rolsonDesign wrote:
I plan on having the desktop sit ontop of file cabinets that I built.
The L shape is going into a corner. The file cabinets will be anchored
to the subfloor and to the wall...I think.
There will be library bookshelves sitting ontop of the desk too...for
books and display items.
Part of my problem is I don't know what material to use for the
desktop. Everything else will be primed and painted white. I want the
desktop to be different. I was thinking of a light wood...maybe even a
butcher block material.
I'm trying to attach a rendering I did on my computer of the unit I'm
building.
http://www.rolson.com/images/bookcase2_view3.jpg
Nice rendering.
If you are going to have the apron and drawer in the front between the
cabinets just build a back side to it with some bracing going front to
back. This assembly would then be screwed to the wall and the cabinets
to provide plenty of support for the top. If the top is only going to
be 3/4" you will need a diagonal brace in the corner even though it
will probably only support a monitor. Someone is bound to lean on it
to reach back there and/or climb on it to change a light bulb.
Prometheus' double-thickness half lap method is what I would do since
the corner is basically unsupported and that is where the joint will
be.
I don't see a reason to do anything with the cabinets other than screw
them into the studs, kitchen cabinets are rarely attached to the floor.
One other option that I will probably get flamed for is a Formica or
similar top. They can make a one piece counter up to 5' x 12' in just
about any shape. Formica is almost bulletproof and the colors &
patterns are limitless. You could probably have this custom made and
delivered for less than the cost of materials if you build it. The
desktop I'm typing on right now has a commercial finish applied to
veneered mdf. It is only about three years old and the finish is
scratched all to hell under the keyboard and the FBI could read what
I've written with my ball point pen from the depressions YMMV.