Materials

Oak on top, because it’s the hardwood to end all hardwoods – for us at least. Oak means it’ll look good in your home. You can expect the odd knot here and the odd change in wood grain there – which means no two desks will ever look quite the same – but overall, it’s a well-balanced timber. Plus, with oak, it comes with a real sense of heritage. In Carter, it’s combined with incredibly strong steel.

The finish: oak

Brushing, buffing, staining – they’re just three of the seven steps your desk’s tabletop will go through. They’re what make it look a bit rustic, without you having to use aged timber. Perfect for people who like the idea of vintage, but prefer things that are actually ‘brand new’. The last step is our timber treatment oil – IsoGuard®. Which, in a nutshell, makes oak easier to live with. Think of it as a bit of a defence barrier, but one that you can’t see, feel or would ever know was there.

The finish: steel

Carter’s legs are powder-coated and then baked at scorching temperatures so that you’re left with an almost matte black colour (there’s a tiny hint of bronze) that’s as tough as old boots. It’s a process that’s quicker than the traditional method of ‘quenching’, and far more robust than paint or lacquer.

Design is in the detail

As well as useful details like the drawers, laptop/keyboard slot (which, incidentally, is just as handy for paperwork too) and shelf, Carter’s also designed to help you keep on top of cables – peer into the laptop slot and you’ll spot a hole for routing your charger through. The joinery in Carter is another design detail worth pointing out too: the drawers are made using dovetail joints, which make them strong and secure, no matter how often you pull them in and out.