Another Cheap Easy desk -- 1 sheet of plywood and 1 2x3 (or 2x4)

I needed a smallish desk for a space in my bedroom to last the 8 months or so until I move. I could have done this better, and made it more long lasting, if I'd used 1 1/8" plywood instead of 1/2" MDF, but it's good enough.

Step 1: I needed a desk...

It was raining out, and my garage is so messy that I dare not photograph it, so I didn't build this out of a single sheet of plywood and a 2x4, but I could have. Instead I used a 2x3 that I had in the garage and 4 precut sheets or 2'x4' MDF at 1/2" thick. I needed a desk for the bedroom, because I was tired of not having one. I also wanted it to be something that I wouldn't mind throwing away in 8 months when I move 2500 miles or so, since it's crazy expensive to transport heavy/large things that far.

Comments

[pRavi89]

yep that was great

[boldinvest]

(removed by author or community request)

[uberwald]

I may drill holes once I figure out where i want things to go. I've bought a KVM now, so the keyboard and mouse wires go up to the monitor and then over the back to the kvm (they didn't reach before) and though there's a dell linux server pictured, i do mostly use the monitor w/ my powerbook. :) and this is mdf, so no stain. it's only to last until i move cross country, but if i rebuild it there, you can bet on a nice walnut or teak stain

[lofgren]

Hey, just came across this looking for something else - nice work :)

Can I make a couple of suggestions for your final version?

-Yep, drill holes for cables.

-Replace the lamp with LED back lighting behind the edges of your monitor - you are an IT guy after all! :) (wasn't so readily available in 2008)

-To strengthen the front of the desk and prevent bowing, add a strip of wood for support underneath the front and or a facing piece (which will make it look more substantial/expensive too). Incidentally, if you use plywood, facing pieces and hide the sandwich layers and give it a more professional look.

-If you like the look (it is a bit old school), maybe cut the sides on a diagonal, sloping from the top of the back down to the desk at the front. Install a hatchback-style lid with appropriate hinges and latches to keep it open, which hides your gear and or could be a drafting table when closed.. ;)

Keep up the good work ;)

[DemonGal711]

Don't know if you tested it, but how much weight can it hold? I've been thinking about making a desk seeing as I can't find one I like and this sorta fits my design, just want to make sure it will hold everything before starting this sort of construction project.

[sysadmn]

Check out melamine-faced shower board for the whiteboard. It's not as durable as a real ceramic on steel white board, but it costs less than $15 for a 4x8 sheet at Lowes or Home Depot. If that's way more than you need, Home Depot has a 2x2 piece for $5, or get a 2x2 sheet of plexiglass, lexan, or glass. Google "homemade whiteboard" for more info. For a bulletin board, do another section with cork liner ($10 for 2x4) or cardboard wrapped with burlap and batting. PS - Nice instructable! I like the carrel style - great way to keep my kids from fighting instead of studying.

[uberwald]

Good idea with the shower board -- i've used that in the past, but I'm still not sure if I want a whiteboard or cork or what on this. I've added a shelf, 8" off the desk top, just touching the bottom of the suspended screen, and that's both stabilized the slight side to side motion and given me a place to put my stuff :)

[gamer]

looks more like my couch in my room than a computer desk, hah. nice, very nice i have to say, i think when i get the time and money i will buy the wood and build one. -gamer

[uberwald]

It's hard to tell scale in the picture, but I can see where you're coming from on the couch comment :) you have to remember that the "legs" are four feet tall, and the "seat" is more than 2 1/2 feet off the ground :) Now that I've had this desk almost 18 hours, I'm starting to think that I need to build a couple of shelves or something... maybe one across the top over the monitor for speakers and an under counter lamp, and then I'll see from there.

[Shifrin]

This looks really nice, but I think, it is one of those desks where you would like tape up photos or achievements, because alone, it is just a reguler desk! Nice Job! ~Shifrin

[uberwald]

yeah, i think there will be a lot taped up... i took the pictures as i was building it and still need to buy a chair, so it's in a state of waiting to be useful. :)

[Shifrin]

Yeah, if you decorate it like that it would be awesome! Btw, Favorited! ~Shifrin

[zomfibame]

very nice for a disposable desk.

[GorillazMiko]

Wow... that looks great! I might do this if I can, great job! +1 rating. (added to favorites)