Realspace Broadstreet U Shaped Desk

Transform Your Workspace with this Versatile U-Shaped Desk

Hey everyone! Welcome to my blog – I’m so glad you stopped by. Today, I want to provide a comprehensive buying guide for the Realspace Broadstreet U Shaped Desk. I recently purchased this desk for my home office and absolutely love it.

As someone who works from home, having an ergonomic, spacious, and organized workspace is crucial. After tons of research, I decided this U-shaped desk was the best option for my needs. In this blog post, I’ll cover everything you need to know if you’re considering the Realspace Broadstreet desk, from its top features and specifications to assembly, pricing, comparisons, and more.

Let’s dive in!

An Overview of the Realspace Broadstreet U Shaped Desk

The Realspace Broadstreet desk has a beautiful u-shaped design that provides ample workspace while looking stylish. It’s made from thermally fused laminate over MDF, so it’s durable and easy to maintain. Some key features include:

• Three spacious work surfaces – the large main desk and two side returns give you plenty of room to work and spread out.
• Built-in wire management – keeps cords neat and out of the way.
• Two storage cubbies – for stashing office supplies, files, and more.
• Adjustable leveling glides – keep the desk stable on uneven floors.
• Contemporary espresso finish – looks great in modern and traditional home offices.
• Assembly required – but it’s straightforward and all necessary tools are included.

How to Assemble the Realspace Broadstreet Desk

Putting together the Realspace Broadstreet desk is a pretty simple process. It comes with clear assembly instructions and all the tools and hardware you need are included – you likely have everything on hand already too.

You’ll need a Phillips screwdriver, a mallet, and a pencil. The packaged hardware includes screws, washers, dowels, pegs, and more.

The desk comprises two base units, two returns, a large work surface, and two cubbies. You attach the pre-assembled returns and cubbies to the base units first using screws and washers.

Next, align the work surface atop the two base units and secure into place with included pegs. Flip the assembled desk right-side up. The last step is inserting the dowels to attach the cubbies underneath the side returns.

With two people, expect assembly to take 60-90 minutes. Just follow each step slowly and carefully. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Where to Buy the Realspace Broadstreet U-Shaped Desk

The Realspace Broadstreet desk is sold exclusively at Office Depot and OfficeMax stores and on their websites. It typically retails for $299.99 but you can often find it on sale.

Office Depot frequently runs specials like 15% off, $50 off $250, or $25 off $100 on its office furniture. Definitely keep an eye out for those promotions if you want to score a discount on this desk.

You can either purchase the desk directly online for home delivery or buy it at a nearby physical store if you prefer. Brick-and-mortar locations are helpful if you want to see the desk in person before purchasing.

Make sure to also check the OfficeMax website as they sometimes have better deals than Office Depot. Take a look at both to find the best price.

Pricing and Cost Considerations

As I mentioned above, the standard list price for the Realspace Broadstreet desk is $$299.99. But it’s very common to find it on sale, so expect to spend $200-275 on average.

Here are some tips to keep costs down:

• Check for any available Office Depot or OfficeMax coupons that can be applied to furniture purchases. Sometimes you can stack store promotions with coupons for extra savings.
• Consider price matching with other major retailers if you find it cheaper elsewhere. Office Depot/OfficeMax provides price matches on many products.
• Sign up for email newsletters to receive notifications about upcoming sales events and exclusive online offers. Being on their mailing list can help you snag a deal.
• Purchase during long holiday weekends when office furniture is often significantly discounted, like Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, etc.
• Shop used desks through Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or eBay if you’re open to a secondhand model to save money.

Sturdy Construction for Years of Use

I’m really impressed with the high-quality construction and materials used in the Realspace Broadstreet U-shaped desk. This thing is built to last!

The desktop surfaces are made from thermally fused laminate, making them highly scratch, stain, and scuff-resistant. The sturdy MDF base units provide great support.

Based on customer reviews, the general consensus is that this desk feels super solid and can easily handle years of regular use. It can support up to 200 lbs on the main surface and 100 lbs on each return.

People mention this desk having a nice heft to it and not feeling flimsy or cheap whatsoever. The espresso finish also holds up great with everyday wear and tear.

Given the affordable price point, I’m satisfied with the durability. This desk can withstand my workload and still look fantastic. No signs of wear yet after 6 months!

Materials and Finishes Options

This desk comes in an espresso laminate finish, which has a rich brown color with reddish undertones. I love the warm, dark shade and how it gives off an executive vibe.

The thermally fused laminate surface resists scratches and stains while being smooth enough for comfortable writing and typing. It provides a more premium look and feel than basic high-pressure laminate.

All components are constructed from dense MDF (medium density fiberboard) for stability. The returns/base units have a black powder coated steel accent along the back.

So in summary, the main materials are:

• Thermally fused laminate tabletops
• MDF base units, returns, and interior cubby shelves
• Powder coated steel accents

The espresso color coordinate nicely with a variety of home office decor. But unfortunately Realspace does not offer any other finish options for this particular desk model. The coordinating Broadstreet collection comes in espresso only.

Dimensions and Layout Options

This U-shaped desk has a very spacious footprint, but the exact dimensions will depend on how you arrange it.

