Making A Huge Desk!

So even though I've been busy with everything else around here (trying to finish the extension etc) I took on a large commission a few weeks ago. 

It was to help create a new music studio for a customer. There was a list of jobs that needed doing, construct a ceiling, lay a floor, fit a soundproof door, build a massive 3.5m horse shoe shaped oak desk...


The desk really interested me. Not something you get to build everyday as a carpenter! I had some scribbles on a piece of paper provided by the customer and went from there.

The desk wasn't to be glued together so it could be removed at a later date if it needed to be. I also needed to build it in small enough sections so I could carry it and it would fit through the door into the studio.

I started by cutting all the pieces for the top into the right sizes and angles. This allowed me to lay it all out and see where I was going from there.

It was huge!

To get the picture at the top of this post I laid it out on the patio and went upstairs to take the shot!

I had decided on some thick oak worktop for the top of the desk. This is manufactured to be really stable so it won't move and is really good quality. In the end I had to order it online as my local supplier let me down.

I jointed it in much the same way I would a kitchen worktop. Using loose tenons (I have a machine that does this simply) and I routed in slots on the underside to accept bolts that would pull the joints tight together. Essential when you're not using glue and it allows the unit to be taken apart should it be needed.

Once I had this set out I started work on the back. This was to be constructed with oak legs in a frame mortised and tenoned together and a oak veneered ply back to provide stability and to hide all the wires that will be behind when music equipment is added.

I made three of these sections up that could stand interdependently so the last two sections could connect them altogether.

Adding bracing to one of the end sections

 The front legs were to be off the shelf stainless steel legs that I had to cut down using the grinder and a simple jig.

One section ready to be stood up

The completed desk in place.

The desk went together really easily. I was pleased as I hadn't been able to dry assemble ti at home as I just didn't have the space or a flat surface big enough.

When I had the desk assembled I sanded it all down ready to accept the dark finish the customer had requested.

I was pleased with the joints. I hate not gluing things together so it was good that these still came good with no glue. 

 As well as the desk I also put in a false ceiling, laid an oak floor and hung a very heavy sound proof door with a new frame.

I was really pleased with how the studio turned out. The customer has made such a lovely job of kitting it all out, with a great choice of colours as well. It feels like a proper haven now!

I was also impressed with the finish on the desk. I hate leaving something like that with the customer to finish but they've done an amazing job with it! It was great seeing it all in use, Looks like a great space to work from.

A really interesting commission that certainly made me think and tested my skills as a carpenter - just the kind of job I like!

What would be your dream workspace?