What to Use for Desk Legs

If you’re designing or building a desk, the legs are every bit as important as the desktop itself. Many desks have long, noticeable legs that need to bring both functional and aesthetic benefits. So, what can I use for desk legs? 

There are many different options out there, with an abundance of materials and styles to choose from. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different options and help you find the right choice for a strong, durable, beautiful desk. 

If you want to invest in desk legs you can rely on, our premium selection of quality desk legs has something to suit every design preference. From hairpin legs to beautiful oak, The Hairpin Leg Co. has the perfect legs for your next project. 

Are you still wondering what to use for desk legs? Browse our selection today to give your desktop the beautiful legs it deserves!

The Role of Legs on a Desk

We’ll talk about what to use for desk legs soon, but first of all, why is choosing the right legs for your desk so important? The right set of legs can elevate your desk from a simple piece of furniture to an ergonomic and visually appealing centrepiece of your room - here’s why it’s a key decision.

Providing Stability and Support

The main role of desk legs is to hold up the desktop and everything placed on it. Whether you're using the desk for work, hobbies, or gaming, the legs must provide stable support to prevent wobbling or unevenness, which could interfere with your productivity or damage your equipment.

Enhancing Ergonomics

Desk legs determine the height of your desk, which is crucial for maintaining proper posture while working or studying. How tall are desk legs? Typically 71-76 cm, which is the right height for most people to reduce strain on their shoulders, back, and wrists. 

Adding to the Aesthetic Appeal

The design, material, and finish of desk legs can dramatically influence the overall look of your workspace. Sleek metal legs can create a modern and industrial vibe, while wooden legs add warmth and a rustic feel, and hairpin legs can make your desk a standout piece that reflects your personal style.

Impacting Durability and Longevity

The material and construction of desk legs directly affect the lifespan of your desk. The best desk legs, made out of strong, durable metal or solid wood, can withstand years of use, whereas cheaper or less sturdy options may need frequent replacements.

What Can I Use for Desk Legs?

So, what can I use for desk legs? Let’s take a look at some different materials and what they bring to your desk. We’ll also talk about the pros and cons of DIY vs professionally crafted legs - another important consideration when you’re figuring out what to use as desk legs. 

Wood

Wood is a classic choice for desk legs, offering timeless appeal and natural warmth. Hardwood options like oak, maple, or walnut are sturdy and durable, while softwoods such as pine are lighter and more budget-friendly. Wooden legs can be crafted into intricate shapes or left in a minimalist style, making them versatile for a range of design aesthetics.

Stainless Steel

For a sleek and modern look, stainless steel desk legs are an excellent choice. They’re durable, resistant to rust, and capable of supporting heavy loads. Stainless steel pairs well with glass, stone, or industrial-style desktops, and their polished finish adds a contemporary touch to any workspace.

Mild Steel

There’s another type of steel you might consider - mild steel. This is what we make most of our legs from because it’s just as strong as stainless steel, but it’s a fraction of the cost. The only difference is that it lass less rust resistance.

Aluminium

Aluminium desk legs are a lightweight alternative to stainless steel, offering similar aesthetic appeal but are easier to move around. They’re perfect for desks that may need to be moved frequently and are often found in adjustable or modular desk designs.

Cast Iron

Cast iron legs are a robust and stylish option, particularly for industrial or vintage-inspired desks. These heavy-duty legs provide excellent support for larger desks and can handle significant weight. While they require more effort to move, their longevity and design make them a popular choice.

Sawhorses

Sawhorses are a simple, affordable, and versatile solution for desk legs. Commonly used in DIY projects, they’re easy to source and can be customised or painted to match your desk's style. If you’re learning how to build desk legs, sawhorses are a great place to start. 

Recycled Materials

Items like old pipes, tree stumps, or repurposed furniture can add character and a unique touch to your desk. While this option requires some creativity and craftsmanship, it’s an excellent way to create a one-of-a-kind workspace, and it’s often the most eco-friendly option.

Crafting Your Own Desk Legs

If you enjoy hands-on projects, crafting your own desk legs allows for complete customisation. You can use a combination of materials to create a design that fits your exact specifications, then learn how to attach desk legs using techniques and methods based on your desktop and the type of legs you’ve built.

Specialised Desk Leg Features

Modern desk legs often come with specialised features like height adjustability, built-in storage, or cable management systems. Think about what your desk will be used for, and make sure you choose what to use for desk legs based on your specific needs. 

Choosing the Right Legs For Your Desk

When selecting what to use for desk legs, think about the weight and size of your desktop. Heavier materials like solid wood or stone require sturdy legs, while lighter desktops may pair well with aluminium or slender steel designs. 

Considering Aesthetics

Depending on your desk’s placement, the legs might be just as visible as the desktop itself, so don’t ignore aesthetics in your desk legs! Sleek metal legs create a modern vibe, while rustic wooden legs evoke warmth and tradition and minimalist designs provide subtle elegance.

Sizing Your Legs

The height of your desk legs determines the overall desk height, which should align with ergonomic standards. Wondering what size hairpin legs you'll need for a desk? As we mentioned earlier, the typical desk height is around 71 to 76 cm - most pre-made desk legs fall within this range.

DIY vs Professionally Crafted Legs

When you’re figuring out what to use for desk legs, another decision you’ll have to make is whether to build the legs yourself or invest in professionally crafted legs. If you have the skills, experience, and tools, DIY legs allow you to fully customise your desk, but they’re a lot more work.

On the other hand, professionally crafted legs are easier and offer unmatched quality and precision. Legs from a trusted manufacturer are often sturdier, more durable, and finished to a higher standard. Without much effort at all, they give you the perfect balance of style and durability.

Discover Your New Favorite Desk Legs at The Hairpin Leg Co.

Now that you have a better idea of what to use as desk legs, you can find the perfect furniture legs for your project here at The Hairpin Leg Co. With hundreds of different styles, lengths, and finishes to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice! 

At The Hairpin Leg Co., our wooden furniture legs, metal furniture legs, and hairpin legs are crafted with precision using high-quality materials, ensuring that they can support heavy loads while maintaining their shape and durability over time.

We make it easy to assemble your desk with legs that are simple to install. Our legs are designed for hassle-free DIY projects, with pre-drilled holes and included screws to help you bring your desk to life in no time.

Plus, with free UK delivery on orders over £50, free 60-day returns, and a 5-year quality guarantee, our legs give you all-important peace of mind. So, what are you waiting for? Bring your desk to life with the perfect set of legs from The Hairpin Leg Co. 

Final Words on What to Use for Desk Legs

Desk legs may seem like a small detail, but they play a big role in shaping the stability, functionality, and aesthetics of your desk. From traditional materials like wood and stainless steel to innovative options like sawhorses and recycled materials, there are a lot of different options to choose from. 

In terms of what to use as desk legs, it’s really up to you! Take your time to choose a material, size, and style that gives you the right balance of functionality and aesthetics, and suits the design of your desktop. 

Here at The Hairpin Leg Co., you can find stunning desk legs with styles to suit any vision. Carefully crafted from durable materials, our legs don’t just bring the looks, they also stand the test of time. 

Explore our collection of premium desk legs today and find the perfect legs to elevate your desk.