Can standard student desks work as makerspace tables?
Our position, and the 'already own them' counterpoint.
Our position
The 18" x 24" 'student desk' in a typical classroom is too small for any maker project bigger than a piece of paper, the top is usually particleboard that stains and swells, and the legs are sized for a single-kid footprint, not a pair working on a project. A single 30" x 60" rolling table replaces three student desks and serves a pair comfortably.
Other voices
Reputable sources worth reading before you decide. Labels reflect our honest read of each source's general stance, not direct quotes.
Budget-first programs
Nuanced / mixedA program that inherits student desks from the classroom has them. Starting with them and upgrading later is valid - just accept the project-size ceiling.
Desk-hacking advocates
Pushes backSome teachers push desks together as a workaround. Works with two, gets chaotic with ten. Acceptable for small programs.