Looking for Desk Recommendations

[Lastpilot]

Hi Geekhack! I'm hoping you can help me find a new desk because I will be moving soon. I'm guessing this belongs here since it is kind of an "accessory" for a keyboard LOL.

- Sitting Desk
- Black or Aluminum or Glass
- Large enough for a single 23" monitor + room to write/sketch + desk lamp
- Limited amount of drawers or pockets please
- Minimal design
- Under $500

Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

And please do not suggest any DIY kits or blueprints. Unfortunately I do not have the time for that.

Honestly, I just need a bigger version of the Parsons Desk!

-------

Candidates:

IKEA Linnmon Adils
IKEA Galant Looking for Shipping Options!
Local Carpenter Commission

[baldgye]

Honestly, I can't recommend eBay enough, if you have a car big enough to fit a desk in for collection its a great place to look for amazing deals on furniture people just want to get rid off, and you can browse for it from the comfort of your own home or while at work

I got this from ebay for £20... its a pretty big desk for almost nothing!

[Lastpilot]

Thank you baldgye, somehow the idea of eBay has completely eluded me. After doing some brief browsing it looks like that might be the route to go.

Although I am surprised at how hard it is to find a "simple" desk. So many desks these days have unnecessary add-ons or design bits. The ones that do fit my criteria end up being L-shaped, and I'm not sure if I have the room for that.

Honestly, I just need a bigger version of the Parsons Desk!

[badcop]

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/workspaces/18960/

modular and fairly cheap.  you can add to it down the road if you feel like you need more space or take a leaf out if you need to move it to another room where it doesnt fit.  kind of a PITA to install at first due to the instructions but its a great sturdy desk with lost of space!!  i bought one and i love it.

http://i.imgur.com/aYAb6Kr.jpg

[baldgye]

Yeah the only problem with ebay is that it's kinda a mess to look for anything specific... but its pretty easy to browse casually while doing other things... good luck in your hunt!!

[Lastpilot]

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/workspaces/18960/

modular and fairly cheap.  you can add to it down the road if you feel like you need more space or take a leaf out if you need to move it to another room where it doesnt fit.  kind of a PITA to install at first due to the instructions but its a great sturdy desk with lost of space!!  i bought one and i love it.

http://i.imgur.com/aYAb6Kr.jpg

Yeah I really do want an IKEA desk, but there's no way I can fit them in my tiny car. I wish they shipped out! I really like this suggestion so I might have to look for one on eBay. Thanks!

Yeah the only problem with ebay is that it's kinda a mess to look for anything specific... but its pretty easy to browse casually while doing other things... good luck in your hunt!!

Yep, doing the 200 items per page search at the moment, lol. Thank you!

[Photekq]

I have always recommended that people build their own desks. It's so unbelievably simple and cheap. On top of that I guarantee you'll get a bigger, sturdier desk that fits your needs better than any desk for the same price.

I spent under £30 on mine, which was on screws, wood, paint and a piece of MDF for the top. It's the sturdiest desk I've ever owned, it's as big as I need and it was cheap.

Ikea make some of the worst desks I've ever seen. All the ones I've seen are flimsy as hell. Bear in mind that I haven't seen the entire Ikea catalog.

[vun]

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/workspaces/18960/

modular and fairly cheap.  you can add to it down the road if you feel like you need more space or take a leaf out if you need to move it to another room where it doesnt fit.  kind of a PITA to install at first due to the instructions but its a great sturdy desk with lost of space!!  i bought one and i love it.

http://i.imgur.com/aYAb6Kr.jpg

Yeah I really do want an IKEA desk, but there's no way I can fit them in my tiny car. I wish they shipped out! I really like this suggestion so I might have to look for one on eBay. Thanks!

Can't you rent a trailer at IKEA for cheap? I know you can here at least, since a lot of their stuff is too large for your average car.

[badcop]

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/workspaces/18960/

modular and fairly cheap.  you can add to it down the road if you feel like you need more space or take a leaf out if you need to move it to another room where it doesnt fit.  kind of a PITA to install at first due to the instructions but its a great sturdy desk with lost of space!!  i bought one and i love it.

http://i.imgur.com/aYAb6Kr.jpg

Yeah I really do want an IKEA desk, but there's no way I can fit them in my tiny car. I wish they shipped out! I really like this suggestion so I might have to look for one on eBay. Thanks!

