Another malaysia flight just went bye bye.

you've had that sig for SO LONG! i remember seeing you a long time ago in the DF with same sig. congrats on not having OCD like some of us.

Did you try economy lumber?

If not try calling Southerlands in KC.. When I was growing up southerlands in my home town had stuff like this.. also if there is a menards near you they can and will special order this lumber for you

That picture you posted is something i would consider - but the desk is very large and its solid oak he's probably going to want a little more than 1 inch thick, i really don't think its going to last like that being 3 sections. At the least he's going to need support in the 2 spots the sections meet. It' hard to say without seeing what can be done with the materials he wants.

This post was edited by March_man on Jul 17 2014 12:49pm

Maybe I didn't talk to the correct employee at Menards. I'll give them a call and see what I can get done with another employee. Economy lumber, yes. However, they're usually grossly overpriced and their own employees go across the street to Lowes to get their lumber. My grandpa's an electrician so growing up I spent a lot of time in economy lumber. Love the smell of those places.

edit: if you google "DIY ikea desk" you should see within the first couple pictures what Im trying to build (with modification). Brown stained wood with white ikea cabinets is what they used.

Edit: Just looked at Menards website. I can get 1x8x8 boards for 39.99 a piece, come presanded, kiln dried, etc. I could just buy 3 of those, slap them together, stain, and then find the book cases to put underneath. Or maybe I could go 4 of those boards, for a 32" depth.

This post was edited by RMMhc on Jul 17 2014 12:48pm

If the pieces are laid out like that and you put a shelf in the middle to replace support you won't have a problem with just about any realistic weight.

Edit: the quality of those shelves you posted will support your needs.
You won't need braces underneath as posted earlier.

This post was edited by March_man on Jul 17 2014 12:51pm

Go for 32' depth strap them - go for 3 book shelves, no you won't have any problems.

I'd go with 32" depth.. but i would definitely do what I said to do also.. it will make a huge difference in the amount the desk can support.. plus it will make it an inch thicker and 2" thick looks better than 1"

The distance between each book shelf will be a about 2.5 feet he won't need support like that - it will look like shit too. Providing he's opting in for 3 book shelves. It will be fine - id go for thicker oak.

Edit: 2.5-3 inch oak is really nice, or just put a lip to look like its 3 inch oak you'll need a carpenter to finish it.

This post was edited by March_man on Jul 17 2014 01:29pm