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I want to build a desk

chevy4x4trucks

By chevy4x4trucks
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chevy4x4trucks Senior Enthusiast

chevy4x4trucks

Posted
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I'm in the design phase right now, but I want to build a sizeable desk that will be a desk/entertainment center. I do quite a bit of video editing and what not so I want to put my tv on my desk (seems easy enough, but it's a 32" TV). Also, the stereo and PS2 go w/ it. I have a 17" CRT right now and hope to upgrade to a 21" CRT and a 19" LCD in the future. In addition I will have at least two computers on it. So, the desk is going to be pretty big.

 

Any tips on building materials, online help guides, etc...

 

My plan is to build some shelves underneath the TV for added support and some shelves on the other end for the computer towers, but I would like to keep the middle relatively open for the chair.

 

I will get a few ideas down in AutoCAD this week and go from there. I took some measurements of the room and it's in a funny corner for a desk. There is a sort of "alcove" (for lack of a better term) that is 2'11" dep and 4' wide that the desk will recess back into. To eliminate that wasted space I was thinking some nice 4' wide shelving on the back wall.

 

Again, any help or ideas are appreciated. I was looking at stores and online for a desk that would suit my needs, but nothing out there looked like it would work w/o a lot of work and $$$.

LarryE Senior Enthusiast

LarryE

Posted
Posted

3/4" MDF, you can build some of the strongest stuff out of it

 

 

If you want to go fancy like me you can get some resin and smooth it out over the wood and paint it custom colors

chevy4x4trucks Senior Enthusiast

chevy4x4trucks

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks.

 

I've got a good design set up for a nice sized corner desk. I want to build it ASAP but I'm supposed to be helping my Uncle move this weekend so I'll have to put it off for a bit.

chevy4x4trucks Senior Enthusiast

chevy4x4trucks

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Posted

room_desk_3d.jpg

 

Here is my basic design for the desk. I may incorporate shelves and whatnot into it in the future, but for now this is a pretty adventageous task for me. The dimensions are 8' for the right piece, 6'6" for the left piece and the height is 30". The right side is for the TV and stereo components. The center is for the monitor and computer and the cubby hole in the left side is for the file server for the house.

 

I figured I'll need about four and a half 4x8 sheets to do this so i can get 5 and have a bit left over for a monitor stand and maybe a few small shelves.

MarkD Senior Enthusiast

MarkD

Posted
Posted

Sorry I'm so late to reply...

 

I have been building heirloom furniture and built-ins for about 9 years now. ( I have a little experience)

 

First off, MDF is a good, inexpensive material to work with. It is relatively cheap, strong, and much better than particleboard. It is heavy though, around 100 lbs per 4x8 sheet. I cant remember what weight it its rated for, but it should be plenty for your needs, just don't climb on it. Also, like Paricleboard, it doesn't like water (not as bad though).

 

Some good info on MDF

 

I've got a couple of questions...

 

What life expectancy do you have for this furniture?

What tools do you have?

How much time do you want to spend on it?

What kind of finish are you looking for?

 

Personally, I mainly use 3/4" Birch or Oak 7-Ply plywood for most construction and MDF for cabinet doors that will be totally encapsulated in a finish.

 

Dont use nails, use screws (in pre-drilled holes) and yellow glue (don't over do it). Also, let you glue ups dry for at least a day before finishing.

 

Anymore questions, drop me a line, happy to help.

 

Good luck.

 

Mark

chevy4x4trucks Senior Enthusiast

chevy4x4trucks

Posted
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Posted

Mark, Thanks for the reply....

 

What life expectancy do you have for this furniture?

I would like it to last at least three years.

 

What tools do you have?

Pretty much everything and anything I don't I have access to. I was going to use a circular saw and some saw horses for all the cutting. And a drill for screws. Other than that I figure I won't need too much. Would you recommend using a table saw as opposed to a circular saw? My grandpa has a workshop in his basement and my dad and I could take a trip out there and do all the cutting and fitting in a day.

