How to Build Your Own White Desk Countertop

Place the MDF panel flat on a work surface. Brush contact cement over the top surface and side edges of the panel with a natural bristle brush.

Lay the laminate sheets and edging on a work surface with the back side facing up. Brush contact cement over the back sides of the laminate sheets and edging.

Allow the contact cement that you applied in steps 1 and 2 to dry to the touch. This will be approximately 15 to 20 minute, depending on the temperature and humidity level.

Place four evenly spaced dowels across the 24-inch width of the MDF panel. Lay one laminate sheet over the top of the MDF panel so that the top side is facing up. Make sure that the edges are aligned with the outside edges of the MDF panel. Slide the center dowels out and press the laminate down against the MDF. Slide the end dowels out and press the laminate onto the surface of the MDF with your hands.

Align the edging along each edge of the MDF panel and press the edging onto each edge of the MDF panel edges. Trim the edging to fit each edge with a laminate trimmer. Press the edging in place with your hands.

Turn the MDF panel so that the opposite 24-by-48-inch side is facing up. Spread an even coat of contact cement over the surface and allow it to dry to the touch. Apply the second sheet of laminate in the same manner as you did previously.

Roll each laminate sheet and edging strip several times with a J-roller to ensure secure adhesion to the MDF panel.

Trim around all of the edges of the completed countertop to make sure all of the edges are clean using a laminate trimmer. Place one adhesive-backed rubber pad in the corners of the bottom of the countertop.

Position the metal filing cabinets at each end of the nook or selected space for the desk. Lay the completed countertop over the top of the filing cabinets.