Your desk, table, or workstation says a lot about you and your business. It is a tool for work, a statement piece, and a focal point in many offices. Therefore, your table or desk must be functional while also looking like it fits your business and style.
There are so many options, choices and configurations to consider when selecting a new desk or table and it is easy to overlook the table edge. The table design and finish may seem like a small decision, but it can have a significant impact on the appearance and functionality of the work surface.
How do you narrow down the choices to find the right table edge for your needs and your business? In this article, we will discuss what to look for when considering table edge options, the materials used, and which applications each material shines in.
Why Table Edges Are Important
When someone steps into your office or your business, what do they see? Chances are, one of the first pieces of furniture they notice in your office is your desk; it serves as a focal point and the first impression for customers and clients. We know that first impressions matter, so what kind of impact are you making?
Choosing the right table edge completes the look of your desk within your office. However, looks aren’t everything so not only do your table edges need to look good, but they also need to be functional for the type of work you do.
For example, in a business where you are working with tools, heavy objects or have many different users of the surface, you may want to choose table edges that offer the best durability, while a law firm or similar businesses may have fewer concerns about durability and put more emphasis on style or appearance.
There is a wide range of table edge designs and styles from which to choose. In addition, there are several different table edge materials. Each style and material has its own strengths depending on the type of work you are doing. Let’s dig into the top available table edge materials.
The Most Popular Table Edge Materials
There are a variety of materials to choose from when selecting the table edge you wish to add to your desk or workspace. Each material has its own style and functionality to help you make the most of your work area.
Urethane Table Edge
Urethane has inordinate properties that make it a perfect choice for table or desk edges. Choosing urethane for table edges means you get a hard, resilient, flexible material that can withstand bumps and bruises while still looking clean and professional.
Many businesses choose a urethane table edge as an affordable, durable option for workstations. If you work with liquids, urethane can withstand spills as wells. It is one of the best table edge materials for durability and long-lasting appearance.
However, the downside to choosing urethane is that it doesn’t offer the high-end appearance of some other materials. For example, urethane may not be the right choice for an executive’s office desk.
With that said, there are urethane options with a wood-like finish. However, this is not as good as the real thing with respect to aesthetic appearance. When looks are more important than durability, you probably want to consider other options.
Wood Table Edge
For the cleanest and most sophisticated appearance, you should consider wood table edges. This is the kind of table edge you would opt for on a beautiful office desk that will be a room’s focal point. When people see solid wood finishes on furniture, they immediately think of quality.
However, wood is the least durable of the available table edge materials. Scratches and chips can form easier in wood than other materials, and this could degrade the appearance if it is not adequately cared for.
Vinyl Table Edge
The final popular choice for table edges is vinyl. This is the most affordable of the table edge options which makes it an excellent choice for employee desks and workstations. While vinyl is an affordable option, it is not particularly durable or stylish.
In addition, you typically have fewer edge styles available with vinyl edging then are offered by wood or urethane table edges. Vinyl table edges are one of the most commonly used table edge materials.
The Right Edge to Get the Job Done
There is no universal right or wrong table edge to choose. The right table edge options will vary from business to business depending on the work being done, the budget available, and the needs of your team.
Are you looking for more advice about the right table edge styles for your new desk or table? Check out our article dedicated to just that, the top desk and table edge styles on the market today!
Cory Porteous
Marketing Manager
Office Interiors
