So many of us spend hours and hours per day at our desks – do we really need to add off-gassing finishes and unethical practices into the mix together with our sore necks and lower back pain? If you’re in the market for a new desk, consider these more sustainable, non-toxic desks from brands who put the work into protecting the health of their customers, workers, and the environment.
Why Choose Eco-friendly Desks With Little to No Toxicity Concerns
Here’s why opting for a more thoughtfully made desk makes a big difference:
- Like the rest of the furniture industry, many office desks are either made with materials that are high in toxins like formaldehyde, or if they’re made from solid wood, are finished using VOC heavy finishes or lacquers. These contribute to indoor air pollution, potentially harming the user and the workers who made the desk.
- Conventional desks frequently use materials, like illegal wood or wood from unsustainable plantations, that contribute to deforestation and waste.
- Sustainable desk brands like the ones on this list often prioritize fair labor conditions, are taking climate action and actively give to or enhance their communities.
We’ve selected desks for this list that avoid harmful chemicals, use FSC® Certified or sustainably sourced inputs, and are doing more than your average brand to make the world a better place for people and the planet.
You may notice that we are starting to feature “rated brands” on our lists. Our Brand Rating System evaluates brands against 22 different sustainability-related criteria, including chemical management, customer safety, climate action, waste reduction, and ethical labor practices. Brands need to opt in to be rated, so look out for rated desk brands on the list below and find other rated brands in our sustainable brand directory.
Related guides: Non-toxic Furniture Brands; Sustainable Office & Desk Chairs; Zero Waste Office Supplies, Sustainable Coffee Tables, What Are Forever Chemicals (PFAS)?
We independently research all featured brands, and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. We explain this further in our Terms of Use.
The Best Non-Toxic & Sustainable Wood Desks
MasayaCo’s elegant Nazarel Desk is made from FSC® Certified solid teak, sourced from reforestation projects in Nicaragua. It’s finished with a low-VOC, GREENGUARD Gold-certified water-based acrylic which is non-toxic. MasayaCo has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – see the full rating.
Avocado offers an heirloom quality mid-century style desk (with 2 or 3 drawers) made from FSC®-certified solid walnut or maple wood. Avocado is Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified by UL Environment and has a GREENGUARD Gold certification. They’re also a Certified B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified. Avocado has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – see the full rating.
ergonofis make standing desks from cherrywood and walnut, sourced from sustainably managed North American forests. They only use water-based non-toxic finishes and provide fair wages and safe working conditions for their employees.
Index: Non-Toxic & Sustainable Desks
- MasayaCo Jump to brand
- Avocado Jump to brand
- Huppé Jump to brand
- ergonofis Jump to brand
- What WE Make Jump to brand
- Work From Home Desks Jump to brand
- Hoek Home Jump to brand
MasayaCo
Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.
Handcrafted
Products have been made by hand, typically by an artisan or group of artisans.
Locally Made
Products are made local to the brand's headquarters.
Made To Order
Products can be made to order, thus limiting unnecessary production
Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxic
Sustainable Materials or Ingredients
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materials or ingredients.
Traceable Supply Chain
Brand is able to fully trace their entire supply chain from end to end.
Woman Owned
This brand is owned by a woman or a group of women.
FSC®
FSC®
The FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certification ensures that wood, paper, and other forest-based materials come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Products bearing the FSC® label support biodiversity, protect the rights of forest communities and workers, and promote sustainable forestry practices.MasayaCo’s desks and tables are made from FSC® Certified solid teak, sourced directly from either their own reforestation projects in Nicaragua, or similar local regenerative projects. Their Nazarel Desk offers a classic sleek design, which comes in either a natural or charcoal finish.
This sustainable wooden desk is finished with a low-VOC, GREENGUARD Gold-certified water-based acrylic which is non-toxic – ideal for a space you probably spend way to much time in. Desks are typically made to order (though there are some in stock at times) in MasayaCo’s solar-powered workshop by local artisans who are paid fair wages and offered ongoing training.
