Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our custom mobile office desks, from design options to delivery timelines.

Mobile office desks feature integrated castors or wheels that allow the furniture to be repositioned easily within a workspace. Unlike fixed desks, they provide flexibility for reconfiguring office layouts, moving between meeting areas, or creating temporary workstations.

Our custom units include locking mechanisms on the wheels to ensure stability during use. The castors are rated to support the desk weight plus typical office equipment loads of 50-100kg. Frame construction uses reinforced steel or aluminium to maintain structural integrity during movement, with additional bracing at stress points where standard desks would rely on floor contact for stability.

Production time varies based on design complexity and current order volume. Standard configurations with our existing frame designs typically require 3-4 weeks from approved drawings to completion. More elaborate designs with custom dimensions, integrated cable management systems, or specialized finishes may take 5-7 weeks.

The timeline includes initial consultation, technical drawing approval, material procurement, fabrication, quality inspection, and finishing. We provide a specific delivery estimate during the quotation stage. Rush orders can sometimes be accommodated with a 15-20% surcharge, reducing production time by approximately one week.

We offer several surface materials to match different workplace requirements and budgets. Melamine-faced chipboard provides an economical option with good durability and comes in 12 colour finishes. Solid oak or walnut surfaces offer natural aesthetics and can be refinished multiple times over the desk's lifespan.

High-pressure laminate surfaces resist scratches, heat marks, and chemical damage better than standard options. For technical environments, we can supply phenolic resin tops rated for laboratory use. Linoleum surfaces provide acoustic dampening and are popular in open-plan offices. Each material has different thickness options, typically ranging from 18mm to 40mm depending on desk dimensions and load requirements.

Cable management is integrated into most of our mobile desk designs. Options include horizontal cable trays mounted beneath the work surface, vertical cable spines within the frame structure, and surface-mounted cable ports with brush or flip-top covers. These solutions keep power and data cables organized while maintaining mobility.

For desks requiring frequent repositioning, we recommend retractable cable reels or overhead cable management systems rather than floor-based solutions. We can install power modules directly into the desk surface with UK 3-pin sockets and USB charging ports. All electrical installations comply with BS 7671 wiring regulations and include appropriate circuit protection.

Standard castors on our mobile desks are rated for 80kg per wheel, providing a total capacity of 320kg for a four-wheel configuration. This accommodates the desk structure, work surface, and typical office equipment including monitors, computers, and documents with a comfortable safety margin.

For heavier applications, we specify industrial-grade castors rated up to 150kg per wheel. These are necessary for desks supporting multiple monitors, printing equipment, or dense storage. All castors include brake mechanisms that engage with a foot pedal. We use polyurethane wheels as standard, which protect floor surfaces while providing smooth rolling. Hard nylon wheels are available for carpeted areas where softer wheels might impede movement.

Height adjustment can be incorporated using manual crank mechanisms or electric motor systems. Manual adjustment uses a winding handle to raise or lower the work surface between 650mm and 1250mm, suitable for both seated and standing work positions. The mechanism locks at any height within this range.

Electric systems use dual motors for smooth, synchronized adjustment via a control panel. These systems lift at approximately 25mm per second and include anti-collision sensors. The additional weight of adjustment mechanisms requires upgraded castors and frame reinforcement. Height-adjustable mobile desks typically add 2-3 weeks to production time and increase cost by 40-60% compared to fixed-height versions, depending on the mechanism selected.

Our manufacturing capabilities accommodate desk widths from 800mm to 2400mm, depths from 600mm to 1000mm, and heights from 650mm to 850mm for fixed models. Larger dimensions are possible but may require additional structural support and upgraded castors to maintain stability during movement.

Practical considerations affect size recommendations. Desks wider than 1800mm can be difficult to manoeuvre through standard doorways (typically 762mm or 838mm wide). Very deep desks may create access issues in narrow corridors. We assess your floor plan during consultation to ensure the finished desk can navigate your space. Corner or L-shaped mobile configurations are also available, using connecting brackets that allow the sections to be separated for transport through restricted access points.

Stability comes from several design features working together. The frame geometry uses a low centre of gravity with the heaviest components positioned near floor level. Cross-bracing between legs prevents lateral movement. Each castor includes a brake that locks both rotation and swivel functions, effectively converting the mobile desk into a fixed unit during use.

We calculate the tipping angle for each design to ensure it exceeds 15 degrees when loaded to capacity. Desks with narrow footprints or tall heights may include ballast weights in the base or wider leg spacing. For environments where desks will be moved frequently, we recommend levelling feet that can be deployed when stationary, raising the castors off the floor entirely for maximum rigidity.

Storage options include pedestal units with drawers, open shelving beneath the work surface, and overhead hutches for frequently accessed items. Pedestal units typically feature 2-3 drawers with full-extension runners and can be positioned on either side of the desk or as a central support.

