The short version
- Typical range: £30 – £180
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Furniture
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used desk is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for desks, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £180 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £153 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £117 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £81 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £45 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a desk
- Electric height-adjustable frames in working order
- Solid wood tops with no sagging
- Cable management and grommets intact
- Recognised office and design brands
What lowers it
- Failed lifting motors or controllers on sit-stand desks
- Sagging particleboard tops
- Scratched and water-marked surfaces
- Very large corner desks that suit few rooms
How to work out what yours is worth
- On adjustable desks, run the full height range several times
- Sight along the top for sag
- Measure the footprint including any return
Once you have those three answers you can place your own desk on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
Are sit-stand desks worth buying used?
Yes, and they are one of the better second-hand bargains, provided the lifting mechanism runs smoothly through its full range.
What fails on an electric desk?
The motors or controller, usually showing as juddering or refusing to lift evenly. Test the full range before listing.
Does a scratched desk top matter?
Less than you would expect, since most get covered by a monitor and keyboard. Sagging matters far more.
More value guides: furniture guides · all value guides · browse live furniture listings.