MasayaCo’s vertically integrated Seed to Seat model gives full supply chain transparency while actively restoring deforested land.
MasayaCo has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here and listen to our podcast interview with the Co-founder here.
Avocado
Carbon Neutral
Brand has been certified as Carbon Neutral.Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxic
Organic
Products are made from organic materials.Sustainable Materials or Ingredients
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materials or ingredients.
Zero Waste
Products are made with a low or zero waste approach where ideally no or limited waste is created throughout the production process or at the end of life.
1% for the planet
B Corp
Certified Vegan
eco-INSTITUT
EWG
FSC®
GOLS
GOTS
Green America
Greenguard
MADE SAFE®
OEKO-TEX®
PETA
RWS
The Climate Label
USDA Organic
1% for the planet
Certified Environmental Giving — Businesses give 1% of their annual sales directly to vetted environmental partners.B Corp
The B Corp Certification, administered by the nonprofit B Lab, recognizes companies that meet high standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Certified B Corps balance profit with purpose, committing to responsible practices that benefit workers, communities, customers, and the planet while embedding sustainability into their business model.Certified Vegan
The Certified Vegan logo, managed by the Vegan Awareness Foundation (Vegan Action), ensures that products contain no animal ingredients or by-products and have not been tested on animals. It’s one of the most recognized vegan certifications, helping consumers identify items that meet strict vegan and cruelty-free standards across food, cosmetics, clothing, and household products.eco-INSTITUT
The eco-INSTITUT certification, issued by the independent German testing body eco-INSTITUT Germany GmbH, verifies that products meet rigorous standards for low emissions and pollutant-free materials. It’s commonly used for mattresses, furniture, flooring, and building materials, ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals like VOCs, formaldehyde, and heavy metals, and are safe for indoor air quality.EWG
The EWG Verified® mark, issued by the Environmental Working Group, identifies products that meet the organization’s strictest standards for health and transparency. To earn the label, products must avoid ingredients of concern, fully disclose all ingredients (including fragrance components), and follow good manufacturing practices.FSC®
The FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certification ensures that wood, paper, and other forest-based materials come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Products bearing the FSC® label support biodiversity, protect the rights of forest communities and workers, and promote sustainable forestry practices.GOLS
The GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certification ensures that latex products contain more than 95% certified organic raw material and meet strict environmental and social criteria throughout production. Managed by Control Union, GOLS verifies that latex is sourced from organically managed plantations without harmful chemicals and that processing facilities uphold fair labor practices and sustainable manufacturing standards.GOTS
The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification is the world’s leading standard for organic fibers. It covers every step of production, from harvesting raw fibers to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, and prohibits toxic dyes, GMOs, and harmful chemicals. GOTS also enforces fair labor practices.Green America
The Green America Certified Business seal recognizes companies that meet high standards for social and environmental responsibility. Administered by Green America, the certification evaluates businesses on their commitment to fair labor, environmental sustainability, community impact, and ethical business practices.Greenguard
The GREENGUARD Certification, issued by UL Solutions, ensures that products meet strict chemical emissions limits to help reduce indoor air pollution and exposure to VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Commonly applied to furniture, mattresses, paints, and building materials, it verifies that products contribute to healthier indoor environments.MADE SAFE®
The MADE SAFE® certification is a comprehensive non-toxic seal that verifies products are made with safe ingredients not known or suspected to harm human health, animals, or ecosystems. Overseen by the MADE SAFE nonprofit, it screens every ingredient against a database of toxicological and environmental science criteria.OEKO-TEX®
The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification ensures that every component of a textile product (threads, buttons, zippers, and fabrics) has been independently tested for harmful substances. Managed by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology, it guarantees products are safe for human health, meeting strict global limits for chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and PFAS.PETA
