Purchasing a U-Shaped Desk

• Large executive desk units are available in this style, from affordably priced models to more expensive units constructed of solid wood and elegant hardware. Office furniture stores are a good source for U-shaped desk styles, and some will gladly order a unit from an in-store catalog featuring several styles of desks on your behalf upon request. While you can spend a lot of money to purchase this type of desk, other options are available without emptying your wallet.
  
  

Constructing a U-Shaped Desk

• A desk project doesn’t need to start from scratch; instead, work with existing furniture pieces and combine them into a U-shaped desk design and place atop it three countertops to form the shape. Use cabinets, file cabinets and bookcases of comparable height and complementary finishes. Mismatched pieces can be painted or stained to coordinate with the design style of the office, completing a look of uniformity. Position the base of the desk unit – cabinets, bookcases and file cabinet combinations in a U-shaped format. Place these items in the “U,” spread out to support the countertops and offer legroom underneath. After positioning the desk base components correctly, set three straight countertops atop the supports to create the U-shaped desk.
  
  

Selecting the Countertop

• The configuration of a custom, homemade, U-shaped desk makes it possible to consider countertop materials used for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms, since the desk is not far off from a kitchen countertop design. Visit the local home improvement or countertop specialty store to discuss the various types of smooth surface materials available to use as a desktop. Choice materials include wood, stone, composite materials or polished concrete. Select a countertop material and finish that works aesthetically well with the design of the desk unit and the office. Other solutions include off-the-shelf laminated countertops available with bullnose edging. With accurate measurements and skills, install the countertop in a single U-shaped piece, providing supports as needed and abutting smaller pieces together to form the shape.
  
  

The Convenience of a U-Shaped Desk

• The abundant work surface space affords the desk owner ample room for multiple tasks, such as writing and computer work on one side, phone and fax on another side, and directories, books and paperwork on the third side of the desk. The storage space beneath the desk's countertop offers plenty of room to store files, books, equipment and supplies while reducing the visible clutter above the desk. The amount of work that requires the massive surface of a U-shaped desk is certain to generate increased office production, which requires more supplies and resources – this is where the value and necessity of the storage available in the desk's drawers, cabinets and shelves really shines.