Solid Wood Lobby and Reception Counters: Heights, Species and Coatings

In short: Reception counters are usually built at two levels — a desk-height working surface for staff and a higher guest-side top that screens the equipment — and many projects add a lower section for guests using a wheelchair. A counter top that takes heavy use and a daily wipe-down should have a lacquer film; the species follows the tone of the hall and the budget. See lobby and reception work or get an estimate.

Dimensions to settle first

• The two working heights — whether staff stand or sit has to be decided in the drawings, because changing it later changes the whole piece
• The lower, accessible section for guests using a wheelchair — fix its position and width in the drawings
• The depth of the top — enough for paperwork, the card terminal and the POS without them colliding
• Cable routes — power, data and anything that has to be hidden; mark the positions in the drawings and the woodwork will leave the openings in the right places

Species that suit a hall

Takhian thong is dense and in stock, and works for both the top and the frame · makha has a strong figure for a hall where the timber is meant to be the feature, and is sourced per job · sadao keeps the budget down on surfaces that are not on show. Compare them all in the wood species guide.

Coating

A counter top is written on, loaded and wiped down every day, so a lacquer film suits it better: it resists marks and moisture. Wall panelling or display shelving where you want the bare timber to show can take wax. Note that wall, ceiling, batten and column work ships planed and unfinished, with no factory coating.

The rest of the hall

Wall panelling behind the counter, timber ceilings, batten screens and turned round columns are usually ordered together so the whole hall holds one wood tone. Other built-in work is on the interior woodwork page, and real examples are in our projects.

Frequently asked questions

How high should a reception counter be? Usually two levels: a desk-height working surface for staff and a higher guest-side top that screens the equipment, with many projects adding a lower accessible section. We build to the levels in your drawings.

Which coating suits a counter top? A lacquer film, because the top takes heavy use and a daily wipe-down.

Can a whole counter be carried into the building? We make it in sections that come through the building and assemble in place. Tell us the door and lift widths when you ask for a price.

Who assembles the counter on site? Your project's own crew. We have no installation service — we manufacture and deliver to site.