How to Build a Computer Desk Out of Plywood

When you need a computer desk, but the budget does not allow for the elaborate and the less expensive does not fit the need, build your own out of plywood. This project is no more than building a rectangle with a back in it and adding a keyboard tray and some casters. Some woodworking experience helps, but don't let the lack of it deprive you of the experience and satisfaction of building your own computer desk out of plywood.

Wood glue
2 pieces of 22-by-34 1/2-by-3/4-inch plywood
2 pieces of 22-by-28-by-3/4-inch plywood
Variable speed drill
Philips head screw tip
1 1/4-inch drywall screws
Damp cloth
2 pieces of 10-by-34 1/2-by-3/4-inch plywood
Framing square
1 set of 14-inch bottom mount drawer slides
1 piece of 14-by-34 1/2-by-3/4-inch plywood
4 pieces of 4-by-4-by-3/4-inch plywood
1 1/2-inch drill bit

Instructions

- 1
  Put some glue on the 22-inch edges of the 34 1/2-inch pieces of plywood (shelves) and secure them between the two 28-inch pieces of plywood (sides) at the top and bottom with drywall screws. Clean up the excess glue immediately with a damp cloth.
- 2
  Apply glue to three edges of the remaining 34 1/2-inch plywood (back braces). Place them between the sides, along one edge and against the shelves. Secure them with drywall screws through the shelves and the sides. Clean up the glue as before.
- 3
  Lay the box on its side with the back braces away from you. Measure down from the bottom side of one shelf and make a mark at 4 inches (this becomes the top). Place the framing square on the mark and draw a line across the width of the side.
- 4
  Install the cabinet member of the drawer slide on the line according to the manufacturer's instructions. Turn the box over to its other side and repeat this process.
- 5
  Attach the remaining members of the drawer slides to the 14-inch sides of the 14-by-34 1/2-inch plywood (keyboard tray) with the screws provided. Next, put the 38-inch piece of plywood (desktop) on the worktable with the good side facing down.
- 6
  Spread some wood glue on the desktop keeping it at least 1-inch away from the edges. Center the box on the desktop and align the back of the box with one edge of the desktop. Secure the box to the desktop with drywall screws. Clean up the glue. The assembly is now a computer desk.
- 7
  Secure the 4-by-4-inch pieces of plywood to the corners of the bottom of the desk with drywall screws. Install the locking casters on the front corners of the desk and the other two on the back corners with drywall screws.
- 8
  Stand the computer desk upright. Drill a 1 1/2-inch hole through the desktop in one corner. This is for the cables and wires connecting the computer components to each other. Insert the keyboard tray.

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