making your own desk

[pwnt by pat]

My desk is starting to fall apart and there's a nice big worn white patch where my mouse is because mousepads are unreliable (too small) at super-low sensitivities in games.

Anyway, I want to build my own desk. My question is, what wood to choose from? I want something strong, that's for sure. I was suggested MDF, which I am accoustomed to using for speaker enclosures, but it's unsightly ugly...

Any Ideas?

[-Thrilla-]

Why not use plywood? Cheap and easy to work with. Or steel frame, plexi top :P

[ghettocomp]

Formica kitchen countertops make great desks. If you have an optical mouse, the white tops are the best. They are very easy to clean up and wear like iron. A plus is that Home Depot or Lowes has them in Pre-cut lengths that dont cost tooo much money. I have purchased them for as little as $25 for a 5 foot piece. They also have Trim packs that finish the top nicely. all that would be needed is to get some plywood for the leg sides and back.

[Strida]

Why not use plywood? Cheap and easy to work with. Or steel frame, plexi top :P

Might have a problem with the mouse on the plexi. Also I wouldn't trust plexiglass or acrylic with a big heavy monitor/tower.

[metloaf]

I just recently built a computer desk from scratch, well sort of.... The table top was the most difficult choice because I needed something moisture proof due to being a klutz and spilling stuff. :bang head So I decided to go with a dark pre-fabbed 8ft Formica kitchen counter top, which actually matched the walls and carpet and I built in in the back end of my office with a 2x4 frame which you can't even see now that it's mounted. I actually needed space for 2 PC's and all the peripherals. Now I have plenty of room. I had a dilema due to the room being a long rectangular one and so I decided to use the entire back side of it. It cost me around $10 in wood for framing, and around $70 for the counter top at Home Depot.

[thegreek]

Might have a problem with the mouse on the plexi. Also I wouldn't trust plexiglass or acrylic with a big heavy monitor/tower.
Not with the 1/2" acrylic :)

[autolex84]

I just built one for myself, I used 7 ply oak, ($44 for 8' by 4' sheet at lowes) VERY strong, Ill try and get some pictures up soon!

[sharkmont]

I am also very interested in constructing my own desk for my computer / mods. I would love to see pictures of your results!

Thanks,
sharky

[Hoogabooga]

the floor is the most versitle desk that you can find...anywhere you go its always there :clap:

[autolex84]

I am also very interested in constructing my own desk for my computer / mods. I would love to see pictures of your results!

Thanks,
sharky


I think That I will do a whole new thread write up tonight when I get off of work at 8pm central time.

[Etacovda]

My desk is starting to fall apart and there's a nice big worn white patch where my mouse is because mousepads are unreliable (too small) at super-low sensitivities in games.

Anyway, I want to build my own desk. My question is, what wood to choose from? I want something strong, that's for sure. I was suggested MDF, which I am accoustomed to using for speaker enclosures, but it's unsightly ugly...

Any Ideas?

18/25mm mdf with melamine/insert-other-laminate-name-here laminate. MDF should never be used without some kind of laminate/sealer in anything, really... for a desktop its just suicide if you eat/drink at it at all.

Get a big mouse pad, theres several huge (ie near A3 size) cloth ones available, which are good for low sens.

Ive made several desks, and fwiw, look in your local christian s/h stores (we have salvation army, not sure whats in your area) - i got a full laminated, rubber edged, 1" metal framed desk, with height adjustable monitor stand and castors (4 decent sized people could stand on this desk, id bet) for a whole 15$US - heaps of room for everything i need, i have my scanner, printer, 19" CRT, tower, keyboard, mouse and dvd's etc all on it with room left over ;)

If you want to do it for a specific purpose, or you just like making things (like i do ;)) then by all means make one, but if you're looking to save money, second hand often reaps better rewards than DIY.

[Uncivil]

I tell you what I found works great as a mousepad thats quite large. 24 x 18 inches to be ecact. I use an X-Acto Self Healing Mat. Also nice when I need to cut anything I dont have to worry about damaging my work surface.

[orionlion82]

heres some inspiration...
http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=394522&highlight=project+desk
EDIT: Kinda, i diddnt know it wasnt finished....

[halo_2_rocks]

I would like to build a desk that was a combination of a dresser book shelf and computer desk that would be really cool

[autolex84]

just started my thread about my desk here

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?p=4204666#post4204666