Haven’t found the right computer desk for your gaming setup?
Nothing really meets the specs you’re looking for?
Don’t really want to spend the money on an expensive desk?
Or are you someone who likes rolling up their sleeves and doing it yourself?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to check out this complete guide on how to make a DIY computer desk. It will save you hundreds of dollars over buying a pre-made desk online.
This guide includes everything you need to build a sturdy, attractive, and functional computer desk. This guide also includes tips on how to choose the right materials and how to assemble the desk yourself.
I’ve included detailed instructions with pictures and videos so you can easily follow along. In addition, I’ve included links to helpful resources where you can find more information on building your own computer desk.
If you’re looking for a way to save money while making something useful, then this guide is perfect for you!
Real quick, before we get too far into it here, if you want to get more great ideas for your gaming room or home office and want to connect with other home office hackers to make your space the best join my free private Facebook group, Battle Station Setup here.
How To Make A Computer Desk
If you want to DIY your own computer desk here is the basic outline and the steps we’re going to follow:
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- You need 1 or 2 sheets of 4X8 MDF or plywood to make a computer desk.
- Trace your design shape on one of the sheets and cut it using a Jig Saw. This will act as the bottom.
- Do the same for the side, back, and front panels.
- Make a cut-out for the motherboard IO ports and GPU ports in the back panel, fan holes in the sides, and another cut-out in the front for additional ports and the power button.
- Fix the sides with the desk bottom using a pin finish nailer.
- Mount the hardware inside the case, secure the glass/wood top using piano hinges and gas struts, and attach the pre-built steel table legs — you can also use shelf brackets to attach the PC desk to the wall
- Your computer desk is ready to rock ‘n’ roll!
If you’re looking at constructing your own computer desk, these are the things we’re going to deal with in more detail below.
And no doubt, you will have questions.
Question like:
- Should you be worried about the airflow configuration inside the PC desk? You don’t want the hardware to overheat, right?
- Are there any pre-built PC desk options? If yes, are they easily available?
- How much do DIY and pre-built desk pc cases cost?
- Not a fan of computers built into the desk? How do you make a simple DIY gaming desk from scratch? Or perhaps a floating desk?
- Is there a way to build a desk without using any tools?
- Can you make a computer desk online? Spoiler alert — you can!
We’ll discuss all this and more in the article.
You’ll learn how to do all of this with just basic hand tools. Once you finish, you’ll have a custom computer desk that looks great and is something you’ll be proud to call your own!
Tools Required To Make A Computer Desk
Before we get into the details, let’s talk about the tools you’ll need to complete the job.
DEWALT DPG82-11C Concealer Clear Anti-Fog Dual Mold Safety Goggle, Clear Lens, 1 Pair
- Elastic Headband
- Imported
- DEWALT tough Coat hard coated lens provides tough protection against scratches
- DEWALT Xtra clear anti-fog lens coating provides tough protection against fogging
BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw, 4.5 -Amp (BDEJS300C)
- VERSATILE APPLICATION – 3/4 in. stroke length for cutting wood, metal, and more materials.
- VARIABLE-SPEED MOTOR – 4.5 Amp motor generates up to 3,000 spm of cutting power.
Metabo HPT 10-Inch Miter Saw | Single Bevel | Compound | 15-Amp Motor | C10FCGS
- MOTOR: 15 Amp motor delivers high power for the toughest of cuts generating a no-load speed of up to 5,000 RPM
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Only 24.2 lbs. to facilitate maneuverability and portability
CRAFTSMAN Stud Finder, 3/4-Inch Depth (CMHT77633)
- WORKS ON WALLPAPER & FABRIC: The stud finder has a depth range of 3/4-inch through drywall and works on surfaces covered in wallpaper and fabric
- LOCATE STUD EDGES: The stud finder wall scanner has the edge detection to locate Stud Edges of Both Wood and Metal Stud
Kreg R3 Jr. Pocket Hole Jig System and Pocket-Hole Screw Kit
- DIY: Pocket hole jig system for do-it-yourselfers
- ADJUSTING: Easy to adjust for materials 1/2-Inch to 1-1/2-Inch
- DRILL GUIDE: Solid metal drill guide
Cordless Brad Nailer, NEU MASTER NTC0023 Rechargeable Nail Gun/Staple Gun for Upholstery, Carpentry and Woodworking Projects, Including 20V Max. 2.0Ah Li-ion Battery and Charger
- 【Spiral-Drive Technology And Cordless Design】With its spiral-drive technology, the cordless brad nailer stapler deliver more full-power shots than comparable corded tool without the hassle of using cord, gas and compressor.
