Need a new desk - DIY or buy one?

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SamuraiInBlack

Supreme [H]ardness
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Not sure if this is the right forum but it made the most sense.

I'm in need of a new desk, but I'm not sure what route I should go with for it. I've been looking the last couple days for something that would fit my needs, but it seems like nobody makes one that does all that I need it for. And if I find one that comes close, it seems to be way out of price for what I'd be getting. (in fairness I haven't had to purchase a desk in nearly 10 years, so I don't know if the prices I'm seeing are about right.)

What I'm looking for:
A 72" x 30" x 30" desk

Features I'm seeking:
30 inch keyboard tray, or ability to make/add one.
Back panel for mounting cable management
Able to support decent amount of weight

I currently have a 24 inch monitor, an Xbox One, a router, my keyboard and mouse on my current one. I'm looking for the space to add speakers and possibly room for a printer down the road, though I may end up putting that on its own stand.

I'm not against the idea of a riser to put my XBox One under it. It's something I was actually considering.

So all in all, would I be looking at building it myself? If so, what kind of wood should I be looking at? Is door slab an option I should consider? Color is not a big deal to me. If it becomes one I'll just paint it or stain it down the road.
 
Check to see if A) you have an ikea and B) if said ikea has an open-box/as-is section to buy from. That could save you some money.

That's how I got my second Galant desk: From the used/as-is section of ikea for half the price and already assembled! The only issue was a small scratch under the table.
 
I remember Ikea's Galant desks. Honestly they didn't impress me much. Felt like they were a bit too cheap, and not quite what I was looking for.

What I suggest doing is going around to a few thrift stores near you and regularly checking them for maybe a few weeks or so. Yeah, it's a pain, but you could get an incredible deal for very cheap. Many thrown away desks are extremely solid, large desks from some company exec or something that did not need them. That's how I got the second desk in my sunroom for about 30 bucks. It's built like a rock, and it's got a decent finish.

Or you could look for furniture specialty stores near you. The current desk I'm using is a solid wood, sturdy as hell executive desk that's pretty large, and has a finish that literally reflects things (when clean anyway). However, it set me back 400$.... but I was told it was normally worth about 1000 or more. And it probably was; it's kind of hard to find solid wood stuff these days.
 
$10K desk. All other discussion is futile and pointless.
 
Sorry for the delay in replies. I've been working insane hours all week.

Dangman said:
Check to see if A) you have an ikea and B) if said ikea has an open-box/as-is section to buy from. That could save you some money.

That's how I got my second Galant desk: From the used/as-is section of ikea for half the price and already assembled! The only issue was a small scratch under the table.
Click to expand...

Closest Ikea to me is an hour and a half drive. Not even worth the trip to be honest.

StoleMyOwnCar said:
I remember Ikea's Galant desks. Honestly they didn't impress me much. Felt like they were a bit too cheap, and not quite what I was looking for.

What I suggest doing is going around to a few thrift stores near you and regularly checking them for maybe a few weeks or so. Yeah, it's a pain, but you could get an incredible deal for very cheap. Many thrown away desks are extremely solid, large desks from some company exec or something that did not need them. That's how I got the second desk in my sunroom for about 30 bucks. It's built like a rock, and it's got a decent finish.

Or you could look for furniture specialty stores near you. The current desk I'm using is a solid wood, sturdy as hell executive desk that's pretty large, and has a finish that literally reflects things (when clean anyway). However, it set me back 400$.... but I was told it was normally worth about 1000 or more. And it probably was; it's kind of hard to find solid wood stuff these days.
Click to expand...

This is a more feasible suggestion. I wasn't aware thrift stores would have any kind of furniture. I'll have to also check the local furniture store to see what they have. I haven't been there since I picked up my living room set from there.

jyi786 said:
$10K desk. All other discussion is futile and pointless.
Click to expand...

This reference has been fulfilled!

All in all I am still keeping my options open for just building it. The reason being is that there are features I want in this particular desk, but nobody seems to make a desk with all of them, or one that will be easy to add onto. I will still check out what's available locally, but I'm not holding my breath. I honestly feel like I am going to end up having to build this thing from scratch.
 
I'm assuming by the years attached to your account, that you're an adult of means.

I would draw up some sketches and consult a professional carpenter. (I'm in the middle of this venture myself. Luckily, one of my best friends since elementary school's Dad is of such a profession.)

Build a desk to YOUR specifications.

Mine is looking to run around $500 but its something that I expect will get a decade of use.

Now, if only I knew a master builder to make my ultimate desk chair....
 
horrorshow said:
I'm assuming by the years attached to your account, that you're an adult of means.

I would draw up some sketches and consult a professional carpenter. (I'm in the middle of this venture myself. Luckily, one of my best friends since elementary school's Dad is of such a profession.)

Build a desk to YOUR specifications.

Mine is looking to run around $500 but its something that I expect will get a decade of use.