The PETA-Approved Vegan certification verifies that a brand’s certified products are completely free from animal-derived materials and that no animal testing is conducted at any stage of production. Managed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the label helps consumers easily identify fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products that align with a fully vegan and cruelty-free standard.RWS
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a global certification that ensures wool comes from farms that protect animal welfare and practice progressive land management. It also tracks the certified wool through every stage of production to maintain transparency and traceability.The Climate Label
The Climate Label certifies companies that measure and publicly disclose their greenhouse-gas emissions, set a financial commitment (a “climate transition budget”) tied to those emissions, and allocate verified funding for projects that reduce or remove emissions from their operations, supply-chain and beyond. Unlike a simple “carbon-neutral” claim, the label emphasises actual investment in the transition to a low-carbon future, not just offsets, and is designed to increase transparency and credibility for climate action by businesses.USDA Organic
The USDA Organic certification, regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP), verifies that products are made with ingredients grown and processed according to strict organic standards. It prohibits synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, GMOs, and harmful additives, while requiring practices that promote soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare.Price Range: $3,499–$3,999
Avocado offers just one desk: the Mid-Century Modern Desk available in 2 or 3 drawers. It’s designed to be heirloom-quality, made entirely from solid walnut or maple wood, and is handcrafted in their FSC®-certified Los Angeles woodshop.
The desk is stained with Titebond® wood glues and ECOS® wood stains. No synthetic glues, formaldehyde, or chemical flame retardants are used—helping Avocado to be Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified by UL Environment and meet their GREENGUARD Gold certification.
As a Certified B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified brand, Avocado sources most raw materials directly through its own supply chains. All operations—from sourcing to manufacturing—prioritize ethical labor, living wages, and environmental restoration. The brand is also a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, has achieved the Zero Waste to Landfill certification, and donates 1% of revenue to environmental nonprofits through 1% for the Planet.
Avocado has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. See the full rating.
Huppé
Huppé has not been rated.
Price Range: $2,430–$6,636
Huppé’s stylish modern desks are made from responsibly sourced North American woods, such as birch and American black walnut. They offer a wide range of desk designs including some with additional finishes like glass tops, granite, and marble. Most of the designs offer customizable configurations to fit various workspace needs, whether it be for a home office or a central workspace.
Their wood is FSC® Certified and finished with low-VOC finishes. They only use formaldehyde-free glues.
Huppé’s manufacturing facilities feature a heat recovery system that reduces natural gas consumption by 75%. They also partner with Trees For Canada to support reforestation efforts.
ergonofis
ergonofis has not been rated.
Price Range: $1,445–$2,595
Canadian brand ergonofis offers non-toxic standing desks built from responsibly sourced wood. The Sway Standing Desk is one of their most popular options. It combines the natural look of a wood top with modern technology, like easily adjustable heights so you can move from sitting to standing with ease.
The desks are made from wood, like cherrywood and walnut, sourced from sustainably managed North American forests. ergonofis only uses water-based non-toxic desk top finishes. They also offer desks made from laminate but we would stick with the solid wood if you want to minimize potential toxins.
As a Certified B Corp, ergonofis is committed to providing fair wages and safe working conditions for its employees. They design and build their products in the province of Quebec, Canada and source local materials whenever possible.
The Almost Perfect catalog offers products containing slight defects at discounted rates to reduce production waste. These sustainable standing desks are still high-quality—they just don’t meet ergonofis’s meticulous standards.
The company donates 1% of its profits to the David Suzuki Foundation
What WE Make
What WE Make has not been rated.
Price Range: $1,595–$3,125
Chicago’s What WE Make— wwmake on Etsy—uses reclaimed materials to make finely crafted non-toxic hardwood desks.
They’re made from repurposed wood that is so beautiful, that you might easily find yourself distracted from work by the gorgeous grains and colors. Some have shelves while others come with drawers, and they have a couple of standing desk options (see pictured).
Their 100+-year-old reclaimed old-growth hardwoods are finished with a VOC-free plant oil-based finish. Choose between patchwork (a mix of repurposed woods to create a patchwork aesthetic) and plank (reclaimed oak planks that span the entire length of the desk).
