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How to properly support a desk?

Hi, I'm planning on making 2 desks for my partner and I using the "2200 x 600 x 26mm Acacia Solid Oiled Hardwood Project Panel" shown here : 2200 x 600 x 26mm Acacia Solid Oiled Hardwood Project Panel - Bunnings Australia

I've seen some other posts about similar projects but I am mainly curious about proper support, I plan on using Ikea ADILS legs and I'm not 100% sure if 5 (each corner and middle back) would be enough?

I also wish to know if these panels need to be sealed or if they're ready to be used as they state they are oiled.

Thankyou for any help and information provided.

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EricL

Hello @Janders

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about how to support a desk.

I suggest having a look at one of our most popular posts - New desk - simplest thing I've ever made by @robchin. My son is currently using the 2200 x 600 x 26mm Acacia Solid Oiled Hardwood Project Panel and he uses it extensively for his projects and artwork. There have been no signs of bowing or fading. I've not oiled or used any sealing coat on it since I purchased it for him. It has been a little over two years and in hindsight, I should have sealed it.

Part of the bench where he often rests his arms has started to fade a bit. I suggest using Cabot's 1L Satin Clear Benchtop Timber Finish. It's water-based, so it is easy to clean and you don't need to use mineral turps. It's food safe and has been formulated for benchtop use.

I used similar legs to RapidMesh 70 x 73.2 x 6cm Black Rio Steel Table Furniture Leg. I found that the bench did not need support in the middle as the legs to the left and right were enough to hold it steady. However, if you're putting something really heavy in the middle then, I would recommend putting some support in the middle. I believe it is critical where the legs are placed. I suggest not placing them too close to the ends otherwise the weight of the bench will not be equally spread.

I've seen the ADILS legs, but have not actually used them in any of my D.I.Y. projects.

If you wish to see the full range of stains and varnish available for your benchtop, I recommend visiting your local store and looking at the sample boards in the paint department. There you'll see the actual finish of the stain and varnish and you can ask the paint specialist for their expert opinion.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please don't hesitate to post them.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Jason

Looking forward to seeing your custom desks @Janders. Desk projects are hugely popular with the Bunnings Workshop community so please share some updates during the build. And don't hesitate to let us know if you need any further assistance.- we're here to help.

Jason

Janders

Thanks for the reminder to update.

I've just moved in and set my desk up.

For the desk I used the aforementioned 2200x600mm acacia panel and coated it with a few coats of Cabot's clear coat water based varnish.

For the legs I used 5 taskmaster 700mm furniture legs and mounted them to the desk with 6 20mm button head timber screws (no screws included with legs).

Definitely happy with it given it was only $135 for such a large work surface, however it has some wiggle to it which I'm not sure is the fault of the legs themselves or how I spaced them.

Jason

Great work @Janders, it looks terrific.

Jason

EricL

Hi @Janders

The table looks fantastic. Now that I've seen your setup, I can understand why you were worried about centre support. That is a massive PC monitor you have there, with a centre post support your monitor will at least have a leg to stand on. The wiggle is unavoidable as the legs are free-standing and have no horizontal brace support. It's like a reed bending in the wind, there is a bit of flex in it.

One way to eliminate the flex is to secure the table to the wall with a Carinya 50 x 50 x 20 x 4mm Galvanised Angle Bracket - 4 Pack. Put one in the corner of the table and attach it to the corner wall. Find a stud close to the other side of the table and secure that side of the table there.

My other recommendation is to use VELCRO® Brand 25 x 200mm Multi-Coloured Reusable Ties For Cables, Wires And Cords - 5 Pack in conjunction with Cobra 60 Piece Cable Management Nylon P-Clips Kit to tidy up the cables under your desk.

Thank you so much for sharing your work desk project.

Eric

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