How to Build a Writing Table

Choose a flat door without carving or insets. This will be the writing table surface. You can find inexpensive doors at salvage yards, flea markets, yard sales and thrift stores.

Get a pair of two-drawer filing cabinets to support the writing table. The deep ones (24 inches or more front to back) provide better support for the door. They come in metal, oak and inexpensive faux wood finishes.

Place the door on a table or counter with the side that has the screw heads for the doorknob facing up. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws. If the knob has a tab or notch, press it to release. You will need to twist some to pull them apart.

Pull the doorknob out of both sides. If the door has a deadbolt or a separate door handle, unscrew and remove those as well. Wipe the door down with a mild wood soap solution or kitchen cleaner.

Prepare the file cabinets. Some require minor assembly of file folder holders inside the drawers. Set up one drawer, such as the top right hand drawer, for supplies. For example, add an organizer for writing supplies in the front. Leave the cabinets empty until you have them in place.

Place the file cabinets at each end of the location for the writing table. Set the door across the file cabinets with the doorknob hole toward the wall. Adjust the cabinets so the outside edges line up with each end of the door.

Position a chair at the writing table and sit in it. Check the reach to the file cabinets. Consider where you want to put the computer. If you plan to use the file cabinets a lot, or prefer them in closer reach, move them closer to the center.

Set up the computer and feed its cords and those of peripheral equipment (printer, modem, backup battery) through the doorknob hole. Plug the power cords into your surge protector and power outlet.