- 【Up To 1100 Shots Per Full Charge】Powered by NEU MASTER 20v MAX rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery which has passed 1000 charging cycle test, the electric nail gun/staple gun can deliver up to 1100 full power shot per full charge.
DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill / Driver Kit, Compact, 1/2-Inch (DCD771C2)
- Dewalt drill has compact and lightweight design that fits into tight areas
- High performance motor of the power drill delivers 300 unit watts out (UWO) of power ability completing a wide range of applications
BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch (BDERO100)
- HIGH PERFORMANCE ORBIT SANDER – 2.0 Amp corded electric random orbit sander for a swirl-free finish
- HIGH EFFICIENCY – Delivers 12000 OPM (orbits per minute) to quickly sand material LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT – Fits in tight spaces for more versatile sanding
Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue, 8 Ounce, Natural Wood Color, (Pack of 1)
- Gorilla Wood Glue Ultimate formula is 100% waterproof and incredibly strong, but still easily cleans up with water.
- It is great for outdoor applications where temperatures or moisture might be a concern, as well as interior projects that could benefit from the extended working time and high strength.
How To Build A PC Desk Case?
Start with cutting the 4X8 wood panel for the desk bottom. You can either go for a full rectangular design or the one with a knee cut-out. Trace the marking for the sides, back, and front panels. Use a jig saw/circular saw and a hole saw to make cut-outs for front IO ports & motherboard IO ports, and exhaust & intake, respectively. Attach the sides to the desk bottom using wood glue and screws. Mount the hardware inside the box carefully, and in the end, fix the glass panel on top using clear roll-on silicone.
PC desk cases are just legendary. You can flaunt all your RGB components with a glass panel on top, and believe me, it’s just so soothing to work or spend time with your favorite game on this setup.
Whenever you look down, you see your mighty GPU running in all its glory.
The RGB are synched with the music, neon lights under the table, and RGB fans shining through the glass — isn’t this a PC enthusiast’s dream? It is mine for sure.
There are two options in the DIY PC desk category:
- Stealth PC — all the components will be hidden inside the PC desk. Recommended for people who want a minimalistic setting.
- Showpiece — has a glass top allowing you to see all the PC components. Recommended for people who want to show off their hardware and enjoy the RGB glow.
What You’ll Need:
MDF Panels (or any 1 or 2 sheets of 4X8 wood)
uxcell a13112600ux0340 Computer Case Power Supply Reset HDD Button Switch
- Product Name : Desktop Power Button Switch;Design : H.D.D LED, Power LED+, Power LED-, Reset SW, Switch SW
- Cable Length : 1.7m / 67″
Step By Step Procedure:
Design:
- Before anything, just sit back and think about what your desk PC should look like? Although 3D modeling (in SketchUp, etc.) will give you a proper idea, it’s not necessary. Just grab a piece of paper and start drawing.
- You have two design options:
- Rectangular desk with glass/wood top
- U-shaped desk with knee cut-out (like the one Linus built)
- Then comes the dimensions. The most common desk size is 60 inches wide, 30 inches deep, and 30 inches tall. However, you can customize this according to your eye level and seat height.
- If you want a showpiece desk PC, you need to decide how big the glass top is going to be. Some people prefer a full glass top, while others prefer half glass or just a portion of the top.
- My suggestion is to go with a full glass top while leaving some space towards the end of the desk. This way, you can use a monitor mount and have space to make a false back for cable management.
Building the Desk PC:
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- I prefer MDF over plywood as it is easier to work with and has a consistent texture.
- For the desk bottom, mark the depth and width on both ends and work your way towards the middle. Trace the whole thing for a complete cut line.
- The knee cut-out measurements depend on how much leg space you want. Just avoid the awkward arm position that a thick table forces the user into. You can also use this space to build a pull-out keyboard tray.
- Trace the knee cut-out too, and you’ll have perfect cut lines.
- Do the same for sides, back, and front panels. Make sure the inner height of the desk is enough to accommodate the tallest part of your build. Generally, it’s the PSU (86 mm) or the 120 mm fans.
