What type desk do you use

[BlakeBrattina]

This is sort of a re-post of my Mac Setup, but the Desk is a dining table, specifically the Morbylanga from Ikea.

I was using a fantastic set of Hamlyn desks, which lasted for years; I was a bit of a snob about using solid wood desks in my office. But when it came time to remodel I couldn't find anything that fit my size requirements. I saw a few setups online using harvest tables, and I thought that work to fit my hardware, while giving me some breathing room -- I'm running 2 32" BenQ CAD monitors, I downgraded my Cintiq 22HD to a 13HD. The old setup with all three displays was ludicrous. The results came out fantastic. Lots of space, enough room to fit everything on a single desk.

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That's a great idea that I'm sad to say I didn't even think of. I'm having an extremely hard time finding a desk long enough to support my 27" RiMac, Thunderbolt display and 13" Pro on a Hi-Rise. The only problem I have with using that table is the Depth of almost 40"

 

[Arran]

... the Desk is a dining table..

I did that once. Absolutely loved the extra space. I'm a paper-spreader-out sort-of person. Felt like I was working at Mother:

 

[Silverjerk]

Well, I have to say that I know very well where you are coming from, because I am 'a bit of a snob about using solid wood desks' myself. Actually, I love solid wood, and love well made wooden products.

Your desk is lovely; what is the wood used?

The top is 1/8 solid oak. My favorite part is that it can be sanded and treated to mitigate wear and tear as it ages. So it's sort of a best of both worlds scenario. Low environmental impact, the looks and weight of a serious piece of furniture.

 

[Silverjerk]

That's a great idea that I'm sad to say I didn't even think of. I'm having an extremely hard time finding a desk long enough to support my 27" RiMac, Thunderbolt display and 13" Pro on a Hi-Rise. The only problem I have with using that table is the Depth of almost 40"

It is an expansive surface area. And your issue was my own going in as well: I loved the length, but the depth was a bit scary. Happy to say that if you have the room, it's totally worth it.

I've already found myself utilizing a lot of that extra space -- something I wasn't able to do before was move my Axe Fx (the guitar amp in the white rack on the right) to the top of the desk for when I'm tweaking settings, patches, or playing around with my foot controllers. Out of frame (hiding under the couch on the opposite wall) is a 61 key midi controller/keyboard that I can also fit easily on the desktop while I'm recording.

It's been a dream so far. Couldn't be happier.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

The top is 1/8 solid oak. My favorite part is that it can be sanded and treated to mitigate wear and tear as it ages. So it's sort of a best of both worlds scenario. Low environmental impact, the looks and weight of a serious piece of furniture.

So, sort of an oak veneer, in other words, but a great deal more extensive than what might normally be understood by the use of the term veneer? It is still lovely looking, and well wear with it.

 

[Paulk]

Yes, IKEA used to make really solid stuff.We bought some good bookshelves from there once.

 

[Paulk]

That table, Arran, is i† for real? What a size!

 

[Arran]

That table, Arran, is i† for real? What a size!

Oh, it's for real. And I didn't show you the best bit. It has it's own staircase (well, really, the table's an extension of the staircase). But all the same - cool stuff.

More info here: http://idealstudio.represent.uk.com/studios/20
and pictures here: http://www.clivewilkinson.com/portfolio_page/mother-london/

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Oh, it's for real. And I didn't show you the best bit. It has it's own staircase (well, really, the table's an extension of the staircase). But all the same - cool stuff.

Cool. Impressive table and impressive setting. Nice and light filled.

What is the table made from?

 

[Arran]

Cool. Impressive table and impressive setting. Nice and light filled.

What is the table made from?

Yeah, open plan offices can be truly awful. Many companies cheap-out and simply remove the partitions round the old 8ft x 8ft cubes to leave everyone sitting on top of each other.

I love how this arrangement provides privacy through empty space.

Material? Concrete. You could probably park a tank on top of it.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Yeah, open plan offices can be truly awful. Many companies cheap-out and simply remove the partitions round the old 8ft x 8ft cubes to leave everyone sitting on top of each other.

I love how this arrangement provides privacy through empty space.

Material? Concrete. You could probably park a tank on top of it.

Well, while I'd prefer a desk made from wood, I like your set up as it allows for privacy, space and light, three essentials to productive work, to my mind.

Indeed, @Arran, I'm taken with your remark of how 'this arrangement provides privacy through empty space'; what an excellent idea.

 

[Silverjerk]

So, sort of an oak veneer, in other words, but a great deal more extensive than what might normally be understood by the use of the term veneer? It is still lovely looking, and well wear with it.

Yeah, exactly, just like a more heavy duty veneer that can actually be sanded and treated.

 

[Pkupman57]

How's the weather in Australia?


I got this from IKEA for less than $100...

This is my dream desk (in solid walnut)...
http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/pro...Category=213&menuSubcategory=146#ReviewHeader

Id still really like to know what that glass/box thing is... looks like a square chunk of glass with a jellyfish in it or something? Any more pics? where did you get it?

 

[Easttime]

Geekdesk - should work standing/sitting, not sitting constantly. Better for heart and back later in life. I bought the metal parts/electronics kit from GD 3 years ago then added the birch plywood top. Very happy with it. This was taken prior to finishing the office reno, collecting the cables, etc.

 

[Paulk]

Looks good, Easttime. I find my back suffers from sitting all day at the computer, even getting up for a short walk or meals.

 

[GerritV]

View attachment 576650 Geekdesk - should work standing/sitting, not sitting constantly. Better for heart and back later in life. I bought the metal parts/electronics kit from GD 3 years ago then added the birch plywood top. Very happy with it. This was taken prior to finishing the office reno, collecting the cables, etc.

The perforated beam looks like a great opportunity to tidy up your cables

 

[Arran]

The perforated beam looks like a great opportunity to tidy up your cables

Never mind the beam. I'd screw a power strip onto the underside of the desk at the back. There'd be only one power cable visible - and that would be run up the back of a leg. So not really visible at all.

Aesthetics aside, it's good if you've got pets or small children.

 

[MacNerd1239]

How's the weather in Australia?


I got this from IKEA for less than $100...

This is my dream desk (in solid walnut)...
http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/pro...Category=213&menuSubcategory=146#ReviewHeader

Do you know the name of the IKEA one you're currently using? I've admired your setup for a while. It's exactly what I want to create, actually.

 

[Easttime]

Never mind the beam. I'd screw a power strip onto the underside of the desk at the back. There'd be only one power cable visible - and that would be run up the back of a leg. So not really visible at all. Aesthetics aside, it's good if you've got pets or small children.

Essentially what I did when I finished the renovation and moved back in. Put a power bar behind the printer on a low filing cabinet beside the desk and collected all the cables on a beam under the top with cable ties, then dropped just the power cord to a wall outlet.

 

[SuperJudge]

I'm currently using a desk I built myself out of a slab of butcher block, some table legs, a few bracket for added stability,and a whole bunch of zip-ties. Still trying to work out some better cable management, though.