Custom computer/office desk

andyshan

For years I've been using a very cheap Argos office desk and now it's time for an upgrade. There were very little quality tabels to choose from so I've decided to go down the route of making my own.

Has anyone else done this? Or has anyone ordered from a company who will source, cut to size and deliver a solid oak board? I was looking at kitchen work surface websites (e.g. Worktop-Express or Barncrest) for this, but not sure if there's a better place to purchase...

As for the legs, I may just get these from Ikea - but if anyone has any better suggestions I'm all ears!

Many thanks!

Naf

I just made a desk for my computer(s). I used two existing desks (carefully cut to the same heights), and cut a surface to go across the top.
But it depends exactly what you're looking for...

andyshan

Really just a nice solid wood (most likely oak) table top with legs (Ikea) - the key is the surface is beautiful and unique.

Has anyone gone down this route, or knows where I can purchase solid oak table tops which are custom cut?

scottishblondie

I have a desk which is made from the solid wood worktop from Ikea, and Ikea legs... not exactly unique but it is solid and I like it

andyshan

scottishblondie wrote: »

I have a desk which is made from the solid wood worktop from Ikea, and Ikea legs... not exactly unique but it is solid and I like it

Thanks Scottishblondie which worktop did you go for, was it a kitchen top?

Jaynne

I made a similar desk in our old house but it was out of what were small modular drawers/cabinets with a laminated worktop cut to size - similar in idea to the photo above. It looked as it was designed as a fitted desk and was much better value than a similar already made one.

I'd imagine that you're right and kitchen worktops are probably the best value for this sort of thing (assuming you want solid wood). Ikea look good value though a standard kitchen thickness would look quite chunky.

scottishblondie

andyshan wrote: »

Thanks Scottishblondie which worktop did you go for, was it a kitchen top?

Yup. It was this one:

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/80123672/

Numerar in oak. It comes in different sizes, if you're feeling adventurous and have the skills you could probably do more than a straightforward desk.

PS - you need to oil the surface of the wood to seal it. They sell the oil in Ikea too.

fluffpot

check out this website for plenty of inspiration on how to use Ikea parts to create a custom desk

http://www.ikeahackers.net

You can search for 'desk'

art_for_arts_sake

A timber merchants would probably be more competititive than IKEA and should be able to supply the wood planed and ready to go. Oiling is OK but could leave the pores open with the possibility of staining. A lacquer or varnish will seal the surface better, and used thinned won't destroy the natural beaty of the wood.