How can I turn this into a good desk/study space with this awkward area?

[bibiqt40]

Recently moved and want to put my desk/study area here but its an awkward shape and my current set up does not work.

I want to maybe put in a corner desk or fashion one from a finished piece of wood and legs, enough to fit a unit of drawers underneath and be deep enough to sit at comfortably with a keyboard/book and the monitor raised on an arm. Also considered putting pieces of wood around the fireplace to create a semi bookcase/shelf. I'm just trying to get an idea of whats possible.

More photos below:

[Dave-1]

Evening @bibiqt40 

Maybe that brings the bookcase support at the rear (against the wall of the fireplace) with some legs in front back into play? 

Maybe a Kaboodle 900mm Wall Cabinet  on that wall. Legs near the window end or even another cupboard style if you have the space.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @bibiqt40 

Unfortunately as @JacobZ mentioned, if the desk needs to freestanding, then 6 legs will probably be required, which isn't a bad thing. I would also recommend you run some felt stick on materials on the sides with the potential to touch the walls. This will save you on move out times in making good any marks left from the desk rubbing. This is a good product I've used lots of times that you can cut down into strips.

Nailbag

[bibiqt40]

Here is what I've envisioned:

1: Connected to the underside of the mantle with an L bracket. Where this piece meets the desk, I may either cut into it and join the two pieces together joinery style, OR simply cut the desk piece short where it proceeds into the fireplace and connect the main piece via another L bracket (likely the easiest option).

2: Mending plates with the leg placed inbetween the seam to offer some stability to both.

3: Simple adjustable legs. I may want to replace these with a trapezium shaped leg like RapidHome 70 x 73.2 x 6cm Black Santos Steel Tube Table Furniture Leg

However the one linked above is larger than the 60mm wood panels sold at Bunnings. I'd also fear I'd loose the ability to make adjustments for the wonky wooden floor.

I think the above would then provide a good base for me to build a simple bookcase/shelves with the same 1.8mm pine planks that fit flush with the alcove, the heaviest thing I'd be putting on there would be a monitor and a arm/bracket.

What do you think?

[EricL]

Hello @bibiqt40 

Using a larger panel takes away access to the desk at the side near the fireplace. In regards to ease of handling and transfer, I recommend staying with the 600mm work panels you've been using on your plans. I propose looking at the Specrite 2200 x 600 x 26mm Timber Multi Use Pine Panel as a possible candidate for your desk. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[bibiqt40]

I will be using a combination of the following:

• 1800 x 600 x 18mm Merbau Multi-Use Panel
• Zenith 125mm Zinc Plated Mending Plates - 2 Pack
• 4x Taskmaster 700 x 50mm Black Steel Table Leg
• L Brackets --> Carinya 125 x 100mm Black Heavy Duty Angle Bracket

The multiuse panel I may swap out, but the measurements will be the same.

The 4 legs should be fine as the timber floor is not even.

L Brackets for securing to the mantle piece (I may sub for more discreet ones if needed.

Mending plates, the more the better

I think that should do it

[MitchellMc]

We can't wait to see your results @bibiqt40. Shout out if you need further assistance.

Mitchell

[bibiqt40]

Its done! Had to pivot on a few design elements as it turns out there isn't a 90 degree angle in this house...JOY. Anyway here's the 90% finished product:

  

I ended up using:

• SpecRite 2200 x 600 x 26mm Multi-Use Merbau Panel
• 5x Taskmaster 700 x 50mm Black Steel Table Leg
• 1x Zenith 150mm Zinc Plated Mending Plates - 2 Pack

Need to properly level it and adjust the legs, and now I need to oil it.

I want to try and preserve the colour as it, but would like to seal it with some type of oil or finish that'll protect it and give it a nice finish (a little shine is okay).

Can anyone recommend anything that I can just apply with a rag or something and leave it over night with the windows open?

[MitchellMc]

Lovely work @bibiqt40!

Before installation your merbau panel has not been pre-finished. Before installation, you must apply a generous amount of wax or oil to all the panel surfaces, paying particular attention to the underside, cut edges and back edges, as these may not be accessible after installation. We recommend that all cut edges and end grains get a further three coats of wax or oil, to ensure that the oil has penetrated deep into the timber. Closely follow the wax or oil manufacturer’s instructions for application and recommended drying times between coats. Drying time depends on the relative humidity in the home at the time. Please give special attention to the oiling of the end grains and cut ends to seal them properly. Once all coats of oil are complete, allow 72 hours of drying before everyday use.

I'd recommend using Kaboodle 750ml Clear Hardwax Oil. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[bibiqt40]

Its not a permanent installation so I should be able to easily take apart the corner piece and just oil everything on the top and bottom ( only parts that would be missed are where the legs meet the wood on the underside). Would you recommend a fine sanding between coats and applying this with just a rag/sponge brush?

[JacobZ]

Hi @bibiqt40,

You can use a microfibre cloth to apply the oil in thin coats.

You should be fine without sanding between coats, but if you run your hand over the timber and notice some raised fibres or roughness, a quick once over with some 240 Grit Sandpaper will certainly help.

Let me know if you have any further questions and don't forget to share some photos when you are done.

Jacob