My New Desk: Part 2

The finished desk. Demon approves.

Well, it took a little while, but I finally finished my new desk (and I am using it as I write this)! I opted for making my own desktop using wood instead of a glass desktop from Ikea, which is what my original inspiration had been--see the photo in the first post. I opted for the wood because I figured it would be more durable, I wouldn't have to worry about how to transport it from New Haven, and I figured the wood would age nicely, gaining a "worn in" look over time.

In attaching the desktop to the frame, I knew that I didn't want something permanent; I wanted to be able to remove the desktop easily so that the entire desk could be disassembled for moving ease. To achieve this, I used two 1x2 boards as support rails which would rest across the metal pipe frame and to which the wooden surface would be secured. To keep the desktop from sliding around on the frame, I used a 1" hole drill on the edge of the 1x2 to create half-circle divets so that the 1x2s would "hook" onto the frame. This gives stability--the desktop won't slide front-to-back--while also allowing easy removal--the desktop simply lifts off the frame.

You can see how the 1x2 rails rest on top of
the pipe frame

To make the surface, I simply used three lengths of pine 1x12 and screwed them into the 1x2 rails. I opted for pine because I figured going with a softer wood would help with creating a "worn in" look. The boards were not perfectly flat, which meant that there were noticeable differences in height at the seams between the boards. I used some simple flat brackets on the underside of the desktop to pull the seams flat, and it worked perfectly.

The edges of the desk had the same problem, but were also slightly different lengths (I guess that's what happens when you let Home Depot cut the boards for you). To even out the boards and hide the different lengths, I found some aluminum C-channel that fit perfectly over the edge of the 1x12. I cut it to length and tapped it over the edges.

A piece of unfinished pine on top of the tung
oil finish (notice the change of color & sheen)
also pictured is piece of the C-channel

I finished the surface of the desk by first sanding down some of the dirt and ink marks from the store and then applied Tung Oil finish. I went with Tung Oil (linseed oil would have worked as well) because it is easy to repair the finish down the road, and can adjust the look of the finish based on the number of coats that you apply. I was happy with the result after three coats, but if you wanted a glossier finish, you could keep going.

The end result was better than I could have hoped for. I am really happy with the C-channel edge finishing, as it gives it a more professional look than had I left it uncovered. I've already put the desk to use and am happy to finally have a workspace that is not also my kitchen table!