My google-fu/duck-duck-go-fu fails me, does such a thing exist? And if it does, will I have to sacrifice a limb in order to pay for it? I'm starting to hate the "wave" in this desk and I am considering a new one. It would be ace if I could have a single long desk running the length of the wall - something 3m long would be just ace. Alternatively, what are the thoughts on using a kitchen countertop as a desk? With suitable legs, of course. Should I be concerned with sagging since it isn't braced on top of cupboards?
Sag over length is always a risk with long expanses, even a kitchen worktop of that length will need support. choice wise theres a few options depending on how thick the timber is I would probably suggest a nice length or two of box steel underneath, set into the wood with channels, and bolted with some expansion movement (wood will move). Likely want some support underneath anyway so either legs or storage unless, you really want to go fancy. If the wall is external then it can be mounted to the wall, likely side mounts to the edge walls then two further in or the aforementioned storage. thickness, I would say an inch plus so 25-38mm, just ensure the edge is not sharp square.
Counter top would be fine a friend of mine does this with Ikea legs and a length of wood at rear, alternatively just get some Ikea desktops, they are cheap, up to 2m. I did this but careful if you think about cutting one, they are cardboard in the middle so need extra support, I just did some connecting straps/braces to corner desk with a couple of extra legs, of course drawers can also be used as support.
38mm counter tops usually come in ~4m lengths. If you dont plan on putting lots of heavy stuff in the middle or sitting/standing on it you might get away with just a countertop and some legs. If you want sturdy thing - use a 2x4 or ~40mm steel tubing on the length of it to counteract flex. If you are ok building a square desk frame, you can get away even using 18mm board.
I've built a few desks topped with worktop. As long as you build a frame for the worktop they're usually fine. On long builds I make some legs with braced cantilevers so one side of the table is 'open' whilst the back side has legs that support across the width of the worktop. The one I'm typing this from is on it's 10th year of service. Just be warned that the resulting deask is heavy AF.
Thanks for the advice, all! Starting to sound like the DIY worktop option is out, tbh. I can’t use a batten screwed to the wall to brace a worktop since I rent, and building a frame to support the worktop is behind the ability of wood-/metal-working tools. Because I don’t really have any! After seeing the inside of an ikea desk, the idea of butting two of them up against each other is also out. This desk would have to support my pc, 2 to 3 monitors…. and two CRTs, a 17" monitor and a 60kg widescreen Trinitron. No way I’m entrusting that kit to paper-thin wood sandwiching a piece of cardboard. It’s fine for a cheap coffee table, but I’m not putting several grand’s worth of kit on it. Starting to look like a regular office desk will be a better choice.
Ahhh the heady days of the Galant desk, proper wood, metal legs, metal bracing and all that. 2 together gives you over 3000mm of real estate to spread out on. Yet whilst I know mine have supported 2 x 17" CRT's and me sitting on it the thought of a 60kg TV give me pause, which is odd as I was more than double that at the time PXL_20220413_094008425 by MrLongbeard, on Flickr
Are you still in Cardiff? If you're much further north I'd be happy to build a frame for you. Otherwise if you can design it out of steel box you could get a local engineering firm to knock it up for very little.
I purchased two solid oak kitchen worktops 3M X 960 X 40mm and slapped them against each. A friend who’s a kitchen fitter used some metal hook type fasteners that are recessed into the wood and pull to two half’s into each other. you can’t see the join unless you’re looking for it. Had it recessed into the wall either end and has a 2x2” batton along the back wall to brace it. Think the worktops were about £900 inc delivery. Friend did the installation for a case of ale.