- Start cutting the pieces. You can begin with the desk bottom, then the sides, the back, and finally the front panels.
- Once you have all the sides, you need to make cut-outs for the motherboard’s I/O plate, graphics card I/O slot, fans, power button, and anything else you want — front mount I/O ports, USB 3.0, mic/headphone jacks, or maybe even a fingerprint scanner.
- The cut-outs for a radiator will be rectangular. If you’re just using exhaust fans, they’ll be circular. You can use a drill press, and drill saw to make the holes.
- When building a PC desk case, a proper airflow configuration should be on top of your list. If the intake cut-outs are on one side, the exhaust cut-outs should be on the other.
- Use 220-grit sandpaper to sand all the pieces. Make sure you do this properly.
- Use wood glue and clamps to attach the sides to the desk bottom. Pre-drilling and then using screws will provide added strength, but you’ll have to use putty to cover the screw holes afterward. Pin finish nailer will also do the job.
- I recommend using metal corner brackets for better durability.
- Paint, stain and finish the whole structure to your liking.
- You can use shelf brackets to mount the desk with the wall — hence a floating desk PC. The other option would be to use pre-built steel table legs. If you really want to go all DIY, you can either opt for rectangular leg frames with braces in between or the isosceles triangle reinforced legs like the ones Linus
VEVOR Set of 2 Steel Table Legs, 28”Height 27”Wide Dining Table Legs, Heavy Duty 3.1″ Width Box Section Square Table Legs, 28x27x3.1 Inch Black Color Industrial Country Style Metal Dining Legs
- High Quality: Color: Black; Height: 28.3″; Width: 27.6″; Amount: 2; Box Section: 3.15″ x 3.15″; Top plate size: 3.9″. These table legs adopts cold rolled steel with sandblasted finished. The surface is sprayed with black powder, compared with other table legs using oil paint finished, it is more durable and can effectively prevent them from cracking, rust and corroding.
- Large Load Bearing: Tensile Strength: 5,3500 -7,2500 PSI; Yield Strength: 3,4000 PSI. Metal table legs which have a strong load-bearing capacity. The maximum load weight of the item is about 1000kg/2204lbs. Able to withstand heavy objects.
- Use frosted acrylic sheets and stainless-steel standoffs to elevate the motherboard, GPU, and SSDs/HDDs.
- The next step is to mount the hardware.
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- You need a PCI-E extension cable for the GPU. I recommend using the Thermaltake TT Gaming PCI-E x16 3.0 Black Extender Riser Cable.
Thermaltake TT Gaming PCI-E x16 3.0 Black Extender Riser Cable 200mm AC-053-CN1OTN-C1
- Compatible with most GPU/motherboard components
- Redesigned for improved compatibility
-
- I’d suggest you get a modular PSU to help with the cable management. The EVGA 220-G5-0650-X1 is one of the best out there.
EVGA 220-G5-0650-X1 Super Nova 650 G5, 80 Plus Gold 650W, Fully Modular, ECO Mode with Fdb Fan, 10 Year Warranty, Compact 150mm Size, Power Supply
- 80 plus Gold certified, with 91% efficiency or higher under typical loads
- Fully modular to reduce clutter and improve airflow. Input Voltage:100 – 240 VAC
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- The PSU can be fixed inside or under the desk. Cable pass-through brush plates can help with cable management if the PSU is inside.
- Mount the motherboard, GPU, and SSDs/HDDs on the acrylic sheets. Make sure the GPU is facing up.
- For the front mount I/O ports, the Silverstone Tek Drive Bay is a perfect fit. It has 4xUSB 3.0 ports and HD audio ports.
Brother MFC-J5330DW All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Wireless Connectivity, Automatic Duplex Printing, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready
- BUSINESS SMART ALL IN ONE INKJET: The Brother Business Smart Series is designed for maximum efficiency, reliability, and performance
- 250 SHEET PAPER TRAY: The MFCJ5330DW Color Inkjet has a 250 sheet capacity paper tray and a single sheet bypass tray for envelopes and card stock. Output Paper Capacity (sheets) – 100
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- The power button cut-out should be in the front. The uxcell Computer Case Power can be mounted into the desk or placed on the desk too.
- Use cable channels for cable management.
-
- Attach the wooden top using 30″ piano hinges and gas struts for a stealth PC desk case. This will help lift the top and hold it up — just like the hood of your car. You can also do this with a glass top, but it’ll require some expert help.
