Project Desk Building

Some of you may have seen my custom built desk before, but here it is:

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5304-1/DSCF6121.jpg

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!

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5404-2/DSC01107.jpg
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.

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5383-2/DSC01108.jpg
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.

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5386-2/DSC01109.jpg
The first front/back element in place.

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5389-2/DSC01110.jpg
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.

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5392-2/DSC01111.jpg
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.

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5395-2/DSC01112.jpg
The end pieces in place.

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5360-2/DSC01114.jpg
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.

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5365-1/DSC01116.jpg
The leg bases in place.

7th Step
Now to attach the leg's. These came from ikea and have 5 screws each.

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5398-2/DSC01117.jpg
The legs in place.

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5377-5/DSC01118.jpg
Yay a desk!

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5368-2/DSC01119.jpg
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!

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5353-2/DSC01120.jpg
Cutting the cable hole.

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5357-2/DSC01121.jpg
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!

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5401-2/DSC01122.jpg
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.

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5380-2/DSC01123.jpg

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5371-3/DSC01124.jpg

looks proper cool that desk. been looking for a decent desk might build this instead

Its very simple to do. Doesn't take too long either. :)

thanks Gordy, thats awesome:)

Nps steve. I will take some better pics for the next stage as I will get my camera back on wednesday.

Cheers for doing a log Gordy!
That desk looks proper nice, time for me to get building one i guess :lol:

How much did the wood set you back?

is the pine prem-board or solid sheets?

10/10 for both of those. I'm sure my Dad would give you the thumbs up to.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ap0llo

Cheers for doing a log Gordy!
That desk looks proper nice, time for me to get building one i guess :lol:

How much did the wood set you back?

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Thanks :)

Not much about £12 for each of the two big sections and £5ish for the long bits.

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Originally Posted by Shadow_101

is the pine prem-board or solid sheets?

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Erm not sure what the difference is sorry?

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Originally Posted by Gunbuster

10/10 for both of those. I'm sure my Dad would give you the thumbs up to.

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Thanks :)

Good work. :)

last question... Whats the thickness of the wood you've used?

It's 3/4 of an inch thick.

Very nice work :)

thats fricken awesome!!! Build me a desk pls!

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Originally Posted by amjedm

Very nice work :)

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Thanks :)

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Originally Posted by SiM

thats fricken awesome!!! Build me a desk pls!

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Too many other diy projects to do on the house, next are two cupboards and a bathroom to replumb :juggle:

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Originally Posted by Gordy

Too many other diy projects to do on the house, next are two cupboards and a bathroom to replumb :juggle:

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Water proof pc caseing so you can surf while you bath ;)

Very nice job btw, are you planning on a hidden shelf at the back to hide the wires?

It's nice and all, but I couldn't help thinking that it could look a bit nicer if you'd gone with solid mahogany for the frame (with slightly nicer joinery at the corners) and a bit of veneer for the deck. Hardwoods are easier to work with than most would have you believe, often easier than pine.

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Originally Posted by TeePee

It's nice and all, but I couldn't help thinking that it could look a bit nicer if you'd gone with solid mahogany for the frame (with slightly nicer joinery at the corners) and a bit of veneer for the deck. Hardwoods are easier to work with than most would have you believe, often easier than pine.

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Just trying to source those woods easily is a pain. And it needed to match my existing desk as well as some other furniture in the office.

I thought about doing something fancy on the corners, but didn't bother as you can only see one of them and only from a very odd angle. :)

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Originally Posted by Pob255

Water proof pc caseing so you can surf while you bath ;)

Very nice job btw, are you planning on a hidden shelf at the back to hide the wires?

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What I am planning and what I did for my desk is to mount a piece of wood vertically about 2/3rd's of the way to the back of the desk. Then I attach the surge protector and all cables to this piece. Works very well on my current desk. It allows access to the cables under the desk, but none are on view.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gordy

What I am planning and what I did for my desk is to mount a piece of wood vertically about 2/3rd's of the way to the back of the desk. Then I attach the surge protector and all cables to this piece. Works very well on my current desk. It allows access to the cables under the desk, but none are on view.

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Did you attach the back piece to the frame of the desk or do something else?

Also, whats the depth of your desk? You mention using 2x 60cm bits of pine which makes a depth of 120cm but it doesnt look quite that deep...

It is 120cm deep.

The back piece will be mounted to the underside of the desktop with more framing bits for support.

any updates on the project Gordy?

have you thought about creating a smaller unsupported shelf across the middle of the two desks?

Sorry not had a chance with work and xmas to do any more on the desk yet.

Will update when I have.

Finally managed to finish the desk. YAY!

The last step was to mount the board that hides the cables. First step is to cut it to size then cut out the bits so it fits into place on the underside of the desk.
I then cut a piece of struts to attach the board in place. I trimmed the ends down so it would fit in level.

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5505-1/DSCF6565.JPG

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5507-1/DSCF6566.JPG

The last step was to hide all the cables, I mounted a 8 way power strip to the board so that I have all the power I need. Then I started hiding all the cables. For all the power bricks I taped them to the top of the legs. I then taped up any excess cables so that nothing is showing.

The end result is that only the power cable shows.

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5509-1/DSCF6567.JPG

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5511-1/DSCF6569.JPG

Bit of a blurry final shot, I need to do a new one tomorrow when the light is better.