Yeah the only problem with ebay is that it's kinda a mess to look for anything specific... but its pretty easy to browse casually while doing other things... good luck in your hunt!!

Yep, doing the 200 items per page search at the moment, lol. Thank you!

i know exactly what you're talking about.  MK3 VW golf with a bunch of boxes hanging out the back with the back hatch wide open in the middle of december.  good luck with the search.

[badcop]

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/workspaces/18960/

modular and fairly cheap.  you can add to it down the road if you feel like you need more space or take a leaf out if you need to move it to another room where it doesnt fit.  kind of a PITA to install at first due to the instructions but its a great sturdy desk with lost of space!!  i bought one and i love it.

http://i.imgur.com/aYAb6Kr.jpg

Yeah I really do want an IKEA desk, but there's no way I can fit them in my tiny car. I wish they shipped out! I really like this suggestion so I might have to look for one on eBay. Thanks!

Can't you rent a trailer at IKEA for cheap? I know you can here at least, since a lot of their stuff is too large for your average car.

idk about trailers but they do have delivery on stuff in the US.  its so stupidly expensive because its a private courier service.  at least that's what it is by me.  they wanted like $ 200 to ship a $100 book shelf.

[esoomenona]

Y'all are doing it wrong...

[baldgye]

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/workspaces/18960/

modular and fairly cheap.  you can add to it down the road if you feel like you need more space or take a leaf out if you need to move it to another room where it doesnt fit.  kind of a PITA to install at first due to the instructions but its a great sturdy desk with lost of space!!  i bought one and i love it.

http://i.imgur.com/aYAb6Kr.jpg

Yeah I really do want an IKEA desk, but there's no way I can fit them in my tiny car. I wish they shipped out! I really like this suggestion so I might have to look for one on eBay. Thanks!

Can't you rent a trailer at IKEA for cheap? I know you can here at least, since a lot of their stuff is too large for your average car.

idk about trailers but they do have delivery on stuff in the US.  its so stupidly expensive because its a private courier service.  at least that's what it is by me.  they wanted like $ 200 to ship a $100 book shelf.

madness... they deliver in the UK and the delivery isn't too bad tbf.. but alot easier to just rent a van or trailer and get a bunch at once lol

[Lastpilot]

I'm really unsure about trying to build a desk without any DIY experience. I don't own any tools I could use and I don't have a garage or workshop to build it in. I also don't have another person to help me, so I'm really looking for something more convenient. If I had more time and resources then I would be more than willing to start building one, especially since I'm looking for such a simple design.

The closest IKEA to me is 289 miles away so renting a trailer is a bit of a long shot T___T

[baldgye]

and a long drive

[Photekq]

I'm really unsure about trying to build a desk without any DIY experience. I don't own any tools I could use and I don't have a garage or workshop to build it in. I also don't have another person to help me, so I'm really looking for something more convenient. If I had more time and resources then I would be more than willing to start building one, especially since I'm looking for such a simple design.

The closest IKEA to me is 289 miles away so renting a trailer is a bit of a long shot T___T

Do you not have a drill and electric screwdriver? Because that really is all you need aside from the materials. Also, you don't need a garage or anything. You just need to cut the pieces, drill a few holes and then assemble it in the room you'll be using it in.

[Lastpilot]

Do you not have a drill and electric screwdriver? Because that really is all you need aside from the materials. Also, you don't need a garage or anything. You just need to cut the pieces, drill a few holes and then assemble it in the room you'll be using it in.

Honestly, you can call me strange but I do not have either of those. I've never been in the situation where I've needed one.  Wouldn't I have to have the legs and base cut out from the materials? Would I just be finding the right measurement of materials or paying somebody else to cut them?

Really, I'm not trying to AVOID building it myself, I just don't understand how I can do it effectively when I am moving to a place where I know nobody, have no tools and have no experience.

[Photekq]

Do you not have a drill and electric screwdriver? Because that really is all you need aside from the materials. Also, you don't need a garage or anything. You just need to cut the pieces, drill a few holes and then assemble it in the room you'll be using it in.

Honestly, you can call me strange but I do not have either of those. I've never been in the situation where I've needed one.  Wouldn't I have to have the legs and base cut out from the materials? Would I just be finding the right measurement of materials or paying somebody else to cut them?

