Desk Idea/Suggestions? L-shape for Work/Gaming room set up.

[StrangePanda]

Moving early next year and I'm trying to decide on a L-Shape Desk setup.

I was thinking
2x https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/karlby-countertop-walnut-veneer-70335212/
1x https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/alex-drawer-unit-drop-file-storage-black-brown-90373038/
1x https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/alex-drawer-unit-black-brown-40342285/

But man those tops are expensive and would cost a lot to ship as well. Picking up might be an option. Just 2 stores near where I'm moving are about 2hrs away. plus being able to find someone with a truck or something to fit those in.

Was also thinking for this top as well. https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/ekbacken-countertop-concrete-effect-laminate-70335655/

I will be having 3 monitors, desktop, speakers, and some peripherals on the desk so just making sure it wont sag/dent in the middle thats why i went with the Karbly thicker material than the Ebacken. I game and work remotely so need the 2x for work on another possibly a TV too.

Any suggestions or opinions are greatly appreciated.

 

[Barty1884]

I used one of the Ekbaken tops myself + Alex drawers and some thoughts/comments:

• Don't expect to span 6'+ based on only the Alex drawers alone. You'll really want some legs supporting in the middle, nearer the back. I believe it was the OLOV adjustable legs I used
• Really consider whether you'll use the drawer space you're proposing. The Alex drawers really add to the overall cost of the setup & if you don't need them (ie end up filling them with junk - like I did!), then opt for either all leg (or one drawer + multiple legs) or consider forgoing legs and mount them to the studs with brackets.
• Don't get tunnel vision with Ikea. Your local HomeDepot or equivalent will likely stock (or ship) comparable countertops for similar money. Some might even ship to your door for free, so could be worth a small premium vs Ikea.

 

[StrangePanda]

I used one of the Ekbaken tops myself + Alex drawers and some thoughts/comments:

• Don't expect to span 6'+ based on only the Alex drawers alone. You'll really want some legs supporting in the middle, nearer the back. I believe it was the OLOV adjustable legs I used
• Really consider whether you'll use the drawer space you're proposing. The Alex drawers really add to the overall cost of the setup & if you don't need them (ie end up filling them with junk - like I did!), then opt for either all leg (or one drawer + multiple legs) or consider forgoing legs and mount them to the studs with brackets.
• Don't get tunnel vision with Ikea. Your local HomeDepot or equivalent will likely stock (or ship) comparable countertops for similar money. Some might even ship to your door for free, so could be worth a small premium vs Ikea.

Thanks for your thoughts. I was actually thinking these for the legs and maybe use one of the adjustables in the center:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MD2ILSH?tag=jonathanval0a-20

I could probably cut 1 Alex drawer out, but def need one for filing papers and such say on the left side for work. I will look at HomeDepot as well. Thanks

 

[Barty1884]

Thanks for your thoughts. I was actually thinking these for the legs and maybe use one of the adjustables in the center:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MD2ILSH?tag=jonathanval0a-20

I could probably cut 1 Alex drawer out, but def need one for filing papers and such say on the left side for work. I will look at HomeDepot as well. Thanks

If I could do it all over again (and probably will in future), I'd get some heavy-duty brackets and have the desk 'float'.

Depending on your overall budget, I'd recommend opting for the more substantial 'real wood' options offered by the Karlby etc, vs laminated MDF. The laminate works just fine, but you will see very minor bowing over time, regardless of what you do - even with additional legs for support.

I've had my desk for ~2 years and there's some relatively minor bowing in the middle . You're not likely to notice it easily without putting a level on it.... but once you do, it might drive you crazy (as it does me)

Spoiler: Excuse the mess

As an example for HD vs Ikea, this would be comparable to the Karlby, at $50 less (before stain)..... and probably easier availability/delivery.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/HARDWOO...her-Block-Countertop-1525FJEGACA-98/313363328

 

[StrangePanda]

Yea this room will be pretty much my work space/gaming/streaming room. So want at least a nice sturdy desk and saw this desk idea on this set up and really liked it.
https://freeimage.host/i/3EnhvI

 

[Barty1884]

Yea this room will be pretty much my work space/gaming/streaming room. So want at least a nice sturdy desk and saw this desk idea on this set up and really liked it.
https://freeimage.host/i/3EnhvI

I'm not convinced that desk, in the config displayed is going to avoid bowing either. Even with 'real wood', you're only talking a couple of inches in thickness and a span of 6Ft+ - that's going to bow over time without support in the middle(s).

If you have the option to, I'd consider brackets into the stud and have the desk float over any drawers - or align it so the edge rests on the drawers and the rest is secured.

12-18" deep brackets on a ~24" deep desk. With either 16" or 24" OC studs, you're going to be able to hit at least 4 studs per length (assuming 6ft+). Going to be more sturdy than legs and, at equal spacing (equal-ish, depending on your framing) should avoid bowing in the long run.

10x 20" brackets is ~$85 with a weight capacity of 1000lbs* if spaced 16" apart:
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-13-Inch-Heavy-Duty-Bracket-10-Pack/dp/B07PJTYNC7/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=18+inch+heavy+duty+bracket&qid=1603219357&sr=8-7&th=1

*Would be 1000lbs is if the 20" length is attached to the stud. Reversed it would be less (only 13" on studs), but still more than enough even if you assume their stretch halved to 500lbs.