The Desk Saga: Chapter 1

Before I begin, I know some of my readers (not pointing any fingers) might comment on my seemingly inappropriate use of the word saga in this post’s title. My logic consists of this: if Stephenie Meyer can egregiously abuse the term to refer to her delusional, delirious, disgusting works of fiction, then I can use it to refer to my latest endeavor. My plot is more intricate, my characters have more depth, and my vampires don’t sparkle.

Now, about this adventure. Between programming, writing, studying, and killing zombies, I spend a rather exorbitant amount of time at or around my desk. A few months ago, I decided that I needed to upgrade my workspace.  The first order of business was replacing my $29.99 cloth task chair that I nabbed from Walmart two years ago out of desperation, as I had no spare computer chair at the time, nor the funds necessary to purchase one of acceptable quality. While I definitely got my money’s worth, my ass would inevitably veto any task which would require an uninterrupted period of work lasting longer than a couple of hours.

So, being the miser I am when it comes to buying anything practical when there are unnecessary gadgets and toys to be had, I began to bargain hunt for a nice, new chair.  Fortunately I came across quite a deal a few weeks back, and I was able to convince myself that paying $50 for a regularly-priced $200 chair was reason enough to open my pocket book. So, one comfortable, supportive, leather task chair later, I was a happy man. However, while the chair was a nice upgrade, it did not resolve the original problem: lack of desk space.

Again, I began to bargain hunt. I quickly realized that one pays a fairly hefty premium for a sizable desk of acceptable quality when one is not within reasonable driving distance of an Ikea store. So, rather than a) bash my head into a wall hoping for a miraculous deal or, b) bite the bullet and pay the price premium, I did what any responsible, self-sufficient individual would do: I asked my daddy for help.

My dad and I talked at length about my predicament, and we both agreed a DIY solution would be the most cost-effective as well as customizable solution. Together, we created a rough sketch of what I wanted and then took to getting into specifics and designing the entire thing. My favorite addendum (which you will see below) was utilizing a night stand I had made at a very young age for support at the far end rather than constructing something of similar size. Less work for me and I get to cherish those fond childhood memories of bashing my thumb with a hammer!

Despite breaking a fever the night before, we began building the basic framework for the desk, making sure it was as stable as we envisioned it would be, and leveling the frame as best we could so adding the desktop we will attach would be that much easier. I snapped a couple of pictures from my Droid X today, so forgive the quality, but it should provide an adequate idea of the basic structure. So, without further ado:

I will add more pictures as the build progresses as well as an explanation for design choices and construction techniques, as I’m sure the more astute DIY’ers might be scratching their heads at a few of our choices. I will explain at excruciating lengths in a later chapter of this great saga.

Suck it, Stephenie Meyer.

Edit: I apologize in advance (or, perhaps more accurately, in retrospect) for exposing you to the gaudy carpet in my basement. Our original intent for this room was to be a den/gameroom and given its occupants would, for the most part, consist of teenage guys or burly men drinking and shooting pool, style was not really on our radar while decorating. Cheap and easy to clean, you bet!