Now, if only I knew a master builder to make my ultimate desk chair....
Click to expand...

That I am. I was actually considering doing this very thing, because I am tired of searching for a desk with the dimensions I seek and falling short on what I want. I don't care for anything fancy, I just don't want it to be ridiculously expensive or well beyond what I need it for. I am a function over form kind of guy, but I draw the line at having it being ghetto. Otherwise, I would have already rigged up something with what I already have on hand.

Technical_Advisor said:
https://www.ashleyfurniturehomestore.com/p/gaylon-home-office-desk/h704-27/
Or
http://www.ethanallen.com/en_US/sho...r-top-pedestal-desk/139370L++356.html#start=1

Or
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004G...pi=AC_SX118_SY170_QL70&keywords=computer+desk
Click to expand...

The first two are ridiculously out of my price range. They are lovely desks, mind you, but I don't have a home worthy of them. But it looks like both places will deliver, so I will at least check their respective sites out to see what else they offer.

The one on Amazon is probably the closest thing I've seen to a desk that I want. It falls short on the width, but other than that it would probably be suitable if I can't find anything else. It is also well within my price range. I will keep this one in mind. Searching on Amazon is a pain so I am amazed this was even found. I really wish out of all the things they worked to improve on, their search function should be one of them. I've literally gotten a piece of piping as a suggestion for a chair search in the past.
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RB3EP0...colid=MH5MREE1QZ4R&coliid=ID5UOO4P6VW3I&psc=1

This is closer to what I am looking for. It also has a keyboard attachment available, though I am thinking of just getting some wood and the parts to build one myself from scratch, just so I know it's not built out of cheap rollers for the glides. I had a desk previously where everything about it was great, except they cut corners on the glides for the tray, and one of the roller wheels broke for no apparent reason.

Keyboard attachment.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006RSX0...=UTF8&colid=MH5MREE1QZ4R&coliid=IS114G38BJXBX

So the big question I have left is: Would I be better off getting something like this for the price? Or would I be better served in building it myself?
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
SamuraiInBlack said:
The one on Amazon is probably the closest thing I've seen to a desk that I want. It falls short on the width, but other than that it would probably be suitable if I can't find anything else. It is also well within my price range. I will keep this one in mind. Searching on Amazon is a pain so I am amazed this was even found. I really wish out of all the things they worked to improve on, their search function should be one of them. I've literally gotten a piece of piping as a suggestion for a chair search in the past.
Click to expand...

If you'd like to see that desk in person, Office Depot sells them under the name "Realspace Dawson". I've used a variant of that desk for several years before building my own desk. Its a cheap desk that's made of cheap materials, but that goes for most desks these days....
http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/891544/Realspace-Dawson-60-Computer-Desk-30/

If you're still considering the DIY front, just know that it can be expensive depending on how you do it, but it'll probably last forever.

I took the easy/expensive route and used an 8'x3' solid wood door (be careful of some of the stuff in Home Depot that are particle board filled) then I raided the plumbing department for pipes and flanges. Built the entire desk with just a drill/driver, no saws involved (we don't get along). Used a toolbox as drawers and bought a keyboard rail kit from Amazon. As for cable management...what's that? Total cost was a lot more than expected. The door itself was $350 (contractor's price, not from HD) and pipe flanges are expensive when you need a million of them.

Nq77TkS.jpg
 
SamuraiInBlack said:
That I am. I was actually considering doing this very thing, because I am tired of searching for a desk with the dimensions I seek and falling short on what I want. I don't care for anything fancy, I just don't want it to be ridiculously expensive or well beyond what I need it for. I am a function over form kind of guy, but I draw the line at having it being ghetto. Otherwise, I would have already rigged up something with what I already have on hand.



The first two are ridiculously out of my price range. They are lovely desks, mind you, but I don't have a home worthy of them. But it looks like both places will deliver, so I will at least check their respective sites out to see what else they offer.

The one on Amazon is probably the closest thing I've seen to a desk that I want. It falls short on the width, but other than that it would probably be suitable if I can't find anything else. It is also well within my price range. I will keep this one in mind. Searching on Amazon is a pain so I am amazed this was even found. I really wish out of all the things they worked to improve on, their search function should be one of them. I've literally gotten a piece of piping as a suggestion for a chair search in the past.
Click to expand...

So did you even consider using a piece of piping as a desk or did you simply dismiss it out of hand? There might be a great reason to use it, maybe it's magical..?

Seriously though, have you thought about getting a door blank from lowes and adding legs or side pieces to it to use as a desk? I used to race slotcars and several folks used doors as tables because they were everywhere and cheap and lightweight. A hollow core interior type.
 
Technical_Advisor said:
So did you even consider using a piece of piping as a desk or did you simply dismiss it out of hand? There might be a great reason to use it, maybe it's magical..?

