How To Build A Computer Desk From Scratch? (2022)

How To Build A Computer Desk From Scratch? Building a computer desk from scratch can be an intimidating project. But with the right plan and materials, it doesn’t have to be!

In this blog post, we will walk you through how to build a computer desk from scratch step-by-step. Focal Upright will cover what tools and materials are needed as well as the important steps you need to take before starting construction on your new desk.

Figure Out What You Need

Figure out what you need before starting your project. A computer desk is not a difficult DIY but it does require some knowledge and tools. To start, measure the space in which you want to place this desk – make sure that there will be enough room for both its surface area as well as any legroom needed around it once it’s finished.

Next, think about how many people (or pets) might sit at the table or on top of the desk while using their laptops – two chairs would most likely work best for light use areas such as an office; four seats are ideal if more people plan to join in from time-to-time.

If children/pets are going to regularly visit this new desk, then there will need to be a lip on the front so that they don’t get hurt (or knock things off) while playing around.

Next – and this is crucial! – you’ll want to measure your electrical outlets/cords as well as any other electronics items that are needed in order for them to function correctly. This includes printers if you plan to use one while working from home or an office or laptop chargers if planned usage may exceed four hours at a time…

The last thing before starting construction is choosing materials: Will these desk legs extend below six feet? If yes, then steel angles must be used; will these desk legs not extend below six feet? Then consider using closed-cell foam insulation strips instead of steel angles.

Make a Plan

You’ll want to make a plan before starting construction on your desk – this is when you can map out how many legs the desktop will need and where they should be located in relation to one another, as well as what size lumber or steel angles (depending on which leg style you chose) are needed for each of these pieces.

This way there’s no time wasted once getting started with cutting wood or running into problems later down the line due to not having enough materials available…

Choose Your Materials

Once all measurements have been taken care of and the appropriate plans maded, it’s now time to choose materials! The items listed below are common choices that DIYers often use while building their own desks:

–Lumber (can be cut to size at your local hardware store)

-Steel angles (again, purchase these from a hardware store if they’re not already available – or you may need to order them online; make sure that the steel angle is long enough for each piece of lumber being used in constructing this desk!)

-Closed-cell foam insulation strips (should have been decided on earlier during the planning phase). These are typically found at any home improvement center. They can help stabilize all legs and joints while also adding a cushion when people sit down!

This will make it easier for both children as well as adults. It’s worth noting that closed-cell foam insulations don’t break easily like other materials do so there won’t be any pieces coming off and getting into the carpet!

Steps To Build The Computer Desk From Scratch

The following steps will be used to build a computer desk from scratch.

Step One:

Layout your lumber on the floor and measure it in relation to one another (marking using pencil or chalk) so that you know where each piece needs to go when constructing this desk. This also helps with having enough materials available once starting construction…

Step Two:

Draw lines across all pieces of wood for easy cutting – this can be done using a circular saw, table saw, miter box/miter saw combo tool, power jigsaw, or handsaw depending on what is most accessible at the time. If not sure how long these pieces need to be, refer back to earlier measurements taken by counting the total number of inches to be used on this desk.

Step Three:

Cut the wood using a circular saw, table saw, miter box/miter saw combo tool power jigsaw, or handsaw – go back and double-check that all pieces are cut correctly (using measuring tape). If not sure how long these pieces need to be, refer back to earlier measurements taken by counting the total number of inches needed for each piece of lumber being used.

Step Four:

Place steel angles on the floor where they will sit when constructed as well as mark off with a pencil where both side panels will come up against them; take care not to wear down any surface areas while doing so! This step is crucial because it’s here you’ll know which angle lengths you’ll need.

Step Five:

Attach the side panels to the steel angles, using long wood screws or bolts – make sure that these are spaced evenly apart!

If this is a desk for underneath six feet tall person then it’s important not to get any type of screw longer than 12 inches because they may extend below the bottom of your desktop and interfere with sitting/standing while at work on one’s computer (a tripping hazard). A countersink drill bit can be used here if desired in order to help holes go in more smoothly.

Step Six:

Secure legs so that joints don’t come undone when weight is put onto them; use either glue or clamps depending on which material was chosen earlier during planning. This will keep the desk sturdy as well as help prevent any creeping of wood.

Step Seven:

Cut foam insulation strips to the desired length and then glue them onto legs where they meet with steel angles – this not only helps cushion for people but also stabilizes all joints! It’s worth noting that closed-cell foam insulations don’t break easily like other materials do so there won’t be any pieces coming off and getting into carpeting/furniture.

Step Eight:

Paint or protect your new computer desk using a sealant (this can either be done while assembling it if you have enough time available; otherwise wait until the last possible minute). Make sure that this step is taken care of because unprotected surfaces are more prone to damage than those that are sealed off.

Check out our DIY simple desk, desk with drawers, and standing desk here.

Tips for Building a Computer Desk from Scratch

-Measure the space you have available to work in and make sure all lumber is cut accordingly.

-Use a countersink drill bit if desired when screwing side panels on – this will give screws better grip.

-It’s recommended that foam insulation be glued onto legs where they meet with steel angles for added protection of your new desk! This type of material doesn’t break easily as others do so there won’t be any pieces coming off into carpet or furniture.

-A sealant should always be applied at the last minute after construction has been completed (or during if time permits!).

See our guide about how to paint a desk, click here.

Conclusion

So, now you have an in-depth understanding of all that goes into making a customized computer desk from scratch. Whether deciding on which material to use or how exactly to set up the final product, there are no limits when constructing this DIY project!

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