Would it be cheaper to buy a desk or make one?

Question

I want to make a custom desk fit for my height but i'm not sure how much wood costs. Is wood really expensive? What type of wood would u reccomend for my project?

Answer 1

you should check out thrift stores first, it's amazing what you find there and you can always sand and paint. It's better to recycle and reuse than using expensive wood. it's actually more expensive to make it yourself.

Answer 2

The problem with making a desk, or anything out of wood is not the cost of the wood as it is the tools to make the project.
I have the appropriate tools, a table saw, router, drill, sander and hand tools, none the less it is often much cheaper to purchase a good used item rather than build my own.
A table could serve as a desk and even be made to any required height with a flush door and legs available at most lumber yards. It could be constructed with a saw and screwdriver.
Only if you have access to the appropriate tools, and have someone to assist you in the planning and construction of a desk would I advise you to try anything more complex than a simple table made from a flush door. If you have both the tools and help you may be able to design and construct a suitable size appropriate desk. The choice of wood, plywood, pine or hardwood is up to you, any would be suitable.
Perhaps finishing an unfinished piece of furniture might be a more appropriate project. Often unfinished furniture is made in smaller sizes.

Answer 3

Wood is expensive.
You can purchase some pretty nice desks at a low cost.I've saw them as low as 60.00 and not bad looking either.
If you buy one with legs,it could be cut down to fit your height.
Of course,it all depends on what type wood you want it made from.If it's oak or some of the better woods,you'll pay more whether you buy a desk already made or make one.

Answer 4

I don't know what your skill level is or how much you plan to spend. If 150.00 is all you plan on spending, you can buy pine for that price and spend a couple of days building it. It is easier to buy one unless you just enjoy building things.If your budget is $500-600.00 and you use oak or some other hardwood then it is probably worth taking the time to build one. Your question just sunk in. If you're asking this you may not have a high skill level. Don't take it personal, I know I've screwed up plenty of pieces of wood in my lifetime. Just buy a couple of books or look on-line for instructions. If you do go ahead and decide to build one remember...GOOD drawers are made of 5 pieces, a front, back, two sides , and a face plate. Good luck.

Answer 5

I made a simple desktop by cutting the shape out of thick plywood, staining it, and attached to the wall using large shelf brackets. Bought a small file cabinet to use for drawers. Been using it over 10 years now. Total cost = cheap!

Answer 6

I recommend oak for any furniture. Go to Lowes with your desk dimensions for an estimate.

Answer 7

buy- big lots or somewhere like that- then paint how you like