We build our desks in two timbers, Merbau and pine, at the same size and the same price. Both make a beautiful desk. The right choice depends on the look you want and how hard your desk will work.
Merbau: rich, dark and tough
Merbau is a dense tropical hardwood with a deep reddish brown colour and a bold, interlocking grain. It often shows small golden flecks through the grain that catch the light. Under a clear finish it looks warm and substantial, and it tends to deepen to a richer brown over time.
Because it is a hardwood, Merbau resists dents and knocks far better than softer timbers. That makes it a great fit for a desk that sees heavy daily use, a home office shared by a few people, or anyone who leans on their desk, drops tools on it or writes with a heavy hand.
Merbau suits darker interiors, black or charcoal walls, leather and industrial styling. It also pairs well with a black steel frame.
Pine: light, bright and relaxed
Pine is a softwood with a pale cream to honey colour and a straighter, softer grain. It brightens a room and feels relaxed and Scandinavian, and it sits nicely in white or light coloured spaces, coastal homes and kids' rooms.
Pine is softer than Merbau, so it will pick up small dents and marks more easily. Plenty of people love that, because the desk gathers character as it is used. Over time pine warms from cream toward a soft honey tone, especially in rooms with lots of natural light.
Pine is also lighter in weight, which makes the desk a little easier to move when you rearrange a room.
Side by side
| Merbau | Pine | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Deep reddish brown | Pale cream to honey |
| Grain | Bold, interlocking, golden flecks | Straighter and softer |
| Hardness | Hardwood, resists dents | Softwood, marks more easily |
| Ageing | Deepens to a richer brown | Warms toward honey |
| Best for | Heavy use, darker spaces | Light rooms, relaxed styling |
How both are finished
Every top is sanded by hand to bring up the grain, then sealed in a hard wearing polyurethane coat. The finish protects the timber from coffee rings, spills and everyday wear, so either timber is easy to live with.
Caring for your desk top
Wipe it with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry it straight away. Mild soapy water is all it needs. Keep standing water and hot mugs off the surface, and use a coaster or desk mat if you like your coffee next to the keyboard. Stick to gentle cleaning, as harsh cleaners and abrasive pads can dull the finish.
Still deciding?
Look at where the desk will live. A darker room or a desk that will take a beating usually suits Merbau. A bright room or a softer, lighter look usually suits pine. If you are torn, send us a photo of your space and we will give you our honest opinion.