Materials: 1 x Expedit Shelving Unit (2x2; 601.352.99); 1 x Expedit Desk (601.160.69); Opt.: 1 x Besta (401.021.48) + 1 x Inreda (= drawer for Besta; 701.050.27) or some 'Expedit-Stuff' like drawer or something...
Description: I was looking for a low-priced Computer-Desk. On my way through the internet I saw the 'Sitting + Standing Desk Combo' by 'Keith Rozario, Malaysia' and liked it at first sight. I took the "sitting part" and modified it a little:
As already mentioned the Expedit Desk is originally designed for the 2x4 or the 4x4 Expedit Shelving Unit.
To put a 2x2 Unit with the desk together, you'll need some brackets.
I used the remaining brackets which we're intended for wall-mounting of the 2x2 Unit. (Even though you can use those brackets, you should use some better wood-screws!)
Caution:
The desk is not as high as the shelf (Desk: 76cm/ Sh.Unit: 79cm). Fortunately it is adjustable in height by only two "screws". Unfortunately the "screws" in the package are not long enough. :(
I used Screws with a length of 7cm. The length is dependent on the distance to the ground to keep the desk in the same level as the shelf.
Note: The screws can be covered with a good looking pipe, tube or something.
That's it for the desk.
As you can see, I modified the 2x2 unit so I can use it as a computer storage (Image 3).
For this I have rotated the rack cross around 90 degrees so that the long board is vertically mounted.
I've omitted one of the small boards to get the right space for my computer.
I chose this option because the desk stands in the corner of the room and I needed a place for my computer (and legs^^).
Note: The wooden peg in the middle of the long board can be cut and dyed black. ;)
If the desk is to be used without a computer (or maybe only with a Laptop or something), the 2x2 unit can -originally- also be used as storage space with all the Expedit-Stuff like drawers or something.
In my case, it serves as storage for the computer, external hard disk(s) and power strip (Image 3 was taken before I adjusted the cables^^).
I've created additional space for storage with Shelf "Besta" on top of the 2x2 unit.
I think, it is an low-priced desk with potential!
~ Marcus H., Karlsruhe, Germany
Nice desk!
ReplyDeleteUsing screws for height adjustable feet is going to make serious dents in your wood flooring (if it hasn't already). proper height adjustable feet should be findable in a big hardware store or online.
I wonder how stable this is, because Expedit is piece of sh*t.
ReplyDeleteHuh. My experience has been that Expedit is very very vulnerable to damage when being put together, but after assembly is really sturdy. I have a 4x4 that I bought about ten years ago that did hard labor in my bedroom holding our clothes, and just got put into service in our Ikea-hacked nursery (I need to send in pictures). I expect it to last well into my baby's teen years.
ReplyDeleteI just bought a couple 2x2s for my office, with the idea that someday they'd end up in the kid's room as a matching desk. I never thought of using the wall brackets to mount the desk, I'll have to keep them tucked away and labeled, so I can try this hack out in about eight years.
I think it's a nice solution, although I too worry about the floor.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, nice job on marking up the photos! Even if it's "just" done in Paint, it's very tidy and (unfortunately) unusually well done. :-)
I did this (upon coming home with the expedit desk & the 2x2 shelf, foolishly not noticing they technically weren't made for each other). It worked great! Thanks for the tip and for spelling it out so clearly. I used some 5/16" screws I got at a hardware store that had plastic caps you could add on to the screws.
ReplyDeletenice
ReplyDeleteWhat is the load bearing of this construction vis-a-vis the brackets screwed into the 2x2 shelf?
ReplyDeleteIt also occurs to me that one could do the same to the other side so that a desktop was suspended between two 2x2 shelves.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, I'm concerned about the weight bearing ability of the desk in this configuration.
I want to do this for my daughter's room. Could you use the desk unit as the top of the expedit to make the top one solid piece? I have a 2X2 Expedit that I got in the as is section, but it has some damage to the top and bottom. I can't tell if you did this, or if the pieces are stuck together. Thanks!
ReplyDelete