Massive bit of lovely wood for desk

[FusionChefGeoff]

Seen an idea on Pinterest for a desk using 2 filing cabinets with a wooden worktop across. Obviously, kitchen worktop via Homebase etc is one option, but where else might I get hold of a large and beautiful slab of dark coloured wood for a desk?

Happy to varnish / wax / stain if needed but not sure where to start.

I know the word 'timber merchant' but have in mind they'd be good for plywood and building materials rather than what I'm after - am I wrong?

Try Worktops Express? It's difficult to get a large enough piece of wood. Most solid wood table tops, etc are made from several pieces of wood fixed together. Timber merchants can supply shelving and planks, but you'd have to fix them together. If you think about a tree trunk - they are rarely big enough to get a single table or desk-sized piece out of piece.

You could try a salvage yard.

Try reclamation places/salvage? Might come up under wood recycling when you're searching?

Most decent timber yards will stock hardwood. Some will be planking, some will offer solid boards. They will not be cheap, but they will look amazing. If you go for a hardwood use either oil or wax as it doesn't take well to being sealed.

I knew someone who made a dark wood counter top from salvaged school science lab worktops.
Try Googling salvage yards.

Did a bit of research Coventry reclamation seem to have them.

How about www.uk-timber.co.uk/155-oak-boards

There are a lot of specialist timber who stock stuff that's a bit more special than the average builders yard, although you might have to buy planed planks and fix them together. Somewhere like www.britishhardwoods.co.uk

What about a door?

Possibly a saw mill?

I’ve seen it done on programmes like “grand designs”

Another one for saw mill. If you call or visit they can sort you with a large piece of wood. Sometimes even with one edge au natural. Example , just google local sawmills.

We visited a sawmill when looking for shelves with raw edges. Ring round a few first.

Wow great inspiration thanks!!

eBay have some, just search for 'oak/elm/ash slab' depending on the wood you want. We were toying with the idea of wood but then I can across a huge slab of green marble for £30.

just search 'reclaimed table top' in google and eBay. Loads of options.