The main straight desk portion is 60 inches wide. Each return is 36 inches wide. And the depth is 30 inches.

Here are two popular layout options with the dimensions:

Standard U shape: 64” W x 72” D x 30” H

• Main desk lined up between the two returns in a symmetrical U shape.

Compact U shape: 60” W x 66” D x 30” H

• Main desk pushed against wall, with returns on either side forming a compact U.

The desk stands 30 inches tall. You can also adjust each leveling glide by up to 1 inch to account for uneven floors.

Overall, the Realspace Broadstreet provides a very generous 116 inches of total workspace in the standard U shape. Plenty of room for multiple monitors, devices, notebooks, and more!

Storage and Organization Features

Staying organized is easy with the built-in storage this desk offers. It comes with two black laminate storage cubbies that can be attached underneath each return.

Each cubby is 15.75 x 11.75 x 5.25 inches in size. They’re perfect for stashing letter trays, office supplies, folders, and other desktop items to keep within reach.

The TWO cubbies are included with the desk purchase. I currently use one for blank printer paper and another for my external hard drives and charging cables.

There’s no cabinetry or drawers built into the main desk portion itself. But the open concept does accommodate additional storage boxes or tower units nicely if needed.

It also has built-in wire management grommets. This helps keep all your power cords and cables neatly organized instead of dangling everywhere.

How It Compares to Other Desks

The Realspace Broadstreet desk has excellent features and performance that rival more expensive models. Here’s a brief comparison on how it stacks up:

• Bush Furniture Cabot L Shaped Desk – Very similar L-shaped design but lower weight capacity, no grommets, and costs over $100 more.
• Walker Edison Ellis Workstation – Metal frame feels less stable, no integrated storage, smaller workspace.
• Origami Foldable Computer Desk – Way smaller surface area, flimsy build quality, and no cubby storage. But can fold up when not in use.
• FlexiSpot Height Adjustable Desk – Electric standing desk with advanced features like height adjustment and programmable memory presets. But starts around $400+

Overall, the Realspace Broadstreet desk provides excellent value. You get sturdy construction, ample workspace, and great features at an affordable price that others can’t match.

Color Choices for Seamless Coordination

As I mentioned earlier, this specific Realspace desk model only comes in the rich espresso laminate finish. There aren’t any other color options currently offered.

The espresso brown has red undertones that coordinate nicely with both light and dark color palettes. It will look fantastic with black, gray, brown, or red accent chairs and decor.

And it pairs well with painted office walls in colors like cream, light gray, navy blue, forest green, or terra cotta. The dark espresso desk really pops against light wall colors.

While color choice is limited, the espresso is a versatile neutral shade. It’s easy to incorporate into all different home office aesthetics and color schemes for a cohesive look.

Caring for Your Desk

Luckily, the thermally fused laminate surfaces on this desk clean up super easily. For regular maintenance:

• Simply wipe down with a soft damp cloth as needed to remove dust and surface debris.
• For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution or multi-surface cleaner. Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive pads/sponges.
• Buff dry immediately with a microfiber cloth to prevent streaking.
• Don’t allow spills or liquids to sit – wipe up promptly to avoid any possible damage or swelling to the laminate finish over time.
• Reapply desk polish products occasionally to restore shine and protection.
• Avoid placing extremely hot items directly on the desk surface. Use hot pads to prevent scorching.

With proper care, your Realspace Broadstreet desk will continue looking like new for years before normal wear and tear sets in. It’s built to handle daily use and still look fantastic.

What Real Users Are Saying in Reviews

This desk has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with most users awarding 4 or 5 star reviews. Here are some of the most common praise points mentioned:

• Sturdy, solid construction quality given the reasonable price
• Straightforward assembly with clear instructions
• Generous surface space and size
• Beautiful espresso color and finish
• Helpful built-in storage cubbies
• Excellent value for the money
• Great customer service from Office Depot if any issues

The few critical reviews cite minor cosmetic defects like small scratches out of the box or improperly drilled bolt holes. But these seem to be isolated incidents that are not the norm.

Overall, buyers agree this is an extremely functional, high quality desk for the affordable cost. It’s a fantastic budget-friendly option that still looks and performs like a premium piece.

Manufacturer Warranty and Support

The Realspace Broadstreet desk comes with a 1 year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship.

If you discover any manufacturer flaws or issues, reach out to Office Depot/OfficeMax customer service for troubleshooting assistance. They can send replacement parts for items under warranty.

Many buyers compliment the helpful support team and easy returns/exchanges process at Office Depot and OfficeMax stores. Feel confident knowing reliable warranty coverage and service options are included with your purchase.

Perfect for Home Offices and Creative Spaces

This spacious U-shaped desk is ideal for use in home offices, studios, craft rooms, and more. The ample surface area provides plenty of space for:

• Working on large projects
• Spreading out multiple monitors
• Organizing art, sewing, scrapbooking supplies
• Setting up computer equipment
• Tackling paperwork piles

It’s also sized right for small-scale home businesses. There’s room for guest chairs on the opposite side during client meetings.