- I advise you to take measurements for the glass after finishing the desk. Moreover, simple glass is the obvious option if you want to save money. Although, my vote goes to tempered glass. $80 vs. $270, cost vs. added strength — your call.
- If you want the glass to flush around all the edged of the desk PC case, you’ll need to add three-quarters of an inch of wood on every side to account for the thickness of the material used to build the sides. This will also look a lot better when you place the glass on top.
- Finally, place the glass on top. Use clear roll-on silicone around the edges to keep the glass from slipping.
- And that’s it! Hit that power button and witness the splendor of your DIY PC gaming desk.
Which Airflow Configuration Should You Adopt In Your Desk PC?
I suggest an exhaust-focused design that pushes hot air out of the desk PC using exhaust fans and pulls cool air passively.
This means that there will be no fans to pull the air — just a filtered, unassisted intake.
Best Pre-Built Desk PC Cases
The best pre-built desk PC case is the LIAN LI-DK05F. It features a motorized standing desk, a switchable glass on top, removable HDD/SSD and motherboard trays, separate buttons for power, fan speed & RGB control, front mount I/O ports, and much more. To crown it all, it can house two fully water-cooled E-ATX systems.
Pre-built desk PC cases have all the necessary cut-outs, compartments, and features to directly build your PC. There’s still some assembly required, though.
Desk PC Case |
Where to buy? |
| LIAN LI DK-05F | View on newegg |
| LIAN LI DK-04F | View on newegg |
| LIAN LI DK-04GX | View on CaseKing |
| Lian-Li Case DK-03X | View on Amazon |
| ALAMENGDA Double-Seat Full Tower Computer Case | View on newegg |
| Hydra Desk MY 2021 | View on Hydra Shop |
| GTEPC Extreme | View on GTEPC |
| VECTOR DESK MINI | View on Overclockers UK |
Is It Cheaper To Build Or Buy A Desk PC?
You can build your own desk PC for under $200-$500, while pre-built ones like the LIAN LI DK-04 and LIAN LI DK-05 will cost you $1500-$2000 on average.
There are cheaper options like the Vector Mini Desk Case, but they are smaller and still more expensive than the DIY counterpart.
Are Ready-Made PC Desk Cases Easily Available?
Sadly, no. It’s an expensive niche market and has not yet made it to the mainstream PC industry.
Manufacturers like Red Harbinger entered the market with attractive designs but went out of business shortly. LIAN LI, VECTOR, and Hydra are a few vendors that are still selling PC desk cases.
PC Desk Ideas/Desk Plans
How Do You Make A Simple DIY Gaming Desk?
First, you need to cut, paint, stain, and finish the tabletop. The measurements can go from 60″ x 24″ x 1″ to 74″ x 25″ x 1 ½”. The next step is to make the base and legs. You can use 2x4x8 boards for this or pre-assembled options like VEVOR Steel Table Legs. Use wood glue and Kreg screws to hold the whole structure together. In the end, you can give the desk a custom paint job to match the aesthetics of your setup.
VEVOR Set of 2 Steel Table Legs, 28”Height 27”Wide Dining Table Legs, Heavy Duty 3.1″ Width Box Section Square Table Legs, 28x27x3.1 Inch Black Color Industrial Country Style Metal Dining Legs
- High Quality: Color: Black; Height: 28.3″; Width: 27.6″; Amount: 2; Box Section: 3.15″ x 3.15″; Top plate size: 3.9″. These table legs adopts cold rolled steel with sandblasted finished. The surface is sprayed with black powder, compared with other table legs using oil paint finished, it is more durable and can effectively prevent them from cracking, rust and corroding.
- Large Load Bearing: Tensile Strength: 5,3500 -7,2500 PSI; Yield Strength: 3,4000 PSI. Metal table legs which have a strong load-bearing capacity. The maximum load weight of the item is about 1000kg/2204lbs. Able to withstand heavy objects.
DIY gaming desks are just great — they can be as big or as small as you want.
You can virtually use any material you want.
Like an old rustic look? Grab a second-hand door from a garage sale.
Want a more minimalistic styling? Put KARLBY countertop by IKEA and OLOV desk legs on your shopping list.
Fan of an industrial style? Grab one of those black steel plumbing pipe desk legs kits and hook it up with a Dark Oak countertop.
