Computer desks, office desks and others are expensive. Some are too big for the space intended while others are far too small to accommodate all of your equipment. Build an inexpensive desk using ready- made components and save money.
Best of all, it will fit in your space because you designed it. You will have plenty of storage space for all the components of your system, and you can use it anywhere in the house or workshop.
This example uses one base cabinet measuring 34.5″ high, 24″ deep and 30″ long. Two or more cabinets, with or without drawers can be used instead.
You will need:
· Measuring tape and markers · Level · Saw and general woodworking tools · Salvaged flat door, tabletop or 1-by-12 wood planks · MDF fiberboard · One box #8 wood screws, 2″ long · One box #8 wood screws, 1″ long · Salvaged or new kitchen cabinets · Drill and bits, hole saw · Wood shims · Salvaged kitchen cabinets · Four each 2″ corner brackets
Step One:
Measure the space intended for the desk. Decide how deep the cabinet should be. Wall cabinets are generally 12″ deep, while base cabinets are 24″ deep. This should be taken into account.
Think about the computer and the different components. The cabinet should be deep enough to house the components used.
Step Two:
If using two cabinets, place them side by side. Use the level to insure the cabinets are exactly the same height. Attach them by driving the two- inch screws through the corners inside the cabinet.
If the desk will be too high, the toe kick can be removed.
Decide how large the desk top will be. It should overhang the front of the cabinet far enough to accommodate the user’s legs, but not interfere with accessing the cabinet’s contents. Eighteen inches from the cabinet face should be adequate.
For this example, I decided to have a 4″ overhang on each side of the desk. If I need to use a clamp-on magnifying light for sewing, this is an ideal place for it. It also allows bracing for the desktop installation.
Add this amount to the depth of the cabinet. For this example, 18 + 24 = 42. The desktop will be 38″ long and 42″ deep.
Step Three:
Cut the desktop from a plain salvaged door or build one using plank wood. Place the corner brackets under the desktop at each corner of the cabinet. The screws should go into the 2-by-2 frame inside. If bracing from the inside of the cabinet, use smaller brackets.
Plywood may also be used for a desktop. Cover with MDF hardboard, tile or paint. The edges can be sealed with wood putty or with plywood edge tape.
Step Four:
Computers need to breathe, so decide where it will be stored. Using the hole saw, cut one or more holes in the side of the cabinet. This can be a square as well, framed with molding and covered with lattice. This keeps the heat from building up inside the desk.
Cut one or more holes in the back of the cabinet for wiring to pass through.
Step Five:
Stain or prime and paint the desk. This desk can be customized for use in any room.
Cover the toe kick with MDF, plywood or a 1-by-4.
Use decorative molding to enhance the look of the desk and blend it into the surrounding décor.
Notes:
· Design the desk with a hinge and supports to fold down when not in use. This allows the user to utilize the space when the desk is not in use. For dorm rooms and studio apartments, this is an ideal design. · Make two desks and place them together back to back in a craft room. The desks provide double the counter space and storage. · Create desks for children’s rooms by using small toy cabinets with open faces.
Your new desk costs very little money if the components are purchased at a used building parts store. During parts of the year, many neighborhoods have a “large item pickup” program. This is a great time to shop for components. Just knock on the door and ask- many people will smile, point at the pile and tell you to take what you want. Just be neat and do not scatter anything.
Freecycle groups are also a great way to gather components at little to no cost.
Make desks for each room in the house, and more for giving as gifts. Having a custom made desk is the best.
Source: Staff Article, “How to Build A Simple Kitchen Desk,” HGTV website, no date given