Seriously though, have you thought about getting a door blank from lowes and adding legs or side pieces to it to use as a desk? I used to race slotcars and several folks used doors as tables because they were everywhere and cheap and lightweight. A hollow core interior type.
Click to expand...

If there's a piece of piping that can fit my requirements for a desk, I wouldn't be above using it if I can get it in black. ;)

The door blanks was definitely an option I was considering. I just wasn't sure how strong they would hold up with actual weight on them, or if I'd need to add some kind of reinforcement to keep it from bowing/curving over time. Home Depot, Menards, and Lowes are all within driving distance of me, so I do have options on that front.
 
Ok, so I did a bit more research on this topic. Would a hollow core door slab be able to support the weight of all I'd plan on putting on it? Or would I benefit from having a solid-core door slab as the desk surface instead?

Here's what I'm thinking Get a 30x80 door slab, cut it/have it cut down to 30x72 and then figure out what I'd use for the legs and back panel. I was thinking either another door slab for the back panel and legs, but maybe I'd be better served having something else act as the sides?

My goal is to have the functionality I seek, without paying through the nose for what I feel is a very basic, but very functional desk that suits my needs. But if I have to pony up some cash, I want it to be something lasting, something with the look I want (still haven't decided if I'd paint or stain) and something that I can count on to reasonably support everything that may end up on it over time. I do plan on adding my own cable management, and have an idea of how I'm going to go about it. Hence my reluctance on buying a desk and then just carving/drilling the crap out of it, and ruining whatever paint/styling it has.
 
Update:

After looking at my current desk, I've come to realize that I actually utilize a file cabinet and drawers more often than I think I do. So a file cabinet is in order. I can figure out what kind I'd like once i get this done.

I do however have a question on cable management: Would I be better off having some kind of cable routing system, like some kind of piping or tubing to conceal wires? Or should I just have something where I tuck everything away in a tray/gutter? Perhaps a mix of both depending on what it is?

I've decided to roll the dice on a hollow core door slab and just reinforce it from beneath.
 
Remember that if you cut down a hollow door....it's hollow. You will need to find some way to fill/reinforce the edge that was cut.
 
Just for reference, this is the desk I got from the thrift store for about 27 bucks:
xMIgTy5.jpg


I kind of just shoved it in the sunroom as a secondary desk for my online master's classwork and as a secondary battlestation for friends. Well, and messy as hell general workstation for computers. FYI the chair is from the thrift store, too.

It's about 6 feet across and 3 feet deep, it has filing cabinets for storing things. It's extremely sturdy. I hurt my back pretty bad dragging it in with my friend, though. It's heavy as hell. That's long since healed, though. Random piece of advice... do weight training for your back. It's a machine that you start in a sitting position and then extend out backwards on. It builds up back strength and makes it harder to injure yourself. Helped me out a lot when recovering. My back's a lot stronger now. </random>

Edit:
sayu said:
http://i.imgur.com/Nq77TkS.jpg
Click to expand...

Totally see a Kurisu pad and a Shimakaze poster in the background there lol.
 
Last edited:
sayu said:
Remember that if you cut down a hollow door....it's hollow. You will need to find some way to fill/reinforce the edge that was cut.
Click to expand...

I was considering that. I wasn't sure what would be best to use for that purpose. Though I am reading more good things about solid-core, so I may just end up doing that.

StoleMyOwnCar said:
Just for reference, this is the desk I got from the thrift store for about 27 bucks:
http://i.imgur.com/xMIgTy5.jpg

I kind of just shoved it in the sunroom as a secondary desk for my online master's classwork and as a secondary battlestation for friends. Well, and messy as hell general workstation for computers. FYI the chair is from the thrift store, too.

It's about 6 feet across and 3 feet deep, it has filing cabinets for storing things. It's extremely sturdy. I hurt my back pretty bad dragging it in with my friend, though. It's heavy as hell. That's long since healed, though. Random piece of advice... do weight training for your back. It's a machine that you start in a sitting position and then extend out backwards on. It builds up back strength and makes it harder to injure yourself. Helped me out a lot when recovering. My back's a lot stronger now. </random>
Click to expand...

A desk like that would definitely be ideal for me. So far I'm not turning up any luck in finding one like it at the local thrift stores. :(
 
If said thrift store isn't even remotely near any corporate centers, it might be difficult. You could try Craigslist, too. Frankly, for me it's not one of those things that I can actively fish out. Like, it's kind of like Diablo 3 drops. You're not sure when or if you'll get what you need within a certain time frame. You can probably increase your chances by going to ones that are closer to corporate offices... but there's never any guarantee. You just have to keep doing it for weeks or maybe months. Just go like once or twice a week. Or maybe call in. I think they can check their inventory if you call in.

For reference, I've seen desks like that pop up with some regularity, but it is rare. They usually get sold (or scrapped because of not selling; they are very big) pretty quickly. I'd try calling in and seeing if they could check their inventory, maybe in ones that you'd normally not go to.
 
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