PIPE DECOR DIY Double Decker Side Table Leg Kit Bundle with Dimmable Reader Pipe Table Lamp, Industrial Black Steel Plumbing Pipe, Malleable Iron Fittings
- Make a statement; bundle comes with one set of DIY end table legs and one pipe lamp kit; in a weekend you can easily create conversation pieces that will last a lifetime
- Real steel; this is genuine schedule 40 steel plumbing pipe with class 150 iron fittings; suits a variety of aesthetics, including modern, industrial, rustic, retro, vintage, steampunk, and more
To top it all, DIY computer desks cost significantly less than custom-built or ready-made ones.
What You’ll Need:
2 in. x 6 in. (1-1/2″ x 5-1/2″) Construction Premium Douglas Fir Board Stud Wood Lumber – Custom Length – 5FT
- Douglas Fir is not only affordable, it adds great value to your home
- Maintains beauty and structural integrity with easy maintenance
Lorell Active Office Relevance Table Top, Walnut,Laminated
- Use with Lorell electric height-adjustable bases
- Supports healthier sit/stand workstations
2 in. x 4 in. (1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″) Construction Redwood Board Stud Wood Lumber – Custom Length – 5FT
- Redwood is not only affordable, it adds great value to your home
- Maintains beauty and structural integrity with easy maintenance
2 in. x 2 in. (1.5 in. x 1.5 in.) Construction Premium Douglas Fir Board Stud Wood Lumber – Custom Length – 5FT
- Douglas Fir is not only affordable, it adds great value to your home
- Maintains beauty and structural integrity with easy maintenance
Kreg R3 Jr. Pocket Hole Jig System and Pocket-Hole Screw Kit
- DIY: Pocket hole jig system for do-it-yourselfers
- ADJUSTING: Easy to adjust for materials 1/2-Inch to 1-1/2-Inch
Desktop Power Grommet Outlet Data Center 3″ Hole No Drilling Required, 3 Outlet W/ 4 USB Ports ( Free Return) (DC-8889-4 USB/3 Power-3″ (White)) (DC-8889-4 USB/2 Power-3″ (Silver))
- PATENT PENDING……GREAT FOR having all your devices in one area charging and usage at the same time same spot without the hassle of charging in different location – laptop, phones, tablet, music, computer and other devices charging station at one spot for home, office, conference room, meeting rooms, customer service work station, cubicle work area, nurse’s stations, hotels, banks, hospital, school, conference tables, office desks, work benches.
- Fits 3 1/8″ – 3 1/4″ Standard Round Grommet Hole….2 TR AC Outlets, 1 Outlet on Bottom (6Ft Cord), 4 Charging USB Ports………. USB port oulet : 5V2.1A….Input: 110V15A…..charging only…..WEIGHT: 1 lb…2 ounces..
Rannb 75mm/2.95″ Dia Toothed Bi-Metal Hole Saw Drill Bit Saw Drilling Tool
- 【Dimension】Total Length : 96mm / 3.77″ ;Shank Diameter : 10mm / 0.4″;Cutting Dia: 75mm/2.95″ ;Cutting Depth : 25mm / 1″
Deck Plus 48415 Wood Screws #10 x 2-1/2″, Tan, 1lb Box
- SELF-DRILLING POINT: Together, coarse screw threads and a self-drilling point design eliminate the need for a pilot hole
- FLAT-HEAD STYLE: Sits flush with material
3M Sandpaper, 32115, 80 Grit, 9 in x 11 in, 5 Sheets Per Pack
- SAND AUTO SURFACE TO BARE METAL – 80 GRIT is great for removing paint and rust from metal or fiberglass surfaces. Also great for shaping body filler
- CUTS FAST – Combination of minerals and materials makes auto body sanding faster and easier
Fandeli 36027 220 Grit Multipurpose Sandpaper Sheets, 9″ x 11″, 25-Sheet
- PRODUCT GROOTTE EN INHOUD: De verpakking bevat 25 stuks korrel 220. Afmetingen: 23 x 28 cm. Kan ook gemakkelijk worden bijgesneden om te passen in een kleiner formaat dat nodig is.
- MOGELIJKE GEBRUIK: Dit schuurpapier kan voor diverse doeleinden worden gebruikt, waaronder timmer- en stukadoorswerk, maar ook voor het verwijderen van veroudering, plastic en verf vlekken. Het is de beste keuze voor het schuren met de hand, keu-schuren of orbitaal schuren. Dankzij de bladstructuur is de structuur bestand tegen verstopping, zodat hij steeds opnieuw kan worden gebruikt.
