Advice needed: Trying to build the ultimate 2 monitor desk

Hi,

I'm basically trying to buy or build (or a combination) the perfect desk for myself.

I'm 6'3" (~190cm) tall and have made a few calculations based on my chair and comfortable seating position.

Ideal dimensions:
Width - 5 feet (60", ~152cm)
Depth - 2.5 feet (30", ~76cm)
Tabletop Height - 33" (~84cm),
Keyboard tray Height - 29" (~74cm) - This will run the width and depth of the tabletop about 2" below the tabletop.

I'd also like it to have solid legs and back, a bit like the Ikea BestÅ desk: BESTÅ Desk - black-brown - IKEA. The problem with this is the height and width of the desk.

Here's the desk at those dimensions I've created in Google Sketchup (ignore the color):


This is the most basic. Additions to this will include a shelf above the tabletop for placing monitors and speakers, a set of 3 drawers (not fixed) drawers to one side, a small box for hiding cables that will also serve as a foot rest, and a separate footrest along the back wall of the desk.

Here's the desk with the additions, also from Google Sketchup:


And here's the desk with all my gear included:


Basically, I want to know if anyone has seen a desk that matches those dimensions, either the basic desk or with all my additions. If not, what would it cost to build such a desk, and what kind of wood should I use? I've never taken on a project like this, but I'm sure I could pull it off given some time.

If anyone has some suggestions on how to change this up to make it more effective/useful, please do share.

Thanks!

 

These aren't exactly to your specs but maybe you'll like em:
Walmart.com: Sauder Saturn Multi-Level Computer Workstation, Black and Cherry: Furniture



Amazon.com: Sauder Edge Water Computer Desk Estate Black: Office Products



Amazon.com: Sauder Edge Water Computer Desk in Estate Black: Office Products



You could also build a desk like this guy did: How To: Build a Custom Ergonomic Computer Desk - Blog - Projects, Ideas, Inspiration, Kee Klamp, Fittings
Yours would of course be more complicated, but maybe the guide will help.

This company builds custom furniture. According to the website, they offer a free consultation, so you could get a consultation and a quote and see if it fits into your budget.

 

Thanks for the quick response. Some of those are pretty nice.

I'm looking at making the desk myself, maybe taking an Ikea 60" Vika Amon tabletop and adding legs and maybe a keyboard tray like the guy in your link did.

I'm also trying to work out if I need the sides and back to be completely enclosed, or if it might be more practical costwise to just use single legs. I don't even know what kind of wood would do the trick - I'm guessing another two of that same tabletop wouldn't do the trick right?

 

Instead of legs, how about some tall cabinets on either side. It would be sturdier and have some storage space. Lack of storage was the first and only real issue I have with my desk setup.

Also for dual monitors I'd put a dual monitor arm and mount them.

You could keep the planned shelf in the rear, just put a hole in it for the leg

In addition, something like these:
3-Port USB 2.0 Hub for Office Desk Cable Hole (58mm Diameter) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
Reduce Cable Clutter with Flush-Mount USB Desk Hub | PCWorld
Manafont.com | $4.99 Office Desktop Cable Hole Cover w/ 4-Port USB Hub

There was one cover that had audio ports also, I just cannot find it right now but I think you get the idea.

 

^^^^That dual arm thing is pretty cool.

And for that tabletop, I'm guessing it would be pretty easy to add the little back piece on (the part where your computer(s) rested in your sketchups).

If you went to Lowes/Home Depot or any home improvement store, I'm sure they could tell you what kind of wood to use.

 

Is there a particular reason why you want the sides/back to be enclosed? Personally, I think it adds too much waste and weight.

I built my desk with the Vika Furuskog, Summera keyboard try, and legs.

For legs, I was actually super ghetto. I raided the as-is area, and found a set of legs for $3 each. These legs are ideal since they are adjustable. They were as-is and I actually ended up breaking a leg while adjusting. I had to buy a pair of mismatched legs, also as-is for $3 each.

I am also using these monitor mounts to hold 2x U2410s. It is not as adjustable as some of the $200-300 mounts you can buy - but its also not $200-$300.I unfortunately do not have a very elegant speaker stand solution yet...

I can provide pictures if you were interested later.

GL!

 

I personally would scratch the keyboard trey, thats what your desktop is for. The cheapest way to build it is with 2x4 legs, and do 45 degree braces in the corners. I use 3/4 MDF wood for the desk top, its approximately 45$ for a 4x8 sheet.

This is my current desk I am using and built myself, the screen mount is attached to the desk, not the wall.



Though you can't see the 45 degree braces in that picture, I have a picture of the ones I put in my kitchen counter top.



Across the back if using ply wood or MDF is to expensive then you can just use a 2x4 or a 2x6 and it will provide tons of strength that you will need.

 

KLF, I actually do plan to buy some monitor mounts like that, I'm looking at Ergo LXs, they offer a MASSIVE degree of movement. I played around with a sketchup file someone had put online and added them to my model a few days ago:



Ferrari, I haven't actually got a computer placed anywhere - I use a Sager 5793 monster which I connect to the monitors with a Matrox Doublehead2Go, though I am due for an upgrade soon.

Minnus, I liked the look of things being enclosed, plus having the back enclosed would allow me to better hide the cables and run them into the box at the lower left that the sub is sitting on. But you're right, it might be cheaper to not cover all sides up like that. I'm finding sawhorse legs an appealing alternative.

That Furuskog is absolutely lovely, and very affordable for solid pine wood at those dimensions. I may want to finish that with some Cabot Opaque black stain and Shellac to get the finish this guy got.

Is that Summera keyboard tray expandable, or is it fixed to the 18 1/4" width the website says? I'd ideally like to have a keyboard tray that sits the length of the table, as I want to use the half of it behind the keyboard to store my bevy of hard drives and other stuff I don't need to see but need to keep dust free.

And yes, I would love to see your setup.