Dopey ‘Desk Strength’ Query

Nitefly

Nitefly

Nitefly

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Joined
24 Sep 2005
Posts
37,843
Hello!

I have a query regarding desk strength. It’s probably obvious but I just can’t gauge it as I’m not really familiar with the strength of wood!

I’m intending on making a desk using a worktop from, say, worktop express. 2m length, 85cm width, 4cm depth.

I’m contemplating what leg supports I would need to hold up a heavy pc, multiple monitors and speakers etc.

If I bought something like two industrial legs as per this link, would this be stable / strong enough? As per the pictures on the link, each box leg would have 12 screws.

https://www.thehairpinlegcompany.co...ff&utm_medium=amp&utm_content=collection-page

The wide table version.

Thoughts? Would I need a support in the middle too?

The alternative to the above, I think, is resting the worktop on some leg-less kitchen cabinets, but it’ll still need some bonus support at the back because kitchen cabinets are only ~58cm wide.

Cheers!
 
In terms of centre support, I think it will depend on the worktop. If it's solid oak for example it probably wouldn't require it, but if it's a cheaper laminate/veneer board it may bend a lot in the centre over 2 meters if you start putting monitors with stands/arms towards the centre.

You may be able to easily add strength there though with a simple and very cheap additional support. One method would be simply to buy an inexpensive standard chrome/brushed steel cylindrical table leg off ebay and mount it dead centre at the back underneath where the monitors would go. Or instead if the desk is to go up against a wall (which typically they tend to) you can make a batten out of any wood and mount that securely to the wall to provide strength. The batten method can also be used at one end if one end of the desk is up against a wall as well, freeing up space underneath with no legs getting in the way. If you mount the batten slightly back from the front you don't see it if it is thin enough.

The legs you linked look sturdy enough for the ends of even very heavy equipment yes.
 
Will the PC be going at one edge of the desk where there is a leg directly underneath ?
If so then yes your plan will be fine
If not then, probably your plan will be fine.
 
Put the legs 250-300mm in from the edges and you should be ok i think, 1.4m span in between them shouldnt sag over time if its decent worktop.

Jaybee's suggestions would add peace of mind though, especially if your monitor is heavy.
 
Thanks all - sensible suggestions :) Yes, PC would be at the end and I agree that central supports are a good idea for peace of mind.

I'm contemplating the kitchen cupboard route now as I think this may lead to better aesthetics... will say what I go with.
 
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