The old-growth wood is harvested from midwestern barns and will thus have beautiful variations (weathering, nail holes, knots, splits, etc.). Being a family-owned-and-operated brand, the wood is turned into each eco desk by brothers Dan and George Quinn in Algonquin, IL.
Work From Home Desks
Work From Home Desks has not been rated.
Price Range: $569–$2,519
Work From Home Desks seeks to improve on the standing desk concept with ultra efficient and adjustable office desks for adults and kids alike. Their flagship WFH Desk offers a fully modular design so you can sit or stand. Other items, like the Lambda, offer an extra minimalist desk design that fits neatly against a wall and sticks out only a couple feet.
WFH crafts their sustainable desks from premium, EPA, and FSC®-certified wood. Though it is plywood, it’s tested for low-formaldehyde, meeting EPA and CARB Phase 2 non-toxicity standards.
Work From Home’s desks are crafted in Torrance, CA, using raw wood sourced from sustainably managed forests with legal logging operations. They work with local, reputable plywood manufacturers who meet the highest industry standards.
From the initial prototype, WFH has managed to achieve a 50% reduction in energy consumption and a 30% reduction in material waste, like the number of offcuts for each unit. They also provide customers with Factory Seconds that are damaged, scuffed, and don’t meet their criteria at lower prices to prevent further waste.
Hoek Home
Hoek Home has not been rated.
Price Range: $195–$795
Hoek Home produces unique, functional, and high-quality eco-friendly standing desks made of FSC®-certified wood.
The NYC-based company has a circular design ethos with its patented snap-lock system. The modular design allows customers to quickly assemble and disassemble their furniture, making them easy to store and transport. For those who live in small spaces or are frequently in flux with a hybrid work environment, the Home Office Desk folds up almost flat in seconds.
All of Hoek’s furniture is made from locally sourced sustainable materials from Montana and sustainably sourced FSC-certified plywood from Canada. The base is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) made from 100% post-consumer waste, like recycled milk jugs. Hoek uses non-toxic desk finishes and glues.
Each HoeK piece is designed, precision-crafted, and hand-finished by highly skilled makers in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Combining cutting-edge CNC technology with traditional carpentry techniques, each HOEK piece is meticulously crafted to your specifications.
Hoek provides customers with a lifetime warranty covering any defects in materials or workmanship. They don’t charge any fees for repair or replacements, ensuring a circular design ethos.
How We Found The Best Eco-Friendly Desk Brands
Whether we’re looking for eco-friendly office furniture or eco-friendly sofas for when we finally clock out for the day, there are the things we aim to tick off our to-do:
Materials:
When we’re talking about sustainable office desks, eco-friendly materials are the key feature in our presentation. Sustainable wood desks are a no-brainer (which is good because by the end of a work day, you might feel that way. Wood is a natural, replenishing resource, but we still prefer a reclaimed or recycled wood desk over new timber.
With new timber, responsible harvesting practices are absolutely essential, which is why we look for sustainable forestry certifications, imperfect though they may be.
A solid wood non-toxic desk is also ideal because layered or composite woods (like plywood) often contain glues that can off gas formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals.
We also look for VOC-free or low VOC plant oil or water-based finishes, stains, and sealants.
Relevant Certifications: Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC), CARB-2, Recycled Content Standard (RCS)
Supply chain and labor practices:
Working at a desk that supports an artisan with fair wages makes eight hours of spreadsheets better.
We like seeing small, all American or Canadian supply chains and for those whose presentation on labor practices leaves a little to be desired, we’ll be raising our hand and asking for clarification.
Relevant Certifications: Certifications: Fair Trade, B Corporation
Carbon commitments & green practices:
A zero waste office can mean lots of things, but we hope that one day it means net-zero office furniture brands.