Rust-Oleum 1974730 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint, Half Pint, Semi-Gloss Black
- Use for a variety of indoor and outdoor project surfaces including wood, metal, plaster, masonry or unglazed ceramic
- Water-based acrylic formula is low odor, resist chips and provides long-lasting protection
Minwax Helmsman Indoor/Outdoor Spar Urethane, 350 V.O.C. Compliant, Gallon, Satin
- PROTECTIVE CLEAR FINISH – Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane is specially formulated as a protective varnish for wood for interior and exterior projects. It contains special UV blockers that reduce the sun’s graying and fading effects
- EFFECTIVE YEAR ROUND – This wood varnish forms a protective barrier against rain and moisture to protect your projects and keep them looking their best. Special oils allow the finish to expand & contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change.
Rust-Oleum 200061H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane, 8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1), Gloss Finish
- Protects indoor wood surfaces such as furniture, windows, cabinets, trim and more
- Water based formula dries fast and cleans up with soap and water
Step By Step Procedure:
-
- You need to cut four 2″ x 6″ (8ft long) boards at 60 inches for the tabletop, four 2″ x4″ x (8ft long) at 28.5 inches & four 2″ x4″ (8ft long) at 18 inches for the sides, and four angle-cut 1×2 (8ft long) for bracing the sides.
- Put together the 2x6s using wood glue and 2.5-inch Kreg screws. For the sides, lay out the 2x4s and pre-drill the holes using an 8-inch bit and use 2.5-inch screws to hold the 2x4s together. You can also use Kreg screws for this.
- You can also get a ready-to-assemble tabletop like the Lorell Active Office Relevance Table Top. Surprisingly, you can use an old door too for the tabletop, but it’ll require extra work to cut, paint, and stain it. Going for a second-hand door should be a no-brainer if you are a sucker for an industrial, more rugged look.
Lorell Active Office Relevance Table Top, Walnut,Laminated
- Use with Lorell electric height-adjustable bases
- Supports healthier sit/stand workstations
-
- I’d suggest using anti-sag braces or a table stiffener near the middle of the countertop to maintain the rigidity and keep the top from sinking under its own weight.
- For the power outlet hole (or the grommet), measure where the hole will clear the base and framing. Use a 3-inch hole saw drill bit to drill the hole. You can either fit a typical grommet here or a power grommet outlet data center for added convenience.
Desktop Power Grommet Outlet Data Center 3″ Hole No Drilling Required, 3 Outlet W/ 4 USB Ports ( Free Return) (DC-8889-4 USB/3 Power-3″ (White)) (DC-8889-4 USB/2 Power-3″ (Silver))
- PATENT PENDING……GREAT FOR having all your devices in one area charging and usage at the same time same spot without the hassle of charging in different location – laptop, phones, tablet, music, computer and other devices charging station at one spot for home, office, conference room, meeting rooms, customer service work station, cubicle work area, nurse’s stations, hotels, banks, hospital, school, conference tables, office desks, work benches.
- Fits 3 1/8″ – 3 1/4″ Standard Round Grommet Hole….2 TR AC Outlets, 1 Outlet on Bottom (6Ft Cord), 4 Charging USB Ports………. USB port oulet : 5V2.1A….Input: 110V15A…..charging only…..WEIGHT: 1 lb…2 ounces..
-
- Precisely angle-cut the 1x2s for bracing, put some glue on the ins, and push them into place.
- Finally, cut three 2x4s at 52-inches for the base of the tabletop.
- Apply wood glue to the 52-inch 2x4s and drill it together with the sides. The board on the ear end should be vertical, and the other two in the middle and front should be flat to maximize space for your legs.
- Flip the tabletop and place the base on top of it. Drill pilot holes behind the 1×2 bracing using an 8-inch bit. Drill 2.5-inch wood screws in the holes to fasten the base and top firmly.
- Sand the whole thing using 80-grit sandpaper and then finish it with 220 grit.
3M Sandpaper, 32115, 80 Grit, 9 in x 11 in, 5 Sheets Per Pack
- SAND AUTO SURFACE TO BARE METAL – 80 GRIT is great for removing paint and rust from metal or fiberglass surfaces. Also great for shaping body filler
- CUTS FAST – Combination of minerals and materials makes auto body sanding faster and easier
- All that’s left now is to paint, stain, and seal the desk.
