Desk ideas

[chopnhack]

I am sketching and dreaming up a desk for my son. He is entering kindergarten and so there is no real rush, but at the pace it takes me.... better start now!

I came up with this, but the wife thinks its missing something but doesn't know what it is?! What do you think? Main requirements are ample storage, large area to work at, the lower portions are drawers that are about 2' deep to be used as a file cabinet later, above is a partitioned bookshelf accessible from two sides. The area between the upper towers will either be a magnet board/dry erase or corkboard or 1/2 and 1/2 of each.

[Pappy]

Why something he has to grow into? For now make it a fun desk. I built a pair for my boys when they were about 4 and 6. Both were fersions of the old style school desk.

The pics are scans from some old fotos so the quality is pretty bad.

[cabinetman]

The basic design looks good, and open for modification. I'm wondering what the two cabinets with the horizontal shelving is to be used for.

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[JR]

He'll need a place for a computer, keyboard shelf, wiring gromets, etc.
A drawer for pencils and crayons would be helpful.

JR

[chopnhack]

Good point Don.
I really didn't want to have to build a small desk and then a big desk. My shop time is usually really limited... thanks for the idea though, if I am not up to making the big desk I now always have this option.

C-man, the tops were to be for storing folders with paperwork lying on their sides, or binders/magazines again on their sides. I use binders to hold dvd's so in the future as a computer desk there would be plenty of readily accessible storage for that type of media.

Is it too heavy looking? Any other design considerations?

I have been thinking about doing a full bullnose edge around the perimeter of the top to soften the edge and perhaps a vinyl writing area to break up all the wood.

[cabinetman]

I have been thinking about doing a full bullnose edge around the perimeter of the top to soften the edge and perhaps a vinyl writing area to break up all the wood.

How about a removable HPL insert, or a glass inset.

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[chopnhack]

I thought the HPL would be too slick to write on... perhaps its not? Have you done this before c-man? Did it work out?

Thanks for the input JR, I figured on the computer that by the time he has his own he will probably want a laptop... I always preferred a desktop but it seems to be the trend with kids to go for the laptop, not sure if school makes it that way or?

Do you think one center wide drawer, shallow but wide or two shallow drawers?

[LinuxRandal]

I like the basic design, but I would suggest some modifications. By the time he is ready for a computer, that isn't in a public room (family room, etc where an eye can be kept on him), I would think a laptop, tablet, or some such other device will be more prevalent.,
However, with a small laptop or netbook, I like the ability to use a full size keyboard and screen, while using a wireless/bluetooth mouse (keyboard might be wireless to). I would consider a center drawer, currently for crayons, pens, pencils, etc.(later for keyboard storage)
At his age, he isn't going to be doing much filing, but have more need for toy space. I would leave the bottoms of those cabinets open and plan on building the drawers later. Use some removable baskets for toys and such. Those old book spots on them, may be used for Dvd's and such and I can see placing a small tv/dvd player on top. In that case I would make the top center section easily removable. Dvd players have got to the size, that I bet you could find one to fit in that file rack so leave some vent and wire holes in at least one side.

Then as he ages, and you have time, you can adapt the desk. Even more so if you only pocket screw or dowel with no glue, the bottoms to the top.
JMHO

[chopnhack]

By the time he is ready for a computer, that isn't in a public room (family room, etc where an eye can be kept on him), I would think a laptop, tablet, or some such other device will be more prevalent.,

Exactly!

I would leave the bottoms of those cabinets open and plan on building the drawers later.

You a mind reader or something!! LOL. I think I should still build them and have them ready otherwise the plywood will get used for something else!

Then as he ages, and you have time, you can adapt the desk. Even more so if you only pocket screw or dowel with no glue, the bottoms to the top.

Agreed, this is what I have started to think about now, how to attach the hutch without destroying the desk surface - in case he wants to use the entire desktop in the future with no hutch.

C-man, to inlay the HPL, I am thinking the best method would be to use a template and a router with template bit. How about attachment, double stick tape? Is there a fool proof method for leveling? Do you end up caulking the joint or will it be fine enough to keep junk from accumulating?

[cabinetman]

C-man, to inlay the HPL, I am thinking the best method would be to use a template and a router with template bit. How about attachment, double stick tape? Is there a fool proof method for leveling? Do you end up caulking the joint or will it be fine enough to keep junk from accumulating?

I've done it a few ways. The easiest is to start with a basic substrate, like ¾", and then add the surrounds and the center (with HPL). You then wind up with a substantial top (1½"). You can do some finite shimming to level the HPL to its surround. The joint would be tight enough to be viusually appealing and not a catchall. A leading edge moulding can be added.

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[chopnhack]

Another rendering, did the bullnose on the edging to make it look less square and added the center drawer. I would like to keep the insert as flush as possible, I will have to do a test run one of these days to see just how difficult it will be to do on a sheet of ply. It would be cool if I can do a decorative inlaid line about 1/2" around the perimeter of the inlay as well. The wife mentioned that the upper shelves should be on shelf pins so that if the space needs to be reconfigured, it can be done so easily. Good thing she doesn't know what a dado is, lol. Good idea, point to wifey.

[cabinetman]

Another rendering, did the bullnose on the edging to make it look less square and added the center drawer. I would like to keep the insert as flush as possible, I will have to do a test run one of these days to see just how difficult it will be to do on a sheet of ply. It would be cool if I can do a decorative inlaid line about 1/2" around the perimeter of the inlay as well. The wife mentioned that the upper shelves should be on shelf pins so that if the space needs to be reconfigured, it can be done so easily. Good thing she doesn't know what a dado is, lol. Good idea, point to wifey.

What were you planning for the exposed surface around the insert? For the two "boxes" with shelf clips, if you lay out the sides before assembly, you could use pegboard as a template for the shelf clip holes. They are 1" O/C.

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[chopnhack]

Good point C-man! I dont know, perhaps make the inlay hole large to install some thin solid wood to protect the plies? Good suggestion on the peg board. I do have a shelf drilling jig I made out of plywood somewhere...

[pelligrini]

Looks good. You might pre drill a few shelf pin holes in the lower front and side openings too.

I'd continue the top shelf all the way across the two upper shelf portions. It'll give a place for additional stuff to be displayed on top. You could install an undercabinet light strip and have a built in desk light.

[All Thumbs]

Secret compartment.