Really, I'm not trying to AVOID building it myself, I just don't understand how I can do it effectively when I am moving to a place where I know nobody, have no tools and have no experience.

I don't find it strange at all, I was just asking whether you had them. If you don't have the tools or don't want to do it then that's fine and I hope you find what you're looking for.

All you'd be cutting would be the legs and reinforcements. You'd most likely buy the surface pre-cut.

I'm making a model in CAD that will show you how I made my desk. Pics will be up shortly

[Lastpilot]

Building a desk is actually one of my long-term goals, so I will definitely be in contact with you when the time comes. I also wouldn't mind looking over some of your CAD screenshots and seeing how it looks now, just to get an idea of general feasibility.

If you lived in CONUS, I would be asking if you took commissions lol. A custom built desk with CAD prototypes sounds like a lot of awesome.

[Photekq]

Building a desk is actually one of my long-term goals, so I will definitely be in contact with you when the time comes. I also wouldn't mind looking over some of your CAD screenshots and seeing how it looks now, just to get an idea of general feasibility.

If you lived in CONUS, I would be asking if you took commissions lol. A custom built desk with CAD prototypes sounds like a lot of awesome.

I didn't CAD it back when I made it. I didn't even know how to use cad. Me making a quick model in cad now is just easier than taking pictures underneath the desk.. there's too many wires..

[Lastpilot]

Ah, yes I understand you. I was thinking more along the lines of a commissioned desk made from CADs, just like how some keyboard casings are done around here.

Anyway I updated the OP with some desk candidates just for my own records as well as for anyone else looking for something similar. IKEA quoted me $329 for shipping LOL.

[Photekq]

Ah, yes I understand you. I was thinking more along the lines of a commissioned desk made from CADs, just like how some keyboard casings are done around here.

Anyway I updated the OP with some desk candidates just for my own records as well as for anyone else looking for something similar. IKEA quoted me $329 for shipping LOL.

Honestly if you wanted to get it made by someone else you should just look for a local carpenter, give him/her some rough drawn plans from the pictures I'll show you in a moment and get him to do it. Don't look for people who know how to make stuff from CAD.. it'll cost too much..

$329.. jesus..

[Lastpilot]

Local carpenter does sound like a good option. I'll add that one to the candidate list, thank you!

And feel free to PM me those desk shots anytime you like, no rush yet, I will be moving mid to late July. I really appreciate your help! :]

[tjcaustin]

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/04/04/how-to-make-a-work-bench/

What I based my desk off of.  Home depot/lowes will also do basic wood cuts for you for free to up to .50 a cut.  That makes it a lot easier to get transported and then built as you don't have to have a truck or saws then. 

Also, http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42824.msg880392#msg880392 specifically how I built mine.  I used screws because I have a powered screwdriver, but you could use a hammer and nails (cheaper since you don't own a drill and hammers are cheaper) just as well.

Also, also, I built a second one of those with a small shelving unit to sit on top of the desk that I built out of a 2x6 and 2x4 if you want a step-by-step of how I did that, too.

[Photekq]

This album should fully explain how I built mine. http://imgur.com/a/UqnAx

Let me know if there's something you're unclear on.

[Photekq]

Also, I forgot to note that those pictures aren't to scale. They are just to give you an idea. You could adapt it to any size really. Mine's 2 meters long, but you could make it larger or smaller.

See how I have 3 of those identical pieces? I'd recommend having one more piece than the length of your desk in meters. For example : 1 meter = 2 pieces, 2 meters = 3 pieces, 3 meters = 4 pieces etc.

[Lastpilot]

That woodcutting service seems like it would be useful. I've also heard they cut glass, but again I think there would be a problem transporting that.

I hate to be nitpicky, but I am. In my requirements I wanted something either black, aluminum or glass. A DIY desk is more of a long-term goal for me, as I want to have something that has a professional finish to it and I know that it will take a lot of time and learning to make. I am planning to have this upcoming desk for the next 4-5 years [at the least] so I do want it to look purdy.

Again thank you for the suggestion, and I will be sure to come back to it when I enter the DIY scene. :]

@Photekq: Thanks for the quick guide! I'll definitely use it if I go the commission route!

