So I wanna build a computer desk....

88keys

Golden Member
Aug 24, 2012
1,854
12
81
I've been looking for a nice hardwood desk for a while and I haven't found anything I liked. Most of what I've seen are too anotique looking and or have too much fancy mumbo jumbo like over sized hutches and crap.

I'm not what you would call a skilled carpenter, but since what I want is a fairly simple design, I'm sure I can do it.

Basically I want a desk that is 26"x60" with 2 file drawers, and a large keyboard drawer, nothing more.

Are there any websites that show you instructions on building simple desks and stuff?
 

Rastus

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 1999
4,704
3
0
Get two two-drawer filing cabinets, put a cheap hollow core door on them, get a sliding keyboard shelf and screw to it and you are good to go.
 

waggy

No Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
68,145
10
81
Get two two-drawer filing cabinets, put a cheap hollow core door on them, get a sliding keyboard shelf and screw to it and you are good to go.

when i was younger and money wasn't as nice. i got 3 2 drawer filing cabinets and a kitchen counter top in a L shape. it was cheap and huge.
 

Mandres

Senior member
Jun 8, 2011
944
58
91
There are infinite plans out there for different designs. Hit google image search and start browsing.

Keep in mind that to make anything decent you're going to need several specialized tools. Probably a tablesaw (or a circ saw with a straight-edge) and a router at the minimum. If you don't have any tools or experience in woodworking, and you want a nice desk, then building one is not the way to go.
 

88keys

Golden Member
Aug 24, 2012
1,854
12
81
I have a friend of mine who has alot of nice wood working tools. Even then Lowe's will cut wood to dimensions for you. The fixture they use is pretty much idiot proof, anybody with 2 brain cells can make a nice square cut with it.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,967
19
81
There should be many desks like that out there, chances are this project will be much more in cost than just spending more time looking.

Lowes/HD do not cut to dimensions...their cuts are rough cuts and not exact or square enough to work with.
 

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
67,894
12,364
126
www.anyf.ca
I've been wanting to build one too. I already started on the prep work. Basically building myself some saw horses and other basics so I can be more setup right to build something. I will probably also make a jig of sorts for my mitre saw to make it easier to cut long lengths of wood consistently. Basically just a platform with a stop that slides that can be clamped.

I wanted to do this in summer but it was just too hot working in the garage, no AC. Now that it's slightly above freezing it's perfect temp to be working. Just need to wait till next time I get a few stretch of days off.

This is my desk plan:











I was unable to find some untreated 4x4's so I'll probably only use 2x4's for the legs. I only wanted 4x4's for the look and not strength, since the 2x4's will be fine. I may also add a second thickness of plywood where the plugs are, just to raise them a little so stuff (like a paperclip) does not gravitate to them. They will be tamper proof plugs, and I'll get covers for the unused ones. They'll probably be split up between UPS and non UPS protected.

My goal in this desk is that it is a simple big work surface with room to work on misc stuff like another computer, soldering, and other projects. Most desks are really constrained in space or are too complicated for nothing. I just want a nice big surface. The plugs will be nice for quickly plugging something in and out without going under it. The mini shelf at the bottom will be for setting the UPS and other misc devices that way the floor will be easier to vacuum. Everything off the floor.

I'm not sure yet how I want to treat it after but I'm thinking stain and then varnish the top. I'll have to see what kind of products the paint or hardware store has. I will have to build it in sections, bring it in my basement for staining (probably wont cure properly if I do it in the garage as it's not heated) then assemble it in the office.
 

Northern Lawn

Platinum Member
May 15, 2008
2,231
2
0
when i was younger and money wasn't as nice. i got 3 2 drawer filing cabinets and a kitchen counter top in a L shape. it was cheap and huge.

I have a 9ft banquet table and a 5 foot banquet table, makes an L shape. I love it and I have a 4 drawer file cabinet off to the side. All bought at Staples.
 

HeXen

Diamond Member
Dec 13, 2009
7,832
38
91
I built my own desk before. I needed one with a wide keyboard tray for my gaming gear and areas to route wires so their hidden and a spot for my PS3 and PC, sized to perfection. I also had it all set up so that the monitor,pc,ps3..etc was all chained together and locked to the desk...just to add a little more BS to a potential burglar if they got past my alarm and pit bull.

Store desks are generic unless you get up a few hundred bucks range. Most keyboard trays don't leave room for a mouse, much less a gaming keyboard.
 

88keys

Golden Member
Aug 24, 2012
1,854
12
81
There should be many desks like that out there, chances are this project will be much more in cost than just spending more time looking.

Lowes/HD do not cut to dimensions...their cuts are rough cuts and not exact or square enough to work with.

I dont know about Homo Depot, but I can confirm that lowes will cut to specified length. Ive had the cut several things for me for various repair projects, and theyve all been perfect. Although, Ive never asked them to cut anything at any kind of fancy angles either.
 

pelov

Diamond Member
Dec 6, 2011
3,510
6
0
Unlike that thread you linked above, you'll certainly want to reinforce the glue with some 1-1/4 or 1-1/2" screws depending on the thickness of the pieces, 1/4" backing or 3/4" plywood respectively.

If you can afford it or have the time, opt to go with some grade A plywood. Generally speaking, you can't buy that stuff at Home Depot or Lowe's but your local lumber supplier should have some. Birch should be cheapest. You can buy it prefinished on both sides if you want this look



That's birch.

Local lumber supplier should also carry specialty woods like mahogany and sapele

Sapele looks great, but it's harder to find and can be quite expensive at well over $200 a sheet and even higher. Prefinished cherry looks great and it's relatively cheap.

Your countertop should only have a 1-1/2" thickness at the front, exposed sides and the back. Standard height is also 30" from bottom to top of the desk. The exposed countertop edges will need some edging unless you plan to glue hardwood to the face. I'd recommend gluing hardwood personally but you're going to have to either stain it or apply polyurethane or even both. The drawers will also need some sort of edging depending on which variety of wood you're going to use. Buy only the edging with glue pre-applied that way you can just heat an iron and attach it that way.

Good luck If you've got any questions feel free to bump this thread or shoot me a PM
 

radhak

Senior member
Aug 10, 2011
843
14
81
If you have built anything from wood before, you can always up your skills while building a new desk. Lowes and HD will cut plywood to size (only straight cuts) for you - makes transportation easier. A tablesaw is a must for complex cuts, but I think you may get away without any complex cuts.

You can get some ideas for the simplest stuff (with instructions) at Lowes' creative ideas, like this Lift-Top Computer Desk , or at the Diy Network

Below is the study table I made for my daughter, combination of mahogany, Oak and Mahogany ply. 42" x 24". Am now building a stand-up computer-desk for my wife now, but she's finicky, so it's taking time.



 

Train

Lifer
Jun 22, 2000
13,863
68
91
www.bing.com
I sit at work for 6-8 hours so for my health, I should stand up at home.

I want to get one of those desks that convert from sitting to standing from a button push. IIRC they are called smart desks or something.

I find myself getting up and walking around a lot at work, I can't sit for too long.
 

ichy

Diamond Member
Oct 5, 2006
6,940
8
81
I want to get one of those desks that convert from sitting to standing from a button push. IIRC they are called smart desks or something.

There are adjustable desks with a hand crank called Mod Tables. Cool looking desks, but they cost at least $500.
 

Arcadio

Diamond Member
Jun 5, 2007
5,637
24
81
I want to get one of those desks that convert from sitting to standing from a button push. IIRC they are called smart desks or something.

I find myself getting up and walking around a lot at work, I can't sit for too long.

Just get a standing desk and a tall chair.
 
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