How Do You Make A Floating Desk?
Measure your space while taking note of the wall’s surface irregularities. A standard desk is around 60 inches wide and 30 inches deep. The next step is to prepare the top. If you are using multiple smaller boards, join them using Kreg screws or doll jigs. Sand the top multiple times using an Orbit Sander — you can do it by hand too. Paint, stain and finish the top afterward. If it’s a U-shaped nook or a closet, use braces and if it’s an open space, go for shelf brackets. Place the countertop on the supports and fasten it with the frame using angle brackets or 1-quarter wood screws.
If you want to freely move around in your chair without the fear of bumping into desk legs, floating desks are your best bet.
They are easy to build, help save floor space, and are budget-friendly.
What’s not to love?
What You’ll Need:
2 in. x 6 in. (1-1/2″ x 5-1/2″) Construction Premium Douglas Fir Board Stud Wood Lumber – Custom Length – 5FT
- Douglas Fir is not only affordable, it adds great value to your home
- Maintains beauty and structural integrity with easy maintenance
Lorell Active Office Relevance Table Top, Walnut,Laminated
- Use with Lorell electric height-adjustable bases
- Supports healthier sit/stand workstations
CRAFTSMAN Stud Finder, 3/4-Inch Depth (CMHT77633)
- WORKS ON WALLPAPER & FABRIC: The stud finder has a depth range of 3/4-inch through drywall and works on surfaces covered in wallpaper and fabric
- LOCATE STUD EDGES: The stud finder wall scanner has the edge detection to locate Stud Edges of Both Wood and Metal Stud
Amazon Basics Shelf Bracket – 20″ x 13″, Black, 10-Pack
- Black Powder Coated Finish; Made from Q195 Steel
- Bracket Dimensions: 20-Inch x 13-Inch
2 in. x 2 in. (1.5 in. x 1.5 in.) Construction Premium Douglas Fir Board Stud Wood Lumber – Custom Length – 5FT
- Douglas Fir is not only affordable, it adds great value to your home
- Maintains beauty and structural integrity with easy maintenance
Deck Plus 48415 Wood Screws #10 x 2-1/2″, Tan, 1lb Box
- SELF-DRILLING POINT: Together, coarse screw threads and a self-drilling point design eliminate the need for a pilot hole
- FLAT-HEAD STYLE: Sits flush with material
3M Sandpaper, 32115, 80 Grit, 9 in x 11 in, 5 Sheets Per Pack
- SAND AUTO SURFACE TO BARE METAL – 80 GRIT is great for removing paint and rust from metal or fiberglass surfaces. Also great for shaping body filler
- CUTS FAST – Combination of minerals and materials makes auto body sanding faster and easier
Fandeli 36027 220 Grit Multipurpose Sandpaper Sheets, 9″ x 11″, 25-Sheet
- PRODUCT GROOTTE EN INHOUD: De verpakking bevat 25 stuks korrel 220. Afmetingen: 23 x 28 cm. Kan ook gemakkelijk worden bijgesneden om te passen in een kleiner formaat dat nodig is.
- MOGELIJKE GEBRUIK: Dit schuurpapier kan voor diverse doeleinden worden gebruikt, waaronder timmer- en stukadoorswerk, maar ook voor het verwijderen van veroudering, plastic en verf vlekken. Het is de beste keuze voor het schuren met de hand, keu-schuren of orbitaal schuren. Dankzij de bladstructuur is de structuur bestand tegen verstopping, zodat hij steeds opnieuw kan worden gebruikt.
Rust-Oleum 1974730 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint, Half Pint, Semi-Gloss Black
- Use for a variety of indoor and outdoor project surfaces including wood, metal, plaster, masonry or unglazed ceramic
- Water-based acrylic formula is low odor, resist chips and provides long-lasting protection
Prime-Line 9056313 Hex Lag Screws, 3/8 inch X 3 inch, A307 Grade A Hot Dip Galvanized Steel
- Size: 3/8 inch X 3 inch
- Heavy duty wood screw with 6 sided hex bolt head
Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane Aerosol Spray, 11.5 ounce, Gloss
- PROTECTIVE CLEAR FINISH – Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane Spray is a specially formulated protective varnish for wood for interior and exterior projects. It contains special UV blockers that reduce the sun’s graying and fading effects.
