New Computer Desk: My first real woodworking project

[fossten]

I wanted to share this with you guys.

I designed and built a computer desk from scratch from materials purchased at Lowe's. I've never built anything out of wood before except for a workbench that I built last summer, so this was totally new for me.

I refinished every piece before I assembled the desk. I did the refinishing myself, and that was the worst part of the project. Sanding, staining, and waiting for pieces to dry really blows. I really enjoy cutting and assembling.

I used dowels and construction strong ties to join the parts. If you look closely you can see the strong ties. It's very sturdy.

At first glance (and second ) it does look big, doesn't it? But I designed the hutch to have extra space. I've had desks from Office Depot before and they were always too small, so I departed from conventional wisdom this time. I've gotten used to the size and I really enjoy having the extra shelf space.

This project took me about 4 weeks, doing a little at a time. I didn't rush it, if I had I could have done it in a week. If I hadn't bothered to refinish it, I could have done it in 3 days.

Type of wood used was aspen. Total cost of materials was between $300-$400. I figure I couldn't buy a desk like this for less than $800.

 

[MERIJONS97LSC]

Nice job! My computer desk is grandma's little kitchen table, You know the one from the thirties with the metal top that opens into a larger table..my wife would kill me if I got rid of it. I really like the look of that wood! Oh by the way, stop changing your avatar .I don't know who you are anymore:bowrofl:

 

[Frat-man-du]

Great job!

I built a bar a couple of years ago -it is a good stress reliever to work with wood.

 

[fossten]

Nice job! My computer desk is grandma's little kitchen table, You know the one from the thirties with the metal top that opens into a larger table..my wife would kill me if I got rid of it. I really like the look of that wood! Oh by the way, stop changing your avatar .I don't know who you are anymore:bowrofl:

Heh sorry. My real face is back.

Thanks for the feedback.

I had one of those folding legs tables that you see at every convention. Was cluttered and I needed shelving, so I wanted a big hutch. You see all that space to the left of the keyboard? Yeah, my cats sprawl there now under the warm light kit. So I still have all my stuff jammed to the right.

By the way, the hutch being wider at the top than the bottom is an optical illusion. Probably my poor photography skills.

 

[Markviiiedrea]

I bult a big oak corner desk back in high school, I loved building it. Wish I had the tools at home to build.

 

[fossten]

Yeah my wife bought me a circular saw for Christmas. Hint hint, I guess I'll be building more furniture.

 

[BAD97LSC]

awesome job man looks great. my desk is a solid cherry 36" x 60" from the hardwood house in rochester n.y. it was purchased through an auction. it belonged to the Dept of Revenue. it only weighs about 300 lbs. !!