I decided to replace my existing flat-pack desk with a better, purpose built computer desk. Since I’m still limited by a lack of decent woodworking tools, the construction and planning was governed by ease of disassembly and availability of commercial parts. Click below for more.
A long while ago, I generated some ideas and settled on a derivative of a write-up that featured the Vika Inge legs and kitchen countertop from IKEA. Creating the new desk languished on my to-do list long enough where IKEA discontinued the legs that I wanted. Never fear, craigslist to the rescue. After I received the legs, I started to figure out how to make solid wood desktop rather than the veneer+particle board that is prevalent in most box store aisles. The most cost effective way about this was acquiring a custom edge-grain maple butcher block. I ordered this from AWP Butcher Block out of House Cave, KY with the following specifications: blonde color, 48 in. long x 25 in. deep x 1.5 in. thick, and a lacquer finish. I also had them put a half-bullnose round on the front edge to save my forearms. It’s a really nice product, they were great to deal with in placing my custom order, and they beat their shipping estimate by a full week.
The real goal of building a new desk was to get all of my desktop’s computer cables off of the floor, as well as reclaiming a little desk space by using a LCD arm. On to the construction. Here’s the parts that I gathered:
- Maple Butcher Block Top
- 3M Adjustable Under-desk computer mount
- Rockler Extra Large Pencil Drawer
- Tripp-Lite PS3612 12-outlet power strip
- Ergotron LX LCD Desk Arm Mount
- Flexible Wire Duct McMaster #69775K12
The legs went on first.
Then the pencil drawer, the computer mount, and the power strip:
Then the LCD arm:
I wish I could have kept the overall cost down a little bit (the pencil drawer and the LCD arm were a little more than I wanted to pay), but I expect that I’ll have this desk for a good many years to come. I’m really happy with how sturdy it is. I’m already looking at some future improvements including some mounts for my Z-5500 speakers and flush USB ports. That’s for another day.
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I like it. Simple, but attractive… and obviously fulfills its purpose.