Tile Top Desks

With the limited time available often the projects I get to build are those that are for either something I, or something someone else needs. Such is the case with this two project post, both of which are tile topped desks. My mom and Dana's mom were both in need of new desks in the course of the past two years, so it provided me with a new project and solved gift situations.  The task: build desks that would fit each of their houses, while still providing a sturdy and lasting piece of furniture.  The solution: solid wood desks with marble tops.  These would allow enough room for creativity in the legs and shelves to match the houses they would later go in, while using a top that is cheap, easy to install, and sure to last for years to come.  Here are a few pictures of the finished projects. (also included is my attempt at learning photoshop)

The first desk is made of Poplar using an ebony stain. The legs are supported with steel rods bent into curvy shapes(better name for these anyone?). The second is all oak wood frame that was stained with two different shades.  I was hoping for a darker brown but two days before Christmas this color had to work.  It ended up contrasting with the balck and tile well, just not exactly what I had in mind.  The following pictures will look at the construction behind the two.  Starting with the table tops, each has a plywood base that the tile and wood frame sits on. The first two are from the Oak desk, the last from the Poplar desk.

Next, building a base unit for each. Again, the Oak desk first, Poplar second.

Next was putting together leg braces...

And finally putting it all together and staining. The tiles are brought up to the height of the finish wood with some particle board layers, and are glued in with silicone.  I used one broken tile per desk to help finish off the proper heights of the wood by sanding to the trash tile.  This let me ensure proper fit with minimal tile breakage(again.. may not be a word).  The Oak desk also has wicker drawers that are garden ridge style drawers attached to woods bases. The bases are smaller than the baskets allowing them to remain hidden while offering the support needed for office supplies.

And one more time, the finished product:

End.