Ikea Computer Desks; which top did you guys use?

[dizmo]

I'm looking at getting a new Ikea desk, either in 74" or 98".

 

There's a wide variety of choices, and I'm wondering which ones you guys have chosen for your setups, and how you like it?

I'd probably go for something like a Karlby (thick veneer) if I was planning on staying in my new place for more than a year or so, but I'm currently looking at the Ekbacken and Lilltrask (both laminate) as front runners currently.

[TetraSky]

I got the Gerton a few years back, it was a thick solid wood table top. I sealed with a poly varnish to essentially make it waterproof and forever good looking.

 

Just keep in mind, if you get a kitchen countertop, those are not really made to be supported on 4 legs. Some sagging might be visible in the middle after a while. Do consider adding some middle support.

 

 

Are you sure you want 74 or even 98 ? That's massive. I sure hope you got the space for it/planned for the future if you ever move.

Is it for a triple monitor setup? Because even 61 inch is enough for that if you put the PC on the floor.

 

[dizmo]

3 minutes ago, TetraSky said:

I got the Gerton a few years back, it was a thick solid wood table top. I sealed with a poly varnish to essentially make it waterproof and forever good looking.

 

Just keep in mind, if you get a kitchen countertop, those are not really made to be supported on 4 legs. Some sagging might be visible in the middle after a while. Do consider adding some middle support.

 

 

Are you sure you want 74 or even 98 ? That's massive. I sure hope you got the space for it/planned for the future if you ever move.

Is it for a triple monitor setup? Because even 61 inch is enough for that if you put the PC on the floor.

 

Hmmm interesting. That was mainly why I made the post, actually; I've seen some people using the countertops, but wasn't sure how well they held up.

I've had the 78" cheap table top before. It was perfect. I have an ultrawide monitor and 2 5" studio monitors, and still had enough space to do a little photography etc at the end. I currently have a 55" desk, and it's barely big enough for the setup. I'd definitely add a middle support, though, and it'd be supported by 2 book shelfs, not legs. Though knowing that I might just screw a brace into the bottom

 

When I move again I'll just sell it, they're not overly expensive to buy again.

[dkoudijs]

I made a whole desk over covid using ikea counter top. Used 24 inch brackets to hold it up, with table legs at the ends. The single desk is 50 inchs (Which sorta sucked as 48" would have been better) After a year with a printer on it, still not sagging. So should be ok long term.

[LMG_JoshB]

Right SO!

 

I was hellbent on doing the Alex drawers with the Karlby Countertop in the nice dark Walnut finish. The Walnut finish was $100 more than the lighter finish, and I saw that as an opportunity to have some fun with it.

 

I found Alex drawers on Facebook Marketplace 2 for the price of 1 in brand new condition, then picked up the cheaper, lighter version of the Karlby (pictured below).

 

I went to my local hardware store and purchased a stain for the wood. Accidently, I ended up choosing the wrong stain... It was lacquered, which gave a suuuper cool feel to the desk and make it look so unique! So bonus for that! One of a kind for sure! 

 

I think it turned out great, what do you think??

 

 

[Bearded_Ed]

I'd highly recomend the Bekant desks/table systems.

 

I have had the 120x80cm Black/Black for about 9 months now and have zero complaints. It is incredibly solid due to the metal frame, also included cable tidy net thing is great. I have my network switch and spare cables tucked into it.

 

I did not need drawers one of the "final" desktop set up and WIP of the whole desk so you can see all of it.

 

Height adjustable so that you can get it right for you.

 

Since these pics I have changed my main monitor, and will be mounting the original primary monitor as my secondary.