Custom-built desk - questions about wall mounting and stability

[Andreas Westberg]

We have a bay window in our apartment where I want to install a custom-built desk, but I need some help figuring out how to attach the desk to the walls, etc.

"Requirements":
- Countertop from Beijerbygg, 26 or 38mm thick, not decided yet (https://www.beijerbygg.se/store/privat/kök-bad/kök/bänkskivor/bänkskiva-ek-oljad?artikel=597001)
- Only wall attachment, no legs to the floor (should be easy to clean underneath...)
- Shelf for binders mounted on the underside of the desk (space-saving / compact living / ...)

Question:
- What type of attachment in the wall is required for this?
- How much can you manage before some type of table leg is needed? (Would be very nice to avoid...)

It should be able to support:
- The board + computer/sewing machine/climbing children... (2-4 years old...)
- Shelf on the underside of the countertop for binders (approx. 10-15 pieces)

The walls/bay window design:
- Concrete walls: Uncertain about the exact material though, when we've drilled into the walls before, it's ranged from looser brick to very hard. The condominium building is from 1942.
- Along the long side (at the back of the desk) there is a radiator in the wall, which may make it difficult to install mounts as there are only 10 cm free up to the windowsill that sticks out over the radiator.

Thanks in advance for the help!
/Andreas

 

[Jarlsgård]

The absolute easiest way to make it strong enough, I would say, is to place moldings/studs along the entire bay window, on which you then place the countertop. So, something like 25x38 Läkt or similar. Attach them with sufficiently long nail anchors/facade plugs and there's no chance it will collapse.

 

[ricebridge]

38 mm oak with battens as @Jarlsgård writes (I usually go with 45x45 and insanely long screws, mostly out of old habit) you could probably dance the Jenka on without it collapsing. But if you're worried, put a couple of legs on the inside, more or less snug against the radiator. If that doesn't hold the heavy relatives visiting, then I am the Queen of Sheba.

 

[MagicFingers]

I might think that the radiator is there for a reason, so sealing it off won't be the best for the heat in the room... could you consider a couple of holes in the panel so that the air can circulate?..

 

[ricebridge]

I can imagine that the radiator is there for a reason, so sealing it off there might not be the best for the heat in the room... could you consider a couple of holes in the board so that the air can circulate?..

It will all circulate enough anyway. (I have a similar solution in my study.)

 

[MagicFingers]

okay, but why not simply place the disc on top of the windowsill and clamp it on the sides with some molding from above.?

 

[ricebridge]

okay, but why not simply put the board on the windowsill and clamp it on the sides with some molding from above?

Depends on if it matches the desired working height, but otherwise you're right about that.

 

[Kane]

okay, but why not simply place the board on top of the windowsill and clamp it at the sides with some strip from above.?

Won't look nice. If the working height doesn't get completely crazy, the board should sit under the windowsills.

Make some nice holes at the back edge of the board or install a ventilation grille for good heat distribution. You'll also need holes for cables.

 

[BirgitS]

Is the bay window deep enough to accommodate both knees and binders?
Common receipts and certain papers usually don't fare well in high heat, which I imagine it gets in front of a radiator, especially if the heat has difficulty rising.