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Some of you may have seen my custom built desk before, but here it is:
Well I didn't take any pictures when building it as I was in a hurry to get it done. Luckily however I needed to build a second smaller one to put my girlfriends computer on. My desk fits into a space between a chimney breast and the window. There was a perfect desk space on the other side of the chimney to match up.
To get started you need some materials. I sourced some pine from B&Q. I'm using two 1.5m x 0.6m pieces to make the desk top. I'd like a one piece approach, but I've yet to find anyone who stocks wood big enough for it. I then got a pack of 2m long 1 3/4 in x 1 1/4 pieces to add the structure to the desk.
I already have 4 table legs, but you can source some very cheaply from ikea.
1st Step
The first step was to measure the space I had and cut both large pieces to size. I used a jigsaw for this. Make sure you measure very accurately as it will show up later!
2 Pieces laid out for checking.
2nd Step
Now what I needed to do was cut the trims that go on the front and back of the desk to give it strength. As well as two cross struts to bind the two work surfaces together.
The structural elements laid out checking the sizes fit.
3rd Step
Now I attached the front and back elements to the bottom of the work surfaces. Check that the screws you are using are the right length. I pre-drilled the holes and counter sunk them for neatness.
The first front/back element in place.
Both front/back element in place.
4th Step
After this I placed the two cross struts in place and screwed them into place, these are the main elements keeping the work surfaces together. Make sure they are in the appropriate location I'm using two to provide lots of strength.
The cross struts in place.
5th Step
Next I cut two end pieces to size and mounted them in place. This gives a uniform look round the bottom of the work surface. As well as plenty more strength.
The end pieces in place.
The top of the work surface now bound together nice and tightly.
6th Step
To match my previous desk's height I had to match how I had attached the legs. So I cut four small squares of wood and mounted them to each corner. They allow me to attach the legs nice and tight. As well as give the desk a good height.
The leg bases in place.
7th Step
Now to attach the leg's. These came from ikea and have 5 screws each.
The legs in place.
Yay a desk!
And it fits too!
8th Step
Now you could be finished now, but I want to do a few more things. First I want a cable hole in the desk to route the cables out of the way. I used a holesaw to cut the hole. Take is slow as the wood can catch fire (Gordy looks all innocent!). Oh yeah and make sure you are doing it in the right place. I did mine on the front piece instead of the back DOH! Luckily I could turn the desk round the other way!
Cutting the cable hole.
Sanding the hole to clean it up.
9th Step
I now treated the desk with some wax polish to protect the wood. You can do as many coats as you like. It stinks though!
After drying the desk in place.
Progress so far
I've had to stop work now as I need to get the machine up and running. There are a few more things to do. Mainly to create a back piece under the desk to hide all the cables behind. I will continue the log with that section soon.
Finally some quick pics of the desk in place with the computer on it. Please excuse the cables they are rough and ready.
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Originally Posted by Jay
