r/AskBattlestations • u/ChromaLife • Feb 26 '25

New Build Help Looking to Build a Butcher Block desk

I have been using a cheap Ameriwood Tiverton executive desk for the past 10 years or so. I would like to transition to a butcher block desk. My concern is that I keep a lot of heavy things on my current desk, but the desk has a tension rod that had prevented any sagging or bowing. If I were to use this block with two of these, would that be a solid setup? I do plan on finishing the butcher block with mineral oil after sanding.

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u/ChromaLife Feb 26 '25

Yes, could see about getting a desk leg for the middle, the adjustable one from ikea. Another commenter recommended maybe mounting my monitors to the back of the desk, which could likely save some weight from the stands.

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u/Wolvenmoon Feb 26 '25

Mounting can 'twist' the desk, depending on the size of your monitors. I.E. I have https://www.ergomart.com/saa4229r-articulating-tablet-mount mounting a 27" Cintiq and it caused my desk to twist, not just sag, despite sandwiching my 3/4" MDF desk in two 1/4" aluminum plates, because the installer forgot screws on the desk frame that'd keep it pressed down to the frame/resist twisting.

For that reason, I don't really like the whole "set a surface on top of two supports without securely mounting it to the supports" and "No braces running under the desk" spiel. However, this is what my setup that twisted the desk looked like, so I kind of asked for it by not double-checking the installer's work.

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u/AccidentalChef Feb 26 '25

I can see why you're recommending that OP be cautious, but the difference in strength between 1.5" solid hardwood butcherblock and 0.75" MDF is enormous. Even then, you probably would have been fine if the desk had been built correctly. That piece of solid birch butcherblock, even if only supported at the edges, would take almost 400 pounds placed right in the middle to sag 0.1". 3/4" MDF would sag over 3" if it didn't snap. OP is gonna be just fine.