Thread: PC Lookdown Desk

I suggest you seriously consider getting a flat panel display and getting rid of the CRT. You'd save a lot of effort and also "future proof" the desk somewhat.

Yes, good point. There is that alternative with the design.

Still need some ideas for the type of timber I could use.

The original designer says ply with timber edgebands is an option so I guess that would work.
MDF would work, but that pretty much restricts you to a painted finish. It would work, but it's not particularly pretty.
Most comercial computer desks are made of melamine type board, so I guess thats an option too.

I'd do it with solid timber myself, even if it was only pine. It doesn't have to be clear timber, a few small tight knots make for character and small voids can be filled. I guess if you have to buy finished timber the cost would mount up though. For me it's cheaper to use wood I've sawn / dried myself than go and spend $$ on ply and MDF.

Cheers

Ian

MDF and veneer,
MDF and laminate (ugh),
MDF and paint,
MDF, veneer and paint.

Ply and edgebanding with timber would probably be the best solution.

Hires,

Just a couple of thoughts that you can take how you like. From memory the correct hieght for a computer monitor is when sitting in a chair with your feet comfortably on the floor and upper legs parallel to the floor, you should be able to look straight ahead and look at the centre of the monitor. I would have concerns with looking down at the computer as this could cause the shoulders to roll and if spending prolonged periods infront of a computer result in some pretty fatigued upper back muscles.

Corbs

corbs, ergonomically speaking the correct placement for a monitor should have the top of the monitor at eye level, having part of the monitor behind eye level will induce neck strain etc. Supposedly we can look down to an angle of about 45 degrees without tilting the neck etc quite comfortably.