Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our office desk manufacturing process, customization options, delivery, and warranty terms.

We work with several material categories depending on the model and customer requirements. Our standard range includes 18mm and 25mm melamine-faced chipboard with E1 emission class certification, ensuring low formaldehyde content. For executive models, we use natural oak, ash, and walnut veneers applied to MDF or plywood cores. Metal components are made from powder-coated steel with a thickness of 1.5-2mm, providing structural stability. Work surfaces can be finished with high-pressure laminate (HPL) that resists scratches, heat, and moisture. All materials comply with British and European safety standards, and we provide full documentation upon request.

Yes, custom sizing is available for most of our desk models. We can adjust width from 1000mm to 2400mm, depth from 600mm to 900mm, and height from 720mm to 780mm for standard desks. For height-adjustable models, the range is typically 650mm to 1250mm. When placing a custom order, our technical team will review your specifications to ensure structural integrity and functionality. Keep in mind that non-standard dimensions may affect the production timeline, typically adding 5-7 working days to the standard manufacturing period. We'll provide detailed drawings for your approval before starting production.

Production time varies based on order complexity and current workload. Standard catalogue models without modifications are manufactured within 10-15 working days. Custom-sized desks or those with special finishes require 15-20 working days. Large corporate orders exceeding 50 units may take 25-30 working days, as we schedule production in batches to maintain quality control. Once manufacturing is complete, we conduct a thorough inspection before packaging. You'll receive updates at key stages: order confirmation, production start, quality check completion, and dispatch. Rush orders can sometimes be accommodated for an additional fee, reducing the timeline by approximately 30%.

We provide delivery across London and surrounding areas within a 50-mile radius. Standard delivery includes transport to your premises and unloading at ground level. For orders within Greater London, delivery typically costs £45-75 depending on location and order size. Installation service is available as an optional add-on at £25 per desk for simple models and £40-60 for complex configurations with cable management or height-adjustment mechanisms. Our installation team arrives with all necessary tools and can complete setup within 20-30 minutes per desk. For large corporate orders, we can arrange evening or weekend installation to minimize disruption to your business operations.

All our desks come with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. This includes structural components, joints, surface finishes, and hardware. For height-adjustable mechanisms and electronic components, we provide a 2-year warranty. The warranty covers repair or replacement of defective parts, including labour costs if performed by our technicians. Normal wear and tear, damage from misuse, or modifications made by third parties are not covered. To maintain warranty validity, desks must be assembled according to our instructions and used in standard office conditions. We respond to warranty claims within 48 hours and aim to resolve issues within 5-7 working days.

Our standard collection includes 12 colour options: white, light grey, anthracite, beech, oak, walnut, maple, cherry, wenge, black, and two modern concrete-effect finishes. Surface finishes vary by material: melamine surfaces have a matte texture, while laminate tops offer a choice between matte and semi-gloss. Natural wood veneers are finished with clear lacquer in satin or gloss variants. Metal frames are available in white, black, silver, or anthracite powder coating. For corporate clients ordering 20+ units, we can arrange custom colour matching to your brand guidelines using RAL or Pantone references, though this requires a minimum order quantity and extends production time by approximately 10 days.

Yes, we offer several cable management solutions that can be integrated during manufacturing. Options include desktop grommets (60mm or 80mm diameter) in metal or plastic, horizontal cable trays mounted under the worktop, vertical cable spines attached to the leg structure, and cable access panels built into the desk surface. For executive models, we can install discreet flip-up power modules with UK sockets and USB charging ports. Prices range from £15 for basic grommets to £85 for powered modules. We recommend specifying cable management requirements at the ordering stage, as retrofitting is more complex and may not achieve the same clean appearance as factory-integrated solutions.

We produce both manual and electric height-adjustable desks. Manual models use a crank mechanism and adjust from 680mm to 1150mm, suitable for users who change position occasionally. Electric models feature dual-motor systems with memory presets, adjusting from 650mm to 1250mm at a speed of 38mm per second. The lifting capacity is 80kg for standard models and 120kg for heavy-duty versions. Electric desks include a control panel with 2-4 memory positions, anti-collision sensors, and a quiet operation under 50 decibels. All height-adjustable frames are tested for 10,000 cycles to ensure long-term reliability. These models typically cost £380-750 depending on size and features.

We accept orders of any size, from a single desk to complete office fitouts. However, corporate pricing tiers begin at 10 units, with progressive discounts at 25, 50, and 100+ units. For orders exceeding 30 desks, we assign a dedicated project manager who coordinates production scheduling, delivery logistics, and installation. Large orders benefit from consolidated shipping, reducing per-unit delivery costs by approximately 40%. We can also arrange phased delivery if you're fitting out multiple floors or locations. Payment terms for corporate clients typically include a 50% deposit upon order confirmation and the balance before delivery, though we can discuss alternative arrangements for established business customers.

