Want to Make Live Edge Desk with Motorized Legs

[rljatl]

I want to make a desk with a live edge top and motorized legs to raise and lower the desk.

1. One concern is the weight of the top.  Any recommendations for motorized legs that can handle the extra weight?

2. Suggestions for wood species for the live edge top?

3. Finish recommendations?  I thought about putting glass on top of the finished wood, but thought this really would add too much weight.  Thoughts?

Thanks for all suggestions and ideas!

 

 

[Kev]

Most of the motorised leg sets are good for 100~150Kg, so you probably don't have a lot to worry about unless you intend to stand on it (this is assuming you're not intending to use a monster slab).

I wouldn't bother with glass, but for a "working desk" you do need to ensure the top is flat and well sealed .. and that the "live edge" doesn't get in your way. Are you thinking live edge back, front, both??

Remember also that the mechanism for the desk has a few cables, power supply, controls, etc and you need to install it in a way that doesn't detract from the feature of the top - think that through early in your design.

I made one for my wife a couple of years ago ... still going strong, but the top was only a simple one.

 

[rljatl]

Kev, you gave me some good things to think about.  With a straight edge  for the back edge I could put the desk right up to the wall, but I prefer to have it pulled away from the wall some so that I can stretch out my legs.  I am 6' 3".

My preference would be to have the live edge on the front and back at least.  The left and right ends would probably be straight.

I will have to give the cables  for the motorized legs some thought.  Any suggestions?

 

[Kev]

Kev, you gave me some good things to think about.  With a straight edge  for the back edge I could put the desk right up to the wall, but I prefer to have it pulled away from the wall some so that I can stretch out my legs.  I am 6' 3".

My preference would be to have the live edge on the front and back at least.  The left and right ends would probably be straight.

I will have to give the cables  for the motorized legs some thought.  Any suggestions?

It really depends on the legs you get and what cabling is required .. also consider what equipment you're going to have on the desk and it's associated cabling. Things get messy real fast!

The leg set I got has centre bars that telescope within the leg sets - which gives you a spot to conceal most of the cables other that the power supply and the control module. An option may be to incorporate a cable tray of some sort if you're going to have additional cables to conceal.

Just keep in mind that most of the motorised leg sets have an "office functional" appearance and may not blend well with a natural timber piece of furniture. There's nothing worse than putting a lot of effort into something and not being happy with it's appearance.

 

[rljatl]

I typically do have a lot of cables on my desk - desk phone, laptop connected to speakers, cable modem, router, printer, twin external monitors, etc.  Although, I hope to move to bluetooth wireless over time for some of this stuff.

A cable tray is a great idea because with my current setup, I occasionally kick a cable loose or pull a speaker off the desk.

I wonder if it would be practical to build an enclosure around the motorized legs that would blend in better with a live edge top?  or are there other types of motorized legs that would fit in better?  I was thinking that you see those hairpin legs on live edge tables sometimes.

 

[Kev]

Your decor would dictate but I'd personally aim for matt black legs. Don't add anything to them, keep them minimal.

Anything obviously protruding below a live edge slab will detract, so be very selective in what you do there ... hunt down the mechanism that's the best for your needs and had the least amount of ancillary garbage, then plan your top (that's what I'd fp).

Anyway, you can alway spray the base legs to match your wall. carpet, etc if need be.

 

[antss]

Lee Valley has a set that will take 200-250lbs. and is reasonably priced.