How to Make a Computer Desk from a Tree Trunk

Pull the stump out of the ground and onto its side. You may need a strong truck to accomplish the task if the trunk's root system is still strong.

Cut the roots off the stump at a straight angle with a chainsaw. Cut as close to the base of the stump as you dare (remember to leave the trunk tall enough to work well as a desk). This makes your new computer desk sit level and also creates the interesting visual effect where the roots of the trunk are growing straight into your floor. Level out the top if it needs it as well.

Wash off what remains of the roots of the old stump. Get as much of that caked-on soil off as you can so that it does not follow you inside. Let the stump dry completely before you continue.

Sand down the top and the bottom of the stump. Don't bother sanding down the bark. Use a belt sander and 60-grit sandpaper to start with. This should remove all burns and other blemishes left by the chainsaw. After the 60-grit paper makes a full pass over the top and bottom, move on to use 80-grit. After you finish using the 80-grit sandpaper, use 100-grit and then 120-grit as well. This leaves the top and the bottom of the trunk feeling smooth.

Haul the trunk to your garage or driveway. Lift it onto a dolly or some other device to lift the trunk from the ground if you can. If you simply roll it, the trunk may lose some of its bark. This takes away from the visual appeal to the desk and makes it look mangy.

Spray the entire trunk with clear polyurethane sealer. Use the spray kind so that you can add an even coat to the bark, making it last longer. Leave the trunk to dry for at least four hours. Apply another coat of the polyurethane and let it dry for another four hours.

Move the trunk into the appropriate location to serve as your desk. Leave it sitting just as you want it before you continue.

Lay a plate of clear plexiglass over the top of the trunk to give you more surface area. If your tree trunk is large enough to hold your computer, monitor, mouse and keyboard comfortably, you can forgo the pain of Plexiglas. Use Plexiglas that is at least 1/4 inch thick so it will not break easily.

Install four long screws into the Plexiglas and straight through to the wood of the trunk. Place them so they make a simple square right around the center of the trunk. Wipe away the Plexiglas shavings and wood shavings after they are installed.

Set your computer and other accessories onto the table. Use caution at first and ensure they will all fit without breaking the Plexiglas or the tree trunk.