Do you need a new office desk and firmly believe in the DIY approach? If the answer to that question is yes, then you have come to the right place. In this article, you will learn how to build your own office desk in 8 steps. Here we go:
Strategy
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Even if you are not a woodworker at heart, you could still build your very own office desk. Just do not build it like Brennan Huff and Dale Doback built their bunk bed in Step Brothers! That was not impressive work!
You will want to start with building the foundation and legs of the desk using fence posts and Kee Klamp fittings. You will need to cut pipes and have an Allen wrench handy.
If you are using MDF or medium-density fibreboard, you will need to prime it, paint it, and finally seal it. You will be using it for the desk top.
Drawing Plans
You will need to have rough idea of what your desk is going to look like when you are finished building it. Get some graph papers and draw some designs. Choose the one that meets all of your requirements in terms of space, height, utility, and color.
Cutting the Top
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In this step, you will mark an outline in the MDF sheet and then proceed with cutting it. You will need a saw to cut the sheet in the required dimensions. Make sure the edges are straight and the corners are well rounded. Use a sharp blade to cut the corners as that will make the process easier. You will now need a high quality router to turn the top into a smooth edged desk top. Do not forget to cut a small hole in the back for desk top so you can put some chords through it.
You may want to cut more than just one whole for chords.
Klee Klamps Fittings
These fittings are very easy to use, and will allow you to build a very stable foundation for your desk. They will easily slide down through the pipe and “bite” into the pipe using a screw set.
The Base
This is where the Kee Klamp fittings will come into the picture. You will need them to connect the base of the desktop with the legs. Attach and fit them on the bottom side of the desk using wood screws.
Build the Base
Depending on the size of the base, there can be four or six uprights that you will have to fit, each one of which will be connected using a pipe. If your table is large, you will need this cross support, otherwise there is no need for it. If you are using MDF, they are recommended.
This will protect the MDF built area from horizontal forces such as when you are moving the table from the garage, for example, to your office. The fittings will be used to hold the pipe while using the set screws that you can tighten using the Allen wrench.
Painting
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After you are done fitting the table together, now it is time to paint it. When working with MDF, make sure not to spill a single drop of water on it. MDF grain will easily swell and you will realize that all your efforts went in vain. Paint will help protect the surface area from such damage. You can complete the painting process in three separate parts.
- You have to prime it using a non-water based primer
- You then have to paint it using a latex indoor paint
- In order to provide a protective finish, apply Polycrylic
The surface will only need one coat of the primer, however, for the edges and corners, you should choose two coats. A mini roller will easily get the job done.
You will have to paint the keyboard tray and shelves from both the sides. At the time of painting them, use the nails in the saw horses to minimize the damage on the underside of the surface. Let the paint dry completely.
Regarding the keyboard tray, you may not even need this. Many people do not even use a keyboard tray.
Finishing Touches
This is the last step of the office desk building DIY project. You have to add the keyboard tray. Carry the desk to the intended position before moving on with this step. If you want, you can adjust the cross pieces a little to make absolutely sure that they are equally and evenly spaced.
Attach the keyboard tray unit at the bottom and then the track. Now all that is left is to slide the keyboard in its place. If you are worried about the floor getting damaged by the pipe, add plastic caps underneath them.
If you are going to put the desk on some sort of rug to protect the carpet, make sure you put that rug in place before you put the desk down where you want it. Now you can get to work!
