How to Build a Wood Computer Desk

A computer desk can be cheaper to build at home than purchased ready-made at the store. Building the desk allows you to set the table height and customize other desk features. It may be best to start with a "cubicle" box design, which will allow you to notch or build the upper part of the desk to your specifications. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Lay both 28 1/2-by-8-inch boards on a work surface. Measure 8 inches in from each narrow end, and make a straight line across the 8-inch depth of the board using a framing square. Set the blade depth of the circular saw to 1/4 inch. Carefully cut along the four lines, creating two shallow grooves in each of the two long narrow boards.

2

Mark screw locations on the two largest pieces of 3/4-inch lumber. Measure and mark 29 inches from one end. Place the framing square with one inside edge against the side of the board, and make three dots, one in the center, and another dot 1 inch in from each side. Make certain that both of the large pieces, which are your desk sides, have exactly matched screw locations.

3

Measure 3/8 inch from the top, and make one dot inset 1 inch from the back side, mark a second dot inset 6 inches from the back. Measure down 8 3/8 inches from the top, and make two more dots, inset at 1 and 6 inches, respectively. These marks will be for an inset shelf at the top of the desk cabinet. Each of the large pieces should have seven screw holes marked, three for the table, and two each for the shelf bottom and top.

4

Drill holes straight through the desk sides at each dot made for the screw holes using the 1/16-inch wood bit. These holes will make the assembly easier, allowing you to line up cross members with the screw holes. It is important to arrange each set of holes in a straight line across the desk side, to prevent the shelf or table from tilting.

5

Apply a thin line of wood glue to each end of the three 28 1/2-inch pieces. Keep the line thin and centered along the thin edge of the lumber.

6

Stand the two desk sides on edge with the back of the desk down. Insert the 28 1/2-by-30-inch table between the screw holes in the sides. Insert the three screws on the left side. Put in the three screws on the right side. Wipe away any glue that is squeezed out when the screws are tightened.

7

Install the top piece, the 8-inch top of the cabinet. Put in the board with the grooved side pointed into the desk area. Attach it with two wood screws on each end. Place the two plywood boards, the 1/8-by-7-by-9-inch pieces, so that their long sides are parallel to the front and back of the desk and their ends fit into the upper two grooves.

8

Install the shelf bottom. Place it inside the cabinet with the grooves facing the top of the cabinet. Line up the free ends of the shelf dividers with the grooves, and fit the board into position so that it is lined up with the remaining screw holes. Insert the fastening screws.

9

Stand the desk upright, and attach the piece of plywood. Make sure that all four corners are aligned, and begin with one screw inset 1 inch from each corner. Fasten the backing securely by spacing screws every 6 to 8 inches around the perimeter of the desk. Use the hole saw to cut appropriate opening for cords and cables. The location of these holes will depend on your specific computer setup, and will vary greatly from one project to the next.

10

On the lower side of the desk table, center the keyboard tray. Mark the screw locations, and set the tray aside. Drill 1/2-inch holes at each of the marks. Place the tray back into position, and insert the screws along the left side. Put in the right-hand screws, being careful that the keyboard drawer is not slanted to one side or the other.