How to Build a Power Strip into a Desk

Remove everything from the top of the desk, including your computer and any other electronics. Set the power strip on top of your desk and decide where you want it located. Move the power strip into an area that is easy to reach. Trace around the power strip with a pencil, marking the size of the strip.

Set the blade of a utility knife against your marking and press down. Apply enough pressure so that as you trace the lines, the utility knife cuts through the desktop and leaves behind a thin line. The utility knife strips any finish off the wood outline.

Replace the attachment on your electric drill with a circular saw attachment, which turns your drill into a saw blade. Place the bit on top of your marking and carefully move the drill around the outline. Cut out the piece of wood.

Turn the desk upside down. Set two 1-by-2-by-2-inch boards on the desk, with one board at each end of the cutout opening. Sink 2-1/2-inch wood screws into the boards, attaching them to the desk. Place a 6-by-2-by-2-inch board between the two smaller pieces. Sink wood screws through the smaller pieces and into the longer pieces. Turn the desk over so that it sits upright.

Fold the electric cord under the power strip and drop the power strip through the opening in the top of the desk. Pull the cord off to one side under the desk. The wood boards hold the power strip on the desk; the power strip should sit flush with or slightly below the top of the desk.