[jriffel]

Does anybody know what is the wood and finish used on school desks and tables? I thought there was an old thread about this but I couldn't find it. Most of the wood products seem to be a laminate/plywood with a maple like top. I could be very wrong. Also I'd like to find out what finish is used... very durable.
Thanks!!

 

[Burt]

I agree, looks like plywood with maple laminate. Probably finished with most toxic finish available.

 

[vursenbach]

I do believe each school and district will be different, even from classroom to classroom. The high school that I teach at was built in the 1959s and my desk was built around that time out if solid oak. It has a large number of tool marks on it showing how it was built. I think it's cool. If you had photos, it could help.

Sent from my iPhone using Wood Forum

 

[Tman1]

I agree with Vursenbach. Most of the school desks I've had experience with are particle board and laminate.

 

[dodgeboy77]

I don't think that most school furniture is wood anymore, or has been for a while. Wood is too easy to damage and vandalize. Most of the desks in the schools where I taught were steel frames with some kind of ceramic/composite type seats and desk tops.

In my room we had planning tables that were particle board with laminated tops. The kids would still find a way to pry the laminate off the edges and scratch the tops. And I was in a good suburban school. Inner city schools are really tough.

I've seen older wooden school furniture that often was oak, sometimes maple.

Bill