 

How much time do you want to spend on it?

I would like to get it done in a week working on nights after work and weekends. (apart from finishing if I decide to paint it).

 

What kind of finish are you looking for?

I was thinking of sanding it down and painting it black, but i may just leave it unfinished since the final assembly will be in my room and thus I would have to paint it there.

 

 

 

 

 

Since the MDF weighs about a 100 pounds a sheet this desk would be a few hundred pounds. Are there any alternatives for a lighter material that is strong?

MarkD Senior Enthusiast

MarkD

Posted
Posted

I would like it to last at least three years.

 

MDF would be great.

 

 

What tools do you have?

 

A table saw will make you happier with the look of the long cuts. A Circular saw will do fine though, just use the factory edge of on of your sheets of MDF (cut off about 4" from one edge that you have checked for straightness. Use a finer tooth blade and go slower than you would with plywood to prevent tearout.

 

 

How much time do you want to spend on it?

 

That should be enough time, just dont waste too much time on joinery. Cut all like panels at the same time to save time with tool settings (with on all shelves,etc.)

 

 

What kind of finish are you looking for?

 

Definately paint MDF. It will help stabilize moisture in the wood.

 

Paint with a latex base paint, use a primer (kiltz or Zinsser).

 

 

Are there any alternatives for a lighter material that is strong?

 

The plywood I mentioned above is much stronger, and $45-$60 per sheet. I you only expect to use it for 3 years I would stick w/mdf. If you plan on moving it much, (house to house) I might go with Plywood(7 or 9 ply).

 

Oh, and build your supports first and then the top.

 

HTH!

chevy4x4trucks Senior Enthusiast

chevy4x4trucks

Posted
  • Author
Posted

couple more questions...

 

How should I brace the middle section? I was thinking an L shaped piece towards the back to give it strength and maybe some horizontal pieces connecting the L to the side shelving for ridgitity.

 

 

Also, how should I connect the two top pices? The one will be 8' x 3' and the other 3'6" x 2' w/ that 45 degree piece. They will butt together, but how should I strenthen them since that is where I will be working most of the time. I can't put a vertical support underneath because my legs will be there. Any tips or ideas for this?

 

If it helps i can post a 2d picture w/ some dimensions on it since I drew this all up in autocad.

MarkD Senior Enthusiast

MarkD

Posted
Posted

I actually have several ideas. Please forgive my lack of descriptive prowess.

 

1.) If you will have a subwoofer, build a small cabinet in the rear bend that will support it, maybe angle it without hurting leg room. It would not need to be attached to the table top, just support it.

 

2.) Consider a long shelf or 3 starting against the wall on the right side . It would consume several inches of depth on your right drawers, but would give you some deep storage for blueprints, etc.

 

3.) Build a simple leg of 2 2x4's T'd together in the back corner.

 

Also, and possibly with one of the other suggestions, get some 1x2 hardwood and edge the countertop (glue and clamp). You will be amazed at how much strength this adds (double).

chevy4x4trucks Senior Enthusiast

chevy4x4trucks

Posted
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I think I'm grasping these ideas and you've helped me generate a few of my own. I'm going to swing by home depot sometime this week and pick up 6 sheets of 3/4" MDF and continue to sketch out my ideas.

 

Let me know if you have any other ideas or tips. Your help is much appreciated :cheers:

chevy4x4trucks Senior Enthusiast

chevy4x4trucks

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Sounds like a pretty kick @$$ desk Jon. Your still in the same room in the basement right?

yeah rooms pretty much the same. Just gonna get rid of a few pieces of furniture and maybe downsize the bed from queen to a twin for some extra room. I'm pretty excited about building this. I wish I had some extra time to work on this. I just know I'm going to run to end up running to the hardware store tonight and get started on this despite the fact that I have quite a bit of homework to get done for class tomorrow.

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