How to build a DIY desk?

[andrewms]

Hi there,

I am attempting to construct my own desk for home office. 

I have purchased this top:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-1800-x-600-x-18mm-golden-teak-acacia-multi-use-panel_p0456515

And these legs: 

https://www.bunnings.com.au/rapidhome-73-2-x-50-x-6cm-black-rio-steel-tube-desk-furniture-leg_p02506... 

When going to buy the screws, I am now realising that the panel might not be thick enough to attach the legs properly.

Am I better off swapping the panel for a thicker one or is there a way to attach the legs that will last?  Was trying to avoid having to sand and finish the panel myself as don't have required materials.

Cheers

 

[Noyade]

G'day Andrew.

I vaguely remember some threads from members who purchased those legs and there were 'length-ways' issues with stability - rocking - using just screws

Could be wrong.

The link for the legs doesn't work for me - but yours are upside down? Steel plate 60mm X 5mm?

Just a thought - would you be interested in bolts - possibly with their heads exposed? You'll get tremendous gripping force with the nuts underneath. Shown are 10 mm round head and 8 mm hex head. Forstner drill bits are 20 mm and 16 mm respectively and only need 5 mm depth.

You may also need battens for the 1.8 metre length to prevent bowing with all your desktop monitors, books, etc?

See what you think.

Cheers.

18mm chipboard.

[JacobZ]

Hi @andrewms,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Unfortunately, unless you were willing to use a bolt that goes through the top of the timber panel, you will likely have to return the timber panel and purchase a thicker one such as this Specrite 2200 x 600 x 26mm Golden Teak Acacia Multi Use Panel which can be cut down to the same length in store. 

The issue is that the largest screw you could use to go through the 6mm rail on the legs and into the 18mm timber panel, would be 20mm long. This would mean there is only 14mm of embedment per screw, which would not be deep enough to counteract any lateral force applied to the desk. It is likely that the legs will wobble with this depth of embedment.

Moving up to a 26mm panel will allow you to use a 30mm screw such as these Zenith 8G x 30mm Galvanised Button Head Stitching Timber Screws, which should give you much more stability and strength.

It's worth noting that with longer panels such as this, Rapid Home suggest moving the legs in 300mm from each end to lower the risk of sagging.

Let me know what you think and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob