Computer Desk build.

[slifer]

So I need a desk surface for my computer desk. I'm thinking wood and dark colour. Im not sure what kind of wood I should use and everything. I want to make a "window" with glass but have no idea what thickness tempered glass to order. How thick should the wood be? What species?

[IMPERIUS]

Getting a window into a wooden table will be a hard task, you're better off just doing this: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/63380-the-easy-option-for-a-computer-desk/or getting a custom-made desk. Thickness should be at least 2.7cm and which type of wood you use is irrelevant

[Jayhawk]

I'd say Walnut. Goes good with dark stains. A 2x4, 1.5 by 3.5, would be fine for the frame although the glass is beyond me. I'd use a .25 plexiglass since even tempered glass scratches easy. You would need braces, probably two to split the unsupported sections into thirds and the legs would also need braces to keep it squared up. Good luck finding walnut 2x4s though. It's nearly impossible. Also measurents are in inches.

[slifer]

I'd say Walnut. Goes good with dark stains. A 2x4, 1.5 by 3.5, would be fine for the frame although the glass is beyond me. I'd use a .25 plexiglass since even tempered glass scratches easy. You would need braces, probably two to split the unsupported sections into thirds and the legs would also need braces to keep it squared up. Good luck finding walnut 2x4s though. It's nearly impossible. Also measurents are in inches.

Is walnut relatively cheap? Or would something like cherry, birch, beech or maple be cheaper? and easier to find

 

I would like this to be inexpensive, but not cheap. So I need a wood that will last but wont break the bank. I'm thinking to go either with a really light colour or go with a very dark colour. Stained or not just has to be finished

[slifer]

So I'm thinking about using plywood birch and getting maple to cover up the edges where you can see the layers. Any input before i pull the trigger?

[TheKleen]

Premium Chinese Birch plywood is very pretty if you're willing to spend the money, the veneer will last a long time under normal wear. 3/4 inch plywood is very strong and will last the rest of your life if taken care of.

 

How handy are you with woodwork? If you can handle some tools I'd say get some 3/4 inch lumber that you like and build a face frame for your desk, it will make it look much nicer. Walnut is not a cheap wood but it is very pretty when stained as it has a distinct grain, though it may not match well with birch plywood. I would consider cypress and white oak as well as maple. Shop around your local plywood/lumber suppliers and see what you like best.

 

Also I'd use 1/4 inch glass for any windows you want in your desk, consider building your desk first and taking the piece that needs glass to a local glass shop and getting them to cut you a piece out and install it.

[slifer]

Premium Chinese Birch plywood is very pretty if you're willing to spend the money, the varnish will last a long time under normal wear. 3/4 inch plywood is very strong and will last the rest of your life if taken care of.

 

How handy are you with woodwork? If you can handle some tools I'd say get some 3/4 inch lumber that you like and build a face frame for your desk, it will make it look much nicer. Walnut is not a cheap wood but it is very pretty when stained as it has a distinct grain, though it may not match well with birch plywood. I would consider cypress and white oak as well as maple. Shop around your local plywood/lumber suppliers and see what you like best.

 

Also I'd use 1/4 inch glass for any windows you want in your desk, consider building your desk first and taking the piece that needs glass to a local glass shop and getting them to cut you a piece out and install it.

I dont know where I could get chinese birch wood.. but I see this craigslist guy selling birch plywood for 35 bucks a sheet, with free delivery. I guess I can use maple to go around the edges to not show the plywood layers.. what do you think?

[TheKleen]

I would recommend buying from an actual plywood distributor. The quality of plywood has gone down over the years, they've started making the inner plys out of cheap softwoods like poplar and it results in plywood that will swell over time and tear up. You'd do better to buy some premium plywood that will last.

[slifer]

I would recommend buying from an actual plywood distributor. The quality of plywood has gone down over the years, they've started making the inner plys out of cheap softwoods like poplar and it results in plywood that will swell over time and tear up. You'd do better to buy some premium plywood that will last.

where will I have to go to get that? I'm not really a wood worker so I have no sources

[TheKleen]

where will I have to go to get that? I'm not really a wood worker so I have no sources

 

Just do a search for plywood distributors in your area