- EFFECTIVE YEAR ROUND – This wood varnish forms a protective barrier against rain and moisture to protect your projects and keep them looking their best. Special oils allow the finish to expand & contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change.
Step By Step Procedure:
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- You need to take measurements of your space carefully. The walls may look dead straight and flat, but they’re often at an angle. If you want the DIY floating desk to perfectly fit into your space like a puzzle, use cardboard to trace the surface irregularities and cut the edge of the plywood according.
- The next step is to take your plywood tabletop and cut it according to measurement. If you are using a butcher block countertop, you just need to sand, paint, and stain it. On the contrary, if you are using multiple 2x12s or 2x8s, you must first create a doll jig to line the boards up for gluing and then sand them together to form a seamless countertop.
- If you want to add storage, you need two 44″ x 16″ ply panels for the top and bottom and two additional 8″ x 16″ boards for the unit ends. Lay one of the 44″ x16″ boards on the workbench and screw the smaller 8″ x 16″ boards on both ends. Pre-drill the holes using an 8-inch bit and use 2.5-inch screws to hold the boards together. You can also use Kreg screws for this. Do the same for the top plywood panel.
- For the power outlet hole (or the grommet), measure where the hole will clear the frame. Use a 3-inch hole saw drill bit to drill the hole. You can either fit a typical grommet here or a power grommet outlet data center for added convenience.
Desktop Power Grommet Outlet Data Center 3″ Hole No Drilling Required, 3 Outlet W/ 4 USB Ports ( Free Return) (DC-8889-4 USB/3 Power-3″ (White)) (DC-8889-4 USB/2 Power-3″ (Silver))
- Products with electrical plugs are designed for use in the US. Outlets and voltage differ internationally and this product may require an adapter or converter for use in your destination. Please check compatibility before purchasing.
- Use putty to fill-in in the screw holes and gaps. Paint and stain the whole thing in the end.
- Now that you have the countertop done and dusted, it’s time for the frame. We can play this one of two ways— with wood braces or shelf brackets.
With wood braces — for a U-shaped nook or a closet:
- Use a 2 x 4 for the longer length and two 2 x 2s for the shorter lengths.
- Cut the boards into appropriate lengths.
- Use the stud finder to mark the studs as drywall anchors won’t be able to sustain the weight of your peripherals.
- Measure and mark the height you want your desk to be along the stud. Typically, the height will be around 29″. Mark the wall at 27″ if the thickness of the top is 2″.
- Hold the 2 x 4 against the wall and drill through the board into the stud. Fasten it using 2 ½ “deck screws.
- Use a level to drill the other holes.
- Do the same for the side supports — remember the 2 x 2s?
- Add three to four 2 x 2s in the middle and one in the front for added stability. Pocket holes using a Kreg Jig will create secure joints, helping the frame support more load on top.
- Place the countertop on the frame. Although not necessary, you can secure the top with the supports using angle brackets.
With shelf brackets — for an open space:
- Use a stud finder to mark where the studs are on the wall.
- Place the shelf bracket on the wall and trace around the brackets on the studs. That’ll make sure that the bracket is on the level.
- The hardest part will be to line up all brackets. Use a laser level and a pencil to line up the brackets and the corresponding holes.
- Drill all the holes carefully keeping in mind that all of them should be perfectly lined up.
- Place the brackets against the wall and attach them using an impact driver and lag bolts.
- Use 1 quarter wood screws to attach the tabletop to the brackets.
How Can You Make A Desk Without Tools?
You can use industrial pipes, quarter-inch Ts, right-angle elbows, and metal caps to make a desk without tools.
- Attach two 12″ pipes with the T in the middle.
- The caps go on one end — acting as the feet, and the angled elbow on the other.
- Make a replica of this and insert pipes between the Ts and the elbows.
- Place a countertop on the base, and there you have it – your own desk built without any tools.
How To Make A Computer Desk Online?
If you don’t want to meddle with tools but still want a customized desk, the IKEA Build your own Desk Planner can come in handy.
You can combine any combination of top and legs. You also get to see what the final product will look like in real-time. Once you are done customizing the desk, just hit add to shopping bag, and that’s it.
Next Steps
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Join my brand new free private Facebook group, Battle Station Setup to connect with other home office hackers to make your space the best!
