When you want to save a few extra dollars, then DIY is the route that you’d automatically want to make. You’re not alone, but the challenge becomes, “how do I go about it?”
Well, the internet is a fantastic place where you can get ideas on how to embark on a project from start to finish. In short, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we are going to look at factors to consider when building a computer desk from scratch. After we will look at the basics.If you’re not sure about what kind of desk to build, we also have some ideas for you. Let’s get to it!
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Factors to consider when building a desk from starch
Before you go off to purchase supplies after pulling a plan online, let’s look at the things you ought to keep in mind. You want to make sure you have the basics down so that you can build something you’ll love and also with ease.
The reason it’s important too is that you want to be comfortable when using the computer as it ultimately affects your productivity too.
You also want to ensure you have something that promotes your health, as that’s also important. You don’t want to strain your back or other things that will bring long-term health issues.
1. Ergonomics
Ergonomics is about the harmony between humans and the things they use around them.
In this case, that would be your computer desk. That means, when you’re making a desk, you shouldn’t at any one point be in an awkward position while accessing the different devices on your desk.
That means your neck shouldn’t be bent or tilted uncomfortably to see the monitor. It should be a bit below our eye level. Your arms should also be at a 90-degree angle as well.
That means when making your desk, you have to ensure that the height measurements, space, and style meet these requirements.
2. Location
If you’re going to make a desk, especially if it’s permanently mounted, you’d have to consider the networking in place. It would require you to consider the space closest to the Ethernet port.
That means you’d have to tailor the desk to fit the place closest to the port, and not a larger space that’s within the room you’re in. The same consideration ought to be put with wireless internet as you want to make sure it’s not close to walls.
3. Desk shape
There is the good and bad in any desk shape you settle for. Therefore, you want to find one that, in your context, the good outweighs the bad.
You might want a particular shape, but you first need to look at the room it’s going into and the area within the said room. You might want to get a U-shaped desk, but if your room only accommodates a standard desk, or if you’re lucky an L-shaped desk, then that’s what you’d have to settle for.
Also, consider getting something that still works in another room if you’re not in a permanent home.
L-shaped desks help maximize space especially in a crammed home office.
4. Weight of your computer and other equipment
If you mostly work on a laptop, a standard PC or a Mac, then weight might not be something you consider greatly. However, if you’re using the same desk to place additional monitors, a printer, and other office machines, then you need to consider the type of material you get.
Whatever it is, it should support the weight and not cause a dip on the desk. The desk should be able to handle more than 100 pounds.
5. Lighting
It’s essential that you also consider the light source of the room in relation to where the desk goes. You want to be closer to the windows so that it doesn’t cause eyestrain that inevitably leads to headaches.
When that’s the case, you’ll hardly be productive. Even so, you want the light coming to your desk to be indirect. That’s because direct sunlight while working from the window, can affect your eyes, and also make your machines, and you, hot.
The position you settle for should also not cause a glare on your monitor as light bounces off it. It’s best to have the window on either side of you. At night, you will need light, preferably overhead ones.
A desk light also works, but you might have to consider the distance from the socket.
6. Storage
If you want to take your desk making up a notch, you could consider adding storage space.
You may want a place to put your office supplies, notebooks, and other documents so that your desk doesn’t clutter. You want things within reach instead of having to get them from another area if you don’t have drawers, cubbies, or other styles of storage spaces.
7. Quality
The type of material you get even for the desk surface has a lot to do with one’s taste, but there are still considerations to think about. For example, people tend to gravitate toward laminate because it’s durable and affordable.
However, you want to get the thick and sturdy type if you want your desk to last. Anything cheaper will have you making another desk sooner than you wish to.
Other choices are metal, steel, wood, or veneer. Look at what works best for you.
Knowing what kind of desk to build
Now, how you go about building the desk largely depends on what you settle for. If you’re confident in your skills, then you’ll likely opt for something more complicated.
However, building a basic desk doesn’t have to be complex too. You are not limited to a basic desk with a top and four legs. Given the many variations available, we won’t talk about how to build the desk itself- that might require turning this into a book.
What we’ll do instead is give you ideas on the types of desk you can build. There are a lot of creative ways you can go about making a desk, each style requiring a different set of materials.
We’ll look at the kinds of computer desks you can make, and then leave you to get the instructions for the same online. There are tons of sites that provide you with a manual, materials, and equipment required and measurements to create the computer desk of your dreams.
1. Basic computer desk
To make this kind of table, you first cut the tabletop. You can choose the type of material you want, and if you want to go an extra mile, you can add a concrete top for a luxurious finish.
For the legs, you want to have sturdy frames to hold everything that goes on the tabletop. You don’t have to stick to the traditional four-legged table.
There are plenty of designs that you can adopt that meet your desired taste. Getting a how-to guide on how to make a basic computer desk will be quite easy. If anything, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
3. Parson tower computer desk
If you’re looking for simplicity and also versatility, then you can opt for the Parson tower desk. There are tones of DIY content that you can follow to make a beautiful piece.
What makes it a favorite for many is you can use scraps to make the desk. You also have two leveled racks on each side that you can use for storage space. Your printer and other things you don’t always use can go there.
4. Floating computer desk
If you want to deal with a limited number of materials and pieces you have to put together, then you can consider getting a top surface desk attached to the wall.
It’s fantastic if you have a small space; you can turn an obscure corner in your house into a home office.
When you get a sturdy construction, it can handle the weight of all the equipment you need too. The other thing is that you can convert it into a sitting counter when you need to if it’s in the living room.
5. Wooden pallet computer desk
Several DIY projects have wooden pallets.
People cannot get enough of their functionality and aesthetics as well. It’s also quite easy to work with, giving you a level of flexibility you typically won’t find anywhere.
Wooden pallets are also quite accessible, and you can get them anywhere in your local area. With a wooden board surface attached, you can have a shelf above the desk or use the pallets on the side to create storage space.
6. Murphy computer desk
For those in small homes, you too can get build a computer desk.
Murphy desks are wall-mounted and fold out when you want to use it, and then you tuck it back away when you’re done, leaving you with all the space you need.
They are often cabinet size, and you can make it protrude more off the wall if you need storage space as well. There are tons of designs to get you the right desk for the space you have.
Wrap up
These are just a few types of computer desks to get your juices flowing. Once you have your vision, you can look for the things you need online to make your desk a reality.