Metal Computer Desk Instructions

Tools

• Get the tools you'll need to put the desk together. For a kit, you'll probably be set with just a screwdriver, a hammer, a regular wrench and an Allen wrench. For a from-scratch desk, also look for metal awls, shears and punches, as well as a metal buffer. A power drill is a must-have. Plan to purchase nuts, bolts, and other connecting parts on your own if you're not going to buy a kit.

Materials

• Whatever metal you choose (this will depend largely on the color you want and how much money you want to spend), choose piping instead of straight solid bars. The cylindrical pipes still will be strong enough to hold the weight of your computer and peripheral equipment, but because they are hollow, they'll be much lighter and much easier to drill through. Hollow pipes also will let you connect casters with very little effort so the desk can be moved. Don't choose a metal that rusts easily.

  It is acceptable to use metal for the desktop, but this may result in a "booming" noise when you set heavy objects on the desktop. It's a little nicer to go with a wood desktop. Choose any wood you like, but softer woods may dent more easily. Hard woods will be heavier but are more durable.

Assembly

• For kits, simply follow the manufacturer's assembly instructions to put the desk together -- make sure the kit includes all parts before beginning. For a from-scratch desk, cut your piping to the heights and widths needed for the desk; these will depend on your personal measurements, but most people will have enough room at a desk that measures about 3 to 4 feet wide and that has a desktop height of about 2 1/2 to 3 feet tall.

  Construct two T-shaped feet that are connected with more piping (the T sits upside-down on the floor), or you can make two squares from the piping to serve as the main sides. If you opt for the T shape, make one side of the base longer than the other so the T is lopsided -- the longer end will face you so that the desk will tip backward rather than forward in the event of failure. Use your metal awl or punch to create the holes for screws. Buff any rough edges on the metal and screw the desktop to the frame. If you opt not to use casters, get some rubber tips to put on the ends of the piping.