Hello AT,
In our new apartment, we've got this second bedroom that we're interested in turning into a creative work room, for art, writing, painting, what have you. Now there's this great NOOK in the far wall of the room, about 26.5" deep by 110" wide (see hastily-sketched semi-floor plan), and I'd like to "build" a long work table into the nook...
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Let me step back a bit: I couldn't nail two pieces of wood together even if you showed me how. I'm a clumsy, cerebral fellow (just ask my wife!) who somehow gets paper-cuts from answering the phone. So when I say "build," I mean, I'd like to have a long piece of thick wood or other sturdy, heavy material CUT TO SIZE FOR ME to fit the nook, and then prop the wood up on sawhorses, trestles, foldable legs, etc.
My questions, then: (1) Any suggestions on material for the tabletop? (2) Any suggestions for the legs? Trestles, sawhorses, etc., etc.? As long as the whole solution, top and legs, is sturdy, heavy, and MINIMAL, it'll be great!
I'm in Manhattan, so sourcing suggestions would be great as well. Thanks, everyone. Gabriel
Dear Gabriel,
Our advice would be to get thee to Ikea. We've blogged this before and we think their wood countertop matched with metal legs is the best, most affordable, handsomest solution for a long thin tabletop, particularly for a desk against a wall: Click here for more info.
The countertops come up to 96" long, but you can easily put two together.
Anyone else??
Room and Board will do a customized Parsons table, any length up to 120", and for tops you can choose from four woods (maple, walnut, and I forget what else), clear glass, frosted glass, marble, etc. Of course it costs more than IKEA, but not nearly as much as you might think. I'm getting ready to do one 90" long for a sofa table/landing strip in back of our sectional sofa.
view palousian's profile
Gabriel, you could look into finding a piece of reclaimed wood to use for your desktop. Reclaimed wood is often gorgeous and interestingly marked, so it could be a simple and organic focal point for your room.
Build It Green, in Astoria, is a good place to get reclaimed wood. I haven't used them yet, but have taken a spin through the warehouse and saw wonderful stuff. Prices are ... ok. Not super cheap. But ok.
http://www.bignyc.org/
Further afield, there's this place:
http://www.terramai.com/
view moira's profile
Consider going to ikea, purchasing some wall cabinets, screwing them to the wall so the float (or just rest them on the floor using the pinth or legs) and then getting a surface. You'll have a built-in credenza-type thing with hidden storage and work surface. I am currently helping my folks do this...
view Julian's profile
Or you can get wood cut to size at Wood-o-rama, on the Upper West Side.
But they may / may not have 110" long wood. Call them first. Then you have to figure out how to get such a long piece of wood home....
view Kah's profile
I have a similar nook over a radiator and in fornt of windows that I'd liek to make a surface in - Does anyone know if Home Depot cuts wood to size for you? I don't want to pay much for the wood, something unfinished would be fine.
view kittykittymeowmixhead's profile
It depends on how you want to use the table -- if you're going to be cutting fabric or painting or collaging on it you want a surface that will gain character from being nicked and smeared. The reclaimed wood might be just the way to go.
view Deborah's profile
If you're going to order one long piece to be delivered, just make sure it will fit into your elevator/up the stairs. I've heard sad stories about long granite countertops that never made it up :(
view d in dc's profile
Does your window have a view? If so, buy a table to face the window and turn the long wall into a wall of storage instead.
view Anne in Chicago's profile
Ikea has a very thin LONG table that's meant to glide over the top of your bed so you can work in bed. That would fit in that spot perfectly. Catalog is at home...but I'll try to look for the name tonight.
view I Love Upstate's profile
Thanks for asking this because I have had the same idea for a room almost exactly this size.
I would like to do something similar to what Julian suggested with floating cabinets. Trouble is, I need the space to be 32-36" deep. Will the wall cabinets be able to support a deep counter without sagging? Or can i moutn base cabinets on the wall? Or can I further support the work surface somehow on each end (wall)?
view jenniejen's profile
If you're more focused on functionality than a particular aesthetic, two-drawer file cabinets add storage and make good legs for work tables.
view Tessa's profile
Depends on the look you want. Since that space is so looooong, I would put two tables in there as it will make things easier to move and clean around (yes, Ikea has both legs and table tops at the appropriate width), or I'd get the IKEA butcher block counter that comes in 26" width and 96" length and put it on top of 3-4 base office cabinets or you could use table legs. The countops can be stained a different hue or just oiled and left as is. They are super sturdy.
view Lizzy C's profile
kittykittymeow,
I believe that Home Depot does offer a cutting service. It might be limited to simple cuts, but they did cut a series of shelves for me several years ago (Astoria, Northern Blvd. store). It was either free or a nominal per-cut charge.
L
view Lynn's profile
If you have cash, get this!
http://www.hiddenartshop.com/product.php?xProd=876&s=1
view jenniejen's profile
I agree with Anne in Chicago, put storage in the nook. You can get great craft storage (I really like Elf) that you could put together. I would get a large table to float in the middle of the room. If I had to do it all over again, I'd get a higher craft table, I like to get up a lot while I'm crafting so, counter or bistro table height. Could you barter your non-paper cutting expertise for handyperson help? I'm seen some very cool laminate surfaces that can join together two surfaces that will stand up to crafting spills.
view eSusan's profile