Wood recommendation for a desk?

Nitemare

Lifer
Feb 8, 2001
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I'm going to be building a sectional desk for a carpentry class. The top will be a 2x4 frame covered with a surface of stained wood. This will in turn rest on two sets of shelf units...essentially a sturdy 3 piece desk that breaks down for easy removal. Top dimensions will be 30x72.

Ideally not that expensive, but will look good stained

Mspaint representation of desk

Due to the outrageous costs of hardwood, I was thinking of going with hardwood plywood or a veneer or luan on plywood/MDF.

Also would MDF or plywood be a better core if I go with the veneer or luan(Easier to glue)
 

Mr N8

Diamond Member
Dec 3, 2001
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I would go with oak. It stains fairly evenly, absorbs well, and doesn't look cheap. Also, to save on cost, you can use oak plywood for the sides, and it will look just as good as if you had used true oak all the way around.
 

laurenlex

Platinum Member
Feb 26, 2004
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Don't use pine ... too soft. Dents and scratches. Don't know about others. Oak is always good.
 

Nitemare

Lifer
Feb 8, 2001
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Originally posted by: MogulMonster
I would go with oak. It stains fairly evenly, absorbs well, and doesn't look cheap. Also, to save on cost, you can use oak plywood for the sides, and it will look just as good as if you had used true oak all the way around.

Coolness, thanks.
 

Vanman

Member
Jul 19, 2004
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Oak or Cherry would look the best, not sure about poplar. Oak and cherry are a bit on the expensive side is only problem. Pine would be the cheapest but Laurenlex is right about it being too soft.
 

jemcam

Diamond Member
Jan 3, 2001
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Personally, if I was going to build a desk, I would want the top surface to have a very tight grain (something oak doesn't have) and would definitely want it to be some type of hard wood.

Given that, I'd go with cherry or maple. Poplar and pine are too soft.
 

axnff

Senior member
Dec 1, 2000
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Before you decide on oak, make sure you can live with strong wood grain pattern. Maple and cherry have less intrusive wood-grains, yet are still wonderful for furniture. Personally, I hate oak on anything other than the floor (and know many who agree with me)...
 

Nitemare

Lifer
Feb 8, 2001
35,461
4
81
Think a 2.5x5 will be large enough for 2 large monitors and a couple of satellite speakers or should I go 2.5x6?
 

Ornery

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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A carpentry class? Strange project for carpentry. 2x4s would be the right materials for carpentry, and a work bench, but not a desk. I'd have to see the plans before recommending anything. You can buy 4'x 8' sheets of 3/4" veneered plywood from Home Depot for about $40.00. That would be birch. You could stain that as dark or light as you want.
 

olds

Elite Member
Mar 3, 2000
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Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
Teak, nicest wood ever.

Honduran mahogany is pretty nice, too. Never seen a teak desk though.
 
Aug 16, 2001
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Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
Teak, nicest wood ever.

Honduran mahogany is pretty nice, too. Never seen a teak desk though.

Me neither but my dad used teak for the interior of the boat we used to have. Aaah it was great looking. It's heavy, hard as hell and probably $$$$$$ too.
 

olds

Elite Member
Mar 3, 2000
50,085
766
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Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
Teak, nicest wood ever.

Honduran mahogany is pretty nice, too. Never seen a teak desk though.

Me neither but my dad used teak for the interior of the boat we used to have. Aaah it was great looking. It's heavy, hard as hell and probably $$$$$$ too.

Teak is often used in boats. Especially the swim platforms/steps.