[Asininity]

I loved my massive Ikea Galant corner desk. Unfortunately when I moved I found out it wouldn't fit in my room. I ended up buying another Ikea Galant, the simple rectangle one and I've been in love ever since.

[Badwrench]

I don't know where you are in Florida, but a quick search on CL pulled a ton of options. 

Here is one that stood out to me:
http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/fuo/3797105464.html

[Lanx]

i used to have 2 of these
http://www.staples.com/Ergocraft-Titan-Glass-Top-Computer-Desk/product_435815

one for myself and one for wife, i've since replaced my desk with an entire wall mounted ergotron setup, and replaced my wifes glass desk with this

http://www.staples.com/Z-line-Aura-Silver-Metal-and-Glass-Top-Computer-Desk/product_753242
(she wanted something smaller)

for her desk i use 2 monitor arms(for two monitors) that clip on the glass, works great and basically perserves all the deskspace since the monitors are "floating" and not taking up precious deskspace.

the glass is strong so as long as your not like drilling into the glass (lol) it'll hold.

i like glass cuz it cleans well and doesn't chip or whatever, as evident by having so many glass desks. I still have the 2 super large glass desks btw, they're so easy to disassemble they're unassembled stacked vertically in my closet and i live and an apartment... can't do that with a wood desk!

[esoomenona]

I don't know where you are in Florida, but a quick search on CL pulled a ton of options. 

Here is one that stood out to me:
http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/fuo/3797105464.html

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/zip/3833920225.html

[SpAmRaY]

this guy had a pretty sweet desk

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43398.msg888375#msg888375

[cgbuen]

The Galant is amazing:

- On the cheaper end of decent desks in general
- It's that cheap while being a height-adjustable desk, which is extremely important (since damn near every desk ever made is way too tall)
- You can very likely find it for much, much cheaper if you're willing to go used (and either wait for the best deal, or sacrifice what material/color you want) and can find someone selling theirs on craigslist. I got my 63" for $50.. over $100 less than retail.
- If you do sacrifice material, the particleboard it's made out of is much denser/better than IKEA's other cheap desks

[Lastpilot]

@Asininity: Yeah, after doing a lot of looking around it looks like the Galant might be my winner. I really like the simple rectangle version and I hope I can find one used. If I have to buy one new, would you happen to know how large the box is? Please check if the model matches the one I have in first post. :]

@Badwrench & Moose: Thank you for your kindness, but I live 8 hours from Miami. At the moment I am thinking of driving to IKEA in Tampa, so that might be a viable option for me if the disassembled desk fits in my car.

@Lanx: The second desk is a bit too small for my needs. but the Ergocraft Titan seems pretty cool, minus the lame metal-grid on the legs. I'm not too fond of keyboard trays seeing as how the last two I've had broke on me, but how is this one holding up? Maybe I just have a bad habit of leaning forward and putting too much weight on them. Also I might be wrong, but it looks like this desk is not height adjustable? Just curious. That printer tray would also be nice to hold a tower. Is it sturdy enough for a full-size loaded rig?

>< ugh this is why I try to avoid too many shelves/drawers. I almost always end up destroying them somehow. Either I've just had really bad furniture or I am just inadvertently abusive to it or both. I think its me leaning on things + putting feet on top of things [including open drawers lol] that does it.

@Ray4jc: Haha, man yeah that one does look awesome! I might have to PM him and ask about it. That long-type of desk would probably tempt me into getting multiple monitors, lol. [and somehow I am okay with that xD]

@cgbuen: Wow man I think you sold me this desk. Srs. I might have to hunt one down somehow. I do have one question though....does it rattle when you play heavy bass?

---------

So yeah guys, thank you for all your suggestions. If you think you have another desk in mind that is similar to the Galant, then by all means continue posting. My deadline looks to be around the middle of July, so I have plenty of time to look for a used Galant in the meantime.

I'm really grateful at how awesome you guys have been so far!

Also updated my destination location! The beautiful, elegant city of Baton Rouge! [/sarcasm]

[noisyturtle]

I would strongly advise against an IKEA desk, as every one I've owned fell apart faster than a dried terd in a paper shredder.

[Lastpilot]

I feel that IKEA has different quality/price levels and because the cheaper ones are usually more common, people have had a bad image of them. IDK maybe I've just been lucky with IKEA stuff but most of the furniture I've had from them is still working great after 8-10ish years.

