Directions for Building a Computer Desk

Desk Design

• Your design should focus on function first and foremost. Take a close look at what your needs are based on the equipment you'll be using, and the functions you'll be putting your desk to. You can create a basic computer desk design with a single surface. This surface need only be large enough to contain your monitor, mouse, keyboard and accessories, with your CPU sitting beside the desk on the floor.

  If you have a more complicated computer system, you'll have to design a more complicated desk to match. Multiple-monitor systems can require adjustable desk clamps for each. Your CPU can be held off the floor in an open-face cabinet built into the side of the desk. For organization, add a set of drawers to the desk, or build a desk hutch rising above the desk's surface. You can increase desk space available by adding a retractable keyboard tray or a monitor shelf to raise your monitor above the desk's surface. If you're a gamer, add a set of adjustable mounts for joysticks, steering wheel and pedals. By building your own desk, you can alter its design to fit your particular uses rather than alter your usage to fit an existing desk.

Building Materials

• Most desks are built using various wood products. Pressed wood or particleboard is inexpensive and easy to use, though it's not as strong as many hardwoods, and won't last as long. Plastics can be strong, colorful and easily obtained. Using glass and metal is becoming common. The metal is strong and sturdy, and the glass adds a modern look to the whole setup. Unfortunately, the glass has its limits, and when your glass shelf holding expensive equipment breaks, you'll lose more than the glass.

  Experiment with various building materials. By combining different materials you can give your desk a unique look, while at the same time avoiding some of the disadvantages of using certain substances in your desk design. Try a laminate surface for your desk to decrease the scratching that wood surfaces may be prone to. Use metal in your design for added strength using less space than is necessary with wood desks. Replace glass sections with plastic parts to reduce breakage possibilities.

Assembly

• Build your desk from the desktop outward. When building, it's easiest to start with the desk core, the legs and desktop. Once you've built the core you can add onto your desk as desired. For ease of building and moving, create your desk using a modular design. Keep major pieces separable. The hutch can be a single piece that is easily removed, as can a cabinet or drawer set. By keeping the build modular, you can add on when needed, or take away parts that prove unnecessary at a later date.