Wood type for a Desk build...

[Mathius]

Ok,
*still in the planning stage*

I want to build my own desk, but dont know where to start as in the best type of wood etc...and the best (cheapest) place to get it from.

Spoiler

The X's mark potential leg points but may still move the 2 legs by the keyboard space.

Ideally I want to build the components into the desk but I'll decide that closer to the time. (or even mod the would be completed desk to accommodate)

I'm looking at MDF Board 12mm(t) x 1220(w) x 2440 (l) which is fine as I'd cut the board in half making it 24mm thick and a 1220mm square, given that my desk plan is 1100mm square I should be ok.

But I'm not sure if MDF board is the best to use.

Any pointers? or thoughts.......

 

[robfosters]

Rather than just say cheap. Tell us how much you want to spend.

Also, that leg at the rear isn't the best idea. If it is going against the wall you are best putting batons either side and screwing it to each wall. Much more sturdy.

 

[Mathius]

Not including paint, which I may or may not use, I have:
Wood Adhesive
Various Screws / nails
Wide selection of hand tools
Sanders (sandpaper)

Ideally I need some form of bracket to attach the legs, legs themselves (2x2 batons)

Hoping for max budget £40. cheaper the better but don't want a cheap tatty look so if the price climbs, I suppose I'll pay up.

 

[paintguy]

I've planned something similar a few times but never got around to making it!

My thoughts:

MDF will do the job fine, but how are you going to finish it? Paint, self adhesive vinyl?

Make the cable cut out bigger. 50mm is barely big enough to get a mains plug through should you need to. Don't just think about the cables, but also the plugs.

Fixing it to the wall as mentioned above would be much more sturdy if you don't intend to move it.

2x2 batons for the legs will look a bit "industrial" but if that doesn't bother you then fair enough. I'd be looking for some proper legs from the likes of Ikea or even B&Q. Ones with a bit of adjustment will make levelling it up many times easier.

If you do decide to go ahead with the baton legs then you don't really need any brackets if you're doubling up on the top. Screw down through one layer of MDF straight into the top of the legs. Place your second layer over the top and the screws will be hidden. I'd definitely be looking at some kind of bracing for them as well though if you aren't attaching it to the wall. A couple of small diagonal braces will stop it "lozenge-ing" out of shape.

424mm will be a tight space to get your knees under! I'd feel very uncomfortable squeezing into that.

 

[Mathius]

Also, that leg at the rear isn't the best idea. If it is going against the wall you are best putting batons either side and screwing it to each wall. Much more sturdy.

Note taken, this is the reason why I am still in the planning process, this is a 1st for me, so this like this I will indeed take on-board..

I've planned something similar a few times but never got around to making it!

My thoughts:

MDF will do the job fine, but how are you going to finish it? Paint, self adhesive vinyl?
More that likely I'll end up finely sanding and putting a Black Coat of paint on, and if the end result isnt quite right, maybe a clear coat of varnish

Make the cable cut out bigger. 50mm is barely big enough to get a mains plug through should you need to. Don't just think about the cables, but also the plugs.
I more than likely will make it a little bigger but considering I wont have any wall plugs passing through the hole anyway, it 'should' be ok

Fixing it to the wall as mentioned above would be much more sturdy if you don't intend to move it.
This is the thing....I have no plans on moving the thing but I think attaching to the wall is a bit OTT, but will look into it

2x2 batons for the legs will look a bit "industrial" but if that doesn't bother you then fair enough. I'd be looking for some proper legs from the likes of Ikea or even B&Q. Ones with a bit of adjustment will make levelling it up many times easier.
I've been considering chrome tube for the legs, but this might be harder to achieve than wood.

If you do decide to go ahead with the baton legs then you don't really need any brackets if you're doubling up on the top. Screw down through one layer of MDF straight into the top of the legs. Place your second layer over the top and the screws will be hidden.
This is genious, Nice fix

I'd definitely be looking at some kind of bracing for them as well though if you aren't attaching it to the wall. A couple of small diagonal braces will stop it "lozenge-ing" out of shape.

424mm will be a tight space to get your knees under! I'd feel very uncomfortable squeezing into that.
Yea this is where moving the two legs (near the 424mm) further back was to come into play,

Thanks for your replies, I'll take a re-think and come up with a few more ideas.

 

[Mathius]

I think I'm safe putting this link, as its in no way in competition with OCUK (as far as I know - with it being a Timber Merchant.)

Local Timber Merchant

*** If I need to remove the link, please let me know, or mods can edit it as they see fit. ***

I'm looking at the 9mm x 1220 x 2440 and again, cutting in half and making it double thickness.

Surely better quality than MDF and only a £2-3 premium on top