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5513-1/DSCF6570.JPG

http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5515-1/DSCF6571.JPG

You'll have to excuse the missing bit of carpet. I need to get the office carpet replaced.

excellent job as usual Gordy :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gordy

I mounted a 6 way power strip to the board so that I have all the power I need.
http://gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d/5509-1/DSCF6567.JPG

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i can count eight:P :thumbsup:. this is where i get proved wrong by lots and lots of people :-)

Great work, just wish i could be handy like that, i need a new desk, mines a good 'ol argos special :( bloomin thing.

Good Job.

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Originally Posted by TAKTAK

i can count eight:P :thumbsup:. this is where i get proved wrong by lots and lots of people :-)

Great work, just wish i could be handy like that, i need a new desk, mines a good 'ol argos special :( bloomin thing.

Good Job.

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LOL your right, I\'ve edited the original post. I didn\'t count just thought I knew. :D

Honestly it\'s not hard to do, as long as you measure accurately and can use a jigsaw your, laughing. To finish the desk of only took 2hrs and most of that was tidying up the cables.

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Originally Posted by Steve B

excellent job as usual Gordy :D

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Thanks Steve

Better shots of the desk now

http://www.gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d...2/DSCF6572.jpg

And a shot of both desk's side by side.

http://www.gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d...2/DSCF6586.jpg

Sometimes I love my job, here I get to play with a macbook pro and a dell xps m1530. Sadly the dell is a clients new machine I'm setting up but at least I get the fun of playing.

http://www.gordyhand.co.uk/gallery/d...2/DSCF6589.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gordy

Honestly it's not hard to do, as long as you measure accurately and can use a jigsaw your, laughing.

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there inlies the problem, last time i used a jigsaw (to cut the bottom of the door off) i ended up with a wavey door, i could have sworn i'd cut it straight aswell.

That desk really does look... nice.

tsk, nice will not do. lickable, might be a more appropriate phrase
but then again i might get odd looks:)

great job :thumbsup:

Most tidy desk ever!!!

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Originally Posted by SiM

Most tidy desk ever!!!

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:):):):):):):)especially compared to mine. I can hardly move!!!

edit: just to show what i mean, this is after a tidy up.....
oh, and just out of the photo is a mousetrap:)
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/4843/tidytc9.jpg
..it's a very bad photo. bloomin phone.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TAKTAK

there inlies the problem, last time i used a jigsaw (to cut the bottom of the door off) i ended up with a wavey door, i could have sworn i'd cut it straight aswell.

That desk really does look... nice.

tsk, nice will not do. lickable, might be a more appropriate phrase
but then again i might get odd looks:)

great job :thumbsup:

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To prevent that you can make cuts using a metal or wood guide which forces you to cut straight. :)

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Originally Posted by SiM

Most tidy desk ever!!!

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It usually has my file on and a glass too, but that's about it.

Hi Gordy - when you get a minute replace that tape on the power supplies with nylon cable ties. One warm day this summer they will slime their way down the back legs and make a mess of your Ikea bits!
I speak from experience - PVC tape in summer is the work of the devil!

John

Quote:

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Originally Posted by john5247

Hi Gordy - when you get a minute replace that tape on the power supplies with nylon cable ties. One warm day this summer they will slime their way down the back legs and make a mess of your Ikea bits!
I speak from experience - PVC tape in summer is the work of the devil!

John

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I used cable ties on my desk just I had run out with this desk and the tape was quicker. So far its doing well but I will monitor it over the summer. :)

sorry for the slight thread Hi-jack must I really must thank TAKTAK for showing me I'm not alone in my desk mess. ;)

Although well done Gordy that is still a lovely looking desk, it's just unnaturally tidy/free of junk :P

Here's a quick sudgestion for you, drill a couple of holes in the rear leg (one top & one bottom), remove the plug from the power block then feed the wire down the leg ten rewire the plug.
You'll have to hide the wire along the skirting board some how but it'll be one more neatening/hideing away of cables.

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Originally Posted by Pob255

I really must thank TAKTAK for showing me I'm not alone in my desk mess. ;)

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and thats on a good day, its even worse today (mainly cos i just delved into the depths to find some thermal probes and sliced my hand on a penknife, blummin thing:(-but i did get the probes :))

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pob255

sorry for the slight thread Hi-jack must I really must thank TAKTAK for showing me I'm not alone in my desk mess. ;)

Although well done Gordy that is still a lovely looking desk, it's just unnaturally tidy/free of junk :P

Here's a quick sudgestion for you, drill a couple of holes in the rear leg (one top & one bottom), remove the plug from the power block then feed the wire down the leg ten rewire the plug.
You'll have to hide the wire along the skirting board some how but it'll be one more neatening/hideing away of cables.

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The issue is at the moment the cable isn't long enough to do anything with it.

Also when I have the time I will be adding a proper electrical socket behind the desk so that it won't be required yay!

Good idea tho, hate the thought of trying to feed the wire down tho that's always such a fiddly thing to do. Drives me mad! :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TAKTAK

and thats on a good day, its even worse today (mainly cos i just delved into the depths to find some thermal probes and sliced my hand on a penknife, blummin thing:(-but i did get the probes :))

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I'd honestly go bonkers if that was my desk. My girlfriends desk is nearly always covered in lots of stuff and it drives me up the wall :D