How to Build a Simple Corner Computer Desk
The corner of a room can become the perfect nook for your home computer. A corner desk utilizes under-used space in a room without taking up excessive floor space. Small, corner desk units offered at stores are expensive and offer little storage space. You can repurpose kitchen cabinets into a small, efficient corner desk. This is a do-it-yourself project if you have basic carpentry skills and access to a few tools.
Items Needed
- Two kitchen base cabinets
- Two heavy duty wall brackets
- Screws
- Screw driver
- Level
- Skill saw
- Safety glasses
- Sheet of MDF
- Measuring tape
- Cardboard
- Marker
- Straight edge
- Level
Instructions
- Measure the corner where you want to position the corner desk. Allow room between the base cabinets for a chair to roll under. The work surface should accommodate a computer monitor, keyboard and a lamp. Locate the desk near electrical outlets and Internet connection ports.
- Visit local home improvement, surplus stores or kitchen supply stores for a selection of kitchen cabinets. Select two base cabinets that fit in the space and function as end supports for the desktop. Stock cabinets come in a range of colors and sizes. Choose a bank of drawers for compartmentalized storage, or cabinets with doors for large items.
- Measure the height of the cabinets and use a skill saw to cut 1 to 2 inches off the bottom of the cabinet to create a comfortable desk height. Position the cabinets on either side of the corner creating a triangle.
- Use a level to draw a straight, level line from the top of the cabinet to the corner of the wall. Place the top of a heavy-duty bracket level with the line. Use drywall screws to secure the brackets to a stud in the wall on each side of the corner to support the back of the desktop.
- Create a template for the desktop using the cardboard and a marker. Use a marker and straightedge to transfer the pattern onto the back of the sheet of MDF. Use saw horses to elevate the sheet of MDF. Put safety glasses on and cut the MDF with a skill saw.
- Place the MDF on top of the cabinets and wall brackets. Use screws to secure the desktop to the brackets and cabinets. Drill pilot holes to prevent the MDF from splitting. Fill the holes with wood filler and sand smooth. Paint or stain the top the desired color.