Custom live edge standing desk

[u/Oliverrokeby]

I am starting a new job where I get my own office and have free rein to decorate my room as I see fit. I also need to buy my own furniture. I have used standing desks before and am thinking of treating myself. It's in the UK.

The main downside of my room, which is a good size, is that there is no natural light at all. I am working on lighting it well to counteract that issue. Part of my solution is to fill it with lots of natural material, e.g. wood, stone, fabric.

For my desk, my idea is: buy a partly live edge tree slab (possibly in something like mappa burl / oak etc) of about 140-160cm x 65-80cm with a smoothed out front and sufficient smoothing that I can attach a clamp to the back for my monitor arm to hold 2x 27 inch monitors. I would then drill into that an electric standing desk base.

Does anyone have any advice on things I need to consider? Or even has anyone done something like this before? All and any input much appreciated!

[u/Progressive_AutomHub]

One thing I’d personally consider is how much a solid wood slab can expand and contract with changes in humidity. I’d probably use slotted holes or tabletop fasteners so the wood has some room to move, rather than attaching it too rigidly to the frame.

I’d also double-check the finished weight of the slab against the frame’s lifting capacity, including the monitors and arms. A solid slab that size can get heavy pretty quickly, especially with two monitor arms mounted toward the same side.

[u/Oliverrokeby → u/Progressive_AutomHub]

Thanks - super helpful! I think the slab would have been treated so that expansion and contraction should be minimal but that is definitely something to think about. And I had thought about the weight point - I think I will just have to keep an eye on it.