Thread: What size timber for a workstation top?

25mm thick hardwood , with two additional supports in the middle, 600mm apart would be my suggestion. Remember you are going to be leaning heavily on this at times too, even possibly sitting on it, so it needs to be strong

Originally Posted by JillB

25mm thick hardwood , with two additional supports in the middle, 600mm apart would be my suggestion. Remember you are going to be leaning heavily on this at times too, even possibly sitting on it, so it needs to be strong

Thanks Jill ... I won't sit on the desk but I'm sure one of the kids might!!!!

For the width, you are going to need laminated timber, and I would recommend 30-35mm thick otherwise it may warp or bend between supports. You also need to considder how to support it at the join. When you varnish it, make sure you seal the bottom as well, otherwise it may bow. Seal all ends and cuts as well.

Originally Posted by western woodie

I want to build a corner workstation in my home office, 1900x1900, depth about 600-700 mm in either Jarrah, WA Blackbutt or other hardwood. The work station will be supported fully on the 1900 sides (on the wall) and the 600/700 ends on the wall too (small office) ... what thickness timber should I be using? The desk will be used for a computer etc. I can put small wall brackets out under the desk if needed to give it support.

25mm should be plenty thick enough for the work surface, provided it's supported on 3 sides
see attached suggested design (Note: I've deliberately not shown any joint details)

Ian and western woodie, I went through the same process for a corner of our family room, and walked away from that design because it took up far too much space in the room, although it looked really good on paper.

Can I suggest to WW you mark it out on the floor first, if you haven't already done so, and add a chair and see if you have enough room.

In the end I put a small narrow table (with drawers under the top) against the wall

What software did you use for your drawing, please - it looks good

Originally Posted by JillB

Ian, I went through the same process for a corner of our family room, and walked away from that design because it took up far too much space in the room, although it looked really good on paper.

Can I suggest you mark it out on the floor first, if you haven't already done so, and add a chair and see if you have enough room.

In the end I put a small narrow table (with drawers under the top) against the wall

What software did you use for your drawing, please - it looks good

Hi Jill
the design is just so WW can see what I described.

I agree with you that a narrow table -- often described as a hall table -- would probably work well. With today's flat screens, it only has to be wide enough to hold a printer.

The software I used is Corel Draw -- I've had a bit of practice and find these sorts of sketches pretty fast to knock out