Computer Desk

[Casterina]

Hi All,

I'm looking to replace my current Argos desk as I now have two monitors, console and a pair of speakers on my desk and the length is not long enough.

My only requirements is that it must be sturdy, solid and the desk doesn't scratch or leave any marks on easily.

I have been looking at Ikea builds on the forum such as,

Linnmon table top + Adils legs (Doesn't seem to be sturdy?)

Kitchen worktop + Alex drawer unit (No way to secure the worktop onto the drawers?)

Malm desk

What are your thoughts and suggestions?

Cheers guys

 

[Casterina]

I've just gone for a Malm and it's pretty sturdy, I had to remove a piece of wood to keep my computer in the cupboard though, and drilled holes in the back with a hole saw to put cables through.

I think I'm going with the Malm desk, if your available can you take a picture of the storage unit with your computer inside please so I know how it will look and the wood you removed.

+1 for the MALM.

How long is the desk excluding the storage unit and is the desk easy to scratch or leave marks?

 

[Casterina]

I'll measure mine when I get back home.

I bought it second hand and it's in great condition still, couple scratches (I use it for graphic work as well, stenciling etc.).

If you don't mind, can you also measure the thickness of the desk please.

I went down the alex route and simply screwed the workspace to the drawers, rock solid and still looking awesome, receives lots of compliments

Spoiler

I was thinking of going down the Alex route with storage unit on the left for my computer and drawer unit on the right for bits and bobs however they don't do the storage unit in Black as White doesn't match my room.

I've used the Alex drawers & Linnmon table top combo for the past year or so but I've just bought the Karlby top (little shorter but a bit more depth than the Linnmon) to replace it.

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/10266160/

Karlby worktop material is better than Linnmon?

I ended up snapping this off because I really couldn't be bothered to take it all apart again, it just sits between the drawer and the cupboard door.

The drawer only just fits above the computer case, the space between the drawer and the bottom of the cupboard is 35cm.

Spoiler

Your case height is 458mm and mine is 440mm so that will fit no problem with the drawer however the depth of my case is 550mm compared to yours 458mm, will I be able to fit my case all in?

Also, the back of the storage unit, can I leave that board out so heat can escape?

 

[Casterina]

The Ikea page is quite accurate ha, 1400x650mm.

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/80214158/

Thickness is 50mm.

My case is watercooled @ about 35KG of weight that used to sit on the side with the drawer + my monitor and I have sat on it and it held without any issues.

32", 27" + a case you'll need something with some decent length, 1400mm can do 2x24" plus a slim case.

Do you know if I can remove the back board of the storage unit so heat can escape from my computer?

I hope so! It's also a bit thicker (3.8 v 3.4), a lot heavier (~30kg v ~11kg) and has a thin (~3.4mm) layer of solid walnut around the outside so I'm hoping it'll be a little more secure and robust than the Linnmon (mine's quite badly scratched now).

I think Will Gill has the Karlby in his picture (I'm sure it was his picture I saw in another thread and loved it!) - might be worth asking his thoughts on the worktop I have the two sets of Alex drawers as he also does, but I just picked up an Alex storage unit which I think will replace one.

I'm considering between the Karlby worktop + Alex drawer unit and Malm desk but the Karlby is 186cm in length which is quite long.

Is the Karlby solid wood?

Still sticking with my opinion of the GERTON as the best because it's actually 100% solid wood. No chance of that thing ever bowing due to the weight of monitors on poles, for example. With particle board ones I'd fear that a BEKANT frame would be needed over the years.

I also think the other desks are too long if you (although very specific) ever plan on setting up decent bookshelf speakers. While I'm not running the GERTON atm (planning to soon), my setup has this:

Spoiler

Even at 160cm I think the 'triangle' sweet spot is a bit on the wide side, so a 180cm desk would be insanity, especially with the reduced depth on top of that.

Your current setup is Linnmon top and Adils legs? If so, I did think of going that route but my computer would be on carpet and I prefer a storage unit so I can tuck all cables away or maybe put my computer inside it if possible.

 

[Casterina]

I'm considering between the Karlby/Linnmon + Alex drawer unit and Malm desk so I'm going to head over to Ikea over the weekend to make my mind up.