Edit: Granted, I have never had a desk from them. Just a bed + 2 bookshelves.

[noisyturtle]

I feel that IKEA has different quality/price levels and because the cheaper ones are usually more common, people have had a bad image of them. IDK maybe I've just been lucky with IKEA stuff but most of the furniture I've had from them is still working great after 8-10ish years.

I agree with you except for their computer desks, or perhaps I've just been very unlucky/stupid in which ones I choose. My desk right now is literally two broken IKEA desks nailed together.

[Badwrench]

I feel that IKEA has different quality/price levels and because the cheaper ones are usually more common, people have had a bad image of them. IDK maybe I've just been lucky with IKEA stuff but most of the furniture I've had from them is still working great after 8-10ish years.

Exactly!  I have quite a bit of Ikea stuff and have never had anything come loose or feel cheap.  One secret is to use wood glue on all the wood dowels as you assemble it. 

I have a Vika desk (now called a Linnmon) and love it.  Nice and sturdy, and you can choose the height adjustable legs for a little more $$.
Linky: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S99932173/

Here is my old setup with just the 40" top:


I then added the corner piece:


I have since removed the 2 legs in the front where the desks meet and put a metal strap across the seam on the bottom.  The desk is even more sturdy now. 

[Lanx]

@Lanx: The second desk is a bit too small for my needs. but the Ergocraft Titan seems pretty cool, minus the lame metal-grid on the legs. I'm not too fond of keyboard trays seeing as how the last two I've had broke on me, but how is this one holding up? Maybe I just have a bad habit of leaning forward and putting too much weight on them. Also I might be wrong, but it looks like this desk is not height adjustable? Just curious. That printer tray would also be nice to hold a tower. Is it sturdy enough for a full-size loaded rig? [/sarcasm]

over the years we had the two desks, the keyboard trays have had A LOT of abuse, they still work, and they have been beaten to death. (i used this desk for 4 years as a everquest 2 raid leader/tank, lots of rage) no height adjustment at all, printer tray was weak, i never used it and doubt it would handle a rig.

if you're worried about the tray, you could attach it or not, it's totally attached on the sides, so it makes the glass looks nice.

[Input Nirvana]

I feel that IKEA has different quality/price levels and because the cheaper ones are usually more common, people have had a bad image of them. IDK maybe I've just been lucky with IKEA stuff but most of the furniture I've had from them is still working great after 8-10ish years.

Exactly!  I have quite a bit of Ikea stuff and have never had anything come loose or feel cheap.  One secret is to use wood glue on all the wood dowels as you assemble it. 

I have a Vika desk (now called a Linnmon) and love it.  Nice and sturdy, and you can choose the height adjustable legs for a little more $$.
Linky: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S99932173/

Here is my old setup with just the 40" top:
(Attachment Link)

I then added the corner piece:
(Attachment Link)

I have since removed the 2 legs in the front where the desks meet and put a metal strap across the seam on the bottom.  The desk is even more sturdy now. 

No doubt, black with bright red accents is PIMP!




A rendering of all the keys I want to replace




I have this: Contemporary Office Furniture For Well Designed Offices | WorkSpaces

[Lbeuol]

I've been using an ikea desk for awhile and absolutely love it. I use to use a super old cherry wood desk that weighted like 800 pounds.

[sameer.wahid]

I have an Ikea Jerker desk, which I love. They don't make them anymore, but if you can find one on CL, I'd get it. It's a big desk surface, and you can set the height to your tastes.

[megaforce]

With that $500 budget price, you can easily get the huge Ikea Galant with some extension parts.

But I did hear that the glass tops scratch pretty easily.

[noisyturtle]

I would say shop around Goodwill's and antique shops for a beautiful, apocalypse-proof hardwood desk that could double as a computer desk. Takes a bit of leg work, but they are full of personality and last forever.

[calavera]

Don't bother with IKEA's cheaper desk tops made with fiberboards. They're lighter and thicker but flimsy as **** and bend over time. The surface also scratches and peels very easy. Needless to say I sold all of them.

The IKEA galant on the other hand is very sturdy and doesn't have any of the symptoms of the cheap ass ones.

[domoaligato]

It doesn't fit your description but I use 2x 6 foot banquet tables in a L shape.