For mobile applications, storage must be designed to prevent contents shifting during movement. We use drawer stops, adjustable dividers, and soft-close mechanisms to secure items. Lockable storage is available for documents or equipment requiring security. The weight of stored items affects the overall load on castors and frame, so we factor anticipated storage use into structural calculations. Very heavy storage requirements may necessitate separate mobile pedestals rather than integrated solutions.

Standard warranty covers manufacturing defects and structural failures for 5 years from delivery. This includes frame integrity, joint construction, and surface delamination. Castors and mechanical components such as drawer runners carry a 2-year warranty, as these experience more wear during normal use.

The warranty requires desks to be used within their specified load capacity and on appropriate floor surfaces. Damage from impacts, modifications, or use of incompatible cleaning products is excluded. We offer extended warranty packages that cover castor replacement and surface refinishing for an additional annual fee. All warranty claims require photographic documentation and are assessed within 5 working days. Repairs are carried out on-site where possible, or the desk can be returned to our workshop if necessary.

Delivery covers all UK mainland addresses. Standard delivery to London and surrounding areas within the M25 is included in quotations. Deliveries to other regions incur additional charges based on distance and access requirements. We use specialist furniture transport with tail-lift vehicles and trolleys suitable for office environments.

Installation service includes unpacking, assembly of any modular components, positioning in the designated location, and removal of packaging materials. For multiple desks or complex configurations, we schedule installation outside normal working hours to minimize disruption. Lead time for delivery is typically 1-2 weeks after manufacture is complete. Scottish Highlands, Northern Ireland, and offshore locations require additional transit time and may involve ferry schedules that affect delivery windows.

Regular maintenance extends the desk's service life and ensures safe operation. Clean work surfaces weekly with a damp microfibre cloth and mild detergent suitable for the surface material. Avoid abrasive cleaners or excessive water, particularly on wood surfaces. Inspect castors monthly for debris wrapped around the wheels and remove any accumulated material.

Lubricate castor bearings every six months using silicone spray or light machine oil. Check brake mechanisms function correctly and adjust or replace if response becomes sluggish. Tighten any loose frame bolts annually, as vibration during movement can cause fasteners to work loose over time. For desks with integrated electrics, have wiring inspected by a qualified electrician every 2-3 years to maintain compliance with safety standards. Surface scratches on laminate or wood can often be treated with repair kits matched to the original finish.

About Lakefe

Since 2011, we have been designing and manufacturing mobile office desks that combine functionality with adaptability. Based in London, our workshop focuses on creating furniture solutions tailored to modern workspace requirements.

Lakefe workshop in London

Our Beginning

Lakefe started when three furniture makers in North London noticed a recurring request from local businesses: office desks that could be easily moved and reconfigured. Traditional fixed furniture wasn't meeting the needs of companies that frequently reorganized their spaces or operated in flexible work environments.

We established our workshop on Liverpool Road with a straightforward objective: produce custom mobile office desks using quality materials and precise joinery. What began as a two-person operation handling five orders per month has grown into a team of 12 specialists completing over 80 custom projects monthly.

Our furniture is built in our London facility using locally sourced timber, commercial-grade casters rated for 150kg loads, and powder-coated steel frames. Each desk undergoes stability testing and receives a three-year structural warranty.

Custom mobile desk manufacturing process

What Drives Our Work

We manufacture furniture that serves specific purposes. Mobility isn't just about adding wheels—it's about weight distribution, brake reliability, and ensuring the desk remains stable during use. Our designs account for cable management in mobile setups, surface durability for frequent repositioning, and height options that suit different work styles.

Every project begins with measurements and usage requirements. We discuss load capacity needs, floor types, doorway widths, and storage requirements. This information determines frame construction, caster selection, and surface materials. A desk for a design studio handling large format printers requires different specifications than one for a consulting firm's hot-desking area.

12 Years in Business
850+ Completed Projects
3 Year Warranty

Our Approach to Manufacturing

Material Selection

We use FSC-certified hardwoods, 18mm commercial plywood for work surfaces, and steel tubing with 2mm wall thickness. All finishes are water-based and meet VOC standards for indoor use.

Customization Process

Dimensions, surface materials, caster types, and cable management options are determined based on your workspace measurements and equipment requirements. We provide technical drawings before production begins.

Quality Standards

Each desk is assembled using mortise-and-tenon joinery for frame connections, tested with distributed loads, and inspected for surface finish quality before delivery to your London location.

Transparent Communication

You receive production timelines, material specifications, and weight capacities in writing. Installation instructions include floor protection recommendations and maintenance guidelines for casters and surfaces.

Our workshop operates Monday through Friday, with Saturday hours for client consultations. We maintain an inventory of standard components while sourcing specialized materials as projects require. Delivery within Greater London typically occurs within four weeks of order confirmation, with installation support available for multi-desk configurations.