While none are net-zero, these brands are working to reduce their carbon footprint with sustainable production methods, carbon offset programs, use of renewable energy, local supply chains, and (more than anything) durable and versatile designs that will work as long as you do.
Community & charitable giving:
You shouldn’t forget to get up and stretch every hour, and brands shouldn’t forget to stretch some of their profits to environmental or social organizations when they can.
Brand ratings:
We now provide brand assessments using a 22-criteria rating system. We feel more comfortable featuring brands who have been rated by us and given us deeper levels of transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sustainable, Eco-Friendly, and Non-Toxic Desks
Q1: What makes a desk “non-toxic”?
These are made without harmful chemicals like VOCs and formaldehyde found in conventional furniture materials like MDF, particleboard, adhesives and finishes. Brands who make their desks safer use better materials (like solid wood) and other inputs to ensure a healthier indoor air quality.
Q2: Why should I choose an eco-friendly desk?
Your choice makes a difference and is essentially a vote for the type of world you want to see. Supporting better brands like the ones on this list reduces negative environmental impacts such as deforestation and waste, improves ethical labor conditions for workers, and in many cases helps to take climate action. Not to mention being way better for your own health!
Q3: Are non-toxic, sustainable desks more expensive than regular desks?
They can be priced higher due to the cost of sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing, but sometimes prices are comparable to conventional desks from fancy brands who price in big margins but no responsible practices.
Q4: What materials should I look for in a more sustainable desk?
Look for desks made from sustainably sourced wood, such as FSC® Certified wood and/or reclaimed materials. Desks that use non-toxic finishes like plant-based oils are also a better choice. Sustainability goes beyond materials though so look for brands who are super transparent about how they manufacture, how they ensure workers are paid fairly, and what else they’re doing to improve the health of the planet (like reducing their emissions for example).
Q5: Can eco desks be stylish and functional?
Yes, these healthier desks come in various designs that are both stylish and functional. From modern minimalist to vintage chic, you can find options that suit your taste and design preferences while remaining more sustainable.
Q6: Do sustainable desk brands offer customization options?
Many do offer customization options to fit your space and needs. Whether it’s adjustable heights for ergonomic benefits or personalized finishes, many brands aim to provide versatile furniture solutions.
Q7: How do I maintain a solid wood desk?
Definitely check in with the brand as they will have custom advice for their specific finishes. But generally speaking, we’d suggest avoiding harmful chemicals, and wiping with a damp cloth.
Q8: Where can I buy sustainable and non-toxic desks?
You can purchase sustainable desks from the brands listed in our guide above – simply click on the links to navigate to the respective brands or retailers.
Final Thoughts On Sustainable Desks
You probably spend more time in your home office than you’d like to, which means more reason to fill it with products that you feel good about and keep you safe.
And as we’ve seen, there’s a wrong way and a write way to do desks.
Sustainable desks mean that no new trees need to be cut down, or those that are being done so in an ecologically-minded manner. They also mean significantly less off-gassing of dangerous chemicals like VOCs and formaldehyde.
More than anything, a sustainable desk is a well-made one that can be passed down for years to come. With this in mind, consider sourcing a durable desk from years past by shopping secondhand.
If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with someone who’s about to head off to college or finally embracing their new remote office role.
Joy has been a passionate advocate for the environment since she was a small child. She grew up in South Africa and has been lucky enough to be exposed to the wonders of nature not just in Africa but all over the world. She founded Sustainable Jungle (together with her husband Lyall) back in 2017 after becoming enraged by the devastating impact of palm oil. She then founded the Sustainable Jungle Podcast and together with Lyall interviewed remarkable people from all over the world who were finding ways to create positive impact. Outside of Sustainable Jungle, Joy has always worked in the corporate world, starting out as an auditor and later moving into management consulting. More recently she specialized in Climate Investing for the Asia Pacific region. Given her experience, her current passion is Brand Ratings. She is very much enjoying going deeper on what it really means to drive sustainability performance and true impact through business operations.