Environmental responsibility is central to our manufacturing process. All wood-based materials carry FSC or PEFC certification, confirming they originate from responsibly managed forests. Our chipboard and MDF panels meet E1 emission standards with formaldehyde levels below 0.1 ppm. We use water-based adhesives and low-VOC finishes wherever possible. Metal components are 85% recycled content, and our powder coating process generates minimal waste. Packaging materials are 95% recyclable, primarily corrugated cardboard and paper-based corner protectors. We can provide detailed environmental product declarations (EPDs) for projects requiring BREEAM or LEED documentation. Our factory operates on 40% renewable energy and maintains ISO 14001 environmental management certification.

For corporate orders exceeding 20 units, we offer a sample programme. You can order a single desk at a reduced demonstration price (typically 30% off retail) to evaluate quality, finish, and functionality before committing to the full order. This sample cost is then credited against your final invoice when you proceed with the larger purchase. Alternatively, we maintain a showroom at our London facility where you can view our complete range and test different models. Appointments can be scheduled Monday through Friday between 9:00 and 17:00. We also provide physical material samples (100mm x 100mm swatches) of all finishes and colours, which we can post to you within 3 working days at no charge.

We accept multiple payment methods for your convenience. Bank transfers (BACS) are preferred for larger orders, with payment details provided on your invoice. Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted for orders up to £5,000, processed through our secure payment gateway. For corporate clients, we offer account terms with net 30-day payment after establishing credit references. Purchase orders are accepted from government bodies, educational institutions, and established companies. We also work with several commercial finance providers who can arrange payment plans for orders exceeding £3,000, spreading costs over 12-36 months. All prices are quoted in GBP and include VAT at the current rate.

For orders exceeding 30 desks, we provide complimentary workspace planning assistance. Our team can review your floor plans and recommend optimal desk configurations, taking into account natural light, power outlet locations, and traffic flow. We use CAD software to create visual layouts showing desk placement, dimensions, and spacing. While we don't conduct formal ergonomic assessments (which require qualified occupational health specialists), we can advise on appropriate desk heights, recommended monitor positions, and suitable accessories like monitor arms or keyboard trays. For projects requiring full ergonomic compliance, we can recommend partnered consultants who specialize in workplace health assessments and can work alongside our installation team.

About Gafopu

Office desk manufacturing facility

Gafopu began operations in 2008 when three furniture craftsmen decided to focus exclusively on office desks. Our workshop in London started with a team of 8 specialists and a 500-square-metre production space. We manufactured 12 desk models that first year, selling directly to small businesses across Greater London.

The business grew steadily. By 2012, we expanded our facility to 1,200 square metres and increased staff to 23 people. We introduced laminated particleboard construction alongside solid wood options, which reduced costs without compromising structural integrity. This allowed us to serve medium-sized offices and coworking spaces.

Today, our 35-person team produces over 60 desk configurations using CNC machinery for precision cutting and automated edge-banding equipment. We work with 18mm and 25mm chipboard, powder-coated steel frames, and adjustable height mechanisms from German suppliers.

16 Years Operating
35 Production Staff
60+ Desk Models
1,200 Units Annually
Quality control process for office desks

Our Mission

We manufacture functional office desks at accessible price points. Our focus is on reliable construction methods and materials that meet British Standard BS EN 527 for office furniture. Each desk undergoes load testing to 75kg minimum capacity before leaving our facility.

We aim to supply businesses with workspace furniture that performs its function without unnecessary features or inflated pricing. Our product range covers executive desks, corner workstations, sit-stand models, and benching systems for open-plan offices.

Looking Forward

We plan to expand our modular desk systems and increase the use of FSC-certified materials to 80% by 2026. Our engineering team is currently developing a cable management system integrated into the desk structure, scheduled for release in Q3 2025.

What Guides Our Work

Material Standards

We use E1-grade particleboard with formaldehyde emissions below 0.1 ppm, steel tubing with 1.2mm minimum wall thickness, and water-based lacquers meeting VOC regulations.

Production Accuracy

Our CNC routers maintain ±0.3mm tolerances on component dimensions. This precision ensures consistent assembly and eliminates gaps in finished products.

Testing Protocol

Every desk model undergoes 50,000-cycle stability testing, 100kg static load verification, and surface resistance checks before entering our catalogue.

Direct Supply

We sell directly from our London facility with delivery across England within 5-7 working days. This eliminates distributor markups and reduces your procurement costs.