. You can use it in its raw form or as an engineered plank. And, oh, did we mention they make gorgeous and head-turning desktop pieces?
11. Ashwood
Durable. Smooth, straight grain. Beige to light brown hue. These are just some of the characteristics that landed Ashwood on this list. It’s no wonder why it’s considered to be one of the best woods for making fine furniture. So, use ashwood if you want your desktop furniture to look classy, elegant, and expensive.
12. Rosewood
There are many species of rosewood around the world, each with varying colors ranging from dark brown to ebony. Though it’s especially popular in most parts of East and South Asia. Its strength, durability, attractive natural wood grain, and luxurious dark color make it a top choice for oriental furnishings and decorations.
13. Mahogany
Mahogany is a popular choice for desktops due to its rich, reddish-brown color and beautiful straight grain. It is a durable hardwood that is resistant to rot and decay, making it a long-lasting option for furniture.
14. Sapele
As mentioned above, Sapele is a type of African hardwood that is similar in appearance to mahogany. It has a rich, dark reddish-brown color with a fine-grain pattern. Sapele is known for its durability and is often used in high-end furniture projects.
15. Hickory
Hickory is a strong and sturdy wood known for its distinct grain patterns and variability in color. It is a durable hardwood that is resistant to dents and scratches, making it a great choice for a desktop with heavy use.
16. Ebony
Ebony is a dense and dark wood that exudes luxury and sophistication. It is highly prized for its deep black color and fine texture. Ebony is a rare and expensive wood that adds an elegant touch to any desktop.
17. Zebrawood
Zebrawood is named for its distinctive zebra-like striped appearance. It has a light brown color with dark brown stripes, creating a visually striking effect. Zebrawood is a durable hardwood that adds a unique and exotic flair to furniture pieces.
Also read: The Most Common Woods Used For Construction
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the hardest wood for desktops?
The hardest wood commonly used for desktops is Brazilian Walnut, or Ipe. It’s renowned for its extreme durability and resistance to scratches, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like desks. Its rich, dark color adds a touch of elegance to any workspace.
How thick should a wood desktop be?
For a sturdy wood desktop, aim for a thickness of at least 1 inch. Thicker options like 1.5 to 2 inches provide extra strength and durability, especially for large or heavy items. Thinner desks may lack stability over time.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right wood for your desktop is crucial to its aesthetics and functionality. When selecting from the top picks mentioned in the article, consider factors like durability, appearance, and budget.
Whether you opt for the classic Oak or a more exotic type of wood, investing in a quality wood desktop ensures a workspace that exudes charm and reliability for years. Experiment with different wood types to find the perfect fit for your unique style and workspace needs.
Hire The Timber Experts For Your Next Project
Vintage & Specialty Wood should be your source of the highest quality timbers from around the world. When it comes to fabricating and installing reclaimed wood or specialty wood products in your home, we don’t cut corners. We offer many reclaimed wood and specialty wood products such as Douglas Fir, white oak, and much more. We also offer timber framing and wood flooring services as well. Contact our team today to speak to a timber expert about what Vintage & Specialty Wood can do for you.
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About The Author
Experience, exploration, and knowledge are the hallmarks of writer Rei Bayucca. Her dedication to crafting articles that both inspire and educate will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished reading.