The stylish yet functional design blends seamlessly into both contemporary lofts as well as traditional home layouts. It’s professional enough for remote work but also very versatile.

Tons of Room to Spread Out and Create

As a creative person who’s constantly switching between projects, I need a spacious, multi-purpose desk that can adapt to my needs. The Realspace Broadstreet desk delivers on that perfectly.

With its generous 116 inches of total workspace, I never feel cramped or constrained, even with all my gear. I can easily set up my:

• iMac computer
• External monitor
• Laptop stand
• Printer/scanner
• Tablet docking station
• Reference books
• Notebooks and pens
• Plus still have room leftover!

It’s so nice having the two returns for extra workspace. I can swap tasks between the three surfaces to stay organized. And the cubbies keep essential supplies within arm’s reach.

This desk truly melds form and function – tons of space plus great features at an affordable price. It’s ideal for maximizing productivity and creativity.

Customization Options to Personalize Your Workspace

The Realspace Broadstreet desk looks beautiful on its own. But you can also customize it to better suit your space:

• Add a desk pad for an extra work surface and to protect it from scratches and spills. They come in fun colors, patterns, and materials like faux leather.
• Attach a vertical laptop stand on the side of the main desk for optimal ergonomics. This frees up tabletop space.
• Install desktop power grommets to add outlet access directly on your work surface if needed.
• Attach cable racks underneath to neatly route and organize wires.
• Use furniture risers to raise the entire desk height a few inches if preferred.
• Add casters to the base for mobility around your office.
• Place a bookshelf in the knee opening for even more storage capacity.

Make it your own with extras that complement your style and individual needs! The possibilities are endless.

Great Cable Management to Reduce Clutter

One of my must-have features for a functional desk is excellent cable management. Nothing wrecks your workflow like cords and wires tangled everywhere.

Luckily, the Realspace Broadstreet desk has two built-in grommets for routing cables and keeping them organized and out of sight.

I run my laptop power cord, monitor cables, and desk lamp wire through the grommets. This hides them from view so my work surface remains clutter-free.

The open design also allows me to easily install cord holders underneath to keep excess cable slack neatly bundled. No more wresting with a jumbled mess of wires!

With its smart cable management design, this desk helps conquer desktop chaos and stay focused.

Mobility and Maneuverability

While the Realspace Broadstreet desk doesn’t have casters, its sturdy construction coupled with the spacious U-shaped base does provide decent mobility and maneuverability when needed.

The footprint isn’t overly large, so it can fit through most doorways during moves. And the modular assembly means the returns can be detached to make tight corners and hallways easier to navigate.

Despite its solid build, two adults can tilt the desk to move it without fully disassembling. Just use caution not to scratch the flooring.

If you plan to reposition it frequently, adding locking casters is an easy upgrade for full mobility. But for the average user who moves it only occasionally, the standard glides work fine.

This versatile U-shaped desk strikes a great balance of being substantial without feeling too heavy or cumbersome to rearrange.

Holds Up Well to Heavy Use

Even after months of intense daily use for work, my Realspace Broadstreet desk shows barely any signs of wear. This thing is built solid!

The main work surface can support up to 200 lbs while the returns on each side handle 100 lbs each. That’s plenty sturdy for most home office needs.

I regularly have 2 monitors, my desktop PC tower, books, binders, and tons of office supplies piled on it. Despite the load, the laminate surfaces and thick MDF components hold up beautifully.

Even after bumps, knocks, and daily use, I don’t see any dings or damage. The espresso laminate finish is also highly scratch-resistant and easy to clean.

This desk is clearly made to last. The quality construction and materials can certainly withstand years of heavy office use without an issue.

Helpful Assembly Instructions Included

Putting together the Realspace Broadstreet desk is a simple process, especially with the detailed instructions provided.

The package includes an assembly manual that contains:

• Exploded diagrams of each section so you can familiarize yourself with all the pieces and hardware.
• Step-by-step directions for putting each component together in the right sequence using the supplied tools.
• Parts list with descriptions and numbered labels so you can easily identify them.
• Helpful tips throughout for smoother assembly.

As long as you carefully follow each step, the desk practically assembles itself! The manual eliminates any guesswork.

Just be sure to give yourself enough time and space. Having a second person helps speed up the process as well. But overall, the instructions make assembly straightforward.

Final Verdict: An Excellent U-Shaped Desk for Home Offices

Well, that summarizes my complete buying guide for the fantastic Realspace Broadstreet desk. As you can see, this U-shaped workspace has so much to offer.

To recap, the pros are the ample surface area, sturdy and durable construction, built-in storage, easy assembly, espresso laminate finish, and affordable pricing. It’s truly an exceptional value that looks far pricier than it is.

The cons are minimal – just the limited espresso color option and lack of casters for mobility. But these aren’t dealbreakers given the overall performance.

If you’re seeking an affordable, well-made U-shaped desk for maximizing your home office space, the Realspace Broadstreet is an excellent choice.

I’m absolutely thrilled with mine – it has transformed my workspace and takes my productivity to the next level. I highly recommend it!

Have you used this desk before? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences down below in the comments! And don’t forget to share this buying guide if you found it helpful. Thanks for reading!