Using laminate worktop as a desk

dal · 24 Jun 2019 at 16:29

Hi, so I've ordered a length of 40 mm thick laminate worktop that I will cut to size and use as a desk.
I've since read that it's not recommended to fit worktop right up to a wall because of expansion.
Now the worktop I've ordered will span the gap between 2 walls which is 2.5M. Do you think this will be ok being as it will be in a bedroom and not subject to the sort of moisture you'd get in a kitchen. I was planning on chasing out the wall a bit and sitting in about 5 mm into the wall.
Also does it need to sit in the house for a few days to acclimatise like laminate flooring ?

Cheers

thenewoc · 24 Jun 2019 at 16:48

If one of the walls on either side is a stud partition I wouldn't worry.

thenewoc · 24 Jun 2019 at 16:51

You could also cut it slightly shorter and use a coloured silicone around the top edge. If the worktop is smooth rather than riven then you could use some masking tape and a fugi tool to get a sharp finish to the silicone so that it looks like a solid continuous bead.

jpaul · 24 Jun 2019 at 18:38

...moreover - will need supporting in the middle though, per earlier threads ?
can't really see why you would damage the wall as opposed to a screwed on batten.

thenewoc · 24 Jun 2019 at 18:58

Even with it supported by wooden battening rear and sides it will no doubt need some support across the width. You can get adjustable legs in Ikea or use a set or sets of desk drawers or 2 drawer filing cabinets.

dal · 24 Jun 2019 at 20:30

jpaul said:
...moreover - will need supporting in the middle though, per earlier threads ?
can't really see why you would damage the wall as opposed to a screwed on batten.

Will be setting into wall so as to be flush with wall and yes will support the front with breakfast bar legs

Mark A · 24 Jun 2019 at 20:39

At most just leave a 5mm or less gap each side and you will be fine. There won't be much expansion at that span, if any at all. When fitting a kitchen you only leave a small gap, enough to be covered by a tile.

jpaul · 24 Jun 2019 at 21:01

equally at 2.5m could kill 2 birds with something like below across front ... and keep maximum chair position flexibility - unless it intrefers with arms -
https://www.rosscastors.co.uk/black...ox-section-in-3m-lengths-25-x-25mm-1-2mm.html

200sols · 24 Jun 2019 at 21:05

Can’t see what you gain by setting it in the wall, just a load of work for nothing.

LuckyBenski · 24 Jun 2019 at 21:06

Surely it expands across the grain, not along its length? So just leave a few mm gap and caulk if need be. No need for such invasive work on the wall.

Mark A · 24 Jun 2019 at 21:56

LuckyBenski said:
Surely it expands across the grain, not along its length? So just leave a few mm gap and caulk if need be. No need for such invasive work on the wall.

If it's chipboard it'll expand more along the length as it doesn't have a grain, but not enough to need slots cutting in the walls. Someone could probably do the maths, but i'm guessing the expansion will be negligible at that span in a bedroom.