Office Bench Desk Buyers Guide

Investing in the right office furniture is crucial for creating a productive and collaborative workspace. Bench desks, with their streamlined design and shared components, have become increasingly popular in UK offices, particularly in open-plan environments. This guide will walk you through the essential factors to consider when buying office bench desks to ensure you make the best choice for your business needs.

1. Understanding Bench Desking and Your Needs:

Bench desking typically involves multiple workstations sharing a common frame and often, dividing screens. This layout is designed to maximise space efficiency and encourage collaboration. Before diving into options, consider:

• Purpose of the Space: Will the area be used for focused work, team collaboration, or a mix of both? Bench desks inherently promote interaction, but the level of privacy can be adjusted.
• Work Styles: Do employees need ample individual space, or are they comfortable working closely together?
• Future Growth: Bench desk systems are often modular, allowing for easy expansion as your team grows. Consider if you'll need to add more workstations later.

2. Size, Capacity, and Layout:

Determining the right size involves more than just the number of people. You need to factor in individual workspace needs and the overall room dimensions.

• Number of Users: Bench desks are typically sold in configurations for 2, 4, 6, or more people, usually in back-to-back or in-line arrangements.
• Desk Dimensions Per Person: While benching is about saving space, each user still needs adequate surface area. Standard desktop depths in the UK often range from 60 cm to 80 cm, and widths per person can vary, but aim for at least 80-120 cm for comfortable working, especially with monitors and laptops.
• Overall Footprint: Measure your office space precisely. Remember to account for circulation space around the desks, walkways, and room for chairs to be pulled out. Allow at least 100-120 cm between the edge of the desk and any walls or obstacles.
• Layout Configuration: Bench desks can be arranged in long rows, clusters, or other configurations to fit your office layout and work patterns.

3. Configuration Options:

Bench desk systems offer various configurations to suit different needs:

• Back-to-Back: Two rows of desks facing each other, sharing a central frame. This is highly space-efficient.
• In-Line (Single-Sided): Desks arranged in a single row, often against a wall.
• Clusters: Arrangements that group desks in pods, often around a central point, fostering team interaction.
• Height Adjustability: Some modern bench desk systems offer electric or manual height adjustment for individual workstations, promoting ergonomic flexibility and the option for sit-stand working.

4. Desktop Material and Durability:

The desktop material needs to be hard-wearing and easy to maintain. Common options include:

• MFC (Melamine Faced Chipboard): A cost-effective and durable choice, available in many colours and wood effects. It's resistant to scratches and stains under normal office use.
• Laminate: Similar properties to MFC, often with slightly enhanced durability and finish options.
• Wood Veneer: Offers a more premium look with a real wood surface layer. While aesthetically pleasing, it can be more susceptible to scratches and requires more care than MFC or laminate.
• Solid Wood: The most durable and visually appealing, but also the most expensive. Requires maintenance.

Consider the level of use the desks will receive and choose a material that balances durability with your desired aesthetic and budget.

5. Frame Material and Stability:

The frame provides the structure and stability of the bench system.

• Steel: The most common material, offering excellent strength and durability. Frames are usually powder-coated in various colours (e.g., white, black, silver, anthracite).
• Wood: Some designs incorporate wooden legs or frames for a warmer, more natural look.

Ensure the frame is robust and provides adequate support for the desktop and equipment.

6. Cable Management:

Effective cable management is essential for bench desks with multiple users and devices.

• Integrated Cable Trays: Channels or trays located beneath the desktop to route and hide cables.
• Cable Ports/Scallops: Openings in the desktop (ports) or cut-out sections (scallops) to feed cables through.
• Vertical Cable Risers: Channels that run vertically from the floor or power source up to the desk.

Good cable management keeps the workspace tidy, reduces trip hazards, and simplifies IT setup and changes.

7. Privacy Screens:

While benching encourages openness, some level of visual or acoustic privacy is often desired.

• Desk-Mounted Screens: Panels that attach directly to the desktop, available in various heights and materials (fabric, acrylic, MFC). Fabric screens can also offer some acoustic dampening.
• Floor-Standing Screens: Taller screens that sit on the floor, used to divide larger benching runs or create distinct zones.

Consider the nature of the work being done and the need for individual focus when deciding on screens.

8. Integrated Power and Data:

Providing easy access to power and data points at the desktop is crucial for productivity.

• In-Desk Modules: Units built into the desktop offering power sockets, USB ports, and sometimes network points.
• Under-Desk Modules: Power and data points mounted beneath the desktop, often accessible via cable trays.

Integrated power and data reduce the need for trailing extension leads and improve the functionality of the workspace.

9. Ergonomics and Accessories:

While the desk itself is a key component, consider how it integrates with other ergonomic elements.

• Chair Compatibility: Ensure there is sufficient space under the desk for ergonomic office chairs, including armrests.
• Monitor Arm Compatibility: If employees use monitor arms, check that the desk frame and desktop material are suitable for mounting them.
• Storage Options: While benching is often minimalist, consider under-desk pedestals (mobile or fixed) or separate storage units for personal items and files.

10. Budget:

Set a realistic budget, remembering that bench desking is generally more cost-effective per person than individual desks due to shared components. Prices will vary based on the number of users, materials, features (like height adjustment or integrated power), and the supplier. Factor in the cost of delivery and installation.

11. Delivery and Installation:

Bench desk systems can be complex to assemble. Consider using our professional delivery and installation services. This ensures the desks are set up correctly, safely, and efficiently, minimising disruption to your office.