DIY desk using a reclaimed solid oak kitchen worktop

garichd

I’m planning to build a DIY desk using a reclaimed solid oak kitchen worktop. The desk will be 2 m long, 500 mm deep, and 40 mm thick.
My plan is to fix battens along the full length of the rear edge and along one short side. What additional support would be required? I could add a single leg at the unsupported end, but I’d prefer to avoid this if possible so the desk appears as “floating” as possible.
The desk will be fixed to solid brick walls along the long edge and one short edge.

WIAWSNB

I'd suggest that there will be far too much leverage on the top where it meets the wall, especially if someone leans or - perish - stands on the top.

I think you'd either need to fit it to the wall using sizeable metal bars sunk into the wall - a la normal 'floating shelves' - or perhaps use a gallows bracket or two which could be made almost hidden. It would only need to come out around 300mm under the top, and ditto down, and could be set well in from the open end, so would be well hidden from standing positions at least.

Or, just fit a leg…

flaneurs_lobster

How much does that thing weigh? If it's going to be an actual work desk with (your) legs & feet underneath it then I'd want more support than brackets.

Bigphil1474

OP, I made my own similar sounding work desk using 18mm MDF sheets and had to fit a leg to support it at the exposed corner. You may struggle without. Is there room to fit it right across so you can fit a batten at both sides?

Emmia

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81960558#Comment_81960558

It's not just the weight of the wood, there's also anything you put on top - computer monitors, laptop, mugs of coffee...

I think a hairpin leg (very strong, but not bulky) might be a good idea. I have 3 prong hairpin legs on my desk from the Hairpin leg company

https://hairpin.com

WIAWSNB

DIY a couple (or more) of 300mm timber shelf - gallows-style - brackets.

You will barely notice them, but they will add complete support and rigidity - triangulation is the key.

You can even reduce the vertical height to ~200mm if you really need for discretion, and they'll still be very strong.

The joints need to be secure, that's all.

Lots of vids on how to make them in different ways.

jennifernil

I would fit a leg , IKEA have some nice looking ones if you have a store in your area.

Eldi_Dos

If you are wanting to avoid a leg under desktop you could fit a vine eye bolt to back wall at opposite end to short batten. Then drill a hole through desktop and support with a nautical looking rope. Would give a floating appearance.

Edit; You could also look at Cabin Hooks, there is 250mm ones available in Screwfix.

moneysaver1978

We did something similar with an IKEA kitchen top but also attached steel black legs (from Amazon) plus steel beams underneath (to avoid sagging in the middle).

Almost 3 years, 2 computers, 2 people, no issues at all.

I dislike floating desks (or shelves for that matter) as they simply don't work unless they are properly and fully supported which is more damaging & costly.

In your situation, will the desk be end to end (one wall to the other)? It could work if you add supports on each ends but otherwise, it seems a bit risky.