Checklist: Upgrading Your Idåsen Desk Top with A Solid Oak Style
Should you upgrade your Idåsen desk top to solid oak?
Yes. Replacing the MDF or veneer top on your IKEA Idåsen desk with a solid oak desk top improves both look and durability. While MDF can serve its purpose, oak provides visible grain, adds desk stability, and withstands regular use. It complements grey or black frames and enhances tactile appeal. Choosing a solid oak desk top is a long term upgrade for your workspace.
Before You Start Setup Checklist
Clear a workspace and lay down a soft surface
Pencil, drill, spirit level, and clamps
Measuring tape and old desk top for reference
Pilot drill bits and screws or threaded inserts
Finish materials such as hardwax oil, satin lacquer or polyurethane
In this article about Idåsen Desk Tops, we have covered:
- Before You Start Setup Checklist
- Decide if solid oak is right for your Idåsen upgrade
- Measure the frame to match your new desk top
- Choose the right thickness for look and strength
- Pick your mounting style screws or threaded inserts
- Select a finish that protects and shows off the grain
- Prepare and install your solid wood desk top
- Keep it looking good ongoing care for real wood
- Tablemaker tops built for Idåsen frames
1) Decide if solid oak is right for your Idåsen upgrade
Solid oak handles daily wear, improves the feel of the desk, and balances well on a sit stand frame. Its textured surface and natural tone enhance workspace aesthetics.
Oak pairs with either frame finish. Use a natural oil for a lighter look or a tinted wax or satin finish for deeper tones.
Side Note: Solid Oak vs Other Wood Types
Oak offers greater density and durability than beech or birch. Walnut provides a darker tone but costs more. Oak balances longevity, tactile appeal, grain enhancement, and classic style, making it ideal for Idåsen desk tops.
Pro Tip: Reapply hardwax oil once or twice a year to maintain finish and grain depth.
Pro Tip: Always pre-drill pilot holes to prevent splitting when mounting oak tops.
2) Measure the frame to match your new desk top
Accurate measurement ensures correct installation. Use the existing desk top as a guide and note preferred overhang. The Idåsen desk frame has a fixed bolt pattern, so record spacing for mounting hardware precisely.
Trace or photograph the bolt layout. Measure width and depth, and mark the centre line for alignment. This improves desk stability and fit.
Need Advice Installing Your Oak Desk Top?
Expert help for fitting, alignment, and finishing.
Contact Installation Support3) Choose the right thickness for look and strength
Oak tops range from 2 cm to 3 cm thick. Thinner options are light but may flex. A 2.6 cm top offers strength and balance for sit stand frames while providing a substantial visual presence.
Most users find 2.6 cm ideal. Heavier tops may strain frame motors and fixings, affecting performance.
4) Pick your mounting style screws or threaded inserts
Mount using self tapping screws or threaded inserts. Screws work well for fixed setups with pilot holes. Threaded inserts are stronger and allow future removal or adjustments.
Choose based on desk use and potential relocation. Inserts provide repeatable installation and reduce risk of wood splitting.
5) Select a finish that protects and shows off the grain
Hardwax oil highlights the oak grain while offering a tactile finish. Satin lacquer provides extra protection, and polyurethane resists scratches but can feel sticky.
Oil finishes are easy to refresh and natural. Reapply once or twice a year. UV protection is recommended for desks near sunlight to maintain grain enhancement.
6) Prepare and install your solid wood desk top
Place the oak top face down on a soft surface. Mark bolt positions using the Idåsen frame and drill pilot holes or install threaded inserts.
Use clamps or ask for help during alignment. Tighten fixings gradually while checking level with a spirit level. A screwdriver or hex tool is sufficient for installation.
Troubleshooting Tips
Wobble Confirm bolt tension and frame alignment
Misaligned holes Re use the frame as a guide or adjust carefully
Uneven overhang Recheck the centre line and reposition the top
Surface scratches Lightly sand and reapply finish
Excess weight on motors Reduce desktop load or consider thinner top
7) Keep it looking good ongoing care for real wood
Clean with a soft cloth and avoid moisture. Use coasters for drinks and protect from heat or impacts.
Reapply finish every six to twelve months. Sand and refinish minor scratches. Regular maintenance ensures long term value and maintains grain enhancement and surface quality.
8) Tablemaker’s oak desk tops built for Idåsen frames
Tablemaker offers oak tops designed for Idåsen frames. They come pre drilled in several thicknesses and with proper bolt spacing. Choose square or rounded corners depending on style preference.
Made to measure, these tops save time, ensure correct mounting, and provide a high quality oak desk top without cutting or finishing it yourself.
Local Workshop Address in London: 55 High St, London N8 7QB, United Kingdom
Phone: 020 8341 6334
Pre Cut Oak Tops for Your Idåsen
Get a ready-made solid oak top, drilled for your desk frame.
View Ready-Made Oak Tops
Tablemaker
55 High St, London N8 7QB
02083416334
HVQM+58 London