Setting Up A Better VR Space For SteamVR Linux Gaming

I didn't go with galvanized steel pipes for the legs, because if spinning around in a chair while engaging in VR, I didn't want to accidentally hit the pipes, etc. So I went for a "floating desk". I used these heavy duty shelf brackets, ensured they were connected to studs using four inch lag bolts, and then connected to the butcher block with one inch screws (the butcher block is 1.5-inch thick) once that was stained and prepped. I was using the same gel stain and Minwax products as outlined in those butcher block articles last year.

I wanted to be able to fit two computers in this area for when doing Intel vs. AMD Linux VR testing, but the size of the floating desk didn't quite allow. Fortunately, I still had some butcher block scraps, so I also made a floating shelf for housing an additional computer. For attaching that to the wall I used these blind/floating shelf supports.

With ensuring those floating shelf supports were hitting a stud and using long screws, it's been able to support the weight of a computer just fine. I also didn't want to just leave the computer on the basement floor considering the possibility of flooding if the sump pumps were to fail.

Another benefit of going with the butcher block design is the ability to attach hooks to the sides of the desk. This would be quite useful for the VR setup in order to hang the controllers and the HTC Vive HMD, etc. I used this 5-pack of Franklin Brass hooks and they worked out well for all of the HTC Vive gear.

The hooks certainly allow saving some space on the desk and ensuring the controllers or HTC Vive HMD don't accidentally slide off the desk.