How do you choose the right executive table for your office? Ideal table Right table is based ultimately on work style and proportions. For an attorney who meets clients in their office a wider table with dual seating communicates partnership. Opt for something a bit sleeker and rectangular with a strong silhouette if you're an executive who tends to ride solo. Proportion is key: An oversized table can swallow up the space in a small Des Moines office, just as something too compact can undercut authority in a loftier one. I ask people to think about their work habits: Will they require space for dual monitors or prefer something more minimal? Furniture should support how one works, not require compromises. How do you protect wood from sun damage on outdoor furniture? Sun is one of the biggest concerns I hear when I consult with customers on outdoor projects - whether it's a downtown Des Moines rooftop deck or suburban backyard patio. The best solution is to apply a quality UV inhibitor sealer or oil for exterior wood. Teak oil or marine grade spar varnish, for example, seeps into the fibers and slows fading and cracking. I'd encourage people, too, to add elements of physical shade — pergolas, awnings, perhaps strategically placed planters — that can ameliorate direct exposure. I can remember a client that would not have its cedar dining set covered on a west lot. In a single summer, the formerly rich shades had turned gray. Resealed and placed under slatted pergola, the wood was stretching out over time, creating cozy warmth. How do you deal with existing sun damage? The treatment is contingent on the extent of the damage. Fading can frequently be corrected by sanding off the top layer and recoating it with an oil or stain. If the cracking is deeper or more dramatic, the solution may require more intensive refinishing — stripping the wood down and rebuilding it with stains and sealants. One of my personal projects was lifting a weathered oak bench that had sat undressed for nine years back to life. Eventually, after some heavy sanding and penetrating oil treatment, the bench took much of its former dignity back and the defects gave it a patina that even enhanced the beauty of it. I remind clients frequently that sun damage doesn't need to be erased; it can become part of the story of the piece, part of what makes it look real.
1. To transform an ordinary desk into an executive table, install hidden storage under the desktop, cable management cutouts, and a hutch with a vented privacy screen. Select a design that suits your working style and comfort. A simple, straight front accommodates a minimalist aesthetic, whereas curved fronts like kidney or boat styles promote better ergonomics for lengthy work at a desk. A glass desktop is not advised with a wood desk base in high traffic areas. Glass surfaces attract fingerprints, detract from the inviting warmth of wood and furniture and can be difficult to keep clean. Matte finishes are preferred to lower the risk of glare and to maintain a clutter free appearance. 2. Prior to purchasing an executive desk, take precise measurements to find the perfect fit. Plan for at least 3 feet of clearance behind the desk and 2 feet of space on each side to allow for clearances. Standard office chair heights are 17 to 19 inches, so choose a tabletop that is 29 to 30 inches from the floor, unless you have ergonomic requirements that dictate otherwise. Look for desks with drawers that have locking mechanisms and adjustable compartments. If you need a piece that can withstand heavy daily use, select traditional hardwoods like maple, oak or walnut. 3. Wood outdoor furniture can be ruined by too much sun exposure, so every year, cover the piece with a wood sealer that contains UV blockers and is oil-based. Avoid leaving outdoor furniture in direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours. Rotate the arrangement of outdoor furniture in and out every season to prevent prolonged exposure. Plastic furniture covers can actually harm outdoor pieces by holding in moisture. Breathable canvas covers or shade from a pergola or awning are better options. 4. For existing sun damage, sand the piece gently using 120 grit sandpaper, focusing on grayed wood, then apply a wood brightener to even out the wood's tone. Seal the wood using an oil-based wood sealer with UV protection. Resist the temptation to stain it, unless you prepare the whole piece uniformly, or the stain will not be uniform. Apply a new coat of finish to the piece each year.