What timber for D.I.Y. desk?

[omgrealllyyyy]

Hi DIY Brains-trust!

I am looking to build a desk. Now I have measured the areas, I have jotted down what things I will need to complete this task just stuck on size and type of timber. I was hoping I could get away with the Laminate but to my disappointment it couldn't be cut.

I was hoping to have something on the thicker side of 18mm as well.

What I did find was the 2400mmx600mmx33mm. 

So if you have any ideas that could help me on my journey to making this desk please reach out!!

Many Thanks in advance!

[EricL]

Hello @omgrealllyyyy 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about timber desk. 

Can you please tell me what is the purpose of the marker you've placed at 360mm? Is it still part of the whole desk or can we deduct that from the total length? The only way you'll be able to get a timber top at 2517mm is to custom order it at the special orders desk. You'll need to speak to the In-store kitchen specialist, and they'll quote you how much the timber top will be. Please note that you can order the whole set as a custom benchtop.

However, if you are wanting to build and assemble the desk yourself the only other option is to link an extra bit of benchtop to the end of the 2400mm piece. I suggest using Hafele 65mm Benchtop Connector - 3 Pack. Please have a look at the image below to give you an idea of how the benchtops can be connected.

In regards to the timber piece, the 2400x600x33 should work nicely.

Let me call on our experienced members @JoeAzza, @TedBear and @Nailbag for their recommendations. 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[omgrealllyyyy]

Hi Eric!

Thank you for your reply! The 360mm is a set of drawers I was planning on using as support for the desk as well as well needed storage. 
This is fantastic news. When I went in to the store they mentioned they couldn’t cut the laminate but I’ve done some extra research and video watching of Bunnings DIY’ers and Workers doing just that so I shall give it a go!

I appreciate your advice on the bench top connectors. I was gonna use dowel but that’s a better option!

Thanks again!

[EricL]

Hi @omgrealllyyyy 

My best advice is to cover the cutting area with masking tape as an extra precaution. Please don't forget to post a photo update of your project. I'm sure our members will be keen to see how your table will come together.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @omgrealllyyyy 

Next week I am about to do the same project with a timber bench top from Bunnings to a 900mm return on top of kaboodle cabinets in a laundry renovation. Those bench top connectors @EricL are perfect but do require some preparation. You will need a Forstener bit and a router to make the channel. Alternatively  you could use mending plates to join the two timbers, they just wont be pulled in tight together. Any gaps between the join can be filled with a little wood glue mixed with fine saw dust from an offset to perfectly match the timber. Use wood glue with either connection method.

If you can get away with a 2400mm length, it will save you a lot of extra $$ on a custom length.

Nailbag

[JoeAzza]

Hi @omgrealllyyyy  as @Nailbag said re using a forstner bit, I recently installed a Kaboodle kitchen bench top  L shaped, Bunnings special order did the whole setup ready for assembly at home, They machined the corner join, all I had to do was to join it together as @EricL suggested.

[Nailbag]

Hi @omgrealllyyyy 

Below are a couple of photos of a study desk I made using metal plates to bind there two pieced together. But all this does is hold them in place and doesn't pull them in to each other. This was before I knew about the option of using the Kaboodle joint system.

Since there, I've have done quite a few Kaboodle timber bench tops with a return and the ones you get made to order as @JoeAzza mentioned, has the hard work already done for you with the rebates cut out. I highly recommend it if it's not too late to order it this way.

Nailbag