I'm planning to build my first desk and need some advice on wood selection. My setup will include a PC, a monitor arm, and various peripherals, all weighing around 15kg. I've noticed that while hardwoods like oak are out of my budget, pine is significantly cheaper here in the UK. Could pine handle the weight? Also, if you know of any suppliers for affordable hardwoods, please share! My desk dimensions are 120cm (L) x 45-55cm (W), and I can figure out the legs later. I'm really anxious about my current particleboard desk breaking while I'm away, so any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
Go ahead with pine; just keep in mind it's a bit soft, so you might get some scratches over time. If you can find hardwoods within your budget, that would be ideal, but if not, pine is manageable. Some dealers even offer milling services for hardwood at a better price than prefab options. Consider that, too!
Pine should hold up just fine as long as you choose a thicker piece. It's a softwood, but for a computer desk, you shouldn’t have worries unless you're rough on the surface. One tip: if you're buying from a store, check if the wood is properly dried. Wet pine can leak sap, so store it flat to avoid that! Research "how to sticker lumber" for drying tips.
That's true! Hardwood is pricey but worth it for durability. What do you think about plywood as a more cost-effective option?