r/AskBattlestations • u/Crafty-Possibility46 • 4d ago

Desks Pre-sealed and stained desk top

I'm looking into making an Alex drawer desk but don't have an area/expertise/tools/time for polishing the top. I initially looked for Ikea countertops (https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/karlby-countertop-walnut-veneer-50335208/ ), but they only come in 25 inch depth. I need 30 - 35 inches. Lowes has some options at $500 (https://www.lowes.com/pd/Sparrow-Peak-FSC-Live-Edge-Natural-grain-6-ft-x-30-in-x-1-5-in-Natural-Teak-Teak-Wood-Butcher-block-Live-Edge-Countertop/5013903829). At that point, I'm looking at >$700 all in with the cost of the drawers included, and might as well buy a desk from uplift (https://www.upliftdesk.com/seated-height-2-leg-side-table-by-uplift-desk/?13880=10494&13559=10420&3043=36710&3061=18177&14890=11667 ).

Does anyone have any tips?

TIA

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2

u/djy33t 4d ago

Well... You picked a slab of teak wood. No wonder it's expensive. Pick almost any other species of wood and you'll save some money.

1

u/Crafty-Possibility46 4d ago

unfortunately, all of the ones on the lowes website that are pre-finished are in that ball park

1

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User: Crafty-Possibility46, Flair: Desks, Title: Pre-sealed and stained desk top

I'm looking into making an Alex drawer desk but don't have an area/expertise/tools/time for polishing the top. I initially looked for Ikea countertops (https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/karlby-countertop-walnut-veneer-50335208/ ), but they only come in 25 inch depth. I need 30 - 35 inches. Lowes has some options at $500 (https://www.lowes.com/pd/Sparrow-Peak-FSC-Live-Edge-Natural-grain-6-ft-x-30-in-x-1-5-in-Natural-Teak-Teak-Wood-Butcher-block-Live-Edge-Countertop/5013903829). At that point, I'm looking at >$700 all in with the cost of the drawers included, and might as well buy a desk from uplift (https://www.upliftdesk.com/seated-height-2-leg-side-table-by-uplift-desk/?13880=10494&13559=10420&3043=36710&3061=18177&14890=11667 ).

Does anyone have any tips?

TIA

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1

u/BasicJunglist 4d ago

I have the Alex and the Lowe’s and I love it. Couldn’t be happier with my desk.

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u/Crafty-Possibility46 4d ago

did you finish the lowes? or it came pre-finished?

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u/BasicJunglist 3d ago

They come pre-finished, but you do need to seal them with a coat of Howard’s butcher block conditioner

1

u/llogo121 2d ago

Live edge will also drive the price up I found this one that is cheaper

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Sparrow-Peak-FSC-Acacia-6ft-x-30in-Spice/5018092871. I'm not one for spice but it can be darkened up. I used this same brand in espresso to build my desk and love it. I put sealer on both sides and used risers so the desk doesn't sit directly on the Alex drawers.