Where to place legs on a Birch desk?

[_Lucas]

Hi everyone,

I’m setting up my desk and could really use your advice on the best way to position the legs. Here’s what I’m working with:

Desk Top:
- Size: 200 cm long, 70 cm wide, and 2.7 cm thick.
- Material: Solid birch.

Planned Legs:
- Two square legs that span the full 70 cm width of the desk. I’ll attach a picture of the legs for reference.

Weight Distribution:
- Right side: A computer (~15 kg).
- Middle back: Three monitors on a stand (~10 kg).
- Center: Keyboard, mouse, and mouse pad.
- Front (in front of me): Joystick mounts + joysticks (~4 kg).

Do you think two legs are enough if I place them about 20-25 cm in from each end, or should I add more support?

If more support is needed, I’m considering either adding a central leg (positioned to stay out of the way) or installing a brace under the desk to help distribute the load.

Here is a diagram of the desk for even more context / informations :

 

Thanks so much for your help! 

PS:
You can find here the link of the plate and the legs :
Plate : https://www.castorama.fr/plateau-en-bouleau-massif-80-x-200-cm-ep-27-mm/7640327560882_CAFR.prd
Legs : https://www.ecdgermany.de/fr/maison-vie/pieds-de-table-pied-de-table-set-de-2-u-design-70-x-72-cm-no...

Also, I found this steel plate on the web : https://www.gonser.ch/en/cross-brace-for-standing-desk-black/a-14269/
I was wondering, could that be a good solution ? Adding this plate under the desk and moving both legs to be at each side of this ? Or do you think this will not be enough ?

[JacobZ]

Hi @_Lucas,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

A 2m wide desk is not too wide and you'll be fine with 2 legs if you set them in 250mm on each side.

You are already working with a fairly thick tabletop, meaning there is a lot of strength there, so the plate is likely not necessary. There's nothing stopping you from adding it and if you'd like peace of mind, then adding it would certainly be worthwhile.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[_Lucas]

You sure it would be fine even knowing the high weights I'm gonna put on the desk ? I'm a bit afraid that the plate would break... Someone in my family told me the steel brace would not even be enough and a cleat would be better, so I'm a bit afraid, that's why I'm asking again... 😁

Also, adding the steel brace would also mean moving the legs a bit closer to the edge of the plate as the brace is 180cm long so I would have to move the legs at each side of it

[JacobZ]

Hi @_Lucas,

You're looking at just under 30kg consistently with a bit extra from things like a water bottle and maybe some books. 

This is not a massive amount of weight. With your timber top being 27mm thick, it would be well supported assuming the legs are high quality. 

Your desk would be fine without the steel plates, but you seem unsure, so it is worth adding them.

Assuming the legs are high quality, then you have nothing to worry about.

Jacob