Desk Tops - Frequently Asked Questions

Our desk tops are supplied with no pre-drilled holes. We are unable to do this because we don't know the exact positions of your frame fixing points (unless you are attaching them to a Savv-e frame - please see the next question). However, we supply free woodscrews of the correct length so that you can attach your top easily. We recommend that you position the desk top on top of your frame and mark the position of each hole whilst being careful not to move the top. Once done, remove the top and drill shallow pilot holes into each marked position. Be very careful not to drill through the desk top (tip: mark the required depth with coloured tape around your drill bit so that you can tell when you are at the required depth). Replace the top and attach the top to your desk by screwing it into the pilot holes.

Yes, and we do better than that - we can make sure that our standard steel fixings are placed in the pre-drilled holes to give you a really solid fixing point. Please make sure that we are aware that the top is to go with the frame - either by placing a comment in the order notes on our cart page or by dropping us an email.

Absolutely, that's one of our specialties! We will need to work out the price for this. Please click on our 'custom quotation' button above and provide details on the size you require. We will provide a fast (within 1 working day) free and no obligation quotation for this. Please be aware that custom tops are made to order and typically take between 2 and 3 weeks.

You bet - we love a challenge and to produce something that fully meets your needs. We have many more finishes that we can choose from and can provide shaped surfaces. We also do round and square tops. Please click on our 'custom quotation' button above and provide details on the size you require. We will provide a fast (within 1 working day) free and no obligation quotation for this. Please be aware that custom tops are made to order and typically take between 2 and 3 weeks.

Yes, we can 'go large'. Please click on our 'custom quotation' button in the product description and provide details on the size you require. We will let you know whether we can do this and will provide a fast (within 1 working day) free and no obligation quotation for this. Please be aware that custom tops are made to order and typically take between 2 and 3 weeks.

Rounded edges (also known as Radius or Bullnose edging) provide a smooth, curved transition from the top surface to the vertical face. Softer and more traditional or ergonomic than a straight-edge, they are smooth to the touch with no sharpness at all. The image below shows the difference between a rounded edge (top), a rounded corner (middle) and a straight edge (bottom). Rounded edges can only be provided for custom quotations. For rounded edges, the edging will be painted and lacquered rather than edged in matching 2mm ABS.

A chamfer is a straight, angled cut, usually at 45° - made along the edge. It provides a clear, sharp, modern look. The edge is bevelled not curved and it feels slightly angular to the touch. This is not the same as a rounded edge – a chamfered edge is shown in the image below. We are unable to provide chamfered edges on MFC tops. The top needs to be a laminate, which is significantly more expensive than MFC.

The diagram below shows a scallop (dimensions will vary on different types of tops, but it shows the positioning). Scallop size can be customised – to do this, we need a drawing of the top required to show the dimensions of the top and the size of the intended scallop. Scallops are commonly used to provide cable management at the back of a desk top. The scallop will be rounded on the corners with a straight edge. This is so that the ABS edging can be applied to the scallop.

Rounded Edges – 1 or more edges of the desk top are shaped with a smooth curve instead of a hard square edge. Rounded Corners – instead of forming a sharp 90° angle, the corners (where edges meet) are rounded off. The standard is a 50mm radius (if required, this can be changed to a larger or smaller radius). Rounded Corners can be provided on all corners or just on the front edge of the desk top.

A dog bone join is used to connect 2 desk tops together. They are used on larger custom-made tops due to the practical issues associated with transporting huge tops safely and without damage. The 2 tops are connected securely on the underside using 'dog bone' connectors. These provide a very tight unobtrusive and robust connection between the two desktops. A dog bone joint is a special type of CNC-machined connection that allows two parts to interlock perfectly, despite the round profile of CNC router bits. It adds small circular cutouts—shaped like a cartoon “dog bone”—at internal corners of a routed pocket. These allow the mating tab to fit in snugly, ensuring a strong, flush fit. The joins are almost invisible from the top of the desk top.

Yes, we can provide different décor edging to that of the top and bottom i.e. black top with white edging.

This will be totally dependent upon having the correct tools to do the job. MFC can be prone to chipping if not cut correctly. Additionally, the top would no longer be edged where the top has been cut. Cable ports can be drilled by you, but please note that this is not straightforward. We can drill these before shipping free of charge and wherever you want them positioned.

We recommend the use of a gentle, non-abrasive spray cleaner and a dry microfibre cloth. Do not use any form of abrasive cloth. You should ensure the top is left dry after cleaning.

No, none of our tops are waterproof. Although the top finish has a level of waterproofness to it, they aren’t classed as being waterproof and we recommend minimal exposure to water. Any spills should be cleaned up promptly.