How to Build a Computer Desk Easily

Computers are as much a part of a house as any other home appliance and require the proper furniture to make them fully functional. Building a computer desk proves too complicated for some homeowners. A simpler method, however, which relies on a combination of filing cabinets and a plywood top, requires few woodworking skills, which makes building a computer desk a task within the abilities of most homeowners. The most difficult part of this task comes down to choosing file cabinets that are the optimal size and that complement your décor. File cabinets 30 inches tall should keep the computer desk at the correct height.

1 piece of 60-by-22-by-¾-inch oak plywood
2 oak file cabinets 18 inches wide
Variable speed drill
Philips head screw tip
1¼-inch drywall screws
1 piece of 60-by-24-by-¼-inch oak plywood
4-penny box nails
Hammer
1½-inch paddle bit
Oak veneer edge band
Iron
100-grit sandpaper

Instructions

- 1
  Place the 60-by-22-by-¾-inch oak plywood on a worktable with the good side facing down. Remove the drawers from the two 18-inch-wide oak file cabinets. Turn them upside down and put them on the piece of plywood with the fronts facing you.
- 2
  Align the file cabinets with the sides of the plywood. Push them away from you so the backs of the file cabinets are even with the 60-inch edge of the plywood. Secure them to the plywood with the 1¼-inch drywall screws.
- 3
  Set the piece of plywood against the backs of the file cabinets. Raise the plywood up so that it is even with the bottom of the file cabinets and secure it with the 4-penny box nails.
- 4
  Turn the cabinets upright. Measure from one side of the top and make a mark at 30 inches. Next, measure from the back of the top and make a mark at 3 inches.
- 5
  Drill a hole in the top with the 1½-inch paddle bit. Install the drawers back in the file cabinets. Measure and cut the oak veneer edge band 1 inch longer than each edge of the perimeter of the top.
- 6
  Adhere one piece at a time with a hot iron, holding even with the bottom of the top. Break the ends of each piece over the corners before adding the next piece. Sand the veneer with 100-grit sandpaper.

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